Comments on: Change of Plans {Probably} http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/ Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:32:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Michelle http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/#comment-1378 Michelle Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:26:04 +0000 http://movetoportugal.org/?p=865#comment-1378 Hello! My name is Michelle van Abeelen. I live in the centre of Portugal, in Oliveira do Hospital, it's really beautifull here and i wouldn´t trade it for anything! It´s so beautifull! The people are also so nice and a lot of them still live like the old traditions. Thing are also cheaper over here, in the centre, with 100,000 euros you can by very very big plots. The everyday live is also very cheap. I just starded to set up a blog to help people when they are in Portugal. If you have any questions about Portugal and how the thinks work over here, take a look on my blog! http://blog.misa-properties.com .-= Michelle´s last blog ..<a href="http://misa-properties.com/blog.misa-properties.com/http:/blog.misa-properties.com/barry-and-tats-arrived/" rel="nofollow">Barry and Tats arrived</a> =-. Hello!

My name is Michelle van Abeelen. I live in the centre of Portugal, in Oliveira do Hospital, it’s really beautifull here and i wouldn´t trade it for anything! It´s so beautifull! The people are also so nice and a lot of them still live like the old traditions. Thing are also cheaper over here, in the centre, with 100,000 euros you can by very very big plots. The everyday live is also very cheap.
I just starded to set up a blog to help people when they are in Portugal. If you have any questions about Portugal and how the thinks work over here, take a look on my blog!

http://blog.misa-properties.com
Michelle´s last blog ..Barry and Tats arrived My ComLuv Profile

]]> By: Laura http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/#comment-1172 Laura Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:04:04 +0000 http://movetoportugal.org/?p=865#comment-1172 Thank you for all you thoughts; it really does help to 'bounce' ideas off other people. :) Work has dropped a little bombshell this week so until that all sorts we're holding off on plans ;) <abbr><em>Laura’s last blog post..<a href="http://movetoportugal.org/ilovesundays/" rel="nofollow">I Love Sundays</a></abbr></em> Thank you for all you thoughts; it really does help to ‘bounce’ ideas off other people. :)

Work has dropped a little bombshell this week so until that all sorts we’re holding off on plans ;)

Laura’s last blog post..I Love Sundays

]]> By: Mizé http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/#comment-1167 Mizé Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:07:04 +0000 http://movetoportugal.org/?p=865#comment-1167 Hi Laura, It´s a big decision you have in hands... Right now, due to the economy downturn, it´s a good time to buy in Portugal but not to sell. Probably the same is happening in UK. I´ve been looking for a small countryhome with plot to buy and still prices are so expensive... In Algarve, with less than 100,000.00 Euros I can´t do much. Anyway, If you´d like to stay here for some time, I have a free bedroom in my T3 flat. I wouldn´t mind having your company :) I wouldn´t ask you a fixed rent money, only some help to pay services expenses. Currently, my T2 flat is rented for 400.00 Euros/month. Rent prices are high here too. The disadvantage of rents is that you´re paying for something that will never be yours, wasted money in some cases but not in others. If I was in your shoes, I would rent here first to mature my decision before making a final choice, or even selling in UK. To ask a mortgage here you´ll need a guaranty, such as a fixed job or property ownership. For example, currently, I have a one year contract at the local hospital that can be renovated up to three. If I only had my job as guaranty the bank wouldn´t lend me money for a house. Even with a fixed job sometimes they ask for "fiadores", someone that would assure payments in case you can´t make them. If you have more questions just let me know. I´ll be happy to help. At least you have someone here that speaks the language and knows something about renting. PS: It´s been ages since I check my e-mails. If you send me any, please leave me a comment in one of my blogs. Hugs, Mizé :) <abbr><em>Mizé’s last blog post..<a href="http://www.mizej.com/2009/06/mize-journey-topics.html" rel="nofollow">Mizé Journey Topics: I´m Editing Posts</a></abbr></em> Hi Laura,
It´s a big decision you have in hands…
Right now, due to the economy downturn, it´s a good time to buy in Portugal but not to sell. Probably the same is happening in UK.
I´ve been looking for a small countryhome with plot to buy and still prices are so expensive… In Algarve, with less than 100,000.00 Euros I can´t do much.
Anyway, If you´d like to stay here for some time, I have a free bedroom in my T3 flat. I wouldn´t mind having your company :)
I wouldn´t ask you a fixed rent money, only some help to pay services expenses.
Currently, my T2 flat is rented for 400.00 Euros/month. Rent prices are high here too. The disadvantage of rents is that you´re paying for something that will never be yours, wasted money in some cases but not in others. If I was in your shoes, I would rent here first to mature my decision before making a final choice, or even selling in UK.
To ask a mortgage here you´ll need a guaranty, such as a fixed job or property ownership. For example, currently, I have a one year contract at the local hospital that can be renovated up to three. If I only had my job as guaranty the bank wouldn´t lend me money for a house. Even with a fixed job sometimes they ask for “fiadores”, someone that would assure payments in case you can´t make them.
If you have more questions just let me know. I´ll be happy to help. At least you have someone here that speaks the language and knows something about renting.
PS: It´s been ages since I check my e-mails. If you send me any, please leave me a comment in one of my blogs.
Hugs, Mizé :)

