Cost of living

[maximus]

Advice please from ex pats. Would appreciate known pitfalls regarding renting property whilst exploring the property market. Also have done some research regarding buying a car but carnt find info about the cost of car insurance. Would like to have some costings re rates? Water Electricity etc. Hope people don't think I am being cheeky but trying to gather as much information as possible before we visit in September.

[SheilaW]

Be careful about buying a car - it's a rather complicated process here and buying privately risks you being liable for any debts on the car, e.g. road tax, hire-purchase etc. So don't bother until you're sure you want to stay. I believe you can get good long-term rates from hirers. OTOH, insurance seems very cheap to us - don't know how much though.

Pitfalls re renting? Don't know really but I'm just about to enter that market from the opposite side of the fence, so perhaps I'll find out soon. Legally speaking, residential-status property can't be rented out for less than 3 months at a time. Electricity bills are quite low - no heating! Water comes from the sea so isn't particularly expensive. Watch out for "community charges", although I guess they're usually not on top of the rental. In the tourist areas, practically all properties are community-owned and they have monthly charges. Between 30 and 100 euros per month seems average to me - anyone agree/disagree?

[emmi]

I have found car insurance to be much on a par with the UK, most people I know with an average size car pay around Euros 300 pa.  However, for anything to do with house purchase or signing on with utility companies etc. and for buying a car you will need a NIE number. I am not sure if you need one for a rental contract, but sure someone will advise on that. If you do a forum search on NIE, there should be a fair amount of info on how to get one.  It is not so difficult, but if you are not bold enough to do it yourself, there a numerous people who will help ( for a fee).

[Spike On Q]

I reckon 1500,00 Euros a month gives you a comfortable life and includes everything EXCEPT rent or mortgage. Please do lots of research and Don't burn any bridges, the island is beautiful but there is a difference between living here and spending a few weeks on holiday

[SheilaW]

the island is beautiful but there is a difference between living here and spending a few weeks on holiday

Good advice, IMO. There are lots of expats having a great life here, but there are also some who feel trapped (they've bought property that they couldn't sell), or who are quite bored with life here. Some have left jobs, family and hobbies behind and tell me that there really isn't much to do here but sunbathe, gossip and drink. Most have never learnt Spanish so can't take part in Spanish/Canarian life. I think the bottom line is that holidays shouldn't last for ever - the novelty wears off and life needs to have some purpose. Just bears thinking about before burning those bridges .

[Globetrotter]

the island is beautiful but there is a difference between living here and spending a few weeks on holiday

Good advice, IMO. There are lots of expats having a great life here, but there are also some who feel trapped (they've bought property that they couldn't sell), or who are quite bored with life here. Some have left jobs, family and hobbies behind and tell me that there really isn't much to do here but sunbathe, gossip and drink. Most have never learnt Spanish so can't take part in Spanish/Canarian life. I think the bottom line is that holidays shouldn't last for ever - the novelty wears off and life needs to have some purpose. Just bears thinking about before burning those bridges .

Agreed 

[maximus]

the island is beautiful but there is a difference between living here and spending a few weeks on holiday

Good advice, IMO. There are lots of expats having a great life here, but there are also some who feel trapped (they've bought property that they couldn't sell), or who are quite bored with life here. Some have left jobs, family and hobbies behind and tell me that there really isn't much to do here but sunbathe, gossip and drink. Most have never learnt Spanish so can't take part in Spanish/Canarian life. I think the bottom line is that holidays shouldn't last for ever - the novelty wears off and life needs to have some purpose. Just bears thinking about before burning those bridges .

Agreed 

[maximus]

the island is beautiful but there is a difference between living here and spending a few weeks on holiday

Good advice, IMO. There are lots of expats having a great life here, but there are also some who feel trapped (they've bought property that they couldn't sell), or who are quite bored with life here. Some have left jobs, family and hobbies behind and tell me that there really isn't much to do here but sunbathe, gossip and drink. Most have never learnt Spanish so can't take part in Spanish/Canarian life. I think the bottom line is that holidays shouldn't last for ever - the novelty wears off and life needs to have some purpose. Just bears thinking about before burning those bridges .

Agreed 

[maximus]

Be careful about buying a car - it's a rather complicated process here and buying privately risks you being liable for any debts on the car, e.g. road tax, hire-purchase etc. So don't bother until you're sure you want to stay. I believe you can get good long-term rates from hirers. OTOH, insurance seems very cheap to us - don't know how much though.

Pitfalls re renting? Don't know really but I'm just about to enter that market from the opposite side of the fence, so perhaps I'll find out soon. Legally speaking, residential-status property can't be rented out for less than 3 months at a time. Electricity bills are quite low - no heating! Water comes from the sea so isn't particularly expensive. Watch out for "community charges", although I guess they're usually not on top of the rental. In the tourist areas, practically all properties are community-owned and they have monthly charges. Between 30 and 100 euros per month seems average to me - anyone agree/disagree?