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  1. #1
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    Lightbulb A life abroad is more than bricks and mortar

    FCO urges British nationals planning to retire abroad to learn more about their destination before moving.



    With six million British nationals planning to head overseas when they retire* , the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is teaming up with ‘A Place in the Sun’ to urge UK retirees and others considering a move abroad to think long-term and plan thoroughly.

    According to ‘A Place in the Sun’, there has been a swing back towards more established destinations since the global downturn, with Spain, Portugal and France proving to be particularly popular - both for buying a second home and full-time relocation. For many, moving to foreign climes to settle down in a place with warmer weather, different scenery and a change in lifestyle is an appealing prospect.

    But there are many things to consider to help ensure a smooth transition. Despite the importance of being prepared before heading overseas, a recent survey** has suggested that only a third of British nationals (32%) believe doing their own research is the most important thing to do before moving. Just one in ten (10%) saw their long-term financial requirements as the most important factor.

    James Duddridge, Minister for Consular Affairs, said:

    "Moving abroad can be a wonderful experience, but living somewhere new is very different to your average holiday. It’s crucial to think about the future and allow plenty of time to do your research."

    "A permanent or semi-permanent move overseas involves many practical and social changes. We would advise British nationals to take their time to research all aspects required for a successful move, such as the laws and customs of your future home country, the long-term financial implications for you and your family, any legal issues requiring independent advice and your current and future health needs. Remember, relocating is about more than bricks and mortar."

    Andy Bridge, Managing Director of A Place in the Sun, said:

    "It’s no coincidence that people who make the most successful transition abroad are those who are fully prepared and have done their research. Considering long-term financial requirements, learning the local language and seeking independent legal advice are just some of the important things you should think about. The FCO's moving abroad checklist(PDF, 224KB, 1 page) is a good place to start."

    Carole Hallett Mobbs, editor of ExpatChild.com, moved to South Africa over a year ago and comments:

    "I speak to British expats frequently, and often people forget simple, everyday steps such as cancelling their water back in the UK, which is a difficult task when you could be thousands of miles away. I would advise those looking to move abroad not to cut all financial ties with their home country when they move. Having a UK bank account left open can prove extremely useful when you discover an outstanding bill or utility needs sorting out, or in case of an emergency."

    Almost half (46%) of the survey respondents who already live abroad said their top piece of advice for those looking to relocate is to be realistic with their expectations. Hallett Mobbs echoes the sentiment:

    "Successful expats are those who go into their new life with their eyes open, and with a sense of adventure tempered by realism. The grass isn’t greener, it’s just different grass."

    If you are planning to move abroad, visit the FCO’s Living Abroad page for more information, or see our video guide:-



    If you know the country you would like to move to, check the FCO’s Living In guides for more details.

    ExpatChild.com hosted a Moving Abroad Q&A session on Facebook with Carole Hallett Mobbs.

    Further information

    If you would like further information please contact 0207 781 2342 or
    fcoteam@consolidatedpr.com

    The 'Know Before You Go' targets a number of audiences, from gap year students to package holidaymakers; sports fans to older travellers and people visiting friends and family abroad. The campaign works with more than 300 travel industry partners to communicate its messages.

    If you have any enquiries for FCO consular staff before you go or while abroad you can use the FCO’s Twitter service @FCOtravel. Questions are answered 9am-6pm BST, Monday to Friday and FCO staff aim to respond within 30 minutes. This service adds to the ways that British people travelling or living overseas can already get in touch with the FCO: by emailing our travel advice team or contacting local consular staff.

    You can keep up-to-date with the latest FCO travel advice by signing up to the FCO’s Facebookand Twitter feeds.

    Information about how the FCO can help British nationals abroad:


    The FCO can: The FCO cannot:
    Issue you with an emergency travel document Help you enter a country if you do not have a valid passport or necessary visas
    Provide information about transferring money Give you legal advice or translate documents
    Provide help if you have suffered rape or serious sexual or physical assault, are a victim of crime, are ill or in hospital Investigate crimes or get you out of prison
    Give you a list of local lawyers, interpreters, doctors or funeral directors Get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people, but we will raise concerns if treatment falls below internationally recognised standards
    Contact you if you are detained abroad Pay any bills or give you money
    Contact friends and family back home for you if you wish Make travel arrangements for you
    Provide help in cases of forced marriage .
    Assist people affected by parental child abduction .


