Just returned from our 14th visit to the Island, and we are now more determined to buy a place over there, the only concern my wife has is that of getting bored (we are not sun worshippers but prefer to go out and about exploring), I would have no problem, how do fellow forumites who live on the island spend their days.
Whilst we love visiting the island, there's absolutely no way we ever contemplate living there full-time. There's a big difference between a trip a couple of times a year and actually living there. I think your wife's concern about getting bored is very valid. The easiest way to check without incurring big financial implications is to do a 6-month rental. If, at the end of that, you still want to live on the island, then buy somewhere.
Quote from: bedouin on January 19, 2017, 12:55:02 PM
Whilst we love visiting the island, there's absolutely no way we ever contemplate living there full-time. There's a big difference between a trip a couple of times a year and actually living there. I think your wife's concern about getting bored is very valid. The easiest way to check without incurring big financial implications is to do a 6-month rental. If, at the end of that, you still want to live on the island, then buy somewhere.
It wouldn't be a permanent move, would keep a place here in UK, would look at doing a couple of 3 month breaks during the year, as well as traveling to other places....
Quote from: Sweet cheeks on January 19, 2017, 13:15:36 PM
It wouldn't be a permanent move, would keep a place here in UK, would look at doing a couple of 3 month breaks during the year, as well as traveling to other places....
In that case, I'd still think renting was preferable, at least in the first year.
You're only limited by your imagination.
Plenty of sporty stuff to keep one occupied......walking, hiking, cycling, etc.
Buy a small house on a big plot and put plants and trees everywhere. That'll keep u occupied all day and every day.
That's what I do.
We have contemplated this one so many times. I`m sure we wouldn`t get bored but not as sure we could put up with the heat in mid summer. If you plan to only do 4 or 5 months over the U.K. winter time would have thought renting would be best. You would have the flexibility to choose different parts of the Island to experience without the responsibility and expense of up keep etc of your own property. Sure it wont be too long until we will be doing this :) Whatever you choose, good luck and have fun ;)
We just got a place recently. For the next few years it will be holidays only but the idea is to do 4 to 6 months over the winter. We decided to buy as the place we looked at was just too good to pass up & wanted not to have renting costs etc as we get older, will keep the UK place as well so no cost pressure at either end. For us that was the best choice but realise it would not be for everyone
Quote from: GSD Girl on January 19, 2017, 14:36:13 PM
We have contemplated this one so many times. I`m sure we wouldn`t get bored but not as sure we could put up with the heat in mid summer. If you plan to only do 4 or 5 months over the U.K. winter time would have thought renting would be best. You would have the flexibility to choose different parts of the Island to experience without the responsibility and expense of up keep etc of your own property. Sure it wont be too long until we will be doing this :) Whatever you choose, good luck and have fun ;)
I think this is a very sensible suggestion and you could rent storage space for your possessions for the months you go back to the UK.
We bought a place here last year and as far as I'm concerned, great idea both for personal and investment reasons. Intend spending longer and longer periods out here, love walking and we are close to the dunes, lots going on in the town that you can dip in and out of. A winter in the sun, what's not to love.
What does your wife do in the UK to stave off boredom? There is lots to do here but really depends on the individuals preference, as said in the posts before try renting for 6 months, good luck
Quote from: calculator on January 19, 2017, 14:01:34 PM
You're only limited by your imagination.
Plenty of sporty stuff to keep one occupied......walking, hiking, cycling, etc.
Buy a small house on a big plot and put plants and trees everywhere. That'll keep u occupied all day and every day.
That's what I do.
I could not agree more except, in our case, the dedicated gardening! There is plenty to do - tennis, padel, golf, water sports, exploring the island, learning Spanish, socialising with friends - couldn't find the time to go to work these days! Life here is what you make it, and if you grab the opportunities available it is fantastic!
The island is okay for escaping 6 months of winter grayness, cold, and wet.
Life here however is very primative and basic.
Primitively and basic? You need to spend some time on India!!😊
Quote from: erik_tonny on January 21, 2017, 09:16:17 AM
The island is okay for escaping 6 months of winter grayness, cold, and wet.
Life here however is very primative and basic.
erik_tonny, I don't see it as being primitively or basic. Any & all technology & or sophistication that is available in the world is available on the island. Life is less "complicated" for sure but that is what I love about the place. IMO
Just remember....you only live once :)
Quote from: spitfire58 on January 21, 2017, 10:20:19 AM
Quote from: erik_tonny on January 21, 2017, 09:16:17 AM
The island is okay for escaping 6 months of winter grayness, cold, and wet.
