4 wks to house hunting trip

[Bri w]

And cold feet are setting in.

It has pretty much always been our intention to buy a property abroad when we retire, and see out our time in the sun. We made a decision last year to buy before we retire, and to holiday out there for a number of years to see if we liked the area we have chosen. If we don't, then we could sell and then buy somewhere else.

We've chosen where we want to be. Below is a typical property we fancy near Ostuni which is beautiful.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-...-16445094.html

We love the people, the food, the culture, the weather and a multitude of other aspects to it all. We'd only be 4 hrs from family, and them from us.

So what's the problem?

Statistically I will pop my clogs before Barb, and the thought of leaving her alone miles from family, especially as her Italian is virtually non-existent, is really making me take a step back and think.

mmmm, I suppose I could retire out there by myself and leave her here.

You don't need to speak Italian. Just grow a moustache

Seriously though, Carpe diem. Don't focus on the the "what might happen in X years". I'd be looking forward to enjoying whatever life you do have and if that means going to Italy, then go for it

dont live your life with statistics. You dont know what is around the corner. If she is happy to go then it would be silly to decide against it because of what ifs. If you do pop your clogs and she is not happy, she can always come home. go for it

property looks lovely

Originally Posted by kitkat

dont live your life with statistics. You dont know what is around the corner. If she is happy to go then it would be silly to decide against it because of what ifs. If you do pop your clogs and she is not happy, she can always come home. go for it

property looks lovely

got to agree with kitkat - don't live your life for what ifs its short enough as it is without sticking stuff on hold go for it

[anna]

Its only natural to have misgivings and do a re-think if you didnt then you wouldnt be human.

Living out there or taking holidays will improve her language skills, and as you said it is only 4 hours back to family and friends.

It is a big step but you are taking it one step at a time in quite frankly a really sensible method.

Dont worry too much about what could happen, between now and then is a lot of life, and a lot of good times ahead in your new house.

12,000sqm of land!

pretty immense campsite that would make for an Italian AR =P

Back to the thread...having misgivings is completely natural and shows that you are thinking things through properly and not jumping into something you aren't prepared for, having said that KitKat is right, life is too short to not do something because something else COULD happen!

Find a fab place, enjoy the rest of your lives together!

Being a bit nearer the three score years and ten than yourself Bri I can see full well where you are coming from and probably something the younger members don't consider. Medical,[I can't get private insurance]travel and family are my constricting factors.
As an alternative I have looked at winter renting of a villa [3 months] which will give you a good idea if its really what you want,maybe worth considering before committing to the final plunge. This would let you know how the pair of you would get on with the locals,language and missing the family ------ A BIG STEP to up sticks and move when you have so much to loose,things that you take for granted suddenly become important. Only you can decide and good luck with the turmoil of the decision

[maviczap]

At least its not the other side of the world, like my sister tried twice an came back both times

My bosses mum and dad spent the winters in Spain, but came back to the UK in summer, so best of both worlds.

I'd try before I'd buy, so renting isn't a bad idea.

Learn the lingo is all I'd say.

Its a big move, but at least its only a short flight away

[gruntygiggles]

Bri, the reason you can take a step forward with Barb into this new part of your life is right there in your OP. Your family. They will be 4 hours away and there in a flash when needed, as you would be back here in a flash if and when they need you. My parents have talked a lot about the very same thing and TBH, the only thing I have asked them to consider is the kind of care they will recieve if a time comes that they are no longer able to care fully for themselves. For instance, if they are a 20 minute drive out of town, how does the local authority support you if you cannot drive for supplies due to ill health or injury. What services are in place for the elderly and so on.
We came to an agreement that if my sister and I agree that it is no longer in their best interests to be where they are, they will come home, but that my sister and I will first do whatever we can to ensure that they get to stay where they want to be. It basically comes down to...if they are not able to get proper care or one or both is left with not enough support day to day, they will come home. We have also discussed coming home if they ever need to and they will buy a little bungalow before they go and rent it out, but have it there to come back to if needed.

It's just a case of thinking about what you need to plan for in the long term future, putting plans in place and talking to your family about them, so that when they happen, they will be sorted out and then, putting that to the back of your mind and going out there to enjoy the life you've both been dreaming of.

The borders aren't closed when you leave Bri...you can always come back.

I can see where you`re coming from Bri and I can fully understand your concerns re. Barbara. One thing my job has taught me though is that you never know what`s round the corner so don`t be too quick to assume that you will be the first to go.

It would be sensible to consider healthcare - the availability and affordability of it. I would imagine that Italy being in the EU you would be entitled to a certain level of free healthcare but how far would this go? would it only cover basic healthcare? you would have to think about the fact that should you ever be in need of long term or critical care you may require some sort of health insurance to cover any shortfall.

One benefit of Italy is that you can claim your UK state pension there, and it can be paid into an Italian bank account but I remember hearing somewhere that if you own any assets in Italy such as a property you should be aware that when you die these assets will not necessarily pass to the person you assume is your next of kin. They have different laws and rules of succession in Italy so you would need to consult a lawyer re that.

My gut feeling is to say "go for it". If this has been your dream then dreams should be followed. Just look into all the potential pitfalls, sort them out then go make your dream a reality.

Good luck x