"2 Years in Spain: Honest Thoughts on the Move from the UK"
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- It's been two years since we made the big decision to move from the UK to Spain, and in this video, I’m sharing my honest thoughts about the experience. If you’re thinking of making the move to Spain but feel uncertain, this is the video for you. I’ll talk about the real changes in lifestyle, the improvement in health, and the sense of community that we’ve found here.
Leaving the UK was a big step, but looking back, the benefits have been beyond what we imagined. From the incredible weather and slower pace of life to the vibrant, welcoming communities, living in Spain has truly improved our quality of life.
In this video, I’ll cover:
The lifestyle changes that have made a difference to my daily life
How the health benefits of living in Spain have impacted me personally
The strong sense of community we’ve found here
Why the quality of life in Spain feels like a whole new chapter
If you're on the fence about moving to Spain or starting fresh somewhere new, I hope this video gives you the clarity and inspiration you need. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are real.
#MoveToSpain #LivingInSpain #ExpatLife #QualityOfLife #SpainLiving #HealthAndWellness #CommunityInSpain #LifeInSpain #ExpatJourney #UKtoSpain #SpanishLifestyle #SincereVlog #NewBeginnings #LivingAbroad
Best of luck to anyone who's brave enough to make changes to their lives , it's a huge step .
We moved to Scotland 36 years ago with a two year old child in tow , our second born here .
The rain , the snow and the midgies can be a challenge but I was on the beach at Nairn in November with kids jumping off the pier and adults swimming .
What I enjoy about living in Scotland is the changes the seasons bring , how safe I feel , there's virtually no crime , the friends I've made and the scenery is second to none .
I wouldn't live anywhere else .
Cheers Peter. Isn't life great, allowing us to make choices that are best for us. I'm so glad we are not all the same and that things worked out for you. All the best.
@@duncanponter1946 Thanks , Duncan , very kind of you .
Our neighbours took up Spanish residency [ both Scottish ] - they're inland over in Almeira way - they come back in July for 3 months when it gets rather hot for them .
If I won the Lottery I'd join you but I'd need the guarantee of a place back in Scotland if things didn't agree with me . I've also had a rather complicated medical history so the dear old NHS needs to be close at hand - if I moved [ I'm now 68 ] it would be Morayshire , we lived there for 2 years , was like heaven , no midgies , less rain but after 36 years ...well , it would be difficult . I wish you well and a long and happy life in the sun .
@ Cheers, allthe best.
Where did you move from Peter? Funny you mention Nairn as I’ve considered moving there…. Do you like it?
@@HHaych14 I'm from Anglesey originally but was living in Hertfordshire when I moved . Been 36 years now .
Good for you Duncan. We made the move 4 years ago to France and never looked back. Enjoy your new life!
Love your story, Duncan. Well done and my wife and I are taking inspiration from you and your wife. Closely following your adventures and hopefully I will be one of those who 'Make it happen'.
Best of luck.
Great video thanks Duncan , fellow biker from ireland here , 57 and retired early, thinking of selling up and moving over , wife is keen to move,miserable weather here and getting really expensive,Fear IS holding me back but your video helped, think I’ll bite the bullet 😊
That's some of the same reasons we had and why we "bit the bullet". You should go for it, it it's right for you, your Irish passport certainly makes things a lot simpler. All the best.
I retired at 55 and took the risk to move 23 years ago. Never looked back. Yes, it takes courage, especially with little money. People are very helpful and the Spanish will be very happy if you learn to say a few words. Many of them learn English. Bon suerte. Good video. One of the best I've seen.
Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.
Cheers Duncan keep up the good work and enjoy Spain been here 20 years never regretted it have a nice day and all your followers 🎄
Thanks, you too!
8 more years in blighty and I'll be joining you...game plan is 55 and out...can't wait.
Don't wish your life away! Start learning Spanish. It will help you have a fruitful Spanish experience.
I’d recommend Thailand 😉
Britainistan is finished.
Good luck to you , all,the best 👍
Nice to hear dear Duncan that one of the best rewards for moving to sunny warm Spain has been your health improving automatically because of the dry and warm climate, good point to share for just about anyone! Enjoy life! Wish you both a good and healthy happy time there!🙂🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
Great info Duncan. Politics has messed up most countries in Europe to be honest, but like you, I never underestimate the climate, culture and food.
As a 65 year old englishman with a disability and no home to sell or savings to invest/live on, I cannot see how I could possibly move to Spain even though I would dearly love to. Having said that, I am very happy for you Duncan. Every blessing to you and your wife therein, and Happy New Year to you both.
@@suchisthismystery2814 Unfortunately, sometimes someone’s individual circumstances prevent them from making the move. Thanks for your best wishes, all the best.
sadly, pre Brexit you could of
@@malcolmtrevorclegg9920 Brexit! What a utter disaster! It's one of the reasons I want to leave the UK. Ironically, it's because of Brexit I cannot!