Life here however is very primative and basic.
erik_tonny, I don't see it as being primitively or basic. Any & all technology & or sophistication that is available in the world is available on the island. Life is less "complicated" for sure but that is what I love about the place. IMO
Wait till you live here.
True, life here is uncomplicated and free of stress. A great place for a holiday or an escape from winter.
But try buying quality clothes or shoes. Get elctronic parts. Find a good restaurant. Enjoy a concert. Be in need of medical care, including home care.
I'm not complaining. I spend quite some money to live here voluntarily and enjoy the blue skies and the warm company of señor Lorenzo.
We regard it as a luxury being able to spend a great deal of the year here and having an other spot we still regard as "home".
Quote from: erik_tonny on January 21, 2017, 11:22:34 AM
Quote from: spitfire58 on January 21, 2017, 10:20:19 AM
Quote from: erik_tonny on January 21, 2017, 09:16:17 AM
The island is okay for escaping 6 months of winter grayness, cold, and wet.
Life here however is very primative and basic.
erik_tonny, I don't see it as being primitively or basic. Any & all technology & or sophistication that is available in the world is available on the island. Life is less "complicated" for sure but that is what I love about the place. IMO
Wait till you live here.
True, life here is uncomplicated and free of stress. A great place for a holiday or an escape from winter.
But try buying quality clothes or shoes. Get elctronic parts. Find a good restaurant. Enjoy a concert. Be in need of medical care, including home care.
I'm not complaining. I live here voluntarily and enjoy the blue skies and the company of señor Lorenzo.
I agree with most of your comments, but the most of the points you make are surmountable, Electronic parts are available from web sites in the UK, OK delivery can be pricey and take a while, but none the less available.
Similarly quality clothes and shoes, of UK web sites. {We are retired so the need for new shoes is infrequent as we spend most of the time at home in Leather sandals, which we bought from a very good shop in Morre Jable.}
Concerts, depend on what your tastes are, but not easily accessible, but it is cheap enough to hop over to Madrid or Barcelona if something there appeals
Medical care I have found excellent, so cannot really comment.
Restaurants there are a few half decent ones, but if you want Michelin star, Grand Canaria has a couple, but it is the same The World over, quantity rather than quality.
I came from a highly stressful pressurised environment, and once I had got over myself, I love the simple uncomplicated way of life, although after 45 years wearing a suit and tie I do on the odd occasion wish for a reason to wear one { very occasionally }.
Basic well may be a tad of an overstatement, and certainly not primitive, as another poster has said try India, or even Brazil, away from the tourist areas, and most of the Caribbean Islands, again away from the tourist areas.
Everything is surmountable.
Thanks to the internet you can order almost anything on the world and have it transported to here. (most of the time)
You can fly anywhere to enjoy something this island doesn't offer.
But I was commemting to life on Fuerteventura.
Too bad you left out the most inportent part of my post when you quoted it:
We regard it as a luxury being able to spend a great deal of the year here and having an other spot we still regard as "home".
Quote from: erik_tonny on January 21, 2017, 13:23:23 PM
Everything is surmountable.
Thanks to the internet you can order almost anything on the world and have it transported to here. (most of the time)
You can fly anywhere to enjoy something this island doesn't offer.
But I was commenting to life on Fuerteventura.
Too bad you left out the most importent part of my post when you quoted it:
We regard it as a luxury being able to spend a great deal of the year here and having an other spot we still regard as "home".
I did not miss it, I did not comment, as you should not have a problem obtaining anything and bringing it with you when you return, I still do not see it as basic and certainly not primitive.
I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.
Quote from: Johnrgby2 on January 21, 2017, 12:48:05 PM
Quote from: erik_tonny on January 21, 2017, 11:22:34 AM
Quote from: spitfire58 on January 21, 2017, 10:20:19 AM
Quote from: erik_tonny on January 21, 2017, 09:16:17 AM
The island is okay for escaping 6 months of winter grayness, cold, and wet.
Life here however is very primative and basic.
erik_tonny, I don't see it as being primitively or basic. Any & all technology & or sophistication that is available in the world is available on the island. Life is less "complicated" for sure but that is what I love about the place. IMO
Wait till you live here.
True, life here is uncomplicated and free of stress. A great place for a holiday or an escape from winter.
But try buying quality clothes or shoes. Get elctronic parts. Find a good restaurant. Enjoy a concert. Be in need of medical care, including home care.
I'm not complaining. I live here voluntarily and enjoy the blue skies and the company of señor Lorenzo.
I agree with most of your comments, but the most of the points you make are surmountable, Electronic parts are available from web sites in the UK, OK delivery can be pricey and take a while, but none the less available.
