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Retiring to Costa del Sol and other parts of Spain is as popular as ever for many pensioners from northern European countries and the UK searching for warmer climes. Our pensioners guide aims to help those who are considering making that move, fully understand the pros and the con’s of such a huge transition.
One of the main reasons that many pensioners look to move to the Costa del Sol is the weather. With around 320 days of sunshine each year it has become a haven for those seeking the great health benefits that come with so much sunshine. It’s a fact, that the sunshine not only makes us happy, but also has a great holistic affect on our well being and can help to alleviate many medical conditions such as arthritis, cancer and depression to name just a few. So for pensioners especially, the warm climate of the Mediterranean acts as a natural cure for many existing ailments.
Another important aspect to moving abroad as a pensioner is the local healthcare. Healthcare in Spain is one of the best in Europe and under the EEA agreement; pensioners from other EEA countries including the UK are entitled to free health care.
It’s also worth noting that prior to moving to Spain you will need to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) the previous requirement being the E111 which was phased out in 2005. Once you have arrived you will need to register yourself at the “Instituo Nacional de Seguridad Social” (INSS) office. Further information on form requirements can be obtained from the UK “Department of Works and Pensions” website online.
Hopefully, you will not need to visit a hospital too often but if you do, you will find that most of the major hospitals on the Costa del Sol are both well equipped and extremely clean and well run.
Most pensioners moving abroad will also need to consider the transfer of their pension to their Spanish bank account. One thing that is really important to remember when transferring money from the UK or another country into Spain, is the currency exchange rate. Currency exchange rates can fluctuate considerably, which means that you could be left out of pocket if the rate plummets. A number of foreign exchange companies provide money transfer services and can set the exchange rate for a fixed period for you.
Another aspect of moving abroad that many fail to consider thoroughly are family ties. If your close relatives are not moving to Spain with you, you may have times when you feel home sick or even lonely and this can cause a degree of stress and depression not to mention possible friction between partners.
When moving to another country you will obviously need accommodation unless you plan on living in a hotel. There are two main options that you have which are renting a property or buying a property.
Property prices have risen dramatically in recent years and more and more people are renting with the view to purchasing once the prices have fallen. This can be a smart move but looking at it another way is that there are many people being affected by the global recession and this has presented many opportunities to barter and put in much lower offers for those who do not require a mortgage and are able to move quickly, so both options are worth thinking about.
In terms of the kind of properties that you should think about living in is difficult. You have apartments or townhouses on urbanizations or fincas and villas in the country. Most pensioners will feel safer being surrounded by others who may be able to help if required, in which case a place in the rural countryside may not be the best option. Conversely, some apartments and urbanizations can be on the noisy side, especially in the summer months, so think long and hard about where you are going to live.
Travel is obviously important to all of us and the ability to drive is an obvious advantage wherever you live. If you will not be driving, you must consider where you are moving to in terms of transport and road infrastructure.
The Costa del Sol has a good motorway system and most towns along the coast are easily accessible via car and bus, mainly via the N340 motorway. The trains though are another proposition. Although the capital Malaga has excellent routes to the capital Madrid and Barcelona, there is not much in the way of a train service along the coast, so you are mainly restricted to car or bus. If you are moving slightly inland of the coast, you should also know that there are no bus services in some of the smaller towns and if you do not have a car you will be heavily dependent on taxi cabs which can really hit your bank balance hard.
Finally we come to the language. One hurdle that most people have trouble with is the Spanish language. It can be very difficult to learn a new language and it becomes harder and harder the older you get.
Relocating to a new country and not being able to communicate at a basic level can be quite traumatic, so it’s important that before you do move to Spain, you have at the very least, a fundamental understanding of the Spanish language. Although there are many courses for expats once you arrive, it will be easier to make the transition if you have even a basic understanding.
Robert Griggs writes for PGM Property World who are an established family run real estate agents on the Costa del Sol. For further information on living on the Costa del Sol or to search their property in spain listings, please visit http://www.pgmpropertyworld.com
Article Source: Retiring To The Costa Del Sol – Things to Consider · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU
Malaga, on the Costa del Sol, a major port city of the Andalusia region of southern Spain, is renowned as a terrific family holiday destination. Yes, it has plenty of sun, sea and sand, but there is so much more to the area than just sitting on the beach! You can pick up a tan just as easily by enjoying some fun activities with the kids!