Spending winter 6 months overseas in early retirement

Pat Bateman said:
Laramie, there should be a significant difference in the pricing of a (relatively) long term rental vs a short term holiday rental, so your point is irrelevant.
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My point is not irrelevant. Yes you can negotiate a cheaper price for a long term rental in Madeira but you can also negotiate a cheaper price for a long term rental in the South of Spain or Portugal. Did you not consider that this might be the case. Did you actually think that the prices would drop for a long term rental in Madeira but not drop in mainland Spain or Portugal also?

I have rented apartments in Spain and Portugal and Madeira and I can guarantee you that it was expensive to purchase foodstuffs in the main supermarkets in Funchal. More expensive than mainland Spain or Portugal.

Have you rented any apartments abroad? Have you written any reviews?
I have.
 
Pat Bateman said:
Pleasantly warm in the winter and no scumbags.
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When we were in Madeira there were plenty of scumbags/drunks hanging around the area just outside the indoor market place. We were also charged quite a bit more money for a taxi journey when we "hailed" a taxi. If you go to a taxi rank it is cheaper.

We were there in December and the weather was lovely, some heavy showers but very pleasant enjoying the Christmas decorations in the heat.

I think if you are going away for 6 months you will need a home from home. I would be looking for a decent sized apartment of about 60 sq metres, possibly owned by an Irish or English person. These should have all the T.V. channels that you are used to back home. Lets face it, you are not going to be eating out every night, are you?
 
Laramie said:
My point is not irrelevant. Yes you can negotiate a cheaper price for a long term rental in Madeira but you can also negotiate a cheaper price for a long term rental in the South of Spain or Portugal. Did you not consider that this might be the case. Did you actually think that the prices would drop for a long term rental in Madeira but not drop in mainland Spain or Portugal also?

I have rented apartments in Spain and Portugal and Madeira and I can guarantee you that it was expensive to purchase foodstuffs in the main supermarkets in Funchal. More expensive than mainland Spain or Portugal.

Have you rented any apartments abroad? Have you written any reviews?
I have.
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Your posts make no sense at all. You rented an apartment in Funchal that (according to you) was more expensive than others you've rented in Spain and mainland Portugal. We don't know what any of these properties were like, yet you're happy to have others draw general conclusions from your specific experiences.

And, surprise surprise, you've now changed your tune regarding the cost of living. Earlier you were claiming that groceries were more expensive in Madeira than in Ireland (an outrageous claim). Now you've lowered the bar to Spain and mainland Portugal.

I have rented apartments abroad, and based on your posts I wouldn't believe a word of any of your reviews. The OP has clarified that they want somewhere with more 'action'.

OP, Cape Town's a great spot. The cost of living is much less than in Ireland (no doubt others will find some bizarre way to try and disagree with me). There's a lot to do. You've asked if it's safe. All things considered and if you avoid certain areas, it is. Is it as safe as Ireland, Spain or Portugal? No.
 
Hi,
We purchased an apartment in Tenerife 7 years ago. We love it and spend about 5 months there each year. The cost of living is unbelieveably low, eating out is very cheap and overall we love its climate and everything.
The air fares are excellent when you can choose the time to fly. June/Aug is expensive to fly, otherwise we pay about €290 per return with Aer Lingus. Ryanair fly too usually not much cheaper.
Several of our friends share a car between 2 families, cars are cheap and petrol is very cheap too. Car hire is excellent value.
There is a lot of activities available, Golf is expensive. We play only once a week and there is a good value competition with barbeque after. Lots of Irish playing, a great way to meet fellow Irish people. Other than that we play occasionally when special offers are on. It is cheaper to play in May/Sept. High season is Sept to May.
We let occasionally to friends and that pays the maintenance fees. Be very careful where you buy, planning permission is a big issue. Convenience is worth a lot extra, near the sea front is worth the extra price.
If you would like more information please contact me. Now would be a good time to purchase as prices are low.
Climate, The weather is lovely, between 18 - 25 mostly. Jan-Mar can have some cold days down to about 17deg, but not many days. Nights never drop below 14 deg. Summer rarely get hot like in Spain with an odd exception.
Good luck with your decision. Regards Browtal
 
Hi Browtal.

What are the golf courses like and how much is a round of golf?

Sounds nice.
 
One of the golf courses is excellent. It is expensive, a round costs about €90/120. You can get a package of about 6 rounds and pay about €65 per round. The course in Adeje is excellent. That is near Los Cristionas, where we have our apartment the area is lovely and not as lively as Los Americas which can be rough at times. We are 15 mins from the airport which costs €23 each way. If you purchase a property you will have to regrister and get an NIE number like our RSA numbers. You will then qualify for discounts at the courses.
I have known Irish people to buy on golf courses and they get v good value. In general they change to near the front in no time as they find them isolated, though some are not too far from the main centres,the convenience near the front is worth the difference.
The Wednesday competition in Adeje costs, I think €29 for 13 holes and that includes the barbeque and buggy and guaranteed to meet lots of Irish, it is very sociable and enjoyable. No need for rain wear.
Regards Browtal
 
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Pat Bateman said:
Your posts make no sense at all. You rented an apartment in Funchal that (according to you) was more expensive than others you've rented in Spain and mainland Portugal. We don't know what any of these properties were like, yet you're happy to have others draw general conclusions from your specific experiences.
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I am sure that Laramie knows what he is talking about. I think that if you rent properties abroad you get to know and compare like for like. Certainly from looking through the holiday rental websites, apartments are dearer in Funchal to rent than mainland Portugal.

