| real life story: Tony and Carol Roberts |
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JUMPING IN AT THE DEEP END
They now own a five-bedroom house (three of which have terraces, kitchen, morning room and a large swimming pool. But before moving in, they undertook quite a bumpy ride.
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| the lounge |
The Roberts admit that they didn't do any preparation beforehand and before finding their house, they had in fact put a deposit down on an off-plan apartment, after only having seen a photograph.
"We had no idea exactly where it was, it just seemed like a good idea at the time," Tony tells us.
"The estate agent later showed us the piece of land that it would be built on - it all looked satisfactory, but then we decided to put down a deposit on a townhouse - the plan was that we would rent out the apartment and then live in the townhouse"
But to do this, the Roberts' had to sell their house in the UK (which they did) - only they never had the chance to live in either of their Spanish properties - they sold them both and bought the house in which they are living now
"Prior to purchasing the house, we rented a villa for a few months and also a tiny second floor apartment right in the city centre. This was actually a good idea because it enabled us to see what we liked and didn't like," says Tony.
They finally moved into their house, but it was in need of major restoration: The house had been built in the 1930s and was only ever used at weekends. It gave the impression that it was a property, which had been neglected. There were lots of little dark rooms, but it had tremendous potential. Although we didn't have the money to buy it, we still put down a deposit"
"The house had to be gutted, and while all the work was going on, we were still actually living there"
"The house had to be completely gutted, and while all this renovation work was going on, we were still actually living there. It took 14 months to complete, and it was certainly an experience that neither Carol or I would repeat."
From hastily buying an apartment, in which they had no idea where it was being built - to the completion of their current property, they met many other people in similar situations, but none of whom, had not been quite so lucky.
Says Tony: "We were incredibly naive and we could have lost a serious amount of money. I mean we really did do everything that you shouldn't do. In hindsight, we would have done a lot more homework and spoken to people who have already bought a property in Spain - that really is important - try and seek recommendations of agents and solicitors too"
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| The Pocomed offices near Lorca |
"In hindsight, we would have done a lot more homework and spoken to people who had already bought a property in Spain - that really is important"
Despite all this, neither of them really have any regrets, "We know we were lucky, but at the time, the journey was exhilarating and fun and we wouldn't have missed it for anything."
ITCHY FEET
The Roberts' spent the first three months just winding down, until they were ready to get involved in something, says Tony.
From all the experience they had gained working there, the Roberts' decided to set up their own estate agency business.
"We had met quite a few constructors whilst working for the estate agent, and they were more than happy to have us representing them"
The Roberts' now have English-speaking lawyers working for them and have also made excellent arrangements with local banks for clients' bank accounts and mortgages.
"We have one English speaking Spaniard working for us, who has both lived and worked in England, and more importantly, has extensive knowledge and experience of the real estate market in Spain. We are now looking for another professional person to join our team as well"
The Roberts' originally set up their business from home, but then opportunities arose and they acquired an office near Lorca
STRESS-FREE LIVING
After feeling that owning a business in the UK was both stressful and demanding, things seem different in Spain.
"We never came to Spain to set up a business, but we are doing what we love. We derive a great deal of satisfaction from helping people find their dream home. In England, it seemed to be more of a treadmill - you seemed to be living just to go to work.
Tony explains that Carol has always been good at languages and before they left the UK, she started taking some Spanish lessons, but now with a home and office in Spain, she is practically fluent.
"Carol is also giving English lessons to a number of professionals who work in the village,"
Generally, the Roberts' have found that the cost of living is a third cheaper than in the UK, with some items as much as 50 per cent cheaper. Some medications, which are only available on prescription in the UK, are also freely available over the counter in Spain, explains Tony.
"We have also taken to eating fish - the selection is enormous and it's always fresh and cheap."
The Roberts' are hooked up to Sky, so they do not feel isolated from the UK, and as most of the supermarkets are quite big, they normally stock many of the items that you would find in the UK.
As for stress - they're finding it non-existent in Spain. "We have a business that we enjoy, a beautiful house and an easygoing lifestyle" Well we're feeling inspired - don't know about you!
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