Am I alone?

[RichieO]

I spend a lot of time in Lanzarote 3-5 months a year, I would like to live there but find I am sitting on the fence for several apparent "reasons" when there really is nothing concrete stopping the move...  I think the main one is leaving about 3000 sq mtrs with 220 sq mtrs built for 650 with 83 built, but I don't need a big place, it's a lot of work, especially after a long spell in Lanza, maybe it's the thought of selling up (on a bad Market) and all the trauma of moving, whatever it is, it's taking it's toll not being able to commit... Any thoughts on this would be helpful..

[✈ Elle ☀]

Hi there again - and thanks for popping back to tell us a little about you. To be honest hon... nobody can make the decision but you - although I would say that speaking from the experiences of many that we help move over, that if you have major doubts already... then don't do it just yet. You have to at least 99% sure before making such a leap. You're certainly doing the right thing by asking others about how they feel too - as sometimes it can help get things into perspective... and having an extra opinion can only help.

Personally, I'd recommend waiting until you can't think of any reasons NOT to make the move... and can't bear to be away from Lanzarote a single day longer - then you'll know you're doing the right thing. As you say, the market is dire at the moment, and leaving a larger property and land behind will be hard enough as it is, without throwing a drop in money into the equation too.

If you really want to get here - then absolutely nothing will dissuade you - it didn't dissuade us!

These are of course only my personal opinions... and others will have their own.

Elle xx

[poppydoodle]

you know ritchie

 as elle said if lanza calls you that much.....  then follow your heart  life,s too short  so enjoy whats possible as your life could get snuffed out in a heartbeat ...
 l think im a bit older than you  so maybe too mellow for you at the mo but   you dont know whats to come .... just  try to be happy while your on this earth

this is it ..... you dont get a second chance at living


good luck with your choices hun

xx

[RichieO]

Thanks Elle, I know you're right of course, I really like to hear others opinions, it can be helpful... I gave up city life in the UK 35 yrs ago, to live in rural west of Ireland, never considered it bad move, (hate cities except for shopping choices) but now I am retired and would like to spend more time outdoors, the Irish weather is somewhat frustrating, as the forecast is usually rain turning to showers or vice-versa either way the forecast is accurate...So many pro's & con's have to be careful I don't con myself, pretty good at that, after years of practice....
The weather is always big consideration but I feel it should not be the only one...               

[RichieO]

Thanks Poppy, I wish I was as young as you think I am, I retired 4 years ago.....

[poppydoodle]

hi richie

ok so your a bit older than me [ not much tho ]

what time  there is left for  any of us in this world is to be grabbed   by the proverbials 

worst case scenario is that it goes t**ts up ...... at least your not sitting back in rainy old wherever saying l wish id done this that + the other  when you had the chance to turn around the rest of your life
yes of course its scary...... im at that point  now  but ill be damm,nd that  im gonna put up with what im not happy with
and wish  if only  id done  this + that when l had the chance

england does NOT  look after its retired community..... we,ve paid in all our life and getting b****r all back and told to work longer  for our efforts 

ok  ive smashed up my soapbox 


dont s,pose ive been any help sweetheart but  secretly hope you dive in and enjoy ........

[John B]

Hi Richie,  Since you gave precise figures for a property in Lanzarote, I assume it is a place which you own.  As you are retired, and didn't mention money, I assume you don't need any further income. So, it seems you can come and go as you please.  Why not just stay here for a longer, indefinite, period until you've decided what to do?  That way you can take away the uncertainty you still feel. You mention selling the place in Ireland: do you actually need to do that until you have decided?  As for the trauma of moving, yes, it's not a walk in the park, but if you have the money, get the best movers you can find to do it for you.

[Ted]

You are certainly not alone!
The fence posts are groaning under the strain with people sitting on the fence like yourself thinking shall I shan't I, me included.
You seem to have an advantage on most by having spent more than a two week holiday stint where everything looks rosy. There has been some really good advice given in previous posts about staying for a longer stint, and one that really strikes home from Poppydoodle.
If you are retired and enjoy good health and you can spend your time doing things you enjoy (in moderation) then I can think of far worse places than Lanzarote to spend my time.
You may even get to meet a few 'characters' that frequent certain establishments. (Beware)

Meanwhile this fence post is killing my a**se!

[RichieO]

Hi Ted, yes there are some good posts OK, I respect and value other opinions, especially those that are honest, and express their true feelings, some will never say a word against Lanza for fear of reprisal, or for them it really is perfect but every place has it's pro's and con's, having said that, one man's pro is another man's con, that's what makes it all so interesting...

PS. My fence is painful too, hope I have the sense
to get off,  before I fall off...       

[Star]

Hi RichieO,

Only just seen this, hence such a delay in replying.   

What I will say is that to live here in Lanzarote you do not need as much space as you do living in England, Scotland or Ireland.  Life here is not about materialistic things and most of the time you are outside, socialising etc.. or on your patio or in the garden enjoying the lovely warm weather.

If you have any doubts, my advice is don't do it.   If it is the right move for you, Lanzarote will keep calling you back.

Whatever you decide, good luck.

Star

[RichieO]

Just to say thanks for the useful advice and opinions, have heeded JohnB's advice  and spent a lot more time here, (here right now) have spent the the last 14 weeks out of 16 here, so really getting used to it, it is such a different way of life compared to home... I know quite a few people have remarked that living here is not the same as being on holiday but with my approach there is very little difference, except for the occasional maintenance work and odd jobs.  And I have made a commitment to moving over, hopefully some time this year, so that just leaves the massive task of selling up (on a very sick market)  and actually moving...   Again many thanks to all...

[Ray]

Hi Richie.
Is renting your property in Ireland not an option. We did that with our property in england and that works very well.
But I dont know the Irish market.

Ray

[John B]

Well done Richie (and thanks for listening!)  Retiring here doesn't seem like a holiday to us, because we have all our possessions and activities and circle of friends here now.  It's more like an everlasting weekend at your own home!

[RichieO]

Hi Richie.
Is renting your property in Ireland not an option. We did that with our property in england and that works very well.
But I dont know the Irish market.

Ray

I have considered that option but have been put off by some of the horror stories, like the polish crowd that sold half the stuff trashed the rest and disappeared owing a large amount of rent, there are other stories but suffice to say, it's a no-no....way.

[Karen13]

if you rent out your property thru an estate agent then although you don't get 100% of the rental you do get come back we rent out a property this way and have had no problems at all - just a thought