    *The MGM Advantage Survey, 2014 recently revealed that more than 6 million UK adults are planning to head overseas when they retire.

    **Survey conducted by OnePoll in September 2014, from a nationally representative sample of 400 British residents overseas and 600 British nationals of retirement age looking to move overseas.


    Source


  2. #2
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    Thousands, upon thousands of mugs shortsightedly went to Spain and must now regret it


  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dedworth View Post
    Thousands, upon thousands of mugs shortsightedly went to Spain and must now regret it
    To be fair, the full extent of the financial crisis and associated events couldn't really have been predicted.


  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Terpe View Post
    To be fair, the full extent of the financial crisis and associated events couldn't really have been predicted.
    There's some sad stories about a friend of mines wifes parents (in their 80's) went out there about 20 years ago, the wife spent the last two years visiting her Mum who's just passed away on ever increasing cancer hospitalisations. It now looks like her Dad has a similar condition. No property over here and the place in Spain is unsellable. I think they were covered medically but for some inexplicable reason unknown to the daughter they changed their wills to Spanish ones


  5. #5
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    The property crash was awful for many.
    Health issues are always going to be key

    "A life abroad is more than bricks and mortar"


  6. #6
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    I stand to be corrected but as far as I'm aware most retirees owning a house/apartment in say Benidorm, Mallorca or Malaga area etc are largely unaffected by the 'Euro-Crisis'. They have no mortgage or rents, they still have their pension to live off and generally no income at risk.
    For the most part wasn't it younger folks or families who were tempted by a life in the sun that found it almost impossible to sustain an adequate income ?


  7. #7
    Respected Member Michael Parnham's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Terpe View Post
    FCO urges British nationals planning to retire abroad to learn more about their destination before moving.



    With six million British nationals planning to head overseas when they retire* , the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is teaming up with ‘A Place in the Sun’ to urge UK retirees and others considering a move abroad to think long-term and plan thoroughly.

    According to ‘A Place in the Sun’, there has been a swing back towards more established destinations since the global downturn, with Spain, Portugal and France proving to be particularly popular - both for buying a second home and full-time relocation. For many, moving to foreign climes to settle down in a place with warmer weather, different scenery and a change in lifestyle is an appealing prospect.

    But there are many things to consider to help ensure a smooth transition. Despite the importance of being prepared before heading overseas, a recent survey** has suggested that only a third of British nationals (32%) believe doing their own research is the most important thing to do before moving. Just one in ten (10%) saw their long-term financial requirements as the most important factor.

    James Duddridge, Minister for Consular Affairs, said:

    "Moving abroad can be a wonderful experience, but living somewhere new is very different to your average holiday. It’s crucial to think about the future and allow plenty of time to do your research."

    "A permanent or semi-permanent move overseas involves many practical and social changes. We would advise British nationals to take their time to research all aspects required for a successful move, such as the laws and customs of your future home country, the long-term financial implications for you and your family, any legal issues requiring independent advice and your current and future health needs. Remember, relocating is about more than bricks and mortar."

    Andy Bridge, Managing Director of A Place in the Sun, said:

    "It’s no coincidence that people who make the most successful transition abroad are those who are fully prepared and have done their research. Considering long-term financial requirements, learning the local language and seeking independent legal advice are just some of the important things you should think about. The FCO's moving abroad checklist(PDF, 224KB, 1 page) is a good place to start."

    Carole Hallett Mobbs, editor of ExpatChild.com, moved to South Africa over a year ago and comments:

    "I speak to British expats frequently, and often people forget simple, everyday steps such as cancelling their water back in the UK, which is a difficult task when you could be thousands of miles away. I would advise those looking to move abroad not to cut all financial ties with their home country when they move. Having a UK bank account left open can prove extremely useful when you discover an outstanding bill or utility needs sorting out, or in case of an emergency."

    Almost half (46%) of the survey respondents who already live abroad said their top piece of advice for those looking to relocate is to be realistic with their expectations. Hallett Mobbs echoes the sentiment:

    "Successful expats are those who go into their new life with their eyes open, and with a sense of adventure tempered by realism. The grass isn’t greener, it’s just different grass."

