Enjoying Retirement
Discussion
CharlesdeGaulle said:
okgo said:
In Brexit Spain currently. Seeing how so many people from our fair Isle spend their retirements. Christ it really is quite something. Pints pre 10am, skin cancer (if they don’t already have lung cancer). Quite alarming stuff.
What exactly is Brexit Spain?Top PH points for the patronising comments on your own countrymen. Admittedly mainly true perhaps, but how differently do you think they'd be spending it back in the UK?
It's been nice to catch up with a few friends, but I'm looking forward to leaving again.
Near Malaga. Nowt to do with countrymen, I wouldn’t want to be associated with most British people at home let alone the ones here 
It’s eye opening. I’d heard that it was bad, but it’s really bad. Tenerife i am reliably told is next level as the pints even cheaper.
No idea what they do at home, probably sheltered from it somewhat.
It’s eye opening. I’d heard that it was bad, but it’s really bad. Tenerife i am reliably told is next level as the pints even cheaper.
No idea what they do at home, probably sheltered from it somewhat.
Edited by okgo on Sunday 19th May 08:59
Ebo100 said:
OldSkoolRS said:
It's my 2 years anniversary today...can't believe how quickly that has gone. 
I think I deserve an ice cream.
Well you know where to go for the best ones in the world, just a long drive home. I think I deserve an ice cream.
Congratulations on your retirement too Okgo; doesn't sound the sort of place I'm keen to go in Spain myself but I guess you must be celebrating your retirement drinking that early in the morning. Don't know if it's your thing, but in Malaga itself there is Picasso house. Also the museum of car and fashion in an old tobacco factory might be worth a visit.
Here with young children sadly.
Interesting though the concept, save for the grotty ones, you could retire here I think somewhere quite pleasant on a heck of a lot less than the UK. Malaga itself is a lovely city and laughably cheap - much more expensive down the coast where tourists are - I’d imagine many Brits are financing their lives here in not a vast amount more than state pension.
I’m always impressed by Spain, the state of the place is clean and people are nice (the only grim loud swearing ones have been English), a lot to like about it. A mate of mine bought a house in the hills in a little town for €80k and you can live almost on nothing.
Interesting though the concept, save for the grotty ones, you could retire here I think somewhere quite pleasant on a heck of a lot less than the UK. Malaga itself is a lovely city and laughably cheap - much more expensive down the coast where tourists are - I’d imagine many Brits are financing their lives here in not a vast amount more than state pension.
I’m always impressed by Spain, the state of the place is clean and people are nice (the only grim loud swearing ones have been English), a lot to like about it. A mate of mine bought a house in the hills in a little town for €80k and you can live almost on nothing.
Mr Magooagain said:
Yes it’s complicated as you probably know. SAFER decide on the value of agricultural land and he won’t be able to sell it to you for more, officially, so often it’s not worth their while. Plus the inheritance malarkey and even his age and proximity to retirement as it could be his wife that’s the ‘Patron’ now or even a child of his. You will have ‘Geometre’ bornage fee’s also as well as the Notaire’s fee’s.
Everybody involved in the sale will know that the piece of land is more valuable to you as it becomes ‘Garden’!
Indeed. Our current driveway/garden is made up of four parcelles on the land registry, which were split off from the adjoining field in the 1980s when the farmhouse was sold off to three doctors from Bern, to use as a shared secondary residence, which is why there are three upstairs bedrooms each with its own bathroom. It was sold to another Swiss couple in 2001. After twelve years they were finding the upkeep too tiring/costly, and we bought it in 2013, (by then their Swiss-resident son had become the legal owner.)Everybody involved in the sale will know that the piece of land is more valuable to you as it becomes ‘Garden’!
As it was all originally agricultural land, the sale still had to go through SAFER approval before we could complete. It was announced as a three month wait... but after crossing the SAFER's palm with a cheque for €90 it miraculously became just 30 days
The wedge of land I want is owned by two brothers (the grandsons of the farmer who originally sold the house), only one of whom works on the family farm in the next village. As you say, almost all the cost would be in legal/admin fees rather than the land itself. In future I would like to build a carport/garage and extend the workshop on the north side, hence why it would be ideal to have more space on the south side to access our land behind.
Mr Magooagain said:
My situation was unique and rare although SAFER were involved but I had helped my neighbour farmer to acquire some other land elsewhere that he had wanted for years so a deal was struck.
A colleague did something similar with his place down the road in St Etienne-du-Bois; he persuaded his cousin to sell to his neighbour a chunk of forest nearby, in exchange for said neighbour selling him a small lake adjoining the wood on his property.Mr Magooagain said:
I’m also buying a small wood just up the track from us that full of wildlife and I’ve watched it grow this last 20 odd years. Wonderful little spot.
