Spain has long been a favourite destination for British expatriates looking to enjoy their golden years in the sun. However, a recent warning from The Express suggests that retirees should think twice before making the move permanent due to the challenges of finding suitable housing.
In an article titled “The Expat Retirement Disaster in Spain: Forced to ‘Live in the Countryside’ in Benidorm,” journalist Max Parry highlights the struggles faced by British couple Paula and Rob Briers, who found themselves living in semi-squatter conditions in Benidorm. The Briers, aged 52 and 60, moved to Spain in 2020. Thereby, leaving their jobs at Amazon’s Coalville warehouse in search of a warmer, more relaxed life. However, the COVID-19 lockdown derailed their original plan to settle in Granada, forcing them to seek alternative accommodation.
From campground to squatting
Initially, the couple secured a spot for their caravan at the Villamar campsite in Benidorm. There they became actively involved in reducing the number of stray cats in the area. However, they were soon evicted from the site, leaving them with no option but to sleep outdoors. “We literally slept in a field… behind a bush,” Paula recounts, describing their challenging experience after being thrown out of the campsite.
Their situation took a turn for the better when they met British musician and charity leader Johnny Elraiz, also known by his stage name Jonny Hellraizer. Elraiz, originally from Croydon, found the couple living in a field and began providing them with food and support. Thanks to his help, Paula and Rob were able to find a more stable, albeit unconventional, place to live.
Living in a shed
Now, the couple resides in the shed of an abandoned property during the summer, moving into a caravan in the garden during the winter months. They pay €150 (£126) to the property owner in exchange for caretaking duties. While their current lifestyle is far from the retirement dream they envisioned, the couple remains positive. “There are people far worse off than us,” Paula says.
Elraiz, who continues to help other expats, warns that many British retirees arrive in Spain with unrealistic expectations, often without guaranteed accommodation or employment. “They think they’ll find a cheap room or get a job easily, but there just aren’t enough properties,” he cautions.
Also read: What travellers should avoid doing in Spain, according to British media