johnh009

Thanks, this is very helpful of you, I am sure a few people will take you up on this. I can see that at these rental prices, it is probably not worth buying and I am sure this applies to many countries. Better to follow your logic and rent out your place in the UK.

the troubadour

Perhaps Malaysia is worth consideration also. Especially if retirement is not far off. From 50 Malaysia grants ten year long visas with a few requirements ofcourse but less than most other countries.

Steve_

Without (much) paperwork, anywhere in the Schengen Agreement area, which includes the EU and Switzerland. Most of the French overseas departments and collectives are included in Schengen, so you could move to any French island in the Caribbean (and most people speak English because of the American tourists).

British Overseas Territories such as BVI, Cayman Islands, Bermuda etc. all have their own immigration departments, you have to get a residency permit, essentially they have their own citizenship called being a "belonger". Obviously the Falklands is going to be easier than Bermuda, for example. Becoming resident in the BVI or the Cayman Islands is very hard.

You also have to be aware that your govt. pension lacks cost of living increases in many of these jurisdictions, which may be an issue for you.

Personally if I were you I'd stick to the EU, there's a reason so many people move to Spain. One of the main things you need to take into account are healthcare costs. In the EU and Switzerland you're covered, most other places you would not be. Given that the Spanish real estate market has imploded, now would be the time to buy. Given the number of British people who live there, the language isn't a major problem.

BritAus

I'm going to keep a keen eye on this thread. I hope that lots of knowledgeable people chip in.

The problem with Thailand as I see it is that as a Brit you still have to keep renewing your visa. I recall something about if you buy a house over half a million pounds sterling (GBP) the Thai government garauntee to give you a ten year visa - whoopee ! What about after that though !!
My fear for the Thai option is just one day they say "no more visa for you Mista" and you have to unravel your life.

Not that I have half a million quid anyway !

the troubadour

Malaysia has upped their requirements from my last post. As of end of 11, they require an income of 10,000 Malaysian Ringett,which is a bit under $3,500 Australian a month.
Although my understanding is they only ask to see it once but must show three months backdated of receipts proving this.
A lump sum of 150,000 (MR)must be kept in a Malaysian bank and the person applying should be fifty or over.
A ten year renewable visa will be issued after othe cheques are done. It is called Make Malaysia your Second Home.
You can't own land in Thailand. Most buy a condo or house in Thai partners name. They do have a retirement visa but don't recall the in and outs of it all at the moment.
Don't fancy Thailand myself but know a few who have moved there.
Certainly money goes a lot further than UK or Australia.
It wouldn't at all surprise me if many more folk don't look into South East Asian options in the future. Especially those retiring.....

fidobsa

Perhaps a bit optimistic on a thread that had been dormant for over 9 months
I opted for Hungary in the end and overall it seems to have been a good choice so far, although the language barrier is made of two inch thick hardened steel!

BritAus

What a choice !!
Its not a language, its an undecipherable code !!!