Anyhow, recommending someone to rent in Madeira for 6 months was not the brightest suggestion. The place is full of hills and steep ones at that. Easy to walk down in the morning but a killer heading back when you are tired in the afternoon.

I think if renting abroad you will also need somewhere with a decent promenade and no hills, on the flat so to speak. You will have to fill the days. There are lots of good seaside locations in Southern Spain with long promenades.
 
Pat Bateman said:
You were had. Taxi fares from the airport to any hotel in Funchal are supposed to be fixed at €35.
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This is not true and from someone who belittles what others have to say.

The taxis from the airport are metered. There is an extra 20% charge after 10 p.m. and before 7. a.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays.

Why believe anything you have to say?


I would be interested to know from MTK if you intend renting an apartment or staying on a long term deal with one of the hotels. There are fantastic full board offers in lots of hotels.
Have you thought about the fixed bills back home such as ESB, Gas, Car Tax, Cable T.V. etc or have you factored these mostly unavoidable costs in to your sums?
 
browtal said:
Hi,
We purchased an apartment in Tenerife 7 years ago. We love it and spend about 5 months there each year.
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Would it not be cheaper to rent than purchase. You wouldn't have the problems associated with ownership? You can also change destinations rather than going to the same place every year?
 
I think you should consider renting for at least the first year. We had visited for long periods for a few years before we decided it was the right choice for us.
In Tenerife it is difficult enough to get Winter rentals in good locations. By good locations I mean on the flat at the sea front.
Most of the owners are there themselves during the Winter period, if not all the time at least some of it so a long rental would not suit them.
One of the big benefits of owning your own is you can have all the extras you need, for a long stay, to make your holiday feel like home. 6 months is a long time in a rental property.
We so look forward to going out again each year and having our own things and comforts around us.
In Los Cristionas the walks are amazing, promenade about 4 miles long to walk. Also hill walking and groups of people who walk together. We are called 'swallows' we depart for the Summer. Exercise classes, language classes, bridge for all levels, dinner clubs, who meet on an arranged night each week and many more activities. People are very helpful to each other, you will find contacts to help with odd jobs too and of course you help.
There are a lot of English people, many who have sold up and live there. We have also met many who have sold up and cannot settle. That is an unfortunate situation as often they cannot afford to return and purchase what they would like. They lose on the move. Men are usually the ones who have difficulty. In my experience the women settle better.
At the end of our stay we are very happy to come home and see our friends and family. Our family use the apartment for Summer holidays.
As for being able to go somewhere different for holidays the opposite applies you so look forward to meeting your overseas friends again. If you purchase in the right location you could afford another holiday as the rental would pay for your holiday. You will pay tax on rentals but not as much as here.
I hope you make the right decision, dont rush in!
Browtal
 
Grizzly said:
I would be interested to know from MTK if you intend renting an apartment or staying on a long term deal with one of the hotels. There are fantastic full board offers in lots of hotels.
Have you thought about the fixed bills back home such as ESB, Gas, Car Tax, Cable T.V. etc or have you factored these mostly unavoidable costs in to your sums?
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thnaks Grizzly
The intention would be to rent not buy. Might try hotel deals first for shorter period to see how it goes. Bills allowed for .
 
browtal said:
I In Los Cristionas the walks are amazing, promenade about 4 miles long to walk. Also hill walking and groups of people who walk together. We are called 'swallows' we depart for the Summer. Exercise classes, language classes, bridge for all levels, dinner clubs, who meet on an arranged night each week and many more activities. People are very helpful to each other, you will find contacts to help with odd jobs too and of course you help.
There are a lot of English people, many who have sold up and live there. We have also met many who have sold up and cannot settle. That is an unfortunate situation as often they cannot afford to return and purchase what they would like. They lose on the move. Men are usually the ones who have difficulty. In my experience the women settle better.
At the end of our stay we are very happy to come home and see our friends and family. Our family use the apartment for Summer holidays.
As for being able to go somewhere different for holidays the opposite applies you so look forward to meeting your overseas friends again. If you purchase in the right location you could afford another holiday as the rental would pay for your holiday. You will pay tax on rentals but not as much as here.
I hope you make the right decision, dont rush in!
Browtal
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thanks Browtal Tenerife sounds interetsing although never been
 
Thanks Browtal. That's a very good and balanced summary.

