Gilly Little

Can I ask for opinions on Albox, Almeria, as a place to retire too?

Sue

Hi Gilly,

Welcome to BE. I've got a family member living in Albox but unfortunately can't tell you much about it as I've never been. We might have some members who live there (or near there) though, so I've moved your post to our Spain forum for you.

Rosemary

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

David Stagg

Hi. Personally I would say don't. On the positive side there is lots of pretty countryside around and property is quite cheap but it must be one of the worst places is Spain for illegal building and when we were there crooked lawyers and estate agents, Albox itself has very few facilities ie. decent shops restaurants etc. You have a good drive to get to reasonable shopping, restaurants or the coast. Sorry to sound so pessimistic - we retired and lived there for 7 years and certainly wouldn't go back. we're now in the Costa del Sol but finding it too busy (opposite to Albox) and have just bought near to Fortuna in Murcia when we are hoping is a good compromise, good scenery yet not too far from civilisation. Good luck in your retirement.

Gilly Little

Thank you david, that was really helpful. There are certainly some lovely properties and we were swayed by the pricing of course. How can you find out if a property is illegal? Do you have to trust your solicitor to do that for you?

Thanks,
Gilly

David Stagg

Yes your solicitor, and make sure you have a good one, will do a search. Ours is doing one for us now. Rule of thumb I'd say that most new built property around Albox is illegal. We are buying a property just north of Fortuna, Murcia in the mountains yet we only 1/2 hourish from Murcia big shopping centre, hospital etc. We are excited about the move, seems a good compromise - but bear in mind we haven't lived there yet. We also got the 3 bed. house with pool at a fantastic price. Wasn't too keen on the scenery closer to the A7. Generally the prices around there are really good. We found ours on Stratus International's website and they were very very helpful - might be worth having a look, don't worry I'm not on commission. We've lived in Spain for a few years so if there is anything you think we could help you with just ask. Best David and Joan

Keithtoon

Hola, david thats a great website but do you know of any for CDS area.... Not rightmove lol. I like the 'coastal' tick box on the Stratus website! Thank you keith.

David Stagg

Hi Keith

Depends if you want the coast or inland but Viva is pretty comprehensive and we bought where we are at the moment through Property Showrooms. Property is a lot more expensive on the coast unless you want a 2 bed. apartment of which there are hundreds for sale, cheaper inland but not as cheap as Albox or Fortuna area. We are on Alhaurin Golf which is close to Alhaurin el Grande. Best D&J

Neptuno

What do think about Murcia abolishing its regional IHT allowances? I would not live there If I knew this in advance.

David Stagg

Hi. It now seems to be about the same as we, or rather who's left, has to pay where we are now in Andalucia. Spain's taxes and other money making ways of clawing it's way out of it's recession as initiated by the Prime Minister are certainly making living here more expensive than before. Do you know there is a 21% tax on funerals now, so dying is a luxury here. At times this country does more than frustrate you but we love it. Oh the purchase property tax in Murcia is 8% but over the border in Alicante is 10%, so saved a bit there.

Neptuno

No, Andalucia has a generous regional allowance for IHT, may mean no or very little tax to pay .
Murcia's regional allowance, previously generous, was abolished last year.
There is now only the state allowance of just under 16,000 euros, which is available to all, but wouldn't be much use against the deceased's worldwide assets even with modest savings.

David Stagg

Um. Let's hope we have time to plan before the worst and get out of Murcia. Though other regions may come up with the same idea. Thankyou for that information anyway.

Keithtoon

Hola, so if i retire with a £100,000 pension pot and receive a quarter tax free will i have to pay tax on it when coming to spain? Or do i use a large pillow case and hide it!..... NAIVE how do they find out out you have £xxx amounts. I have been paying tax since i was 16 yrs old seems harsh you plan for your retirement then get a hit on your Tax Free Pot! Oops cheers David on the estate agent links.

David Stagg

Hi, think you get on to Neptuno he seems very savvy and obviously knows more than us. Can't say his news cheered. Spain is very tax orientated at the moment, trying to get out of the pit. Good luck with whatever and whereever you end up.

Neptuno

Fred James is the one to tell you about taxing pension pots.
My particular interest is in. IHT, as I live in Murcia!