I might consider something similar if we spend more time here whilst 'enjoying retirement' in two years' time.Mr Magooagain said:
Good luck with the land.
Un grand merci! 
okgo said:
Here with young children sadly.
Interesting though the concept, save for the grotty ones, you could retire here I think somewhere quite pleasant on a heck of a lot less than the UK. Malaga itself is a lovely city and laughably cheap - much more expensive down the coast where tourists are - I’d imagine many Brits are financing their lives here in not a vast amount more than state pension.
I’m always impressed by Spain, the state of the place is clean and people are nice (the only grim loud swearing ones have been English), a lot to like about it. A mate of mine bought a house in the hills in a little town for €80k and you can live almost on nothing.
There's a few posters on this thread too, but here you go - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...Interesting though the concept, save for the grotty ones, you could retire here I think somewhere quite pleasant on a heck of a lot less than the UK. Malaga itself is a lovely city and laughably cheap - much more expensive down the coast where tourists are - I’d imagine many Brits are financing their lives here in not a vast amount more than state pension.
I’m always impressed by Spain, the state of the place is clean and people are nice (the only grim loud swearing ones have been English), a lot to like about it. A mate of mine bought a house in the hills in a little town for €80k and you can live almost on nothing.
oneandone said:
I’ve been reading this thread for a very long time.
I accidentally retired at the end of March, though was on garden leave since the start or Feb.
It may or may not be permanent, but at 56, I have lots of options. I’m sort of glad the decision was taken out of my hands, it’s too easy to do “ one for year”.
Currently buying a new house to downsize into and hopefully sell ours not long after.
I always thought I’d get bored, but I have a long list of things to do and it really isn’t getting that much shorter.
I’m really looking forward to me first summer off in decades
Congratulations on your accidental provisional retirement. I accidentally retired at the end of March, though was on garden leave since the start or Feb.
It may or may not be permanent, but at 56, I have lots of options. I’m sort of glad the decision was taken out of my hands, it’s too easy to do “ one for year”.
Currently buying a new house to downsize into and hopefully sell ours not long after.
I always thought I’d get bored, but I have a long list of things to do and it really isn’t getting that much shorter.
I’m really looking forward to me first summer off in decades
Hopefully the long list will see the provisional aspect upgraded.
I’m 2 years 5 months in and it still feels like a holiday.
The freedom and flexibility are not to be underestimated.
alscar said:
oneandone said:
I’ve been reading this thread for a very long time.
I accidentally retired at the end of March, though was on garden leave since the start or Feb.
It may or may not be permanent, but at 56, I have lots of options. I’m sort of glad the decision was taken out of my hands, it’s too easy to do “ one for year”.
Currently buying a new house to downsize into and hopefully sell ours not long after.
I always thought I’d get bored, but I have a long list of things to do and it really isn’t getting that much shorter.
I’m really looking forward to me first summer off in decades
Congratulations on your accidental provisional retirement. I accidentally retired at the end of March, though was on garden leave since the start or Feb.
It may or may not be permanent, but at 56, I have lots of options. I’m sort of glad the decision was taken out of my hands, it’s too easy to do “ one for year”.
Currently buying a new house to downsize into and hopefully sell ours not long after.
I always thought I’d get bored, but I have a long list of things to do and it really isn’t getting that much shorter.
I’m really looking forward to me first summer off in decades
Hopefully the long list will see the provisional aspect upgraded.
I’m 2 years 5 months in and it still feels like a holiday.
The freedom and flexibility are not to be underestimated.
It may be followed be a second one…
Car bon said:
CharlesdeGaulle said:
okgo said:
In Brexit Spain currently. Seeing how so many people from our fair Isle spend their retirements. Christ it really is quite something. Pints pre 10am, skin cancer (if they don’t already have lung cancer). Quite alarming stuff.
What exactly is Brexit Spain?Top PH points for the patronising comments on your own countrymen. Admittedly mainly true perhaps, but how differently do you think they'd be spending it back in the UK?
It's been nice to catch up with a few friends, but I'm looking forward to leaving again.
okgo said:
In Brexit Spain currently. Seeing how so many people from our fair Isle spend their retirements. Christ it really is quite something. Pints pre 10am, skin cancer (if they don’t already have lung cancer). Quite alarming stuff.
okgo said:
Here with young children sadly.
Interesting though the concept, save for the grotty ones, you could retire here I think somewhere quite pleasant on a heck of a lot less than the UK. Malaga itself is a lovely city and laughably cheap - much more expensive down the coast where tourists are - I’d imagine many Brits are financing their lives here in not a vast amount more than state pension.
