Place In The Sun Ds Willie Quit For Spain And Found Himself On The Case As A Consultant For Other Scots
Retired policeman Willie Murphy copped himself a new career when he bought a holiday home in Spain.
The former detective sergeant ploughed his retirement cash into a place in the sun when he left the force in 2004 after 30 years.
Now he’s working from his experience of buying abroad and has carved out a career as a consultant helping other Scots to find their dream holiday homes.
He said: “I’m no property expert but I’ve been through the process myself and I know what kind of service people expect and where they’ll be looking for help with legal issues and so on.
“I can put them in touch with all the right people. And I’m also able to help with many of the things that buyers don’t think of - like where to find local furniture suppliers and how to apply for a national insurance number in the country where you’re buying. Those are the kind of things I needed help with when I was buying but the company I bought from had no middle man to give me that help.
“I work for a different company now, Properties Spain, after I was introduced to the boss by a friend of a friend. I’m happy to be that ‘middle man’ for other people.”
Willie, 52, and wife Jane, 50, of East Kilbride, started looking for property in 2003, a year ahead of Willie’s retirement date.
They went on an inspection trip to the southern Costa Blanca and looked at various options before settling on an off-plan apartment that was under construction.
Work was complete after two years and the couple picked up their keys in June 2005. Their two bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is part of the Alameda del Mar complex in Playa Flamenca.
There are four communal pools for residents to choose from and the beach at Playa Flamenca is just a 10-minute walk away.
The apartment is convenient for flights - Murcia airport is a 25-minute drive away and Alicante can be reached in 45 minutes.
Willie and Jane paid ï¿¡80,000 for their apartment. They put ï¿¡1000 down to secure the plot, another 30 per cent a month later, and the balance on completion.
Willie added: “I wanted to invest my retirement money in property. I think it’s a fairly safe bet and we’re happy to hold on to the apartment for the long term so it appreciates.
“We have the best of both worlds - a cracking place to spend holidays and a good investment for our future.”
The couple originally considered buying in Florida but eventually decided something a little closer to home would suit them better.
Willie added: “We’ve been over for long weekends. We couldn’t have done that if we’d bought in Florida. We like the fact we can be there in a couple of hours.”
The couple have two grown-up children, Billy, 24, and Leigh, 21, who’s mum to Willie and Jane’s only granddaughter, 12-month-old Mia. They say the apartment is perfect for family holidays.
Willie added: “The complex is so safe and Mia loves it when we take her to the pool.
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