Stumbled across your channel Duncan and have now subscribed.
Have had a place near Marbella for 8 years and retired early 2 years ago.
Think you have given me the inspiration to get the wheels in motion and move full time.
Would continue to keep place in Scotland, but just for a base.
Living the dream you are ☀️🌞🕶️
I'm glad to hear it. Maybe you can rent your property out in Scotland instead of it lying empty?
@ I would, wife wouldn’t! 🤣👍🏻
We've been living in Spain for six years now. I won´t say it´s perfect, but it´s damned good. We´re happier than we would be back in the UK. And we can still visit the UK if we want.
My thoughts exactly. All the best.
Happy for you as life is too short.
under the WA|?
@ I’m not sure what you mean?
Hi Duncan,
I just bumped into your video!! It is really nice you came to Spain to live. I lived in the UK a few years ago for some time and I will never regretted. So, please enjoy your stay and by the way, we love native speakers in Spain. Hope you're having a wonderful time!!!!
Thank you. I try to speak a little Spanish every day and I'm getting better all the time.
Good to see you doing well Duncan. You’ve worked hard for many many years so hope you enjoy your life in Spain.
@@chezabha Cheers Paul. All the best.
Great vlog duncan , i’m hoping to move out there next year at some point but unsure how to do it , so a couple of ideas for your next instalment which would help people in my position to make that leap more painless 😊
1 - a video explaining the whole process from start to finish on moving to spain , ie who to see , what forms to fill out , in what order they go , do you buy/rent a property before you get out there .
2- A Breakdown on roughly how much it cost per month to live there compared to England .
Look forward
Thanks, I appreciate the support. I'll add these suggestions to the list.
Total respect to you for making the move as you made it sound quite an easy decision but you still needed to do the research etc . Good luck to you for making your life better,
@@marb7463 Thanks for watching and commenting. We talked about possibly buying a place in Spain for many years but “life” got in the way. A few major life events, and losing all my work during COVID was the catalyst that made us make the decision to move for a better life. I had done all the research so it really was a pretty simple process. I’ll be doing a series of videos on how we did it. All the best.
Great video. Been living in Mazarrón for 6 years now. Its a relaxed sunny lifestyle 😊
My wife and l each made a Pros and Cons list on living in Spain permanently.... we already owned a holiday apartment..Twenty four years later, Still here...l don't think Spain has very much to offer for those still of working age, but retired its brilliant. When age is catching up, Spains Climate is far kinder for aging limbs, not to mention ones whole outlook on life. Spain is also a Motorcycle friendly Country....
@BrianLesliePerry 100% correct. 👍
How do you provide for health care? I’m thinking you’ll need private medical insurance?
@ There are reliefs and exemptions which reduce the amounts that need to be paid. For beneficiaries who are close children, parents and spouses, there’s a 95% allowance against the value of the main family home. This relief extends up to €122,000 per beneficiary, so we won’t have much to pay when we shuffle off this mortal coil. 💀⚰️🪦
@@jrhartley5 I agree, but it’s definitely something to consider.
@@duncanponter1946a lot better than the UK
Beautiful content ♥
Wise words Duncan. Congrats
Hi David, your video just popped up and I thought I'd check it out. I think you made the right move, the UK cost of living is skyrocketing and the weather this December is grey and miserable. Subscribed and look forward to following your journey. May make the move myself !
Thanks for watching and subscribing. All the best.
Just came across your video Duncan, thanks for sharing, really interesting, glad the move worked out good to see👏👏
@@gordondickson7851 Cheers Gordon. All the best.
Hi Duncan, was just watching the first video again there when I discovered your channel, hope you don't mind me asking could you let me know how to go about getting things moving regarding visa process and procedure?whatever documents you need, thanks in advance, Gordon Dickson 👍
@ Cheers Gordon. I’m working on that video now, it’s quite a complicated video to put together as I want to make sure I cover the process in detail. Keep watching, I hope to have it ready in the next few days.
@duncanponter1946 thanks Duncan, will look out for it,would be great to get the ball rolling 👍
You are right! The weather can really get you down! I like Glasgow but….. so many buts😊so we’ve bite the bullet and got our NLVs to start our new lives in the sun in a few weeks! We cannot wait! Thanks for your vlogs! 😊
@@teresawilliams2022 Great news, well done. Just remember to go out and make your life here work for you. It’s important to make friends quickly as that will help you settle in. All the best.
New to the channel here. Very nicely put together video. I like the laid-back style which is sadly so missing from other videos in the "I moved to Spain" genre. As someone currently planning an exit from the UK I certainly find this sort of video very useful. Thanks.
Thanks for subscribing and for taking the time to comment. I'm happy to offer any advice that might help. All the best.