    If you are planning to move abroad, visit the FCO’s Living Abroad page for more information, or see our video guide:-



    If you know the country you would like to move to, check the FCO’s Living In guides for more details.

    ExpatChild.com hosted a Moving Abroad Q&A session on Facebook with Carole Hallett Mobbs.

    Further information

    If you would like further information please contact 0207 781 2342 or
    fcoteam@consolidatedpr.com

    The 'Know Before You Go' targets a number of audiences, from gap year students to package holidaymakers; sports fans to older travellers and people visiting friends and family abroad. The campaign works with more than 300 travel industry partners to communicate its messages.

    If you have any enquiries for FCO consular staff before you go or while abroad you can use the FCO’s Twitter service @FCOtravel. Questions are answered 9am-6pm BST, Monday to Friday and FCO staff aim to respond within 30 minutes. This service adds to the ways that British people travelling or living overseas can already get in touch with the FCO: by emailing our travel advice team or contacting local consular staff.

    You can keep up-to-date with the latest FCO travel advice by signing up to the FCO’s Facebookand Twitter feeds.

    Information about how the FCO can help British nationals abroad:


    The FCO can: The FCO cannot:
    Issue you with an emergency travel document Help you enter a country if you do not have a valid passport or necessary visas
    Provide information about transferring money Give you legal advice or translate documents
    Provide help if you have suffered rape or serious sexual or physical assault, are a victim of crime, are ill or in hospital Investigate crimes or get you out of prison
    Give you a list of local lawyers, interpreters, doctors or funeral directors Get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people, but we will raise concerns if treatment falls below internationally recognised standards
    Contact you if you are detained abroad Pay any bills or give you money
    Contact friends and family back home for you if you wish Make travel arrangements for you
    Provide help in cases of forced marriage .
    Assist people affected by parental child abduction .


    *The MGM Advantage Survey, 2014 recently revealed that more than 6 million UK adults are planning to head overseas when they retire.

    **Survey conducted by OnePoll in September 2014, from a nationally representative sample of 400 British residents overseas and 600 British nationals of retirement age looking to move overseas.


    Source
    Well found advice!


  8. #8
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    I think one of the problems with the older ones (particularly when theres only one left) is although they don't have a mortgage a lot of these places in Spain are pretty much unsellable so they're unable to finance a return home. I told my mate he ought to get the father in law to jump on a plane to Heathrow, bin his passport and then claim to be a deaf & dumb asylum seeker so he's put in a publicly funded care home


  9. #9
    Respected Member Ako Si Jamie's Avatar
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    Too many people with pound signs floating in front of their eyes and not enough homework.


  10. #10
    Respected Member tone's Avatar
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    Great resource!

    We will be buying a house end of this year and I'd like to get a top down view on buying a property.
    We will buy with a deposit and then seek a loan (we have setup a bank account with BDO and put money in monthly) and hope they can help us fund the property whilst still working either here or Singapore.

    What are the first steps - I realise for example land has to be in Wifes name but beyond that when buying a house and hiring the lawyer what pitfalls exist for us abroad?

    Thanks

    Tone


  11. #11
    Respected Member SimonH's Avatar
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    Have you considered a long term rent?


  12. #12
    Respected Member tone's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SimonH View Post
    Have you considered a long term rent?
    Hi Simon
    The house purchase is two fold - family is in rented now (and although cheap) we want to secure a property for our longer term use that is larger and more modern around Paranaque/Metro Manila.

    Tone


  13. #13
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    Thanks for the interesting and informative post Terpe.

    Tone....Merville Subd. in Paranaque is really nice.
    My sweetheart lives there.


  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by tone View Post
    Hi Simon
    The house purchase is two fold - family is in rented now (and although cheap) we want to secure a property for our longer term use that is larger and more modern around Paranaque/Metro Manila.

    Tone
    I can only speak from my own experience.
    Property is a great long term investment.
    If it's going to be a home then be sure to do all your homework, be available to be on the ground when you buy and double check all paperworks and outstanding liabilities.

    The overall quality of 'retail' house building is abysmal IMO
    As is the functionality of internal design.
    If I had the energy I'd have a place built to my own design and specification.
    Alternatively, remodel and rebuild/extend an existing place on a larger size lot.

    Caveat Emptor


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