UK exodus signals the end of ‘Cool Britannia’
When Tony Blair rocked up at Nº10 in 1997, all white teeth and Union Jack waving, he declared a ‘Cool Britannia’ which ruled the world in art, pop and fashion. The economy was solid, employment was rising and confidence abounded. 13 years on and an average of 700 people are fleeing Britain every day for a new life overseas – many of them swapping the now-defunct ‘Cool Britannia’ for ‘Viva España’.
The same set of reasons, real or perceived, tend to crop up as push factors for emigration from the British Isles; violent crime levels, rising taxation and cost of living, poor health care, swamped transport networks and a loss of national identity due to years of immigration. Similarly, the same handful of countries emerge as popular recipients of these expats – Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the States and, closer to home, France and Spain. The European candidates rank as the simplest for UK passport holders in the absence of visas, Green Cards and other tricky eligibility criteria to contend and Spain consistently takes number one spot.
One man who’s monitored this Spanish love affair for no less than 27 years is Chris Mercer, Director of Costa Cálida-based estate agent, Mercers. Chris comments, “Around the same time as Tony Blair came to power I started selling property on Spain’s Costa Cálida and it’s popular now for the same reasons it was then. The Costa Cálida has plenty of sunshine for enjoying the great outdoors whether that’s the beach or the golf course. We have stunning mountains, coastlines, natural parks and are close enough to home for impromptu low-cost flights back to the UK to see friends, family or the Food Hall at M&S. Our schools and hospitals are in many ways superior to those in the UK and the fiesta-filled family-friendly stress-free pace of life holds great appeal, particularly for those who remember a Great Britain that was once the same.”
Chris continues, “Of course Spain does share some less than favourable traits with Britain right now. Spain’s unemployment is at a perilous high and house prices are continuing to falter, we can hardly shout from the rooftops, but at least those rooftops are now extremely affordable in price. Mercers has two bedroom terraced villas on a golf course for 50,000 euros or 41,000 pounds, these are early 2000s pricing levels and should be taken advantage of. I tend to talk about a mythical dam holding all the people back who are just dying to leave the UK, well there’s no reason for them not to right now, the timing and the price is certainly right.”
Bargains on Costa Cálida:
Ref: MH03 - Penthouse in Isla Plana, nr Mazarron, Murcia
Price €139,950 euros (approx 117,000 GBP)
Stunning fully furnished three bedroom one bathroom penthouse covering a vast 142m² in a quiet location with terrific mountain and sea views. The property has a lounge/diner, fitted kitchen with white goods and air conditioning throughout. There is also a private 60m² solarium with elegant rooftop turret. Residents can enjoy a communal swimming pool and Jacuzzi on-site or walk to Isla Plana’s sheltered bay nearby.
Ref: ROD53 - Villa in Camposol Golf, Mazarron, Murcia
Price €125,000 euros (approx 104,500 GBP) – was €195,000 euros
Detached two bedroom two bathroom 73m² villa set on a 440m² plot. Tastefully decorated and fully furnished the home comes with white goods, satellite TV, fly screens, ceiling fans and a fireplace with burner. Outside the gardens accommodate a large 8m by 4m swimming pool as well as a stone seating area, terrace and full set of garden and terrace furniture. Amazing mountain views from the rooftop solarium. Camposol Golf resort has an 18-hole golf course, four star Spa hotel and plenty of shops, restaurants and bars on site, meanwhile the Blue Flag beaches of Mazarron are within a 15 minute drive.
For more information, visit spanishproperty.co.uk.