@@duncanponter1946 Thanks for that kind offer Duncan and I may well take you up on that. I think me and the Mrs. will be visiting your area early next year. p.s. happy to pay for your time too if you ever set up some kind of consultancy. Cheers.
@@CaldonianDude Your welcome. I'm happily retired now and I can't do any paid work on my NLV, but happy to chat sometime.
@@duncanponter1946 Awesome! Thanks a lot.
We moved to los Alcázares nearly 3 years ago, for all the reasons that you said and haven’t regretted a single day 👍
Maybe we will bump into each other some time. All the best.
I was looking at a move to Lanzarote, but prices there have risen considerably, and I've been drawn to the 'Alcatraz' area as an alternative.
If we moved to Spain , Alcazores would be the place.
Wat area in Los Alcazares do u recommend?
@@garykinsella8740 They are all pretty good, just keep in mind that all the new builds at Serena Golf are quite a bit away from the town. Los Narejos is in a good location and offers good value property.
Duncan, it's Davie that used to go ride outs with you and Charlie back in the Bargeddie days. Stumbled upon your video whilst researching holiday homes in Spain. I've still got you on Facebook and your life looks excellent. I'll get a catch up one day. Some of the roads look fantastic for the bikes!
Cheers Davie. It's good to hear from you. Our life here in Spain is fantastic and the weather and roads are awesome. Give me a shout if you need any help.
Well done!!
Thank you.
I came over to France in '97 with my car, £1000 in my pocket, somewhere to stay for 2 weeks but the main factor was that I had a determination to make it work. It's not always been easy but making an effort with the language and mixed with the locals as much as we could really helped. My girlfriend (now my wife) came over 6 weeks later. A friend of mine once said to me, "There's never going to be a time when everything is right. If you are going to go, just go and work it out as you go along because life's too short. You never know what's around the corner". We are still renting but hope to buy soon and we love our life. When we go back to the UK from time to time, people are still doing the same things they were doing almost 30 years ago
Sometimes you just have to make the jump and make things work. All the best.
@@duncanponter1946 MAKING things work rather than hoping things work is really important, as well as learning the language and mixing in the local community as much as you can rather than just searching out the local English community
Thanks 🙏 it was very helpful enjoy your life.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Great video Duncan 👍 we did what you did and moved out permanently end of August. We had a 10 year plan when we were 45. We knew if we saved hard we could retire at 55. Sold our property in the U.K. and cashing in some pensions allowed us to do it. I did the visa process myself and it’s definitely doable if you’re organised 👍 I think I’m more daunted about the renewal 😂. We bought a bungalow on Sierra Golf and are loving it. The only thing we miss about the U.K. is family x
Well done, life in Spain is great. Get yourself a digital certificate,(just Google how to get one in Spain), and do the renewal all online. It was really straightforward. I know what you mean about family, that's the hardest part of living here - although we only have our grown up daughter and son, and some brothers and sisters back in Scotland. All the best.
6 years ago now just before brexit messed up a lot of people’s dreams of retirement but we know of a few friends that have moved on same golf complex after brexit and say it was fine , we had private healthcare at first which was €65 a month but now we have residency we are on their NHS system , we manage well on our pensions here we would have struggled back in England , heating bill of over a thousand in England we spend about €100 here 😎 cost of living isn’t too bad at the moment and about the family we see more of them now than we did in England they love it here can’t keep them away 😂😂
Sounds awesome. Can I ask, how do you generate enough income to live off if you are no longer working?
Great content Duncan, many thanks 👏🏻
Glad you enjoyed it
I am Argentine, with a Spanish father and an Italian mother. I decided to visit Edinburgh and I stayed here, a wonderful city. I obtained my residency. I think it may be that, as people are always looking for a change of life, I suffer a lot from the heat and high temperatures and the Scottish summer is fascinating. But Spain is also a very beautiful country. Greetings, have a good start to the year.
Thanks for watching and commenting. All the best.
@duncanponter1946 Happy New Year and excellent for making the decision that was what you really wanted...
@ Happy New Year.
I've just come back from Benidorm on 10th December after 10 days there, got up to 24 degrees C. Absolutely wonderful and dreaded going back to the NE of England. The lifestyle over there seems so laid back and less ' angry' as well than in the UK. Perhaps we are more miserable over here because of the lack of sunshine and warmth. Anyway back for another 10 days to Benidorm for my birthday from 25th Jan. Can't wait ! Coffin dodging here we come again !
Yes The atmosphere in the UK is depressing and menacing in some parts.
Well done Duncan , I am one of those too who say I want to move somewhere where it’s sunny, but haven’t done nothing about it, best wishes
@@WaqarKhan-by3cm It’s definitely nicer living in the sunshine, that’s for sure.
