How do you go about moving to the South of Spain from England and what are the possible pitfalls?

Question

How do you go about moving to the South of Spain from England and what are the possible pitfalls?

Answer 1

pluses - great weather

- different climate

- still get pensions and medical care on the same basis as in the UK

- family will enjoy free holidays with you

pitfalls

lack of care for the elderly - the extended families are meant to do that if anything happened to you - you would be left stranded

dodgy estate agents/solicitors who haven't safeguarded your interests properly when you purchase a property in Spain

how easy will it be to move back if you don't like it?

culturally less advanced

language

too hot in the summer (heatwaves are not uncommon on the Mediterranean)

Answer 2

its very easy considering Spain is in the EU, and as a British citizen, you can go anywhere in the EU you like, and stay as long as you want. First thnigs to do though, are to find a property, find a job, try and get to know the local british community(there are so many british people in Spain now that this shouldnt be too hard). You will need to get Medical Insurance for when you are in Spain(the NHS doesnt cover people living abroad).

The pitfalls are the language(alot of spanish people dont speak any english), the government over there has some ridiculous rules(technically if you buy land there, the government can just take it, and hardly give you anything in return(look up "Valencia Land grab Law") so it might be worthwhile ensuring you are safe from that(ask a solicitor).

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Answer 3

We moved three years ago and we love living in Spain. We are residents and have integrated into the Spanish way of life totally.

I've read some of the other comments and there is some truth in what they write. It really depends on your reasons for coming here.

I think the biggest pitfall at the moment is the fall of the pound against the Euro. This is not a good time to buy a house or property over here. It could cost you thousands of pounds more because of a poor exchange rate.

Before you come to Spain to buy anything get yourself a good English Speaking Lawyer. Contact an ex pats group over here for advice. The Royal British Legion in Spain will be beneficial. You will get good advice from members living in Spain.

The culture is very different here. Nobody hurries which is frustrating, but at the same time you learn to do the same.

Someone wrote that they don't speak English here. Well, they don't speak any second language in the UK. If you come here you are a guest in their country and should learn their language. Having said that, many Spaniards are learning English. Far more than the Brits over here are learning Spanish.

If you are under 65 you will need to make your own provisions for health care like private mevical insurance, which will be cheaper than the UK. Over 65 and you get NHS treatment free. The health service here is excellent. The cost of living is about 33% cheaper than the UK.

Life in Spain is great, but like everything, it's what you make of it. I'll never go back to the UK to live.

Answer 4

The rain in Spain, lies mainly , in the plains.<}:-})

Answer 5

Be really careful with all legal matters, the Spanish government are really low and corrupt. If you're starting a business get legal advice from a trusted solicitor. I know people who have waited 6 years for their opening licence.

This does not stop you from opening, but subjects you to any type of denuncia a patrol cop may care to dream up.

The British in particular are favourite targets of the spanish authorities.

Answer 6

i moved to Marbella 2 years ago, the first month was great as your still in holiday mode then you realize you have to find a job as most of them here are seasonal, but now i have no intension of moving back

Answer 7

I'm not sure how to answer the bit about how to go about it because I made the decision and moved out within the space of less than a month and it was such a rush to get everything organised that I don't honestly remember.

I moved to Murcia for a job that I'd been offered and have since left that company but wouldn't dream of leaving Murcia.

I must say that there are always possible pitfalls in moving to a new country but none that I would say would make it not worth it.

I am far happier in general in life here than I ever was in the UK.

The great thing about Spain is that it is completely tangible for an English person to move here without ever learning a word of Spanish and lead a completely normal life. This does depend on the area that you live in though and the demand that English speaking staff have in that area.

I personally learned Spanish whilst here and now have a Spanish partner who doesn't speak English.

However, I have friends who have moved over with their families and never learned a word of Spanish and have jobs/schools/homes/banks etc.

The Spanish are so chilled out that the former is possible (imagine what the French would have to say if you were in France and not able to speak French).

The only criticism I would have about Spain if I were pushed is the levels of bureaucracy. Civil servants love their paperwork and I have had situations where I have applied for a grant that wasn't worth it in the end with the amount of time and effort it took.

There is a solution to this though. Hire a good representative (asesor) who speaks Spanish and English and outsource your paperwork and you'll be fine.

My basic advice would be "just do it". England won't disappear because you have but the likelihood is that you won't go back once you're here.

Good luck with everything.

Answer 8

Moved from Liverpool to Alicante 4 1/2 years ago enjoy life here but you must learn the language and make sure you have enough money to live for at least 6 months to gve you time to find work (presuming you're not retiered). Not as cheap as people make out except for cigs and eating out. Most other matters already covered, lots of forums to look at before you take the plunge.... Good luck ...

Answer 9

Wouldn't have a clue joan....why.....you're not thinking of leaving your beloved Yorkshire are you....can't see you doing that lol

Answer 10

about 5 years ago , my cousin and his wife (58 and 62) sold their house, packed the car with their duvet,pillows, clothes and photos and caught the ferry to Santander and the following day drove to Southern Spain and have never regretted 1 single day . We go over to see them several times a year.

They look healthy and are happy and  the only thing they can't get which I take over with me ,is, 'Oat-so-simple' and 'squeezy Marmite'

It's much cheaper to live over there and the health service is fantastic - and if they come home for weddings,babies etc , it only takes 2 hours to fly

Why not give it a 3 month trial and rent-out your house while you're away.

Let me know where you'll be and we'll be over to shatter your peace !!!