Talk Quesada forum

Hello this is Nicola and Graeme from Co Durham England. We are planning to move to Spain within the next 12-18 mnths and although we have not been to Quesada, we have short listed this, as one of our favourite places.
We have 2 properties to sell in England, but we are tempted to try and rent somewhere for a few months while our properties sell. We are in a fortunate position whereby we don’t need to work, but i would definitely be interested in doing something part time. We ideally want a 3 bed villa with a pool, but the options are endless. Something close to local amenities and ideally within walking distance to the restaurants etc.
Any advice, hints or tips for our new adventure would be much appreciated.

Hello, been done many many times now, easier way is to do a search of other related posts. Only a couple of tips I can offer, because no one can ever know what “you” want or need, and things are never as they seem until you have experienced them yourself first hand. Come and have a look around, we ended up buying nowhere where we originally planned. 2nd tip, make sure your “lawyer” (not solicitor) is separate to the estate agent, someone will pick that to bits and misunderstand, but it’s to long to explain on here. So Unless you have have specific questions, then good luck in your search.

Hi there, welcome.
There are some lovely areas in and around Quesada and many will fit your requirements.
Couple of points to be aware of.
Daz is perfectly correct in saying get an independent solicitor. The ones recommended by the estate agent may be good but, at the end of the day, they will get more work from them than you so may not have your best interests in mind (that's from experience after having 3 properties here).
Make sure you pick the right place first time. It is very expensive to move in Spain and taxes and fees can be astronomical if you want to sell one and buy another one.

It's a great idea to rent first. You can then see what area you want and take your time over choosing one to buy. Just be aware that things will change greatly next year. Nobody has any idea what the changes will be exactly until treaties are agreed but, if UK becomes a 3rd country (not a 3rd world country, simply one that is neither in the EU or the EEA) then the rules on healthcare, minimum income and time allowed in the country may change.

Also be aware that, if you have property to sell in UK, you do it before becoming resident in Spain. Once you become resident you will be liable to capital gains tax on selling the property which you may not be liable for in UK (that applies now and not just from next year). You will become a resident in Spain if you spend more than 6 months here so, if you sell your property in UK in the last 6 months of the year and then take out residency then you won't be liable for the CGT. We actually played it safe and sold up in December in UK then took up residency in Spain of January the following year so didn't even have to declare the sale. A solicitor will advise you on the best dates to avoid (not evade) the CGT.

As you are under retirement age in UK you will both need private medical insurance, at least for the first year. You have to prove a monthly income or a degree of savings to show you won't be a burden on the social services in Spain.
This amount may increase considerably once UK is out of the EU. This is the same as the UK is imposing on those moving to UK from the EU. Currently around €800 per person per month for EU citizens but could be as much as €28,000 per year for the first applicant and a further €12,000 for each dependant.

Until an agreement is made, you may need to take a Spanish driving test to be able to drive once you become a resident. If UK becomes a recognised country (and there are many of them) it may still be possible to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one but if not then a driving test will be necessary (it will all depend on agreements being signed which will apply to many things).

Biggest reason for people giving up and going back home is missing the family. Another reason is that people don't realise that it actually gets very hot here in the summer and quite cold in the winter (this last one has not been bad, though).

Lots to think about. From my point of view it will be all worth it as we love it here. We lived a fair distance away from out kids and grandkids in UK and the fact they come here on a regular basis suits us. Plus we have Skype and now Zoom to see them when talking to them. My wife, in particular, would not want to move back to UK. She doesn't get any arthritis (old skiing accident in her hands and a knee replacement) over here, not even the odd twinge in the winter.
The Spanish people I have met seem very genuine and friendly particularly if you learn some of the language. The healthcare is brilliant in the main, the local hospitals are fantastic and, depending on any problem, are generally very quick.

Food is great, cost of living, once you've settled in, is far cheaper (we are now paying the same amount per year for council tax as it would cost per month in UK). Some things are more expensive but things like white goods are coming down a lot. Our Samsung washing machine from Carrefour was cheaper than advertised by Curry's and our Bosch fridge'freezer about the same. The Electrolux oven was cheaper, for example.

No duty on beers, wines or spirits makes them cheaper if you are into that.

Just do your homework and enjoy yourselves in the sun. It really is good here but, of course, has its faults like everywhere else. They just don't seem to matter so much over here.

Marcliff you mentioned that an income of 800 euro per person per month is the minimum requirement at the moment. I never doubt you but is this figure correct. Paul.

Again I ask 28000 ? last post was 25000 where are you all getting this from..this is unfair as lawyers in Spain are not quoting anything like this so where us this coming from, please remember people who are wanting to move over really have to have the proper information, this post has gone from 7000 now to 28000 come on folks .

Dot wrote:Again I ask 28000 ? last post was 25000 where are you all getting this from..this is unfair as lawyers in Spain are not quoting anything like this so where us this coming from, please remember people who are wanting to move over really have to have the proper information, this post has gone from 7000 now to 28000 come on folks .

I think the €28000 is next year.

Hi marcliff so if we was to sell our house in the U.K. say July / August 2020 time and become resident in the January 2021( 6 months later ) we wouldn’t need to declare that in Spain ? ,x

Brewingdog wrote:Marcliff you mentioned that an income of 800 euro per person per month is the minimum requirement at the moment. I never doubt you but is this figure correct. Paul.

The actual amount is laid down somewhere but I can't remember the exact amount nor where it is laid down.

From the "applying for residency" site dated December last year.

"Under new residency requirements. you must also prove that you have a sufficient income level of above €800 per month per person in order to sustain your new life here. This could be in the form of an employment contract or pension. You may need to provide your last 3 months bank statement as proof".

And from Abaco advisers in Feb this year.
"You will need to show an income of over €800 per person per month and show statements for at least 3 months to show that".

So, yes, I would say it is correct although I would quote another site as saying "there seems to be a difference in requirements depending on which police station you attend."

Dot wrote:Again I ask 28000 ? last post was 25000 where are you all getting this from..this is unfair as lawyers in Spain are not quoting anything like this so where us this coming from, please remember people who are wanting to move over really have to have the proper information, this post has gone from 7000 now to 28000 come on folks .

£25,000 is €28,000 so the same sum. You are also misreading what is required now and what may (note the may) be necessary next year when the UK finally leaves the EU. If UK is introducing those figures then why wouldn't EU countries do the same?

Janetg wrote:Hi marcliff so if we was to sell our house in the U.K. say July / August 2020 time and become resident in the January 2021( 6 months later ) we wouldn’t need to declare that in Spain ? ,x

See a solicitor. They will advise you much better than me or anyone else on here about the timings but you complete a tax return in Spain for the previous year if you have been resident and some things are decided on a pro rata basis so you may be liable for some taxe.
As said, get advise from a solicitor or gestor.