Thank you Duncan, so much more refreshing than a naysayer...regarding other video content, I think one detailing the research/paperwork you had to go through [and how] would be most useful for those contemplating the same but currently lacking the courage/are unsure. Also some detail on how you found accommodation/a home would help as well. Cheers!
@@teddyb4957 You’re welcome. I plan to do some of those videos in the New Year. All the best.
I'm glad you enjoy Spain, I know the south a bit, I'm from Asturias, it rains and is humid, more than in the south, not as cold as Castilla, I'll probably get arthritis or rheumatism, but I wouldn't change it for anything ever. Happy Christmas.
How different we all are Duncan. Regarding that little clip of you in snowy wet Scotland (the reason you said you moved to Spain). We live in a village in Cheshire. We’ve had snow four days on the trot here, it’s freezing cold so the heating is on …but I’m loving it😊 I love the cozy English vibe myself. We do enjoy going abroad for a week or so (as and when the mood strikes) but living permanently in a hot dry climate wouldn’t suit me or my husband.
I enjoy watching these kind of videos though…cheers!
Thanks for watching and commenting. Isn't it great that we're all different? What a dull place the world would be if we were all the same. I think we could have coped with a few days of it being freezing, but living in Scotland, we had months and months of it. All the best, and stay warm.
My friend and her husband moved up to Scotland many years ago. She’s now widowed lives alone just outside Newtonmore. She once singlehandedly (in her 70’s) had to shift all the snow from the lane to get to the A road into the village. For all that she loves it there, has no plans to move. As we said we’re all so different.x
Nice video, the big new villa on the sea front by the Costa Narejos hotel looks amazing. Keep doing the walking videos pls.
@@Stu-124 It certainly is a cracker. I’ll do more of the walking videos, people seem to like them.
Spain has been on my mind for a couple of years now, I'll be watching for your new pods .. Cheers Mate 👍
@@johnkearney478 Cheers John. I’ll be adding a lot more videos, thanks for watching. All the best.
Hello, first time I have seen your video. Well done, a lovely apraisal of your life here.
I also come from Glasgow, a long time ago,... but I made the decision to move to Spain a long time ago too. I am now 87 years old and have lived here under Franco way back , but when my family went mad because I was making the move as a divorced woman with two young children I still came. With £100 pounds and no friends , no home, no work, and no spanish language we are still here. And doing remarkedly well. It does take a certain sort of character to be able to take that jump.
My Grandaughter is at University here my son her Father has his own business here, and my daughter is a chef on the the highest luxury yachts moored here in Mallorca.
It is a wonderful life, away from Grey Skies ...Grey people and a Grey outlook. . God Bless .
@@jenniferfloyd1996 Hello Jennifer. Thanks for sharing your story, you have certainly seen some changes in Spain during your time here. I am so impressed by the strength and courage you must have had to do what you did. Thanks very much for watching and for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it. From one weegie to another, all the best, have a great Christmas when it comes.
God Bless you, very strong lady to have done all that alone x
Well done, jenn and others moving to another country can be both difficult and exciting 👏 i moved to north America as a teenager from Scotland and getting to retirement next couple of years.
Im embarrassed to say I've never been to Spain 🇪🇸 but will definitely check it out in the coming years . Best of luck and love to everyone in the holidays ❤
Really enjoyed your video Duncan. Regularly cycle to that beach too. We’ve only been here 4 months for all the same reasons you talked about.
Well done on the video posts 🙌
@@alanwallace7443 Cheers Alan. Say hello if you see me out and about.
Great video and we were in that beach bar in August when we visited. We moved over in 2020 when I decided at 58 I had the same thoughts. Living in a tiny village north of Benidorm has been interesting. Moving before Brexit allowed me to retire but work if needed (which you cant do on the NLV). We are thinking of moving down to Los Alcarzares in a couple of years because I like the area. Good on you for making the move. My Spanish is still not good after four years but I have hearing issues, I can ask for stuff but the answers flash past me... We are back down in May (and maybe earlier)
Thanks for sharing this with me, I hope to do something similar when life circumstances allow. Maybe more French/Italian coastal areas would suit us. I have an Africa Twin so sunshine for riding around would be great. Cheers, Mark
@@marksteen14 You’re welcome. It’s definitely much nicer riding in good weather all the time, instead of being cold and wet.
Good luck for the future I'm just planning escaping to the Philippines
We should all thank Duncan for the efforts he goes to.
You look really well on it ........respect
Irish passport is a game changer
For anyone who has Heritage from the Irish Republic im pretty sure u can go to the Irish embassy who will assist you in obtaining an Irish passport
Also i would advise that renting a property first of all if your looking to live in Spain initially as i know people who have put there eggs in one basket and when they wanna come back to the UK for various reasons they've realised its like starting again on property ladder
which is very stressful
I personally go out to the canaries for the winter months and I return to the UK for the spring/summer
@@type1krush205 Thanks for your comments, Irish, (or other European), heritage certainly makes things a lot easier if you can go down that route. Renting first is a smart move, that’s what we did.