Similarly quality clothes and shoes, of UK web sites. {We are retired so the need for new shoes is infrequent as we spend most of the time at home in Leather sandals, which we bought from a very good shop in Morre Jable.}
Concerts, depend on what your tastes are, but not easily accessible, but it is cheap enough to hop over to Madrid or Barcelona if something there appeals
Medical care I have found excellent, so cannot really comment.
Restaurants there are a few half decent ones, but if you want Michelin star, Grand Canaria has a couple, but it is the same The World over, quantity rather than quality.
I came from a highly stressful pressurised environment, and once I had got over myself, I love the simple uncomplicated way of life, although after 45 years wearing a suit and tie I do on the odd occasion wish for a reason to wear one { very occasionally }.
Basic well may be a tad of an overstatement, and certainly not primitive, as another poster has said try India, or even Brazil, away from the tourist areas, and most of the Caribbean Islands, again away from the tourist areas.
Agree
I do pop back regularly for a few football games and see family, the only thing i honestly miss is good live music, so i now add a gig or two into my visits back.
We have a place in Fuerte and have had for over 10 years. We love the island and are looking to increase our time and visits to the island as soon as our commitments reduce with immediate family in the UK . We nearly moved over full time however then the recession hit and we decided to stay in the UK.
Would I move full time , probably not as preference (if possible ) would be to have the option of being able to spend long winters in Fuerte and then spend time in the UK in the Summer months as Fuerte can be very hot . This means you are able to spend time with family/friends who cant make it over to Fuerte and also provide you with the opportunity to restock on the items/ leisure pursuits that you may not find in Fuerte.
I think the island can provide as much or as little as you want it too , however I find it a healthier and more relaxed place than the Uk and look forward to spending many happy times there.
Good luck to anyone looking to move there and as someone else has already said , you only live once and life isnt a practice session so go with your gut feelings and if it feels right do it .
Hi
Got back from FV (Caleta) on Weds, after a week house hunting. My plan is to live there 8 months or so, and go back to the UK for 3 to 4 months each summer.
I have a narrowboat in a marina in Cambs, and plan to spend the summer on that, cruising the waterways. Then colder months in FV. It was the best retirement plan I could come up with...
Didn't get much of a tan. Too busy for sunbeds - chasing around estate agents, viewing apartments, lalala
Quote from: Sir Real on January 21, 2017, 20:04:38 PM
Hi
Got back from FV (Caleta) on Weds, after a week house hunting. My plan is to live there 8 months or so, and go back to the UK for 3 to 4 months each summer.
I have a narrowboat in a marina in Cambs, and plan to spend the summer on that, cruising the waterways. Then colder months in FV. It was the best retirement plan I could come up with...
Didn't get much of a tan. Too busy for sunbeds - chasing around estate agents, viewing apartments, lalala
Sounds like a great plan Sir Real,
Hope it all works out for you. Did you see anything you liked ? and where are you thinking of ?
Hi Spitfire
Thanks for your good wishes - I hope you're getting settled ok. I saw places that would be fine to live in, but nothing grabbed me as 'must have'. I'm looking for a 2 bed apartment - it's just for me, so doesn't need to be huge. Bedroom #2 is for visitors - I expect friends and family will soon latch-on to free winter sun accom!
Didn't I see in a different thread that you've recently moved into your place in an inland location? I found that apartments in Caleta were small - targetted at tourist accommodation rather than residential. I thought Costa Antigua was better - more space and facilities than I'd get in Caleta for my (fairly small) budget. Does that apply inland? Not bothered about seaside.
Apols to OP if this is a thread hijack - happy to move the conversation to PM, if appropriate.
Quote from: erik_tonny on January 21, 2017, 11:22:34 AM
Quote from: spitfire58 on January 21, 2017, 10:20:19 AM
Quote from: erik_tonny on January 21, 2017, 09:16:17 AM
The island is okay for escaping 6 months of winter grayness, cold, and wet.
Life here however is very primative and basic.
erik_tonny, I don't see it as being primitively or basic. Any & all technology & or sophistication that is available in the world is available on the island. Life is less "complicated" for sure but that is what I love about the place. IMO
Wait till you live here.
True, life here is uncomplicated and free of stress. A great place for a holiday or an escape from winter.
But try buying quality clothes or shoes. Get elctronic parts. Find a good restaurant. Enjoy a concert. Be in need of medical care, including home care.
I'm not complaining. I spend quite some money to live here voluntarily and enjoy the blue skies and the warm company of señor Lorenzo.
We regard it as a luxury being able to spend a great deal of the year here and having an other spot we still regard as "home".
90% of the items you mention you don't need here anyway, we live here to get away from having to worry about buying it or having to have it.