I am not one of those people who would spend 6 months abroad because drink and cigarettes are cheap. Not being a golfer or bridge player would also play a part. Nor would I be interested in lying on a beach or beside a swimming pool appeal to me. Your other activities mentioned do appeal though.
Renting on mainland Spain gives the opportunity to visit inland Spain, places like Rhonda, Granada, Cordoba etc Availability of cheap flights would be another factor.
The problem with staying in a hotel is that you are effectively confined to a bedroom whereas with an apartment you have a fridge, microwave etc plus room to move about.


Pat Bateman said:
OP, Cape Town's a great spot. The cost of living is much less than in Ireland (no doubt others will find some bizarre way to try and disagree with me).
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Not at all Pat. We know everything you say is right.
 
I am surprised that the Canaries has only recently been mentioned. We have often gone there in November and hated leaving to face the weather in ireland. From a social aspect if you like company you can easily meet up with Irish people like yourself enjoying the good life.
 
As a properety owner in the Canary Islands you are entitled to reduced travel costs, bus and air travel to the other Canary Islands and mainland Spain. The flights are about half the usual price.
There is lots to do on the island, you will be surprised, and a part time job is not impossible. Are you a handy man. Taking care of apartments for other owners is very sought after.
Browtal
 
I have updated my Criteria if it helps based on suggestions
winter climate warmer than ireland but not too warm
cost of living cheaper than ireland
english widely spoken or french speaking as I am pretty fluent
PLUS we are very fit so " hills" are not a problem
PLUS The price of cigarettes is irrelwvant to us as we dont smoke
PLUs easy to integrate into ex pat community if non golf player!- * suggestions on how to do this very welcome

Any sugestions/ first hand experience of pros and cons of their chosen destination if they have done this?
 
Pat Bateman said:
You were had. Taxi fares from the airport to any hotel in Funchal are supposed to be fixed at €35.
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Actually this is what you said Pat Bateman. The words "to any hotel" and "fixed" come across loud and clear. You are the one who is now trying to change the words that you have used. Even the links you provide are contradicting what you have said.
So are you still saying that it is 1. A fixed Price 2. To any Hotel 3. €35.

You really are a disgrace the way you are talking about regular posters here who have a history of honourable posts.

Now back to the OP's question. It is a good thread and I hope it is allowed to continue despite Pat Batemans vitriolic personal comments.


I suppose the Southern parts of Spain and Portugal and the Canaries are best geared for those wishing to spend our winters in the sun. I am not sure about Greece or Italy, Malta or Cyprus.
I would be looking for somewhere near but not necessarilly in the city of Malaga. Malaga has a beautiful Old Town. There is a good train station and excellent bus station across the road from the train station. I have stayed in Benalmadena and travelled in to Malaga using their local DART.

My brother has a place in Nerja. He purchased himself an old banger of a car that he keeps in Spain. However unlike the OP he travels back on a monthly basis to Ireland. Sort of a month in Spain, then a month in Ireland and then back to Spain. Negatives. Costly airfares. but a nice way to do it.
 
From Tripadvisor re Madeira.

Taxis.




Expensive?



To Pat Bateman.

Everybody has their own experiences when travelling and should be allowed to post their experiences without being abused for their comments by other people.

I have been to Madeira and I have posted reviews on Tripadvisor and Holiday-Rentals. Have you and where did you post them?
I found it expensive in some areas and reasonably priced in other areas. If researched properly you can find the good value locations or you can pay extra in the tourist locations. Everyone has their own experience.
 
The OP says that he can speak French. I have been to Nice in February and the Antibes in November. In both locations and during the hours of 11 a.m to about 4 p.m. I was able to walk around in a short sleeved shirt. There were people sunbathing on the local beaches. In the evenings we had to turn the heat on in our apartment. When we travelled to the smaller tourist towns they were very quiet with some restaurants closed for the winter.

Because it was off season we were able to negotiate a lower rental price for our 1 bedroomed apartment. I cannot remember the exact figure but it was below €300 for a week, lower again if you stayed longer.

In Marbella in early March we had beautiful weather. I remember searching for some shade. Our apartment cost us less than €200 for the week. It didn't have satellite T.V that we missed. I am considering going back here next March as it had the right mix of "busy".
 
Taken from the Madeira Times below is a recent comment on the prices in Madeira. You will also find comments on outragous taxi fares if you go through the posts [broken link removed]. We also noted the bread trick, put on the table without asking and charged €4 on the bill. We went in June, the hotels were empty and so were restaurants. Maybe we were had who knows but our overall experience was that is was expenisve and I should be allowed to post my experience here without being called a liar.

>>>martin 2010.5.21 18:52
Can't understand why Lido restaurants have decided to up their prices to make up for lack of customers.
Their food is just not good enough for HUGE price rises.
For example, 9E for a plain omelette. Chips, salad, bread extra.
An omelette could cost 15/16e if you let them.
 
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