Mizé’s last blog post..Mizé Journey Topics: I´m Editing Posts

]]> By: Linda http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/#comment-1166 Linda Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:25:53 +0000 http://movetoportugal.org/?p=865#comment-1166 Hi Laura, How are you. I'd go for 3 - that is if in the next 12 months you can get a good selling price for your current home; can rent or buy some thing smaller or nicer in your current location or a different one, since you have one more child still at school; can find some thing in Portugal that fits your needs/budget there. Then you'd be selling, buying and /or renting, all at once, though the renting part would be for a short period, right....?? In other words you'll have to keep your eye on the (real estate) market. Yea, you'll be more than busy!! That is if your plans to 'move to portugal' are still on.... Take it easy though, :) Linda Hi Laura,
How are you.
I’d go for 3 – that is if in the next 12 months you can get a good selling price for your current home; can rent or buy some thing smaller or nicer in your current location or a different one, since you have one more child still at school; can find some thing in Portugal that fits your needs/budget there. Then you’d be selling, buying and /or renting, all at once, though the renting part would be for a short period, right….?? In other words you’ll have to keep your eye on the (real estate) market. Yea, you’ll be more than busy!! That is if your plans to ‘move to portugal’ are still on….
Take it easy though,
:)
Linda

]]> By: Dreamer http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/#comment-1165 Dreamer Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:18:14 +0000 http://movetoportugal.org/?p=865#comment-1165 I think that 3 sounds a bit complicated, as hard as it is sometimes i'd recommend sticking it out until 2010 if you can. Also as Jimbo says it might be an idea to try out living in portugal renting say for six months before selling the UK pad, perhaps you could take a mortgage break to fund this. What kind of work is your husband looking for in portugal? <abbr><em>Dreamer’s last blog post..<a href="http://escapethe9to5.blogspot.com/2009/07/on-kids.html" rel="nofollow">On kids</a></abbr></em> I think that 3 sounds a bit complicated, as hard as it is sometimes i’d recommend sticking it out until 2010 if you can. Also as Jimbo says it might be an idea to try out living in portugal renting say for six months before selling the UK pad, perhaps you could take a mortgage break to fund this.

What kind of work is your husband looking for in portugal?

Dreamer’s last blog post..On kids

]]> By: j1mbo http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/#comment-1164 j1mbo Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:19:31 +0000 http://movetoportugal.org/?p=865#comment-1164 Hi Laura When we first took the decision to buy in Portugal we did so on the back of our UK mortgage. The home here was free and clear, so we always knew that if everything went south we could go to a country where it was cheaper to live, and live in a house that was paid for. If your intention is to sell your UK property and buy without a mortgage here, I would say go for it. If, however, you are still going to have a mortgage I would approach the purchase carefully. Have you ever lived for an extended time in Portugal? I ask, because an acquaintance of ours who was mad keen on being here came for 3 months to test the water, and couldn't get back to the UK quick enough. Not every solution satisfies every need. Don't cut all your ties until you are absolutely certain that Portugal is the correct choice. We have never regretted our move to Portugal. Others, unfortunately, have. Boa sorte j1mbo <abbr><em>j1mbo’s last blog post..<a href="http://algarveandaze.blogspot.com/2009/07/28th-faro-international-motorcycle.html" rel="nofollow">Upcoming Event: 28th Faro International Motorcycle Weekend</a></abbr></em> Hi Laura

When we first took the decision to buy in Portugal we did so on the back of our UK mortgage. The home here was free and clear, so we always knew that if everything went south we could go to a country where it was cheaper to live, and live in a house that was paid for.

