The sun is shining:

[taximan007]

The 1st step

Monday 2nd April 2012


So the plan has always been to retire to the Philippines as and when finances allow.

The first part of this plan is to buy a house and lot, or just a lot and build a house, when we were at home in February we enquired about a few lots and although they were larger than what I was after they were in the right location to be near to the family, the prices varied from 700,000Php to whatever you wanted to spend.

This equated to a minimum spend of £10,000 to buy the land, so Roxanne and I returned knowing we needed to save hard and hopefully when we return next year we would be in a position to buy...............

[taximan007]

The family compound has 4 houses, 2 apartments and a block of 4 flats, the compound itself is owned by 2 Grandmothers, one living onsite the other in Manila.

The Grandmother from Manila owns the 2 apartments and the flats.

House 1, this is the ‘family home’ where Roxanne’s parents live, Roxanne’s father has 3 sisters (2 deceased) and each of the sisters have a part share of this house.

House 2. This is owned by Auntie Belin, she lives here with Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

House 3. This was Auntie Edna’s house, she passed away just over a year ago, but her husband and 3 children still live there.

House 4. This was Auntie Sonia’s house who passed away just over 2 years ago, Auntie Sonia was single so the house now belongs to Auntie Belin, this is rented out to Michael, Rowenna and their 3 children at a cost of £15.00 per month, Rowenna also does the Laundry in return for a reduced rent, Roxanne and I are Godparents to 2 of their children.................

[taximan007]

Yesterday Roxanne was chatting to her sister online as is usual on a Sunday when all of a sudden the whole family appeared in our room there which is most unusual so I guessed immediately there was to be a conference so I left Roxanne to it and went out for a cigarette.

On my return the conference is continuing but Roxanne explains that Auntie Belin has a few financial problems, has borrowed money and needs now to repay (this is not uncommon) in the Philippines so now I wait for the punchline of how much we need to send.........

Anyway it transpires she wishes to sell Auntie Sonia’s house (house no 4) and a bit extra land next to it, 100sq metres in all, this pleases me very much as I only want a small simple house, and being in the compound is ideal, Roxanne wants a ‘Mansion’ and I understand her dream but she is realistic also.

Now to crunchtime, how much is the cost of it all?

[taximan007]

The reply is 100,000 Php !!!!!!! that equates to £1,488.09 at yesterdays exchange rate.

Obviously we bought straight away, transferred the money which they have received today so now Roxanne (and I) are the proud owners of our own home.

Once again we have more tears.........to me it’s all so simple but to Roxanne all of this over the last 5 years is MAJOR and beyond her wildest dreams, it makes me happy to see her so happy.

Now because of these events we are technically 12 months ahead of ourselves with regards to savings, the long term plan will be to either extend the house widthways and upwards, or knock it down and rebuild from new. Michael and his family will continue to live there and their rent will still go to Grandma as this pays for her medicines, but they are aware at some point they will need to find somewhere else.

So here is our new house and the land stretches to the left as far as the sceptic tank...............

[millidonk]

Congrats on the purchase! As usual makes for fantastic reading.

[Girgy85]

Congrats on the purchase! As usual makes for fantastic reading.

This.

Its More than I've got to show for 12 years of work.

[Graham C]

Congrats on the purchase! As usual makes for fantastic reading.

Fantastic

[Laxie]

Ahhhhhh, that's great news!!!  I'm really happy for you.  You have your goals and despite the obstacles, stick to the task with a smile.   It's no harm one of those goals came a bit easier this time around.  Congrats!  x

[Woodsey]

Nice one, gotta say I'm loving the fact there is a poker scene out here and I can get a game if I fancy it.

[DMorgan]

Congrats!

[Eso Kral]

Congrats on the purchase! As usual makes for fantastic reading.

[booder]

Congrats on the purchase! As usual makes for fantastic reading.

[GreekStein]

Can't wait to visit you guys next year out there.

Great news - congrats to you both!

[smashedagain]

Great news and congrats

[celtic]

Great news and congrats