@@duncanponter1946 If either one of your parents is an Irish citizen, then it's pretty simple, if you take the grandparent route, than that can take sometime, by that I mean 2 to 3 years. You'll need birth certificates and so on from the grandparent back to you, this will also include marriage certs....
@@0x0oxo Spot on. Thanks for watching.
@@0x0oxo That's not correct. I've just done this for my daughter & it took 6 months. Using my late father, her grandfather, she first had to be on the Irish foreign birth registry. That's the first step before she could apply for a passport, simple procedure, expensive but who can blame them?
@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 Considering the doors it opens I think it's good value. I'm part way through, so far the hardest bit has been tracking down my grandfather and getting proof; of birth...dob, (baptism confused things), plus decoding the record scripts...ie handwriting....Then his marriage cert...he got married in Scotland..(that came super quick)
6 months ....is fast, anyone I've spoken with and infor from forums have suggested about 18 months ..2 years.... much ....much ...longer...Perhaps that was a hangover from Covid, a lot of civil servants were shuffled around at the time I seem to remember. Anyway that's the kick up the a*se I need. I'll get back onto it next week !
One lot I found really helpful were the Irish Consulate in Edinburgh that's where they are based, no transfer to Dublin. If you dial the Welsh consulate you get directed through to the Ireland ...the same with the Consulate in London....
Hi Duncan, enjoyed your video, me and the missus are both 47 and I hope we do something similar when we retire
Sounds great!
Nice video Duncan. I note a lot of folk making the move are from the North & Scotland, I guess the weather and daylight is harsher than in the South. Not being a beach bum or phased by cold weather I would simply miss London too much. I’m a drummer and watch bands all the time, I’m 67 and love my job so I guess I’m lucky but fair play if Spain ticks your box.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I loved my job but I wanted to make sure I loved my life more. All the best.
Good for you, despite all uk issues ( including weather!) I would miss the seasons, buddies of mine keep a bolthole here which I think is a good plan ( if budget allows) best of both worlds. Also being a real ale nut that rules Spain out !
looks superb where you are pal... thanks for sharing
@@Nigiec Cheers, we love it here. All the best.
Great video pal. Having just returned from Old Malaga having a great time. You may have tipped me over the retire to spain edge.. thank you
@@ethangrieg7376 Cheers, you’re welcome. 👍
Well done Duncan and Trish. I moved to the Canaries from Falkirk a year ago. It takes an effort to move, theres no denying that but the benefits are well worth it. I like you anecdotes, and the before and after clip took years off you. I visit Scotland regularly for friends and family and dont regret moving. Good luck to you both.
@@jameskelly972 Thanks James. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. All the best.
Very interesting! We‘re two Scots living in Germany, our house here is up for sale and we‘ve bought a lovely wee house in Almeria. Our moving date is 1st Feb 2025, can‘t wait!
Almeria looks fantastic, with most bars giving out free tapas with drinks. Enjoy the move, let us know how it goes. All the best.
@ Will do, Thankyou!
Health is everything and if you have to move for it - Then 💯 % do it! And if you can’t do it full time, do it 50% of the time per year. Thats what I do being a Brit. 🇬🇧. It’s too cold here and can be miserable and unhealthy. So I spend a lot of time in Africa🇬🇭. My followers tell me I’m doing the right thing so that’s very encouraging, this video is also SUPER encouraging - Thank you for helping millions with great info! ❤
I agree 100% with you. If you don't have your health - nothing else really matters. Thanks for watching, all the best.
I've done long stays in the Algarve over winter months, so the prospect of repeating similar trips in retirement has its appeal. Whether I'd eventually go for a permanent move, less sure. There are aspects of the UK, Spain cant offer, and summers in the UK are very nice. Best of both worlds - why not!😊
You are right. If it works for you then do it.
Yes too hot in summer plus you can't beat an English country pub in the summer...or sometimes winter
Love the video! I just came back from Spain and yes, it is miserable here in Canada.
I know what you mean. My cousin lives in Winnipeg and I think it’s -28 degrees there just now. 😳🥶
@duncanponter1946 Yeah that is why we call it Winter-peg! Hahaha. Looking forward to more of your videos.
Lived in Spain for 20 years but family health reasons caused us to move back to the UK but would go back in a heartbeat
Brilliant video. Many thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
Well done .its also our dream for the future.
@@WayneRees-cj7li It’s never too early to start planning , all the best.
Arthritis in the UK is the norm. Our Plan is to move to Valencia. Going to Andalucia this xmas for 2 weeks. Thank you for your video.
@@pascalleblanc43 Thanks for watching and commenting. All the best.
Valencia is great
@@simonhellier7281 Do you live there?
