Moving to Spain - the ex-pat facts

Spain is one of the most popular destinations that people from Northern Europe consider moving to. The attraction of Spain's weather and climate, its perceived low cost of living, the closeness of Spain and the amount of existing expatriates who live here can appear to make this an easy decision to make. However, as with any major move it is important to consider all the facts.  In order to try and help with your move we have a selection of advice and observations from expats who have already made the move. Use their pearls of wisdom to prepare yourself for your big move to Spain. The better you are prepared the more chance you have of making a successful move to Spain.

Looking for work in Spain?

Many people do not realise that looking for work in Spain as an expat can be very difficult. If you have lots of money and do not 'need' to work to survive then you will have less pressure on you to find something and maybe a little part time work will be possible to keep you active. However if you need to find work to support your life here it is important to give yourself enough of a financial cushion to allow time to find something and even then finding a job will not be easy. In the current financial climate the local Spanish people are having difficulty staying in full time work so for the expats it is almost impossible to find anything.

Many people who have expected to arrive and simply 'fall into a job' have been disappointed and many people end up moving back to the UK. Inland Spain is a beautiful place and can offer many rewards for those who make it their home but finding work inland can take longer than it might is some of the heavily British populated areas of the Costas. For this reason many of the expats that live in the Antequera area are semi-retired or retired. These people that do succeed inland are often self employed and have set up a small business and have invested time into learning to speak Spanish.

There is no doubt that in and around Antequera there is a vibrant retired ex-pat community making the most of life in Spain. The lower cost of living in Spain helps their money and their pensions go a lot further. Whether they are renting an apartment or town house, bought a mobile home on the parks close by or have bought a house in the campo (countryside) at the right price, being retired means they are secure in their new lifestyle.

Antequera high street

* If you can afford to buy a house outright you are in a good position because although costs have gone up a lot that doesn't apply so much to the costs of running a property which are still relatively low. The yearly costs of running your own home here are very cheap indeed.

* If you don't speak Spanish you will struggle to begin with but as always with an ex-pat community there is always someone to help you. However if you are planning to work here it is a massive advantage if you make a concentrated effort to learn Spanish.

* Try and have a job sorted in Spain before you come out here otherwise you could spend precious weeks/months while savings melt away. Best come out on a flying visit, hit the streets, read the local papers, get something in hand and then go back home to pack up.

* Many people do come and go - don't assume you won't be one of them - rent first so you don't end up being stuck in Spain against your will as property can take years to sell.

* Be practical - you can't make a living in Spain if you are stuck in remote mountains or inland. Look at different ways to earn money. Many of those who have had success here start their own businesses or think outside the box when looking for ways to earn money. Don't be afraid to try new things that may not have been your job in the UK.

* The Spanish state schools are in general very good. Your child will probably find it hard to begin with as they struggle to pick up the language. All inland schools will follow a Spanish curriculum and international schools (mainly found on the coast) will charge fees for your child to attend. it wont take long until they are fluent in Spanish and the younger they are when they start the better for them.

* Many people say they are happy to do anything and that they will do cleaning, bar work whatever they can get - all very commendable but the novelty does wear off and then you realise you are struggling to make ends meet. This puts great strain on relationships.

* Perhaps the best time of the day is early evening - going for a walk in the sun with fantastic views all-round and enjoying a drink afterwards.

* The Internet is fantastic for advance research but do visit Spain on fact finding trips, visiting the different areas as well so you know which area of Spain you like best.