New life, new outlook on life

HI Suzi,

I'm not in Alhaurin but I just thought I would say hi anyway. We bought a property in Villanueva del Trabuco October 2019. We stayed there at Christmas and had an amazing time. We were due to go for Easter but obviously that didn't happen. I am hoping to move there in July 2020 permanently but who knows if my flight will go ahead?

Anyway, you will get lots of advice and help from this site because they are all wonderful people. 

Take care

Sandra 

Hi thanks for your reply. I guess I’m just feeling anxious. Was it a nightmare purchasing a property etc. Have not got £££ but would want fairly decent property

Hi suzi I lived close to antequera for approx 6 years, my advice is do your homework on your property purchase.In Spain many agents will offer you the same property at different prices ( ask yourself why ?)

The process is straight forward as you should hire YOUR choice of lawyer not the agents

Remember it’s a lawyers job let them deal with the nitty gritty.

Good luck 

Hi

I totally agree! The estate agent tried to bully us into using their lawyer, which could have been fine. However, you want to make sure they are fighting your corner, and your corner only, not the estate agents as well. We used Isabel from My lawyers in Spain and she was brilliant.  Also, make sure you look at as many properties as you can because then you will know a bargain when you see one. 

Ask as many questions as you can, on hear or elsewhere but you need to make sure that you know exactly what you are buying. Take care, 

Sandra

Hi thanks for your reply, very helpful! I shall do my homework and seek recommendations if I can from trusted sources. It’s a big leap but not sure I want to stay in this rat race anymore. It’s great knowing this forum is a bit of a resource library 😊 

Hi there,

It's never too late to make the move! I had no qualms or fears, to be honest, as I was totally convinced I was doing the right thing, and since moving here I have not regretted it for one moment.

But, it IS different, and while that may be one of the reasons for your move, it's also something that needs careful thought.

First, do as much homework as you can right now - you will find lots of conflicting advice, and different tales of how to go about things, and that tells you something! Athough there are official rulles and regulations, they don't always get stuck to. Where there are not many rules and regulations, it means you are dealing with a moveable feast, so finding out as much as possible from the start does help.

I would suggest renting at first. Places are wonderful for holidays but may not be so great to actually live in. If you are looking for work, or starting your own business, it may be better for that work to live somewhere you might not have considered. I know they sound obvious but, I had my mind made up before I came over, yet I don't live in that place now. As things panned out, I found I preferred somewhere different. Furthermore, being in place makes it easier to find somewhere to buy as not all properties are on sale through agents so, as you get to know people the jungle drums start working!

Finding work isn't easy in Spain, even before the CV-19 disruption, and I think you are going to need your savings for a while. Again, if you can contact places that might be interested in you, even before you move, it is very helpful. But, it's going to be difficult, even if you set your own business up.

Lastly, if you are not confident in the language, do some lessons now, get started today, don't slack off and don't think you will pick it up as you go along. Learn the basics, practice speaking out loud, watch Spanish films or listen to Spanish language radio. Even if you are confident, it's worth brushing up your existing skills.

You might find joining this group helpful, as you can network already with people who offer practical help
https://www.costawomen.com/

Good luck! I hope you can make your move soon.

I would hang about a bit as I think that property prices will reduce as the economy in Spain will go down. Always best to rent first and get a feel for the area you want to live in. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration before making a final move. Do your research

Hi Suzi,

I live in Alhaurin el Grande & love it. We made the move just over a year ago. I agree with the other replies when they say don’t buy but rent. Like house prices, rents are also dropping since CO-19 and there are some lovely properties around. If your move is long term you will need residencia which initially will involve buying private health insurance which can be expensive. You will also need a Spanish bank account and enough money in the account (when we did it I think it was approx £10K) to prove you won’t be a burden on the Spanish social security. If you are going to work for yourself you can then join the Spanish social security system which will negate the need for private health care. There are many “gestors”who can help with getting your residencia and aren’t too expensive..worth the money in my opinion. I would also agree that you should, if you’re not already, learn Spanish. We have never regretted making the move, a completely different way of life and well worth the effort. Be brave & good lucj

Hi Jane 

Thanks for your reply, very helpful. I know a lady called Lisa who lives there and has done for over ten years now. Have you become fully fluent since living there. I’d really like to touch base with people there that have made the move as you have the practical knowledge as you’ve done it! Currently 190 in equity in property here but not sure that’s enough for a reasonable property there.