Stan West from Scotland lives with his family in Quesada, Alicante. Being here for 10 years, he finds his pension is going much further here.
Looking for the property in Spain
We moved to Spain from the North East of Scotland, near Aberdeen. We originally came across to Spain looking for a property in 2006/7. It was on one of these 99 pound weekend have a look deals. Unfortunately, the company we came out with was not very professional. Despite that, we went to Quesada and met a guy called Andrew Barclay from QSD. He showed us a plot and plans for a ‘Conchita’ build in Quesada. It was a two bed one bath with an under build which could be made into more living accommodation. We paid a €6000 deposit and went home elated.
Just when we were due to send across a large amount of money, the pound achieved parity with the Euro. As we were at the limit of our budget, we had to cancel. Unfortunately, as QSD are no longer in existence, the money is gone for good.
After that, we visited the area on several occasions and viewed about 70 properties in Costa Blanca South area. In 2009, we found a property we liked on the QSD Website. We travelled across to see the property, but only to be told that it was sold a few days earlier. So we viewed another 20 properties when we were there and went home deflated. Two weeks later, we received a phone call from Andrew Barclay, telling us that the sale had fallen through and it as back on the market.
We came across immediately and bought the property in June 2009 with a move in date of September 2009.
For two years we used it as a holiday home three times a year. In December 2011 we moved across permanently.
We simply love it and have no plans to go back to Scotland any time soon. «Viviendo el Suenuo» as they say.
Living in Quesada – Spain
We feel that Quesada is a lovely place to live because of the varied Nationalities who live here. In our Community of 28 properties we have Scottish, English, Irish, Welsh, Dutch, Belgian, Swedish, German, Norwegian and French. In addition, attached to Quesada, there are two Spanish villages, Rojales and Benijofar which is 90% Spanish. A wee pub crawl round the many Spanish bars is fantastic. We also have all of the Fiestas and Parades on our doorstep. Also, here we have mountains, lakes, the Med and lovely scenery all around us.
Pros and Cons of living in Spain
We always tell people who are considering moving to Spain that it is not for everyone. Simply, not all people are the same, so some will like it and some will not.
Also, it is imperative that both partners agree otherwise there will be problems in the future. We are both retired and have three pensions between us. We find that our pensions go much further here than they wood in Scotland.
For instance:
Council tax in Scotland – 150 pounds a month. Spain – €250 a year for a bigger house.
Cost of food – generally it is cheaper here than in the UK, especially for vegetables. It depends where you shop. If you use Iceland or Tesco then you will pay more. If you use the markets, Lidle, Aldi and Spanish supermarkets you will pay less.
Eating out – much cheaper. A three course good quality meal for between 10 and 15 Euros including a drink.
Alcohol – If you were an alcoholic Spain is the place to come. That is one of the possible drawbacks of living in Spain because beer and wine is very cheap and the spirit measures are huge.
Moving to Spain. Why?
Weather is probably the biggest factor for us, coming from the North East of Scotland. But there is more to Spain than the weather. Spain is a very large country and absolutely beautiful. The South and North of this country are so different. Travel is very reasonable, as are hotels if you use discount offers.
Medical services here are brilliant. Torrevieca Hospital is one of the best in Europe.
We love it here and have done the funeral plan. That says it all!
Stan West