Cost of living - Page 2

Hi I had a holiday home in spain for exactly 20 years ( with my husband) and we decided to sell our property and moved back to the UK. Sold it in December 22.

Spain is not cheap as it used to be - in December 22  supermarket meat was way expensive than in the UK… was shocked about the difference in price.. eating out had increased too/ everything was more expensive.. compared to what we used to pays years before. I know it’s everywhere in other countries but don’t think Spain is cheap … 

We have a holiday home but still working at the moment only getting out couple times a year. On reflection now as getting older I wish I hadnt bothered buying and should just continued to rent. As by time you pay Community fees,Utility Bill's,Non residents Tax etc, also the 90 rule now like someone said you can still enjoy by renting and you can choose different locations and countries.Also wish you well with your recovery.

What an interesting thread with such thoughtful and helpful replies to a serious question. It's a real shame that Brexit has changed options so radicaly but it has and (I think) is not likely to change anytime soon.. It has been very interesting to see renting as an option, something I hadn't thought about but will now look into. Thank you for your question Gerry and for all those who replied so rationaly. 

An interesting article by the BBC today looking at the cost of living across Europe

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65833619

As far as supermarket shopping goes there appears to be little difference overall between the UK and Spain

The combined price of a basket of 23 goods in the UK came to £51.72 and was slightly dearer in Spain at £52.75.  France was most expensive at £67.57 for the same basket of goods.

Hi Gerry,

Sorry to hear you're opting to stay in the UK. I just left there and I am so happy I made the jump. Financially I'm no better off here than in the UK, but the lifestyle and the people, it's no comparison. Take into consideration that everything is going to get much, much more expensive in the UK, I would certainly reconsider.

Very well said Christine.

Interesting article but it does not detail the names of the products they were comparing and the survey exclude shops like Lidl and Aldi as well as I am guessing local supermarkets like Consum, Mercadona etc here in Spain that all offer excellent value for money products.  If the comparision is with branded goods then you would expect the prices to vary across the continent.  Local products are just as good and sometimes better than branded products.  Comparisions across the continent are always going to show big differences depending on what the survey actually surveyed ....just a thought as I don't think Spain is anywhere as expensive as the UK and I personally don't think it is 2nd most expensive country as shown in the research.  I have just spent 2 months in the UK and am shocked at the prices and the empty shelves compared to Spain.

I think too many people are simply bad shoppers. We find prices in the UK generally a lot lower than here if you make a bit of effort. Get to know when the yellow sticker guns come out, particularly in Morrisons and M&S and you can buy at half price or certainly a substantial discount. Shop in Iceland (now changing to Food Warehouse) as a pensioner on Tuesdays for 20% off. Don’t pay for someone to chop onions, grate cheese, or peel and chip potatoes. Watch for offers on such a tea bags, Weetabix, Nescafé.

Lastly always - that is ALWAYS - check your receipt for pricing errors.

Some of this applies to Spain also, but the good folk of Yorkshire will only pay what they have to, keeping prices down.

Hi, I am also considering whether to buy or to rent. From December last year to April (as I am a lucky dual citizen and not bound to the 90 day rule) I rented a great 3-bed house in Torrevieja de la Horadada for 550€ including water, gas and 50€ electricity.It is much dearer after April.  I had no car and walked everywhere. Nice and quiet and loads of sunshine without being too hot like in the summer months. I can recommend it. You have to take out health insurance as the EHIC only covers emergency treatment. 

Good luck!  Maybe we’ll meet in winter?

It's only the British who feel honour bound to buy your house. Other nationalities just rent. - It's far more flexible to lifestyle now. It seems to be ingrained in us Brits but I feel it's not to be recommended in Spain.

The taxes payable for both buying and selling in Spain are horrendous.- Fees for estate agents are high, plus valia tax is decided by the Government despite the fact you could be making an actual loss on the price you paid initially. It always seems to be a buyers market with very cheeky offers made.  You have to realize if you buy a cheap house you are going to get a cheap price when you sell. Don't expect prices to appreciate at all in your favour no matter what you spend extra on it .Standards and expectations by buyers are higher now. and you are expected to pay for these.