Brexit discussion thread XIV (Please read OP before posting)

I am getting the impression that this inheritance tax legislation proposal has been hyped out of any resemblance to reality by internet bad actors for their own ends, just like the "hate speech" proposals were here

I see that the UK has reached the 'acceptance' phase

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/dec/12/majority-of-brexit-voters-would-accept-free-movement-to-access-single-market-uk-eu

The whole freedom of movement thing during the referendum campaign was absolutely bonkers. It (unbelievably) dominated the three TV debates - EU citizens wanting to move to the UK to work and pay taxes were portrayed as parasites whom Britain was doing a massive favour for by even allowing them into the country.

I follow a few websites about retiring to Spain as I'm toying with the idea of at least having a bolt hole in winter in my later years, I'm not enjoying winters here as much as I used and I'm hardened to it from a life working outdoors.

Anyhow interestingly I read a thread recently about apartment complexes somewhere in the costas and it was noted that some developments that were developed specifically for the British retiree used to be nearly 100% retired Brits about a decade ago, whereas now it's more like 25% and falling. The new buyers are a mix of eastern Europeans and locals.

I'd imagine the retiree visa process, providing proof of means and upfront private health cover is making the whole process off putting.

I'm not sure it would be legal in the EU to sell an apartment with BS1363 plugs outside of the three EU countries that use them (Ireland, Malta, Cyprus) - generally have to meet the local standards, which would be Schuko in Spain.

The more important point is we all - including the UK - now use the 230/400 Volts standard.

Getting a few new cables or changing a few plugs will hardly be a showstopper.

Lars 😀

Same as yourself I am planning for later life now (still want to work for 10 years at least) and was able to buy an apartment in a new 124 apartment complex in south Costa Blanca which the family (and extended family / friends) can use now for holidays and get aways etc but ultimatlety my wife and I plan to spend most of our retirement years there, particularly Nov to April.

Your observation about Brits moving back to the UK / dying out and not being replaced by a new wave seeking to live in Spain is very real. I hear it anecdotally from Brits when I'm there but more interestingly out of the 124 apartment owners in our complex there's only one British owner, the vast majority, over 90% are Scandinavians and Belgians.

No three prong plugs to be seen anywhere though 😶

On the plug thing I think there was a thread a while ago about people installing plug sockets in their homes to will suit both UK and EU devices, as many people had switched to buying directly from within the EU to avoid UK snaffu's.

The European style plugs, afaik, though don't always have fuses in them so can't be used with ring mains. Anyway it is not a big deal cutting off the two pin plug on appliances and wiring up a chunky UK-style three pin plug.

I grew up with, and did my first re-wirings on, ring mains. Then moved to France, had to learn a whole new way of doing things, and now look at ring mains and think WTF??? Give me a unidirectional "circuit" any day (oh, and so many lovely colours to choose from for the live … no "twin and earth" here).

Anyway, I think it's great to be able to pick up a small electrical appliance on my travels anywhere across Europe (or order it from the cheapest EU variant of Amazon or AliExpress) and not have to worry about chopping moulded plugs off.

Incidentally, while browsing AliExpress yesterday, I noticed a new line on their listings: "EU Representative : […]" Some platforms were ready for the new regs.