If your intention is to sell your UK property and buy without a mortgage here, I would say go for it. If, however, you are still going to have a mortgage I would approach the purchase carefully. Have you ever lived for an extended time in Portugal? I ask, because an acquaintance of ours who was mad keen on being here came for 3 months to test the water, and couldn’t get back to the UK quick enough.

Not every solution satisfies every need. Don’t cut all your ties until you are absolutely certain that Portugal is the correct choice. We have never regretted our move to Portugal. Others, unfortunately, have.

Boa sorte

j1mbo

j1mbo’s last blog post..Upcoming Event: 28th Faro International Motorcycle Weekend

]]> By: Mama Bird http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/#comment-1163 Mama Bird Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:08:16 +0000 http://movetoportugal.org/?p=865#comment-1163 I'm not sure where you are in the UK, but I think it would depend on your mortgage vs rental prices are. I mean, could you hang on to your place in the UK after you move to Portugal and use it as some extra income? I had a work colleague in Australia who had a flat back in London that was just rental income for her. And the pound vs the Aussie dollar, she was coming out quite nicely. We are thinking about doing that with our place too since we bought quite low in our neighborhood, our mortgage is less than what we could rent it for. So, I guess I'm more for paying down the mortgage until 2012, like you originally planned, then possibly keeping the place (depending on the state of the economy and real estate and rentals in your area), and renting in Portugal until you figure out exactly where you want to be. I'm always for renting before buying in a new place. I place become very different when you live there vs just visiting. This is fun! I'm excited and I'm not even going anywhere! Makes me want to develop my own plan!! :) <abbr><em>Mama Bird’s last blog post..<a href="http://flyawayfamily.com/link-love-monday-unprepared/1883" rel="nofollow">Link Love Monday: Unprepared</a></abbr></em> I’m not sure where you are in the UK, but I think it would depend on your mortgage vs rental prices are. I mean, could you hang on to your place in the UK after you move to Portugal and use it as some extra income? I had a work colleague in Australia who had a flat back in London that was just rental income for her. And the pound vs the Aussie dollar, she was coming out quite nicely.

We are thinking about doing that with our place too since we bought quite low in our neighborhood, our mortgage is less than what we could rent it for.

So, I guess I’m more for paying down the mortgage until 2012, like you originally planned, then possibly keeping the place (depending on the state of the economy and real estate and rentals in your area), and renting in Portugal until you figure out exactly where you want to be.

I’m always for renting before buying in a new place. I place become very different when you live there vs just visiting.

This is fun! I’m excited and I’m not even going anywhere! Makes me want to develop my own plan!! :)

Mama Bird’s last blog post..Link Love Monday: Unprepared

]]> By: Tony http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/#comment-1162 Tony Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:51:01 +0000 http://movetoportugal.org/?p=865#comment-1162 Personally I don't think option 3 is a good choice. Paying rent in UK is money down the drain. Also, I'm not convinced the rent would be less than your mortgage. And having a house in Portugal when you are not there could be more hassle than it's worth. I guess though you were thinking about the passive income from renting out. But I'm not convinced. I think an argument could be made for downsizing in UK, and then buying a small property in Portugal now. But that option would be better for a single person who doesn't have kids to think about. For example, would you all fit into a small place in Portugal :) Also, you could think of downsizing and buying a small rental flat in UK, for passive income. I think that complicates things for little extra benefit though. I think *by far* your best option is to slog it out in the UK to 2012, pay off the mortgage like crazy and then sell up and relocate lock, stock and barrel. Perhaps even before 2012 if the situation with your kids allows you to. I was also wondering if your financial programme has maybe become too fragmented - for example you have a one year emergency fund thing going, and a big trip fund going. I personally think you'd be better off using all of that money to pay off your mortgage now, reducing the amount of interest you'd be paying. If either of you does lose your job you can always take a mortgage break, and from the sounds of it I don't think it would take you too long to find another job. Don't lose focus on the end goal, if it's what you really want. I'm also wondering is living in Portugal an "escape fantasy" because you hate your job? Maybe that is the *real* problem to be fixed first? Just my opinion though. Hopefully that doesn't sound rude - I am just throwing thoughts out here. No doubt there are other factors at play here. I may have completely got the wrong end of the stick! :) Personally I don’t think option 3 is a good choice. Paying rent in UK is money down the drain. Also, I’m not convinced the rent would be less than your mortgage. And having a house in Portugal when you are not there could be more hassle than it’s worth. I guess though you were thinking about the passive income from renting out. But I’m not convinced.