I’m always impressed by Spain, the state of the place is clean and people are nice (the only grim loud swearing ones have been English), a lot to like about it. A mate of mine bought a house in the hills in a little town for €80k and you can live almost on nothing.
Some sad observations on your fellow Brits. However its also not far from the truth. Interesting though the concept, save for the grotty ones, you could retire here I think somewhere quite pleasant on a heck of a lot less than the UK. Malaga itself is a lovely city and laughably cheap - much more expensive down the coast where tourists are - I’d imagine many Brits are financing their lives here in not a vast amount more than state pension.
I’m always impressed by Spain, the state of the place is clean and people are nice (the only grim loud swearing ones have been English), a lot to like about it. A mate of mine bought a house in the hills in a little town for €80k and you can live almost on nothing.
We have a place about an hour from Malaga down towards Gibraltar. Retirement will probably involve spending about half the year there. We currently spend a fair bot of time there at present. It allows you to see with a little more clarity than occasional visitors the reality of life down there,
In many of the towns on the coast there is a sad predictability. There are the "tourist" bars; they are what they say. Then there are the "local" bars; again they are what they say. Then there are what I call "3rd line bars"; these tend to be set back from the popular areas (hence 3rd line) & the insides look like a bar somebody would set up in their lounge only on a larger scale. The staff are British or Irish; the clientel are British & Irish. Generally the clients are resident in Spain, have leathery tattooed skin that is a reddish brown colour; smoke heavily; drink most of the day & sit around in groups. They are not rude or offensive & will make you welcome. They rely on public transport (which is actually quite good) as they can't afford or want a car; they rent or own a cheap flat. Often they are single. I find it all rather sad, but I guess it is probably the same as they would have done in the UK, only now they can do it cheaper somewhere warmer.
The Spaniards are generally nice but you can have a hard time finding one in the coastal towns! The hill towns are cheap for a reason, they can be too remote & can be dead in winter.
GT03ROB said:
okgo said:
In Brexit Spain currently. Seeing how so many people from our fair Isle spend their retirements. Christ it really is quite something. Pints pre 10am, skin cancer (if they don’t already have lung cancer). Quite alarming stuff.
okgo said:
Here with young children sadly.
Interesting though the concept, save for the grotty ones, you could retire here I think somewhere quite pleasant on a heck of a lot less than the UK. Malaga itself is a lovely city and laughably cheap - much more expensive down the coast where tourists are - I’d imagine many Brits are financing their lives here in not a vast amount more than state pension.
I’m always impressed by Spain, the state of the place is clean and people are nice (the only grim loud swearing ones have been English), a lot to like about it. A mate of mine bought a house in the hills in a little town for €80k and you can live almost on nothing.
Some sad observations on your fellow Brits. However its also not far from the truth. Interesting though the concept, save for the grotty ones, you could retire here I think somewhere quite pleasant on a heck of a lot less than the UK. Malaga itself is a lovely city and laughably cheap - much more expensive down the coast where tourists are - I’d imagine many Brits are financing their lives here in not a vast amount more than state pension.
I’m always impressed by Spain, the state of the place is clean and people are nice (the only grim loud swearing ones have been English), a lot to like about it. A mate of mine bought a house in the hills in a little town for €80k and you can live almost on nothing.
We have a place about an hour from Malaga down towards Gibraltar. Retirement will probably involve spending about half the year there. We currently spend a fair bot of time there at present. It allows you to see with a little more clarity than occasional visitors the reality of life down there,
In many of the towns on the coast there is a sad predictability. There are the "tourist" bars; they are what they say. Then there are the "local" bars; again they are what they say. Then there are what I call "3rd line bars"; these tend to be set back from the popular areas (hence 3rd line) & the insides look like a bar somebody would set up in their lounge only on a larger scale. The staff are British or Irish; the clientel are British & Irish. Generally the clients are resident in Spain, have leathery tattooed skin that is a reddish brown colour; smoke heavily; drink most of the day & sit around in groups. They are not rude or offensive & will make you welcome. They rely on public transport (which is actually quite good) as they can't afford or want a car; they rent or own a cheap flat. Often they are single. I find it all rather sad, but I guess it is probably the same as they would have done in the UK, only now they can do it cheaper somewhere warmer.
The Spaniards are generally nice but you can have a hard time finding one in the coastal towns! The hill towns are cheap for a reason, they can be too remote & can be dead in winter.
