Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2021 2:02pm
We moved to Roche Viejo 2 years ago from Boston, MA and love it. It's rural but just 15 mins from Conil and 20 mins from Puerto De La Cruz. We're both in our mid 60s and healthy but being close to medical care is important for the future. We looked around Vejer and the proximity to good medical care was limited.
Internet is a challenge in the 'campo'. I use Yoigo's unlimited data plan with a 4G router that gives me about 60 mbs. Enough for video conferencing. 5G is coming in the next couple of months and promises much greater speeds.
Buying a property here is full of pit falls. A lot of 'rustica' land can't be built on so it's important to do your research as you look at properties. We looked at one near Vejer up near La Muela. Looked great until we found out the the legal part of the property was tiny and the rest was illegal construction. There are over 7,000 illegal building in the area and tourists are a prime target for the unscrupulous sellers and agents.
Water and power can be interesting surprises. We have a well and I installed a big filtration system, water softener and reverse osmosis. Not difficult if you're the handy type. We also installed solar panels. What a nightmare. The panels work great and power everything during the day and more. Getting the electric utility to buy the surplus has been a journey through the arcane bureaucracy of 17th century Spain.
This happens with everything here in Spain from residency to the simplest of things that they love to make complicated. "Oh sorry your document needs a blue stamp and it has a red one". I just hire a Gestoria to do all that stuff now as I would have strangled some otherwise. A good Notario is important too. The one in Vejer is excellent.
Location is important from a weather standpoint. The further you get from the coast the hotter it gets. Where we are in summer, if it's 35 here it'll be 40+ near Medina. A/C will be important if you decide to live further from the coast. The winds here can also be an interesting factor. The levante (east off the Mediterranean) can be brutal. Something to consider.
Run out of ideas for know. Good luck. The Costa Del Luz is a wonderful area to relax and take it easy in retirement.