Every year, thousands of people leave the cooler northern European countries and buy a home in Spain to move to the warmer climes of the Mediterranean. There are many positive reasons to live in Spain apart from the weather, although this is a significant factor for most that choose to buy a property and move to this part of the world.
Those who move to Spain generally report that their lifestyle is healthier than in the UK and they are more active. Again, the weather plays a huge part in this because people can partake in outdoor pursuits such as golf, swimming, and walking as part of their weekly routines. Partaking in healthy outdoor pursuits is not always possible in the UK, particularly during the winter months.
The cost of transport is another great advantage to living in Spain. Public transport tends to be very punctual, clean, and on top of this, it is cheap. Travelling from one city to the next is affordable and gives the option of spending a day sightseeing in a different town at weekends or on days off. Petrol prices are also a lot lower than in Britain, meaning you do not have to take pay too much to fill your tank if you want to drive out on a day trip.
Eating out is another pastime that is well within the budget of most people. You will find many local restaurants offer a “menu of the day” which usually costs in the region of 12 euros a head, with three courses and drinks included in the price.
Locals tend to be very friendly, and your lack of Spanish skills will not prevent them from welcoming you into the local community. However, learning the local language is advisable and will help you integrate.
Before making the big move, it is a good idea to rent in your desired town to find out if you enjoy living in Spain. You can find villas on the Costas at reasonable prices from autumn to spring or look at cheaper locations inland if you prefer to try Spain out during the summer months.
If you are considering investing in Spanish property, there are several things you should know and be aware of today when looking at property listings for sale. Aways bear in mind, that the final cost of purchasing a property will be around 12-15% on top of the asking price, due to taxes and purchase fees. Never buy without the help of a lawyer and a reputable estate agent.
If you buy a property to live in as a first or second home, take your time to first research area. Spain has 17 autonomous communities, and each is different to the others. Not only when it comes to weather, prices and cuisine, but taxes and living costs may vary somewhat depending on where in Spain you choose to live.
Though you may want to make the move for a diversity of reasons, you should always consider the practical aspects of this decision. Whether the choice is driven by family, friends, employment opportunities, or to increase your investment portfolio, sometimes what appears to be a exciting venture can be a significant change in the life of everyone involved, and not always for the better.