These sorts of areas are easily avoided though, he lives on the coast in a predominantly Spanish town, has plenty of ex pat friends, Spanish and a few Dutch and scandies. He tends to go to Spanish owned bars and restaurants when over there myself the amount of municipal workers having a few beers and brandies during lunch was an eye opener.
okgo said:
Here with young children sadly.
Interesting though the concept, save for the grotty ones, you could retire here I think somewhere quite pleasant on a heck of a lot less than the UK. Malaga itself is a lovely city and laughably cheap - much more expensive down the coast where tourists are - I’d imagine many Brits are financing their lives here in not a vast amount more than state pension.
I’m always impressed by Spain, the state of the place is clean and people are nice (the only grim loud swearing ones have been English), a lot to like about it. A mate of mine bought a house in the hills in a little town for €80k and you can live almost on nothing.
The irony of course being as a result of Brexit, the financial requirements to retire to Spainve vastly increased. And so whilst you could live far better on a state pension versus the U.K., you might no longer meet the requirements for the necessary visa. And yet if you do hit those financial requirements, across most of the country that would give you enough to live like a king. Interesting though the concept, save for the grotty ones, you could retire here I think somewhere quite pleasant on a heck of a lot less than the UK. Malaga itself is a lovely city and laughably cheap - much more expensive down the coast where tourists are - I’d imagine many Brits are financing their lives here in not a vast amount more than state pension.
I’m always impressed by Spain, the state of the place is clean and people are nice (the only grim loud swearing ones have been English), a lot to like about it. A mate of mine bought a house in the hills in a little town for €80k and you can live almost on nothing.
Good old brexit and that's why I spend my winters in blighty as I almost certainly would have bought a second home had we remained in EU.
Whether I end up becoming a 'snow bird' and just renting somewhere in rhe sun each winter I'm not sure i always think of rent as dead money and buying somewhere just looks awkward now with rhe 180 day rule etc
I wouldn't want a holiday home it was always my intention to have more of a second home set up but we are where we are.
Whether I end up becoming a 'snow bird' and just renting somewhere in rhe sun each winter I'm not sure i always think of rent as dead money and buying somewhere just looks awkward now with rhe 180 day rule etc
I wouldn't want a holiday home it was always my intention to have more of a second home set up but we are where we are.
Longy00000 said:
Good old brexit and that's why I spend my winters in blighty as I almost certainly would have bought a second home had we remained in EU.
Whether I end up becoming a 'snow bird' and just renting somewhere in rhe sun each winter I'm not sure i always think of rent as dead money and buying somewhere just looks awkward now with rhe 180 day rule etc
I wouldn't want a holiday home it was always my intention to have more of a second home set up but we are where we are.
90/180 is not quite the restriction you think for many.Whether I end up becoming a 'snow bird' and just renting somewhere in rhe sun each winter I'm not sure i always think of rent as dead money and buying somewhere just looks awkward now with rhe 180 day rule etc
I wouldn't want a holiday home it was always my intention to have more of a second home set up but we are where we are.
Retirement will probably comprise 90 day spring & Autumn in Spain, winters somewhere warmer & summers in the UK. As a 2nd home this works fine. Aside from which drifting over 183 makes you Spanish tax resident & I think Spanish taxes are a bit higher than UKs. If you can get by on passive income then NLV always allows you longer in Spain. But no good if you only have a UK state pension.
I will be retiring at the end of June at the age of 59.
Financially secure, no kids to worry about and Mrs Orse will carry on working and has a well paid job with a superb pension to come. So no worries really. Other than a niggling thought that I may get bored. I've sort of been forced into going early by a lack of enjoyment in the job, lots of stress which was becoming less tolerable or easy to put to one side and the effects on my health becoming more pronounced. I've put a lot of miles on the clock over the years and I'm looking forward to my first summer off ever - I worked throughout University years.
I've got my dog to occupy my time and also the gym which I already go to 5 days a week which will be upped to 7 days. Also i've got my cars which I love driving and cleaning which will take some time. Otherwise I don't really want to end up in front of the TV.
Golf doesn't interest me. I've thought of volunteering at the local dog rescue but I'm so soft with dogs I'd want to bring them all home and probably get upset very easily. Gardening bores me to death and I'm struggling to think of something to avoid a "walk the dog, gym, clean the car and TV" routine each day.
Are these thoughts normal? Am I overthinking it and something will crop up? It is obviously a big change having worked and run my own business with all the hassle that brings as well as client demands for so long to now be free of responsibilities.
Financially secure, no kids to worry about and Mrs Orse will carry on working and has a well paid job with a superb pension to come. So no worries really. Other than a niggling thought that I may get bored. I've sort of been forced into going early by a lack of enjoyment in the job, lots of stress which was becoming less tolerable or easy to put to one side and the effects on my health becoming more pronounced. I've put a lot of miles on the clock over the years and I'm looking forward to my first summer off ever - I worked throughout University years.
