Looking to spend more time with each other and enjoy rather more sunshine than they are used to in Glasgow, Tracey and Paul Molloy have moved to the Costa Blanca.
They’ve only been in their five-bedroom property for six weeks but, sitting with their feet in their pool with their two younger daughters, they are really happy they made the move.
“When you get up and see the sun, it makes such a difference, we are loving that,” says Paul, 66, who retired at 60. “We’ve had non-stop visitors.”
They are not alone in wanting to spend more time in Spain, and having friends in the area drew them towards Benimar.
Why is it important to use a good lawyer when buying in Spain?
“We nearly bought a property in Catral, but our lawyer realised it was an illegal build, so we withdrew our offer. Don’t just take the word of the estate agent. Our first piece of advice is to use a good lawyer,” says Tracey, 51, who recently retired as a lab manager.
Her second piece of advice is to do your research, especially if you are relocating. “Actually, we learnt some useful tips by watching Jasmine Harman’s Renovation in the Sun,” says Tracey.
Where did they choose to buy on the Costa Blanca?
“We looked at Lo Crispin but found the area a bit isolated. We considered Quesada. We loved how Spanish Elche is but realised it was not so ideal for us all due to the language barrier.”
The couple’s daughters, aged 17 and 18, have come with them and the property they found is perfectly set up to give them their independence.
The detached property has two bedrooms and then three bedrooms in the underbuild, which also has a bathroom and kitchen/living area of its own. It cost €415k plus fees.
Located on an urbanisation, it means the girls feel safe, but they say they have their privacy and it’s quiet. It’s just a 15-minute walk from Canada Park, with its lake, walking trails and picnic areas. It’s between Benijófar and Rojales and the nearest beaches are at Guardamar.
How does the Non-Lucrative Visa process work in Spain?
Getting their NLV: pay for an expert
Even before they completed on the villa, they started getting ready for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV). This is the popular visa designed for non-working people with proven financial means to support themselves and paperwork including a police check, medical certificate and marriage certificate.
“I’m pretty good with paperwork through my job but it’s totally worth the money to get a lawyer to help you with the process,” says Tracey. They used My Lawyer in Spain for the home purchase and their visas.
For daughters Cody and Teagan, they needed to demonstrate financial dependence with bank statements.
Guided by the legal company on the documents, they say the hardest part was waiting to hear from the Spanish consulate in Edinburgh whether their application had been successful. “You are given no updates for 11 weeks – then we got the notification,” says Paul.
“We’d been in a small rental property after selling our Scottish home, so it was a waiting game.”
They drove over with the dog – a five-day trip – and now they are all settled.
What healthcare can UK retirees access in Spain?
The timing is also quite advantageous. A benefit of Paul’s age is that they can access the Spanish healthcare system via the S1 Certificate. It is open to all those over UK state pension age (currently 66, increasing to 67 in 2028).
What is life like after relocating to Spain?
The move has been great for them all, says Tracey. “We are adjusting to the slower pace. The girls are enjoying more independence than they had in Glasgow.”
Join us at A Place in the Sun Live in London this weekend
Thinking about making the move to Spain? Join us at A Place in the Sun Live in London this weekend for expert advice on the Non-Lucrative Visa, buying property abroad, healthcare, taxation and relocating successfully. You can also meet estate agents, lawyers and currency specialists, and browse thousands of overseas properties all under one roof.
🎟️ Find out more and book tickets for A Place in the Sun Live in London
Thinking about relocating to Spain?
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