Moving to Spain

Ever thought of joining the substantial number of British expats living in Spain? Why not check out our articles first?

Buying Property in Spain - the pitfalls!: "...parts of the Spanish coast are now so crammed with Brits that, apart from the weather, one could easily forget one was in a foreign country at all. It's vital to remember, though, that when you buy a property in Spain you are dealing with a legal system utterly different from the one back in Blighty." Need help with the legal process? Jeremy Davies explains what it's all about.
Why are property prices going through the roof?: "The Spanish have seen this influx of money and have raised prices. People have paid the higher prices - so the Spanish have raised them more. Again they have been met... and so the cycle keeps on going until finally buyers are exhausted and stop buying. Are we at that point?" Mark Eastwood of CostaBlancaUncovered.com looks at a property price spiral to rival the UK's.
Insure your home in Spain: If you're buying a house in Spain, you'll want to arrange building and contents insurance for it. Help is at hand from UK-based insurer Intasure, underwritten by Lloyds of London.
Squatters in our own homes: "The shiny new front-door key we held in our hands, opened the door to a property situated close to the golfer's paradise of San Roque in southern Spain. My husband and I had bought a beautiful two-storey townhouse set high up on a hill, with a panoramic view of the three-hundred-year-old town. Little did we know that our place in the sun would turn into a nightmare." Carla Acheson tells the shocking story of how legal wrangles and bureaucracy have left a new development without water and electricity - for almost a year!
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation 1 - Deciding to Move: "We've all attended those 'lifestyle' shows at the NEC or Olympia where the prospect of 330 days a year of sun, a milder climate for arthritic bones, a golf course for every day of the week, international quality schooling and a magnificently diversity of influences are dangled carrot-like beneath our noses. Many of us have said, 'Can I have some of that? Yes please...!'" Mark F R Wilkins writes of his experience in setting up home on the Costa del Sol - several times...
Buying Habits and New Hot Spots: "Over the last few years we have seen several new areas gain in popularity and overtake the traditional destinations on the south coast. So we decided to commission some research to identify and clarify these trends." Transferring funds for property purchases in Spain is a major part of Currency UK's business - share the results of their research here!
What made me up sticks?: "At least once a day I wonder how I and my young family ended up here. Life has changed completely. At times it feels frightening, and I wonder if our move was too impulsive, mad and stupid. But at the same time I realise it's exciting and that we only live once (allegedly) - so why not?" Mark Eastwood of CostaBlancaUncovered.com with a personal view of how he came to make the break...
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation 2 - Arriving in Spain: "Many works of non-fiction in the "Driving Over Lemons" market have depicted a view of Spanish rural life that is charming, quaint and stuffed full of olive oil-soaked personalities who are keen to help the newcomer settle into their neighbourhood. I wouldn't dare to suggest that this is rose-tinted - it's not; there is an honesty and grit to Spanish rural dwellers that is heartwarming." Mark F R Wilkins shows how a little effort and planning can bring about the good life...
Buying Property in Spain - the Rights Group glossary: "Apparently, Britons are spending �6 billion a year on the purchase of second homes - a staggering �4 billion more than two years ago. We at The Rights Group felt it would be useful to put together a glossary of terms that we use every day but which may be a little alien to would-be property purchasers in Spain." Stuck for a word? Mark F R Wilkins helps you make sense of Spanish property jargon...
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation - Checklist for a move to Spain: "As removals companies have countdown diaries to help you remember all those important elements needed before the 'Big Day', I felt it would be useful, for those seeking to relocate to or acquire a holiday home in Spain, to have a 'checklist' featuring those items that required specific attention and which could be ticked off as they were completed. " Mark F R Wilkins of The Rights Group presents a checklist covering all the essential personal, domestic and financial chores you need to remember when moving to Spain.
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation - Sun, Sea and Risk: "The change in legislation allowing overseas property to be incorporated into pension schemes brings with it great opportunity for individuals to really boost their pension fund for their retirement years. This fact has clearly not gone unnoticed by the financial advisers who have already been recommending this course of action for their clients. But one must remember that with great opportunity comes risk..." Joe Lopez of The Rights Group warns potential buyers of Spanish properties about the present turbulent market conditions - and offers a solution...
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation 3 - Yes, but why Spain?: "A failure to learn early on in your relationship with Spain that the more you push the incrementally more difficult your dealings will become, is a recipe for disaster. You cannot shout at a Spaniard and expect them to amend their stance - they won't. No matter how big your ego is, it will be totally deflated by a notary's cashier or a shop assistant - I know this from experience." Mark F R Wilkins looks at the longer-term lifestyle consequences of living in Spain.
The Rights Group Guide - How to Avoid...: "The change in legislation allowing overseas property to be incorporated into pension schemes brings with it great opportunity for individuals to really boost their pension fund for their retirement years. This fact has clearly not gone unnoticed by the financial advisers who have already been recommending this course of action for their clients. But one must remember that with great opportunity comes risk..." Joe Lopez of The Rights Group warns potential buyers of Spanish properties about the present turbulent market conditions - and offers a solution...
The Rights Group Guide - Why Would You Buy In Spain?: "Spain's new environmental tsar, Antonio Vercher, is quoted as saying in the Spanish daily El País that buyers of illegally-built homes are to be considered as guilty of playing a part in the scam." Mark Wilkins of The Rights Group warns potential buyers of Spanish properties against the dangers of failing to ensure that their chosen property has planning permission.
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation 4 - Why choose Spain?: "A recent report, commissioned by Barclays Bank from the well-respected University of Navarra Business School, observed that 65% of Brits would choose Spain as their Number One overseas property destination whilst for over 38% it would be the only possible choice. Additionally, complementing facts to statistics, the report also noted that by early 2005, Spanish town halls had registered 29% more British residents than in the previous year." Mark F R Wilkins explains why so many Britons continue to choose to emigrate to Spain.