I've got my dog to occupy my time and also the gym which I already go to 5 days a week which will be upped to 7 days. Also i've got my cars which I love driving and cleaning which will take some time. Otherwise I don't really want to end up in front of the TV.
Golf doesn't interest me. I've thought of volunteering at the local dog rescue but I'm so soft with dogs I'd want to bring them all home and probably get upset very easily. Gardening bores me to death and I'm struggling to think of something to avoid a "walk the dog, gym, clean the car and TV" routine each day.
Are these thoughts normal? Am I overthinking it and something will crop up? It is obviously a big change having worked and run my own business with all the hassle that brings as well as client demands for so long to now be free of responsibilities.
undred orse said:
I will be retiring at the end of June at the age of 59.
Congratulations, especially in the light of work affecting your health (similar happened to me).undred orse said:
Are these thoughts normal? Am I overthinking it and something will crop up? It is obviously a big change having worked and run my own business with all the hassle that brings as well as client demands for so long to now be free of responsibilities.
Try to take some time between now and when you finish to think a bit about what else you might do other than walk the dog and go to the gym. Maybe things will crop up, but I think it's good to make a plan. Also; don't feel bad if you do just want to watch TV. I just watched an episode of Banges & Cash while having my lunch as my wife is out and it's raining. Probably not a good idea to sit there all day and every day though.I find winter the worst because many of my interests involve being outside and my musical interests are mostly in evenings, so it can leave the daytimes harder to fill. At least you've got the summer/autumn to plan for that period, or maybe just book holidays to go away then as I've done.
GT03ROB said:
90/180 is not quite the restriction you think for many.
Retirement will probably comprise 90 day spring & Autumn in Spain, winters somewhere warmer & summers in the UK. As a 2nd home this works fine. Aside from which drifting over 183 makes you Spanish tax resident & I think Spanish taxes are a bit higher than UKs. If you can get by on passive income then NLV always allows you longer in Spain. But no good if you only have a UK state pension.
Hi Rob it sounds like you may have been down this path?Retirement will probably comprise 90 day spring & Autumn in Spain, winters somewhere warmer & summers in the UK. As a 2nd home this works fine. Aside from which drifting over 183 makes you Spanish tax resident & I think Spanish taxes are a bit higher than UKs. If you can get by on passive income then NLV always allows you longer in Spain. But no good if you only have a UK state pension.
Am i correct in thinking to maintain NLV you must stay more than 180 days in Spain but then you become liable to Spanish taxes even if the rest of the time your back in UK. Where my assets are already taxed ? Once you've proven you have the required funds must you actually transfer said amount to the Spanish account or is proof of ability enough so allowing more or less than the required amounts to be drawn as and when required rather than specified every month?
I'm not a wizard on this but there are usually Double Taxation Treaties in place to make sure you don't get taxed twice. But you will more or less end up taxed on all the things that are taxable in either country and paying tax at whichever is the higher rate. Useful link and download here,
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/double-...
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/double-...
Longy00000 said:
GT03ROB said:
90/180 is not quite the restriction you think for many.
Retirement will probably comprise 90 day spring & Autumn in Spain, winters somewhere warmer & summers in the UK. As a 2nd home this works fine. Aside from which drifting over 183 makes you Spanish tax resident & I think Spanish taxes are a bit higher than UKs. If you can get by on passive income then NLV always allows you longer in Spain. But no good if you only have a UK state pension.
Hi Rob it sounds like you may have been down this path?Retirement will probably comprise 90 day spring & Autumn in Spain, winters somewhere warmer & summers in the UK. As a 2nd home this works fine. Aside from which drifting over 183 makes you Spanish tax resident & I think Spanish taxes are a bit higher than UKs. If you can get by on passive income then NLV always allows you longer in Spain. But no good if you only have a UK state pension.
Am i correct in thinking to maintain NLV you must stay more than 180 days in Spain but then you become liable to Spanish taxes even if the rest of the time your back in UK. Where my assets are already taxed ? Once you've proven you have the required funds must you actually transfer said amount to the Spanish account or is proof of ability enough so allowing more or less than the required amounts to be drawn as and when required rather than specified every month?
That said, I wasn’t as structured in the past but there was little better than getting fed up after 10 days of crap U.K. weather to just hop over on a last minute flight and arrive ‘home’ in Spain with no return flight booked, car in the garage and clothes in the wardrobe.
Gassing Station | Finance | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff