a lot of the urbs are like that - but we're still around town

At 1.18 euros to the pound we can't afford to eat out anymore so probably wont even go into town

but you're still better off than I am with 1euro to 1euro

Not many can be moving now.

For all those who posted in the past with so much confidence about selling property in the UK, I wonder how many got the price they wanted for their property. Seems like I will be living in the UK for some time to come although it won't be without a fight.

http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/news/842436

gives a good insight into the problems of selling now and yes it harks back to the problems of the 70's not just the 90's.

Oh no!

When this was written believe me the problems were known by those who have great vested interests. They just didn't want too many people realising how bad it was. They wanted time to shift their liabilities, sell their shares etc.

It was worse than the 70's, not just the 1989/90 crash which was a mild case of recession against what has been building up behind the scenes for months and months.

It must be worse, I've had a flood and my bank has had to be rescued!!!! How many banks had to be rescued in the 1989'90 period?

Before the half full brigade reply, I repeat my earlier posts. Messages such as this have not led to or altered the situation. Only the financiers, speculators, bankers etc had any control and we all know now that we wouldn't trust them with a dodgem car.

Me, I'm keeping my property in the UK up for sale (live in hope) hoping I have a job until I receive a state pension, so I can pay the mortgage. Until I sell I'll just have to keep taking more and more holidays in Spain.

One thought I have had is, what about the possibility of house exchanges. Couple A live in Javea but want to return to UK but can't sell. They state on here (possibly?) that they would like to return to live in Cornwall. Couple in Cornwall who would like to live in or around Calpe agree an exchange. Both continue to pay their own mortgages, so that doesn't change but rest of outgoings paid by occupants of respective properties. I think it's worth pursuing the idea to check how feasible. What do you think!!!

Awful, uh!!!

If it worked more could be moving.

In early September prior to Lehman Bros, Merrill Lynch et al

The IMF predicts that global growth will crawl to 3% in late 2008 from 5% in 2007 and could climb back "toward 4% in the course of 2009

Do I believe them?

What facts were their earlier predictions based upon?

Have all those who entered into this discussion sold their property now?

How many now see their immediate future in Spain as their hopes of a quick sale have not come to fruition?

I admit to being one who has accepted that the move will be well into next year at the earliest.

just an idia stay where you are and just keep having holidays until you sell.that way you can visit maney diferent parts of spain while your waiting to sell.or just join a reputable house swap (holidays only) club and go see a few other countrys aswell

I really do not think people in UK should be selling now(or in the next 2 years). Of course I am not an expert but I have been working for my company for a few years and own properties myself. I remember times when house prices were going up every few weeks, that was the time we started... selling up. I remember my boss telling me : we will not sell for half of what we are getting today in many more years to come. He was right. The buildings we sold then worth even less than half now.

I already gave my own example about my house in other thread. My flat(second property) was up for sale last year at this time for £200,000. I spoke to my estate agent a few days ago, he said there is a flat in the same development that has an asking price of £160,000. Its been there for 7 weeks now. 1 viewing. Its a very popular develompent by the canal with all the tubes and shops nearby. It will not sell, because as a general rule now, buyers for this particular property, will have to have at least GBP 24,000 as a deposit + other costs. OK, a lot of people could benefit from not paying the stamp duty, but what is 1%(or 3%) stamp duty comparing to 15% deposit!!!!! Its ridiculous. Banks do not offer mortgages to people unless they have a perfect credit history. Who these days has a perfect credit? If you go overdrawn on your current account (even thought you are within your limit!!) that can be considered as bad credit history now. I got this information when spoke to an advisor from this website http://www.cccs.co.uk/ Its a free (charity) consumer councelling service.

Anyway, all I am saying is hold on to your property if you can. For at least 2-3 years.

Singlemum, you are a book of knowledge, all in perfect English too! You must have a really cushy job to spend so much time on here.

I agree with jackytoo! Methinks a bit of smoke and mirrors maybe!

I still find it difficult sometimes to understand some expressions. I had to check this one out:

Smoke and mirrors is a metaphor for a deceptive, fraudulent or insubstantial explanation or description.

Doesn't sound too nice to me but I am not offended. Clever people will appreciate what I say.

Do you know what wind-up means?

Yes and I also remember you from one of the comments you made about me being able to work in Spain being originally from Kazakhstan. It just showed me that you are one of the arrogant Brits I meet every now and again.

Glad you're not offended singlemum I'm not offended at not being one of the "clever people" either

That was a valid question, I am not clever enough mind read as to your having GB citizenship