The British media may be reveling in the traumas of the Greek economy – but at least the government here is doing something about it. Unlike the UK, where despite a deficit being just as dire, all parties remain like ostriches, heads firmly stuck in the sand, refusing to come clean and take the necessary drastic action to solve the problem. Before the taxing sword of Damocles falls and cuts your quality of life in the UK, isn’t it time to make the move and get out?
There is greener grass to be found in Crete. Brits who have taken the plunge now enjoy a lifestyle they couldn’t better in the UK.
Crete enjoys 320 days of sunshine every year – guaranteed! It has the lowest crime rate in Europe so you can rest easy, and a hospital system which is surprisingly good – with no MRSA or waiting lists. Housing too, is far cheaper. You get far more bricks for your pound in Crete.
COST OF LIVING IN CRETE
Sell up in the UK, buy a Snobby in Crete and chances are you’ll still have a nice nest egg left over. So you have a pension and investment income of around £12,000 per year. You can either stretch to make things meet in the UK – or live the life of Riley in Crete, where a pension goes a whole lot further. For a start there’s no council tax. Typically that’ll save you about £1,400 for a start.
What about everyday living? We did a little price comparison and took standard prices from ASDA and compared them with what you pay in Crete – using an exchange rate of 1.1€ to £1.00 and quoting all prices in sterling.
UK - ASDA ............................... Crete - AB Supermarket
£2.21 - Twinings Ceylon Tea - £1.38
£1.50 - Fairy Washing-up Liquid - £1.45
£6.78 - Persil Non-Bio - £4.05
£1.36 - Butter (250gm) - £1.29
£0.95 - Granulated Sugar (1 kilo) - £0.75
£0.64 - Tinned Tomatoes - £0.42
£4.10 - Premium Toilet Rolls 10 pack - £3.90
£5.98 - Pork chops (per kilo) - £4.08
£3.38 - Chicken thighs (per kilo) - £2.72
£0.76 - Potatoes (per kilo) - £0.63
On this basis our shopping basket, with a much wider range of products, cost 12% less in Crete. We did not factor in any special promotions, or own brands, at either supermarket, which would affect a true comparison.
Also, there is 21% VAT levied on food in Crete. How long will it be before the UK follows suit with the rest of Europe?
Typically a monthly supermarket shop of meat, fish, groceries and cleaning materials, for two people living in Crete, costs £200 - £400 depending how frugal you are.
A couple living in a two bedroom Snobby would be likely to spend the following each month. (Prices quoted in sterling)
Housekeeping - £400
Water and electric - £80
House insurance - £9
Telephone and broadband - £45
1.3cc Hatch back car – Car insurance and road tax - £40
Petrol - £45
TOTAL - £619
That leaves a disposable income of over £381 per month. Typically you can eat out, including wine, for around £20 - £25 per couple, so you can afford quite a few romantic dinners each month and still have money to spend.
LOWEST NEW BUILD DETACHED HOUSES IN CRETE
With the financial muscle of no bank borrowings, careful cost control and selling direct without the cost of agents, Snobbys are the best value you’ll find in Crete.
Our small developments of two and three bedroom Snobbys in the village of Drapanias in western Crete have sea views from roof terraces and are within walking distance of local amenities and the beach. Already three of the seven houses are sold. Prices start from 109,950€ - and that’s all-inclusive of purchase costs, legal fees and a high specification of features and luxuries other builders charge extra for.
Imagine that?
In the UK a two bedroom detached house would set you back around £180,000 plus!
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