Re: As we get older...
 

We chatted for a long time last night and decided we did NOT want to give up on fun. We are not ready to give up on our dreams.

Re: As we get older...
 

We are not yet permanent residents in Spain. However, we purchased a property here, on the Costa Del Sol, 3 years ago. We still work in the UK for the majority of the year but spend every Winter here, with a view to coming to live here as Permanent residents. Brexit may impact on that so we are eagerly watching what is happening in respect of residency.

What I can say is that the part of Spain we are in is wonderful. The local people are genuinely very friendly and helpful. Although we enjoy the relaxed way of living out here it is a modern existence with all the facilities you have in UK. Obviously the climate is much more temperate and after spending a hot Summer here, it does feel chilly during the Winter months and there is snow occasionally, yes even at sea level, but this is rare. There is a vast Expat community which is very useful and supportive.

My advice would be, if you are intending to move, do it before 29th March 2019 to be on the safe side and get the protection that is afforded to current pre-Brexit Expats as there is uncertainty about what may happen afterwards 👍

Re: As we get older...
 

We are visiting in March and will spend time in Nerja, Malaga, La Cala de Mijas and Marbella area. We can't wait to go and enjoy ourselves. As for the Brexit deadline we would love to be able to go before then but alas due to my husbands work we cannot afford to go before 2020. Early retirement won't kick in for him until then so we will just have to see how it goes but are prepared to go down a different route to achieve our dream. It just means we may have to buy rather than rent first.

Re: As we get older...
 

If you get the opportunity, during your visit, travel half an hour or so South of Marbella to Estepona (we live 20 minutes South of Estepona) you will not be disappointed and you will see a huge difference, no masses of The LEGO brick urbanisations, lots of glorious sea views with parts of the Andalucian mountain ranges as a backdrop. You can be up in the mountains amongst the numerous typical whitewashed stone villages and towns within 30 minutes of leaving the Coast, it is beautiful. Today was a very pleasant Sunny and Warm day, 18 degrees(c), we were wearing three quarter length shorts, short sleeve shirts and 'Crocs' on our feet, we walked along the seafront promenade in our small local town and enjoyed a cold drink sat at a beachfront Cafe/Bar, it isn't a bad life 😎😉

Re: As we get older...
 

Yes, Estepona is on our must see list as well as other areas around Marbella. We just decided that we would base ourselves in one place and then tour around.

Re: As we get older...
 

That sounds like a good plan. Are you hiring a car ? If so, you can get a decent deal at Malaga Airport unless, that is, you are making your own way down here in a vehicle. We used an excellent firm of Spanish Solicitors (English Speaking) based in Marbella, but with other offices in the locality. As well as the Property Purchase they organised opening an on-line bank account for us, sorted out obtaining our NIE numbers, getting connected to Electric & Water and organising the Direct Debit payments, sorted the IBI (annual Council Tax), Property Insurance and doing our Spanish Wills (In accordance with UK inheritance Laws), they did everything. From putting in the offer to competing on the purchase, it took just 6 weeks, so if you get to the stage of purchasing in this area then search for 'Manilva Solicitors', I highly recommend their services 👍

Re: As we get older...
 

Wow, thank you for this recommendation. Really appreciate it. We will be flying into Malaga airport but form our current home in Vancouver, Canada. Although we still have UK passports we came to Canada in 1996 and now can't wait to be nearer family and friends.

Re: As we get older...
 

Happy to help 👍