AIBU to feel upset my parents are selling their holiday home?

How much do you think people actually spend on holidays? Definitely not 15k each time! You can easily go away during school holidays and have a brilliant time for 2k. And your kids get see more than one country.

Well, I can see why that this is sad, and I can understand why you are upset but judging by your post you are from a privileged family and will likely inherit significant wealth when your parents pass away? I’m not saying that makes everything ok but it’s good to keep these things in perspective.

I’m wondering if it’s there or Ibiza if there’s chat about Spain which keeps on coming up. Not sure if Spain is the country yet I’m curious where it is!

They should keep it on for you, OP. You never stop being a parent.

I can understand why you’re sad, but also why your Mum doesn’t want a reminder of their former lifestyle hanging around. And to be meeting the expenses of it, even if you guys are doing the work, when they can’t go there.

She’d probably also find it hard going there without your Dad once he’s passed away.

So I don’t think anyone is really U except that you shouldn’t try to force them to keep it.

Are we talking Marbella?

Where is it?

£15k for two weeks is a huge amount for a family of four. Is it a mansion, in a VHCOL city or both?

It could be that some countries (Spain for example) are introducing annual global tax liabilities for foreign home owners…. An expensive ongoing commitment

15,000 for accommodation for two weeks!

Would they be willing to sell it to you and your brother for less than it might fetch on the open market, so part sale and part gift, and you would be joint owner with your brother?

I totally get it. I have just inherited an apartment in Spain after my dad died. Only 2 bed but comes with lots iof memories not to mention, as you say, cheap holidays. Obviously now we now have to pay ground rent, water, electricity and taxes but I'd still be gutted if it had been sold.

It sounds like it would be sensible estate planning for them to transfer ownership to you and yout brother jointly and then you pay the maintenance, insurance and cleaning costs etc?

I can’t see why they would want to sell it instead if they have plenty of income amd capital already to cover all eventualities including potential care costs as you said, and then lose 40% of the money when HMRC charges inheritance tax on it. It makes no sense.

Have they taken no financial advice on sensible estate planning?

Can you and your brother not get a loan to cover the capital gains? That way you keep it massively cheap house and parents have no worries

my dad is very unwell and I would feel very lucky if we get another 2 years with him.

I missed this, and it absolutely explains why they're selling. Inheritance rules in another country can be complex, and it relieves mum of what would feel like a huge burden on top of everything else that follows the loss of a spouse

Yes, as the above poster says, what about them buying a holiday home in the UK

Her dad is very unwell and might have less than two years to live and you think her parents should get into the stressful business of buying a property which he won't benefit from?

Unbelievable.

While you might feel disappointed, better to focus on the fact that you've been very fortunate to have use of it for as long as you have.

Yes, as the above poster says, what about them buying a holiday home in the UK that you can all enjoy and you can take your mum to when it's just her. There are so many lovely parts of the UK, Dorset, Cornwall, Scotland, Yorkshire etc etc. Then you could make some new memories with all of you there and your kids will have new and different experiences. It could still be a wonderful opportunity.

Good point.

I understand. I was upset for years when my childhood home was sold, even though I’d been unhappy there. These things go deep.

Would they consider a holiday home elsewhere? somewhere your Dad could enjoy?

they will probably regret selling it when it means you don’t have the same spare funds to holiday/visit with them The Op's dad is very unwell, I think the Op's parents have bigger priorities! Managing a second home (even when siblings say they'll do it - will they? And if they fall out who picks up the rope?) I can completely see why they want to sell it.

I can see why you’d be upset, OP.
if your parents don’t need the funds from the holiday home sale, and know that you and your brother’s family get a lot of joy from it, it feels really unfair to take it from you.

is there more to it than you know?

they will probably regret selling it when it means you don’t have the same spare funds to holiday/visit with them 😔

This is mad, do you have any idea how insanely lucky you have been up to now? We have just spent a 'few thousand' on a small holiday that we have saved up for for over 3 years. I'm sure you will survive...

But, actually, OP, you CAN afford to travel to other places. If you’re spending ‘a few’ thousand on flights each year to use the holiday home, you can absolutely spend that travelling elsewhere. Book well ahead in terms of flights (or consider alternatives like ferries) and research accommodation carefully, and you can find some lovely places.