British pensioners are increasingly opting for assisted living communities in Spain, drawn by lower costs and comprehensive facilities compared to their UK counterparts. These Spanish retirement villages offer a lifestyle with gardens, pools, and 24-hour medical support, often at a fraction of the price of U.K. care homes.
Expats report that their money stretches further in Spain, allowing them to invest in properties with amenities such as swimming pools, libraries, transportation services, and on-call medical assistance. One example is Ciudad Patricia, a 24-acre retirement community near Benidorm, where residents can purchase apartments for around 200,000 Euros.
Sheila Morris, 87, and her partner Howard, 85, moved to Ciudad Patricia in 2018, purchasing an apartment for approximately 320,000 Euros (£274,000). Their annual service charge is just over 5,000 Euros (£4,550), covering utilities, insurance, maintenance, security, activities, and emergency medical response. This contrasts sharply with U.K. retirement properties, where high service charges and falling property values can create financial difficulties for residents and their families.
Ciudad Patricia offers residents access to an on-site restaurant, library, gym, pétanque court, bingo, and organized excursions, along with a bus service to Benidorm. Unlike many U.K. retirement properties where sales can be complex and result in significant financial loss, in Ciudad Patricia, when an occupant passes away, the flat returns to management, and the family may receive a portion of the original payment back, depending on the resident's age and length of stay.
The financial implications are significant when compared to U.K. options. For instance, a two-bedroom flat in Newlands of Stow in the Cotswolds is advertised for £450,000 with annual service charges exceeding £6,300, while personal care and other services are charged separately. Furthermore, operators often take a transfer fee of up to 7.5% of the sale price upon resale.
McCarthy Stone advertises shared ownership properties for substantial upfront costs, with additional monthly rent and service charges, plus a percentage of the resale price. These figures highlight the considerable cost savings offered by Spanish communities like Ciudad Patricia.
Beyond financial considerations, residents cite the comprehensive on-call medical services and the social support network as key benefits. Howard Russell recounted an incident where he collapsed during a walk, and community staff quickly summoned an ambulance, leading to a diagnosis of needing a pacemaker. He noted that the healthcare received in Spain has been superior to what they experienced in the U.K.
Navigating the move from the UK to Spain can be complicated by Brexit, with the community referring prospective residents to immigration specialists. These advisors assist with paperwork and language barriers, ensuring a smoother transition. The primary draw for many, according to Alison Eaves, an advisor, is not just the apartment but the community, access to language-speaking staff, on-call doctors, and the overall support system.
For couples like the Russells, the prospect of one partner being left alone in an isolated house is a significant concern, and Ciudad Patricia offers a built-in support network that provides peace of mind for the survivor. They express no intention of returning to the UK and would make the same decision again.