What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

Hi
I am new to this forum but I have travelled to Spain many times over the years. I am planning to arrange several trips to identify an area where we would like to retire. Recently we toured around the Valencia area, along the coast there and a distance inland also.

I'm interested in the area and towns in an around Moraira and would be interested in anyone's opinion or experiences living in the area and more importantly what areas to avoid.

Regards
Nigel

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst BEVS moderates Europe. Moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

I believe you should first look at the tax implications of retiring to Spain before deciding on an area.

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

....????? why?

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

"tax implications" seem to change every few months, so examining them really doesn't make a lot of sense. But coming into it knowing that they will change is an important consideration for those on a fixed income.

In general, I'd avoid expat areas. They tend to be the most crowded, most expensive, "expats" seem to do the most "complaining" about you, your property, your car, your kids, and everything else, and expat areas generally have higher crime rates.

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

I understand what you are suggesting. Where would you suggest then? Why would any other area be less tax. Surely they are all around the same rate?

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

Income tax rates are much the same, but Inheritance Tax can vary enormously from region to region.

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

Hi Nigel

It depends on a couple of things.

If you plan to live here for evermore and do not want to move around then you need to choose somewhere to suit you in your dotage when you may be unable to drive; somewhere flat with good public transport and essential services not too far away.

We fell in love with Moraira early on in the planning stages of our move but eventually discounted it because it is fairly hilly, a lot more sparsely populated during the winter and not much in the way of public transport. It is of course very pretty and the landscape is spectacular and quite lush. We took the view that we could always come to visit.

In the end, though, it is your decision. Do plenty of research, visit lots of places before making the move, and rent a property initially; keep your options open.

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

What you suggested is what we intend to do regarding looking around. I guess I was hoping for some advice from those who are there and have either encountered the issues or know they exist.

We are not keen to be in a tourist town on the coast with all the British. I guess it's a matter of comprimise at the end of the day and I realise that we need to do some serious research. We have time on our hands so at this stage.

What made you choose where you are living?

N

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

Have a look at these recent threads

http://britishexpats.com/forum/spain...ere-go-833575/

http://britishexpats.com/forum/spain...choose-840260/

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

In the first place it was infrastructure. Regular bus services into the nearest town in both winter and summer. Health centre, chemist, supermarket, shops, bars, restaurants all within walking distance. Large retail parks only a short distance away.

Relatively flat terrain, reasonably priced property. An eclectic mix of nationalities of permanent residents including British, Spanish, Scandinavians, Dutch, German and French.

20 minutes cycle ride or half an hour's bus journey to the coast.

A very good local council that looks after its residents including an annual bus pass, not just for pensioners, for only 7€

In essence, because we are retired and do not need to work, paradise. :thumbsup:

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

Thank you all for your advice.

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

NigelS-You definitely need to research Inheritance tax
There is a state allowance of 16,000 euros, chicken feed against the average inheritance. Tax is on the person not the estate as in UK. so a wife will pay it on her husband's worldwide assets. You can't sell the property to pay it, either. and it has to be paid within 6 months or there are fines and interest added.
Each of the 17 regions has its own regional allowance against IHT. Some are very generous, and you'd pay nothing.Some have abolished theirs, so you'd pay thousands.It really is a postcode lottery.
With income tax that could vary according to region too.
remember the tax year is Jan-Dec, and if you live in Spain more than 183 days, you will be a tax resident for the whole year, so if you moved to Spain in April next year any thing before this will have also to be declared for tax the following year eg, Your big profits from your house sale in UK, that nice retirement lump sum, tax free in UK isn't so in Spain, that tax free ISA, that inheritance dear old Mum left you? taxed for IHT in Spain.That tax free savings plan you've had for years, comes to fruition, taxed in Spain!
See why you should think about tax implications?
Many would never have become resident in Spain if they had!
Some live under the radar, even brag about it, but it depends on what sort of person you are,I guess!

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

Thanks for the warning Neptuno. I'm not expecting to retire just yet and am weighing up a few destinations, Spain being one. Wherever you go I guess taxes are going to be a problem to varying degrees. I will investigate further.

Re: What areas should a potential retiree avoid?
 

Moraira is popular with ex pats, you could do a lot worse. You would need a car as he area is not well serviced by public transport. AFIK there are no specific areas to avoid. Obviously check out the neighbourhood, but no guarantee those who live there this year will be there next.