I'd recommend buying an older house. If it's like ours there is always something on an almost daily basis either falling off, leaking, sticking, loose, needing painting, scraping, filling, cementing, grouting etc. You wont need a car as you will not have time to go anywhere, or the energy left to go eating out 3 times a week.

Hi

Thanks for your thorough research on my posts, I did previously ask a similar question and yes there is 4 of us, 2adults and 2 kids.

I have a good understanding of what it will be costing us, this question is regarding retirement, both for my parents (who used to live in spain but not for several years & my inlaws).

Basically I gather on the basis the replies from these two posts we need €30,000 a year plus school fees and holiday money and parents need €25,000 a year or there abouts.

Wondeful as both very do-able

The question asked is unanswerable correctly because everybody's needs are different. However, I know several retired people from Ireland and the UK who live comfortably in Spain without having to scrimp and beg. In typical Irish fashing somewhere in the following is your answer:-

1. €500 rental per month for 2 bedroom apartment on a long term basis can be had easily enough. The new home would be centrally located in a decent resort with an expat community.

2. You dont need a car if the local bus service is good.[much expense written off here].

3. You can eat out (dinner) with decent meal for €10.00 easily.

4. Ensure there is a working-all-year serious supermarket within 5 mins walk of your accommodation. [hauling water and shopping is not as easy as you might think].

5. You need contact with like-minded people [dont underestimate].

6. BBC+ITV probably provided free as part of apartment.

7. You will have to pay your electricity charges. Community Fees, Refuse charges, public electricity charges etc are usually paid by landlord.

8. You can do all of the above in the UK so you need as much sunshine as you can get - concentrate on a place between Alicante and Gibraltar.[hundreds of miles of guaranteed sunshine].

9. Choose a resort near an airport.

10. Choose a resort/town that is open all year round. [Ghost resorts open June, July, August would be a disaster for you, I think, unless you are writing that book].

11. You need level walks and good scenery is necessary also. Take it, it is there. While I am on the subject an apartment with a view of a large white wall is the last thing you want. Remember, you will be enjoying breakfast on a sunny terrace.

12. A nearby Céntro Médico is absolutely necessary for any emergency.[dont forget]