I think an argument could be made for downsizing in UK, and then buying a small property in Portugal now. But that option would be better for a single person who doesn’t have kids to think about. For example, would you all fit into a small place in Portugal :) Also, you could think of downsizing and buying a small rental flat in UK, for passive income. I think that complicates things for little extra benefit though.

I think *by far* your best option is to slog it out in the UK to 2012, pay off the mortgage like crazy and then sell up and relocate lock, stock and barrel. Perhaps even before 2012 if the situation with your kids allows you to.

I was also wondering if your financial programme has maybe become too fragmented – for example you have a one year emergency fund thing going, and a big trip fund going. I personally think you’d be better off using all of that money to pay off your mortgage now, reducing the amount of interest you’d be paying. If either of you does lose your job you can always take a mortgage break, and from the sounds of it I don’t think it would take you too long to find another job. Don’t lose focus on the end goal, if it’s what you really want.

I’m also wondering is living in Portugal an “escape fantasy” because you hate your job? Maybe that is the *real* problem to be fixed first?

Just my opinion though. Hopefully that doesn’t sound rude – I am just throwing thoughts out here. No doubt there are other factors at play here. I may have completely got the wrong end of the stick! :)

]]> By: Living the Rural Dream (In Portugal?) http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/#comment-1161 Living the Rural Dream (In Portugal?) Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:07:20 +0000 http://movetoportugal.org/?p=865#comment-1161 Argh - I just spent ages writing a comment and then the connection went!!!! I will try to remember what I said!!! Basically what we have found is that it might be a good idea to 'live it' first ... although sometimes I wonder if jumping right on in might cure indecision quicker!!!!??? However, I do think living it first is best. Maybe you could hang on to your UK house (with prices the way they are this might be best for a while?) and then eventually, when you can, rent out your UK house and come to stay in Portugal for a while? At the moment we are waiting to find out about house-sitting for an ex-pat who has to return to her country of origin (finger's crossed it works out). This is a good (and cheap) way for us to try the lifestyle out and see if it is for us. We have found that by being on the ground and talking to locals, these opportunities do seem to present themselves. Whatever you decide I'm sure you will do what is right for you and it will all work out wonderfully :-) Oh, and where we currently are (South Estrelas) is so far the most beautiful part of Portugal we have been to - but of course, we do love mountains! <abbr><em>Living the Rural Dream (In Portugal?)’s last blog post..<a href="http://www.livingtheruraldream.com/2009/06/green-dream.html" rel="nofollow">The Green Dream</a></abbr></em> Argh – I just spent ages writing a comment and then the connection went!!!! I will try to remember what I said!!!

Basically what we have found is that it might be a good idea to ‘live it’ first … although sometimes I wonder if jumping right on in might cure indecision quicker!!!!??? However, I do think living it first is best. Maybe you could hang on to your UK house (with prices the way they are this might be best for a while?) and then eventually, when you can, rent out your UK house and come to stay in Portugal for a while?

At the moment we are waiting to find out about house-sitting for an ex-pat who has to return to her country of origin (finger’s crossed it works out). This is a good (and cheap) way for us to try the lifestyle out and see if it is for us. We have found that by being on the ground and talking to locals, these opportunities do seem to present themselves.

Whatever you decide I’m sure you will do what is right for you and it will all work out wonderfully :-) Oh, and where we currently are (South Estrelas) is so far the most beautiful part of Portugal we have been to – but of course, we do love mountains!

Living the Rural Dream (In Portugal?)’s last blog post..The Green Dream

]]> By: apieceofwood http://movetoportugal.org/change-of-plans-probably/#comment-1160 apieceofwood Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:50:42 +0000 http://movetoportugal.org/?p=865#comment-1160 Hello! We're kinda in the same boat... we have mulled this decision over many a time. Our sketchy kind of firm plans are to sell this house as soon as the fixed rate ends and then move South and rent there. Then depending on work and finances, we have some time to look around, get to know exactly where we'd like to live and also be in a good position (ie chain free) to put in offers on anything we like.. I like number 3... you'd best get working! :-) Good luck as ever! Hello!

We’re kinda in the same boat… we have mulled this decision over many a time. Our sketchy kind of firm plans are to sell this house as soon as the fixed rate ends and then move South and rent there. Then depending on work and finances, we have some time to look around, get to know exactly where we’d like to live and also be in a good position (ie chain free) to put in offers on anything we like..

I like number 3… you’d best get working! :-)

Good luck as ever!

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