With over 300 days of sunshine per year, it's no wonder Brits are considering retirement in Spain. It's the undisputed hotspot for British retirees, but why Murcia? While its enviable climate and close proximity to the UK might seem obvious, here are a few more details.

About Murcia

Murcia lies in the south east and is one of Spain's least touristy regions. It boasts 250 km of spectacular coastline, known as the Costa Calida and is made up of a principal city, medieval towns, mountain and fishing villages. The area is rich in history, culture and tradition. It benefits from an unspoiled landscape compared to the crowded Costa Del Sol and Costa Brava.

Climate

It's warm and sunny, all year round. The summer heat is less intense and winters generally dry.

Lifestyle

The climate is ideal for outdoor living. Enjoying activities including walking, hiking, fishing, golf, walking, tennis and watersports make for a more relaxed and healthier way of life. Murcia has clean air, therefore its a popular destination for asthma, athritis and rhematism sufferers. The mediterranean diet helps reduce the risk of major disease and increases longevity of life. The World Health Organisation say Murcia is one of the healthiest countries in the world to live. Furthermore, it enjoys a low crime rate and is generally clean. It might seem to good to be true but low cost airlines provide flights to Murcia. It's comforting to know that friends and family are only a 2-3 hour flight away. 

Living

Murcia offers Brits a lower cost of living. From housing to food, it's cheaper than the UK and the rest of Spain. However, if your main source of income is in sterling, its strength, or lack of it, will have a big impact on your standard of living.

Property

Property prices remain affordable, however, renting is advisable at first. Retirement properties are well equipped and benefit from having excellent facilities close by ranging from shopping to social clubs, spas, golf and other sporting facilities, adding to the ease of life. 

Things you should know

Careful planning and research is essential to avoid the pitfalls of retiring abroad. Know your rights and about rules and regulations. If you're retiring to Spain full time, it's a legal requirement to apply for a Community Residence Card. This card entitles you to equal treatment with Spanish citizens. Pensioners can take advantage of the reciprocal social security arrangement between the UK and Spain. This means that your UK State pension can be paid directly into your bank account. Tax and inheritance laws are different from those in the UK, so its a must to seek professional legal and financial advice. Good quality healthcare care cover is essential. UK pensioners are eligible to register for free healthcare in Spain using an E121. Hospitals are clean and well-equipped with short waiting lists.

Let's face it - there's more to life than bills, bowling and battling against the British weather! The benefits of retiring to Murcia speak for themselves.

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