Advice on renting and living in Santiago de La Ribero or village or town nearly in Murcia.

Hello andrew we stayed in trubuca in Santiago a couple of years ago basic but nice .Very spanish I think you have a continental breakfast included in the price .Its a good base and they also I think they have a roof terrace with a swimming pool .Its near the beach as well .steve

Hi Andy

I think the first thing you should investigate is your tax position. If you stay in Spain for 183 days per year or more, in total, then you will be a resident for tax purposes. Spain has a double taxation agreement with the UK, so you should only be taxed once, but it could be complicated - you will probably be taxed in the UK on your income and then you have to declare that income and offset the tax paid in Spain. If you're also in receipt of your UK state pension then that comes into play too. Get expert advice.

You'll also need to check on healthcare - if the EHIC stops at end-2020 through Brexit, then if you're not a resident, you may need private healthcare or travel insurance. If you are a resident, you need to pay for private healthcare for the first year and then you should be able to get a form S1 from the UK (for pensioners), which allows you to use Spanish healthcare. Again, get expert advice.

Other advice:

Probably don't bother buying a car unless you are here all the time. If you're happy with a small car, hire car rates are really low and easier than buying, maintaining, insuring, taxing your own car, paying for airport parking, etc.

Cost of Living - food is a little cheaper, alcohol a lot cheaper, petrol / diesel a little cheaper, electricity a bit more expensive, you'll need some heating in winter and air-con is good in the summer.

Areas to live? A classic Spanish village sounds great, but there won't be much choice of rental properties, often very little amenities and you'll need to speak Spanish. Plus, if you're on your own, this may be a bit lonely. If you like golf, there are many golf resorts, although your rent would be higher and they have limited shops / bars / restaurants. An urbanisation would probably offer the best mix of amenities, community, etc. And then, depending on your interests and your budget, do you want your own pool, access to a communal pool, no pool, close to a beach, walking distance to bars / restaurants, etc.? 

You'll probably be spoilt for choice, so it's important to think what your priorities are. One thing you will get is the warm weather and more relaxed life!

Hope this helps!

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the info.  I'm looking to come in September, when schools are back.  Hopefully I will be able to see a few places to decide where may be a good place to rent, initially a month to three at a time, with a view to 12 months renewable eventually if and when it works out.  If you've any suggestions on that score, they'd be appreciated.  Enjoy summer. :)

Best wishes

Andrew.

Hi RichT,

Thank you for a comprehensive reply.  I have in in mind that once I've done the short visits and settled on longer such that residency is required, I will do the official paperwork etc. bit.  I'm also conscious of healthcare, and the possible effects of Brexit, which (sadly to me) happens in January.  🤞 I get those things right when the time comes.

My transport preferences are firstly walking, where practicable, then maybe cycling; with car hire or taxi for the longer treks, as I don't enjoy driving so much these days.  And I'd be good to live where there are others around, as although I may have children visit from time to time, living alone is nicer when there are others one knows nearby.

A relaxed life whilst still working and going back and forth to the UK, would hopefully be ideal, and that is the thought behind my plans, as outlined.  After the summer season is over, I hope to visit in September time.  I haven't fixed on any particular place, so any suggestions will be welcome.

Also, my Spanish is beginners level - though I read better than I hear and speak - and I'm actively starting at learning more of the language, and want to, in time and given I make the move, become as fluent as I can.

Best wishes,

Andrew.

Hi Andrew,

we own a holiday home in Santiago de la Ribera and love the town, the easy walkable access to the paseo, bars and restaurants. There is an increasing amount of English speaking people buying holiday or permanent homes in the area but I don't know if it's enough yet to provide a community for someone living on their own.

Los Alcazares which is only 7km south from la Ribera has a much bigger English speaking community with a higher number of year round English speaking residents and which is likely to have more rental options. LA is also along the Mar Menor so easy access to the water and sea breezes.

Hotel Trabuco has a sister hotel the Mar Menor across the road, this hotel has bigger rooms which might suit if you are staying for a longer period of time and in my opinion a little more comfortable than the Trabuco. Both the Trabuco and Mar Menor serve a continental breakfast. Both are right beside the weekly Wednesday market which is a nice way to pass a couple of hours.

Enjoy your recce in September and good luck with finding your ideal town and property.

Hi Anni20,

Thank you for your post giving me some ideas about nearby.  I had/have it in mind to consider Los Alcazares, and that's one reason why I find it so helpful for people to comment here: given I don't know the area at all and am just starting out on my exploration.  Murcia itself appeals a lot, after reading and researching about it, and pinning it down to a particular village or town or area is what I need to do.  I'll look at the Mar Menor, too.  With the helpful replies and comments I've received so far, I already feel like I'll get along well when I come over.  Thanks again,

Andrew.

Good Luck!

And if you have any specific questions, please feel free to PM me...

Thanks a bundle, RichT. :)  Maybe when I'm over, if you're around, we can meet up.

Stay safe and well, and have a great wekend.

Best,

Andrew.

It looks like the Mar Menor is more up to date than the Trabuco where we stayed last September, however we enjoyed the stay very much especially the roof top pool and bar. After house hunting (like you) it was so good to get back and have a dip in the pool and a wee dram and relax. Andy enjoy whatever and wherever you choose.