@@pascalleblanc43 No. spent a fantastic weekend there. Impressive place.
Not yet. My partner has a flat in Valencia. The plan is to retire there in 7 years ish..Just done Andalusia. Sunny every day. We love it.
Great vlog. Im mid 40s, lucky to be in a profession thsy allows me to retired in 10 years, and I want to be there already! Ill be sure to check out your other videos. Im into bikes also, any content on local biking routes would be appreciated.
@@FoxtrotOscar9 Cheers, I’ll be adding some biking route videos soon. All the best.
@duncanponter1946 cheers pal, will appeal to a lot of other bikers watching your content for sure
Great video. We were on that beach as you walked past making the video on Saturday. As you say 25c 7th December and sun bathing on the beach. We have our Spanish home on Roda Golf and will be moving there within the next 18-24 months.
@@mikesspanishlife Thanks for your comment. Next time you see me, please be sure to say hello. Roda Golf is really nice and 18-24 months will pass quickly. All the best.
@@duncanponter1946 I didn’t see you but saw myself on the beach outside the Chirringuito !
I’m in Ireland freezing my fuckin goolys off on the sites,FairPlay boy great choice
We've been here for 7 years come next Feb' (retired).....Costa Del Sol, east of Málaga, wouldn't swop it for the world, love it.....Viva España.
I'm so glad things have worked out for you, more people should chase their dreams and make it happen. All the best.
Viva!
I thought of moving there also. But, I chose Mexico. So much cheaper and even the people are different even though they speak Spanish in Spain and Spanish in Mexico. Viva Mexico in memory of Juan Gabriel Y Vicente Fernandez !
@@tcb1017 That’s excellent. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Good on you. Sticking it to the man.
Cheers!
Really enjoyed that buddy 👍 just joined the channel 😀 looks lovely that beach ⛱️ area
@@marcsnow1888 Cheers. Thanks for watching and commenting. I’ll be doing more videos in the New Year. I’m back in Scotland for Christmas and it’s Baltic!!
Well done , great decision , all the best 👍🌞
Cheers, and thanks for watching.
I think it might come down to a change of scenery. Life is short. I was raised in Manchester but have lived in the US for 35 years. Been thinking of moving to Scotland. The lowlands ... Peebles, Galashiels. I know Scotland pretty well, my parents being from Viewpark/Motherwell. It probably all comes down to finding that right balance & sometimes it may involve mutton pies & square sausage : )
Keep enjoying the sun & if it helps with the arthritis, all the better.
Cheers. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope everything works out for you, all the best.
@ Cheers
Well done Duncan from a fellow scot here in mazarron.
@@johnmcclue6419 Cheers John, I was just in Mazarrón on Sunday. 😁
Thanks, Duncan. Moving to Spain, rather than Australia, makes good sense. Should you choose to pop back to the UK you are much closer. Maybe include a motorbike ride in the next video.
@@loneRider3910 Thanks Martin. I’m actually planning to do a few motorbike ride videos in the new year. Look out for them.
Hi Duncan great video I’ve been thinking about moving to Spain but being an elderly single guy (66) moving on my own I find very daunting
It is daunting. I am a single senior and am moving to Spain in 6 months. I scared shitless but doing it anyway from
San Francisco.
@@derekflannagan9102 Do your research to make sure you have made the right decision. We love it here.
66 isn't old. Not compared to me😂 It's a great age to move to Spain and there are lots of single retirees here so you won't lack friends. One thing that i love, in my experience, is that young people are respectful of seniors. I have never, ever felt afraid living in Marbella, Gerona, and Valencia. Take courage and jump is my advice. 😊
@@CasaAntigua78 Great advice.
Elderly … 😡… I’m 67 tomorrow and don’t consider myself elderly yet 😂😂. Seriously though Derek , go for it !! Good luck .
Great video, Duncan, and by all accounts a great choice you made. I am actively looking into doing the same. In my mid-fifties now and hoping to buy a flat in Spain in a few years, probably. Can't decide on the best area, I've "narrowed it down" to somewhere between Valencia and Malaga, along the coast but not necessarily right on the coast. From Edinburgh originally but been living in Norway for coming on 27 years. My Norwegian wife is unfortunately a lot more negative to this project. We'll see where it takes us. I've also got French nationality, so there should be no visa issues, which makes it easier. Did you buy your place furnished?
@@calefranco Thanks for watching. Yes, we bought our house furnished, then changed things as we went along. Most houses here seem to be furnished, except new builds of course. All the best for the future.
Really positive video and wise words indeed. We’re considering a move to Spain but have assumed that we will only be able to live there three months out of every six. Plus our kids are in there twenties so we would want to come back anyhow but I’d be interested to know how you managed to get your visa. And where are you living in Spain? Plus a ride motorbikes too so can’t wait to ride the lovely sunny roads of Spain :)
I've recently uploaded a video about the types of Visa available, have a look at that one.
