The Costa Blanca’s sunny lifestyle, affordable property and proximity to the UK are proving an irresistible combination for increasing numbers of expats ready to purchase their perfect retirement home, including those who previously lived in rented accommodation in either the UK or other foreign destinations.
Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
Escalating prices in the UK mean property in the Costa Blanca, which has homes and areas to suit all tastes, represents better value for money to retirees, in particular those priced out of the UK market or used to renting in other parts of the world.
“When British people used to living abroad or renting in expensive areas of the UK weigh up their options, the Costa Blanca is always a winner,” said Kieran Byrne, MD of Costa Blanca estate agency HomeEspaña. “As well as the better climate, the excellent air access is also appealing to those with family in the UK. Last year we helped Jamaican Julia Lannaman buy a three-bedroom townhouse in Villamartín, in the southern Costa Blanca, for just €89,000 – she’ll move there when she retires and leaves her rented flat in London. For a similar price and in the same area, we found a two-bedroom apartment for the Floods – the retired expat couple found moving to the Costa Blanca far more appealing than returning to the UK when they left Melbourne in Australia.”
Inland villages of the northern Costa Blanca are also proving popular retirement spots for expats who prefer a more peaceful and rustic existence. Peter Tyler, a retired British expat who currently lives in a rented home in Switzerland but has spent much of his life in Africa, completed on a home in the Orba Valley in January 2014, purchasing through HomeEspaña.
The first property he has ever owned, Mr Tyler’s three-bedroom villa sits on an 800-square-metre plot near Benidoleig in the Orba Valley. While he plans to move there permanently in May, work commitments mean his partner Jeannette will split her time between Spain and Switzerland until she also retires next year.
“We got a great deal,” said Mr Tyler. “The property had been reduced to €165,000 from €195,000 by the British vendor, but he accepted my offer of €145,000 and we struck a deal on all the furniture too.”
Over two storeys, upstairs Mr Tyler’s villa has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, kitchen, lounge and dining area, which has views reaching as far as the sea. Downstairs is the third bedroom with bathroom and independent access, so ideal for when Mr Tyler has his son or daughter to stay with his grandchildren. There is also a garage which could be converted into an activity room.
“I could never have retired in the UK,” added Mr Tyler. “We did look at buying in Portugal but decided against it and I thought about Africa, but Jeannette wasn’t keen. However, the northern Costa Blanca ticks all the boxes.”
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