Emigrating from UK

Hi there,

I have been living in Velez for 5 years now and am still loving it. It is a very Spanish town, although there are a number of European immigrants, mostly English and Scandinavian. Most of those live in the pretty old town up the hill. There are a number of things to consider if you are seriously thinking of moving here. Firstly, the town is VERY Spanish. This means siesta from 14:00 to 17:30. No shops apart from the supermarkets are open and the town is dead. It is not like in Nerja, where the shops stay open for the tourists, it is DEAD!! This is also the case on sundays. Secondly, you will need at least some Spanish. And I don't mean just enough to order a beer. You will need to sort things out with the town hall, the electricity board, the tax office, and they don't speak English. Before you make the move, I would strongly recommend that you rent a holiday flat for a couple of weeks to check out, whether this is really for you. I am glad that I did. I rented up in the old town and soon found out that although it is really pretty, I wouldn't want to live there. Most of the old town does not have car access, so you have to drag your shopping bags all the way from the supermarket to up there, and your bin bags down to where the bins are. Also, the old town is still very authentic. Many gitanos live up there.On the first night I was thrilled when I heard flamenco being played in the street outside my holiday home, guitars being played and the girls dancing and clapping their hands, but it wears a bit thin after a few nights, especially as in the summer, this goes on until the early morning hours, every night. The Spanish are a loud people in any case, but the gitanos are VERY noisy. Think radios at full volume, barking dogs (they all have one), teles blaring through the always open windows. I eventually chose practicality over prettyness and bought a lovely little house in the south of town. I have the bus stop practically outside my door ( every 15 mins a bus to the coast!), the health centre is next door, all shops, bars, cafes and pharmacies are only a stone throw away. This suits me much better. As for the British community: there are a couple of bars in Velez which get favoured by the Brits, but there are not really the clubs and events that you have down on the coast, where the majority of European immigrants prefer to live. I suppose it depends on what you are looking for. If you want to embrace Spain and its culture, Velez is your place. If you are just coming for the climate and seek the company of other Brits, then maybe the coast is better for you. But in any case, I would still recommend to rent first and buy later in order to make sure the area suits you. Hope this helps. Any questions you may have, fire away.

Kind regards

Thanks for the sound advice, Its a long term plan and I agree with all your points,Language is a must !, Its a part of Costa del Sol we are not familiar with so renting would be a good idea, We know Manilva region very well ,But it appears that you can get better value for your money towards your side of the coast,It would be a house for us as not interested in apartments which have ground fees etc,And at the age of 53 not concerned about clubs etc lol ,But its nice to know there are some familiar faces Ex-pats that can help when needed ,I think our next step is a holiday touring the region ,Thanks again for the time taken to respond 

It's a good idea to rent first, make sure you are happy with the area. We rented for six months before buying. I also agree it's a good idea to learn the language but don't panic, when you purchase your house your solicitor will contact the utility companies on your behalf, it's part of the buying service.  You will need to register with your local town hall, for something called a padron, but as long as your have all the documents you require,  with a few words and nodding of heads,  it's a simple process. 

Thanks for the advice, I have friends who live in the costa del sol area and they also come up with the same advice ,a good solicitor is required ,but as you say Rent firstly although its dead money does offer some protection while making the right choices, Thanks again and who knows one day could be neighbours 

Lol .. doubtful, we are In Torrox campo, but the advice still stands. Good luck!

lol , not decided on exact location yet either,Just looks cheaper around Velez and surrounding areas, Torrox campo ??,I know Torrox, and I know Torrox costa ,Torre de mar etc

Canpo just means countryside. Lots of villas in those areas are in the campo. Beautiful views and peaceful living.  

The first respondent gave you a great answer. Im going to suggest the Vinuela/Puente Don Manuel area which is about 22 minutes drive on the highway from Velez inland. Its a scenic area with some lovely homes and a well established expat community. I recommend Villa Solutions estate agents, Tim the owner would give you good information.