Respiratory issues means I'll have to move to the warm winters in Spain...that's the plan. Great vid 👍
Good on you Duncan, I wish I could get my other half to make the move
Thanks for commenting and watching. I found that writing down all the pros and cons really helped us to focus on what would make us happiest and would give us the best quality of life. Try that, it might help. All the best.
Excellent video, Duncan. I agree that making things happen is key to having a meaningful life. I'm a high school dropout, now a retired professor. Last year we helped a school open in Ukraine. This year we're exploring Portugal, Spain, and France (primarily for their health care and public transportation). The plan is to find our next home (renting an apt, most likely), and then we will fly back to the States and spend the summer with our grandchildren in Oregon. We are looking at the UK for a 90 "non-Schengen" day visit (March-April-May) after our stay in Portugal, Spain, and France. Your thoughts? Thank you for sharing. Dean & Cindy
Thanks for watching and for your efforts to help the kids in Ukraine. It sounds like a great trip, I'm sure you will have fun. There is lots to see in the UK in a 90 day trip, personally, I think everyone should visit London at least once, the Cotswolds are beautiful, but I am biased towards Scotland and it shouldn't be missed. All the best.
@@duncanponter1946 Thanks for the reply, Duncan. Here's a video from the school (ua-cam.com/video/T_o27RhB830/v-deo.htmlsi=UNFfYDvMmem4NNBr). My daughter loved visiting Edinburgh and a buddy went there for his MA in English. I visited Cambridge and London last year, but my wife Cindy hasn't seen any of the UK. I looked at condos in Torrevieja for a minute. Maybe we stop by there on our way down the coast to Faro in March. Thanks again. Dean & Cindy
I was there last week for my 'big birthday' and did a bit more scouting of the area and posted some pictures on Facebook of the revamp of the strip. More determined than ever to move over. Perhaps you could do a video or comment on healthcare, dentists, doctors etc as that's the bit that's caused the most conversation about how you can be covered from day 1 when you move over if you needs prescriptions etc?
@@pilot_paul42 Thanks for your comments, that’s a great idea for a video. I’ll look into it to make sure I get the facts right.
Great video Duncan, I'm half-spanish but a UK citizen and myself and my wife are always discussing moving abroad, I'm in Wales and the weather is abysmal. The reason why everyone benefits in terms of health is your body is creating plenty of Vitamin D from the sun, we get very little sun in the UK so most people are deficient in Vitamin D which causes a myriad of health issues, simple answer - get more sun or take vitamin d3 supplements.
@@Thomas-1976 we love the vitamin D from the sun, I hope everything works out for you.
Well done Duncan. Subscribed. Im English, living in Australia. I travelled extensively through Spain, and Europe years ago, on a motorbike. Loved Spain. What town or city do you live in? What are real estate prices like. Currency is a factor... English pound to Euro is not bad, Ozzie$ to the pound and euro is not ...
Thanks for watching a commenting. We live in Roda village, just outside Los Alcazares in Murcia Province. Small apartments are available from around 65,000 euros, 2 bed houses from around 120,000 euros and small villas from 240,000 euros so not bad.
Good for you it's a no brainer for me cost of living half the price compared to UK and weather no comparison. Spent 6 months living there in 2015. Plan to retire les than 2 years at 55, travel then move to Spain. Tax is a bit more but will be worth it. 👍
I'd have liked to have known what type of place you bought. An apartment? A house in the town? Or the country? and where exactly in Spain you are. I've been considering spending more time abroad, particularly in the winter, and intend to take off in Feb on a road trip to look at possibilities in both Spain or Portugal perhaps.
@@johncraddock3018 We bought a 2 bedroom townhouse in Roda Village, Murcia. It’s just outside Los Alcazares, and is 10/15 minutes cycle to the beach.
Good for you. Enjoy Spain. Personally I am not in the material trap. That can happen anywhere you live. I loved my time in Spain but in all honesty i missed the UK. I think its great that people follow their dreams. For me the UK has everything we need and I love the green and lush landscape. One thing that gets overlooked is that the UK is a great place to be creative with work etc. Other than teaching English spain doesn't have the same opportunitys. All the best in your time there, i hope it works out.
@@highestsprings Thanks for commenting, all the best.
I´m Spanish but lush also exists though money is less here.
maps.app.goo.gl/AiUg4GRMPeFmkbsG7
maps.app.goo.gl/urngQsQSLYcTfPcK8
Well done
I’m jealous of you, enjoy it
Cheers Paul. We've definitely made the right move.
I am from glasgow me and my wife moved to spain last july on nlv i was 55 when i made the choice we are in guardamar del segura the climate is fantastic as the weather in the uk is terrible, the only thing i really miss is the football so find that hard our kids and grandkids love coming over to visit.
