2nd October 2020
After two decades of enjoying their second home in the Costa Blanca, Brian and Ann Clarke have taken the next step and relocated to Spain permanently, undeterred by Brexit or the ongoing Covid crisis. They talked to us about their experience of buying and moving to Spain during this unpredictable year.
The Yorkshire couple, both retired NHS health professionals, picked up the keys and moved into their semi-detached house in Punta Prima on 26th August 2020, having flown out two days before.
The couple’s new home, purchased through HomeEspaña, is in fact their second property in the Costa Blanca. Twenty years ago they bought a penthouse in Torrevieja, where they used to spend spring and autumn months ever since. Their plan is to sell their penthouse over the coming year but for the time being hang on to their UK home in Wakefield.
“We started coming to the Costa Blanca 30 years ago, staying in bungalows in Torrevieja, so we know our way around!” said Brian. “We’d thought about moving out for years but kept delaying it. About 18 months ago we decided it really was time. We were getting concerned about our health and running out of time, more so than Brexit or anything else.”
Being so familiar with the Costa Blanca and already having friends there proved a huge help to the couple, especially as travel has been heavily restricted during the Covid crisis.
“We were lucky that a friend of ours in Spain was available to assist,” said Brian. “We were at home in the UK when we first spotted our house for sale on-line. That was in July. From the details and photos, we knew exactly where it was and liked the look of everything about it. So our friend agreed to view it on our behalf with HomeEspaña. They reported back saying they approved, so soon after we made a successful offer! The property’s advertised price was €148,500 but we agreed on €145,000.”
The Clarkes’ new home is on the La Ciñuelica urbanisation. The ground-floor includes a living/dining area, separate kitchen, two bedrooms and large shower room. Stairs lead to the first floor with the third bedroom, separate family bathroom and large terrace. Outside space includes a driveway and garage.
“It’s perfect for us, just what we wanted,” said Brian. “It’s beautifully decorated throughout, a bit like a show home! And the vendor, a British lady, left lots of lovely oak furniture, which we’ve complemented with items from our penthouse. We have access to two communal pools and we’re one of few properties that overlooks one of them. Helen at HomeEspaña was very helpful during the purchase process.”
Bars and shops are just a 10-15 minute stroll away, while Punta Prima’s pretty seafront is around 30 minutes’ walk.
The Clarkes, who are in the process of applying for their Spanish residency, clearly won’t be short of things to do.
“We’ve played petanca here for years, we love it,” enthused Brian. “There are lots of leagues up and down the coast, involving all nationalities. Currently we’re in two different leagues, which means we get to play at least three times a week. Meanwhile, on Wednesday nights we go to a dinner club, where a group of us meet up at a chosen restaurant. We also like visiting La Fuente commercial centre, where we enjoy a drink and meal.”
Congratulations to Brian and Ann from all the HomeEspaña team!
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Owning a home is a keystone of wealth… both financial affluence and emotional security.
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