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Getting Organised for Spain Posted on 14 Oct, 2007 by (author}
If you're thinking of moving to Spain either permanently or to buy a holiday home, plan ahead and save some time & money.


The problem with buying property in Spain, apart from the rocketing prices, is that you have to rely on someone here to find something suitable for you to look at, and most likely your time here will be limited. Even if you have friends or family here it isn't always easy so plan ahead a little and take your time.

Find a good estate agent (or two) and make them aware of your requirements and your budget. They should be able to tell you what, if anything, is likely to be available and start looking for something suitable to view when you next visit, and you will probably visit many times before you finally take the plunge.

Don't expect to sort everything in a single visit because it never happens and you'll find many occasions when you feel 'out of control' or beleaguered so you'll need some committment and positive thinking.

Speaking of budgets, you need to consider more than just the cost of your new home, for instance, will you want to bring your own furniture and personal possessions? If so will you need a removals firm or can you fit them into the back of your car? It all depends on what you're bringing but however you do it, there's a price to pay.

There are lots of hauliers who will quote you a price but apart from reputable removers, be very careful who you trust. Ask for recommendations and don't simply pick something out of the local newspaper, especially in Spain, and just because they're English doesn't make them trustworthy...

If you do your own, then the chances are you'll use a sea ferry, either to Spain or France. Remember that fuel isn't much cheaper in France or Spain so whatever you save of the price of a shorter crossing might be lost in the motoring costs, and driving through Europe can be stressful when you're not moving house so think carefully.

The best way for many people (personal experience here) is to cruise across on the Pride of Bilbao with 36 hours of relaxation, entertainment and comfort, then drive the 8 or 10 hours to your destination through some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world.

Moving to Spain isn't easy! In fact it is a 'life event' of immense propertions so take it from someone who's already done it and expect everything to go wrong, deal with it, then be pleasantly surprised when you finally achieve your goal.

On a positive note, people who move to Spain tend to live longer and healthier lives. The relaxed lifestyle and healthy diet probably has something to do with it but I think a lack of the stress from hearing the incessant news of troubles and wars and street crime also plays a part. Television is less important since you'll probably spend a lot more of your time outdoors.

Driving in Spain is also much less of a trial than many believe and once you get used to driving on the right, looking left at roundabouts, and ignore the Spaniard who impatiently drives a few centimeters from your rear bumper and sounds his (or her) horn at you for the smallest misdemeanour, you'll find it a better experience than in the UK for sure.

Not least of all, be prepared to give it a chance. It's almost inevitable that you'll feel homesick at some point and wonder if the move was your wisest... Well give it at least six months and perhaps a year would be more realistic because by that time you'll have mastered some of the language and begun to experience what makes Spain so special.

Whatever it seems like, this is not designed to put you off. It's being realistic and letting you know that it isn't as easy or 'plain sailing' as some imagine. Once you understand that, you'll be well prepared to face the challenge and the adventure of making a new life in one of the most wonderful places in Europe.


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