@@jsd.68 Nice to hear from you. I have friends who live in San Fulgencio, that’s not far from you. Join the Scottish & Living In Spain Facebook page, I’m sure there are quite a few football fans on there. All the best.
All the best for 2025 and beyond, Duncan!
@@GreenMorningDragonProductions Same back to you. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Way to go you only live once and Spain ticks all the boxes for living the dream in retirement well done young man 👍
@@michaelodonoghue7688 Thanks Michael. All the best.
In the UK we spend a lifetime indoors to keep warm and work ..in Spain you keep indoors to stay cool from the hot weather , but the outdoor life style during cooler periods is fantastic. Great place to retire ...not so much for work . Low income and too hot .
LOS Alcatraz, I recognised the beach bar, we were there twice this year👍
Would be interesting if you done a video of the cost of groceries/ cost of living etc in Benidorm
I'll be doing one soon. Keep watching.
Hi just found your Chanel very informative. Not an area I am familiar with as we are just down the coast inland from Mazarron. Looking to apply for visas this year and will definitely visit when back out in January
@@tonysilcock5978 Thanks, let me know if you need any help.
Dear Duncan, pardon me but as a retired GP I would advise you to have that wee lump on your left nose seen by a dermatologist…… I had a similar one 4 years ago, it turned out to be a basal cell carcinoma which needed surgery. Exposure to the UV radiation is the biggest risk factor. Take care and thanks for the info on Spain. I am a Scottish ex pat living in Norway and planning to spend a good deal of the winter in sunnier climes. All best Alex.
@@alexandermills382 Thanks for taking the time to comment and for your concern Alexander. I’ve had that wee lump as long as I can remember, but I will get it checked out. I use factor 30 sunscreen every day living here, but I see many people who don’t bother. I hope your plans work out, all the best.
Hi Duncan, just discovered your great YT channel. Would be great to ask you kindly for more info on a few things if that's ok - 1) how to get a visa to live in Spain/EU full time as a UK citizen post brexit, 2) the cost of living in Spain vs the UK, 3) details of your yearly budget to live comfortably in Spain as a couple, ie how much do you need, 4) how you built your wealth to finance living in Spain, 5) what kind of Spanish accommodation do you live in (no. of bedrooms etc) and how much was it, and 6) how old were you (and your wife) when you retired and how old now. Thank you kindly, cheers
@@ianwhittaker3041 Thanks for watching. That’s quite a list, I’ll cover these points in a separate video.
can you do a video on how to get the visa, I'm sure people would appreciate it. Fortunately for me I applied through ancestry and it was easy!
I'm working on that video now, it should be ready in a few days.
We're in fuerteventura.
Property is pretty expensive on this island.
Irish passport made the move extremely simple.
Life's good.
@@madplanet3351 Property prices seem to be on the rise again in Spain.
But where in Spain is this Duncan?? Loved your presentation of your new life!!
Hi, we live in Roda Village, just outside Los Alcazares in Murcia Province.
@duncanponter1946 how much for a pint there
@@davidboyle1193 Hi David. 3 euros in most bars, up to 4 euros in some and depending on what you order. Some difference from the UK.
@duncanponter1946 I'm an ex pat ,I live in Australia, it's between $12 and $15 dollars here
I’m in the canaries 5 times a year as well as all over the world
Interesting. You flag up same issues I am considering. Weather? I am G66 area but I am thinking of the 90day in Spain rather than selling the house itself. Bit anxious about it all. Great to hear your accent… thanks for your insight
@@papapiers1588 Thanks for watching and commenting. We’re glad we sold up and made a clean break, friends of our who only do the 90 days hate it when they have to leave to go back to the UK. I had to work for you, all the best.
Watch the dog shit...ha
It looks lovely. How do you deal with the extreme heat of the summer?
@@Pauline388 Thanks for watching. We just stay in the shade when we are outside and avoid the hottest part of the day. I’d rather deal with a couple of months of extreme heat, than put up with 6 - 8 months of miserable weather we had in Scotland. All the best.
Good video Duncan, we live in Blackpool, it still amazes me how many people here spend 30k to 60k on a car & live in miserable weather for 5 months, I will never understand why?
@@dan19752008 I know. I fell into that trap myself, work harder, get a better job, earn more money, buy bigger things, work harder, get a better job, earn more money, buy more things, repeat, repeat, repeat etc. Life is great here now, simple house, simple car, enough money to live on, happy life. All the best.
Moving to around Nerja would be my choice but for capital gains tax reasons we are gona have to go to Portugal. Been Spain loads and love it but never been to Portugal. Hoping its similar 😬 Enjoy Spain Pal
Remember that CGT can be managed by a good accountant. Here's hoping Portugal maintains it's advantage with CGT. All the best.
Well dane mate.. Keep up the dream❤
Thank you, I will