Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 3
Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
Hello All,
We are a family of 4 currently living in Ireland (kids are 2 and 6). My DH has just got a job in Gibraltar, and we are deciding whether or not he should take it and relocate the family to Spain (for 1 - 2 years). I currently work remotely and travel to the UK once or twice a month, so I would continue to do that for as long as I can manage it or the job lasts (I am an IT Contractor). He has tried to get work in Ireland and hasn't been able to get anything so far, and it is a good job in Gibraltar.
We are thinking of Sotogrande, as there is an International school (assuming my son will get in and we can afford it!?) and there are bilingual nurseries. Also, I think we would prefer Spain to Gibraltar and it is commutable for him. He worked there briefly some years ago (before he met me) and used to park in Spain and walk across to avoid the queues.. not sure how far his new office will be, and if that is doable!?
Things I'm concerned about:
Is Sotogrande a good option to base ourselves out of?
Is there much to do there? With kids.. and in the evenings?
More than likely (if we go ahead with it) we will move just as the Summer kicks in, so I am concerned about how hot it will get and how the kids will manage?
What are property's like in Sotogrande, roughly how much would we need for a 3/4 bed? Is there much to choose from?
Has anyone on here done a similar move, any advice?
Not sure if it's worth uprooting the family, the other options are he keeps on looking for something locally, or he commutes.. none of which are ideal!! We can afford for him not to take it at the moment, but eventually he will have to get something..
Any insights into life in this area are very welcome, and will help us to make our decision.
We are a family of 4 currently living in Ireland (kids are 2 and 6). My DH has just got a job in Gibraltar, and we are deciding whether or not he should take it and relocate the family to Spain (for 1 - 2 years). I currently work remotely and travel to the UK once or twice a month, so I would continue to do that for as long as I can manage it or the job lasts (I am an IT Contractor). He has tried to get work in Ireland and hasn't been able to get anything so far, and it is a good job in Gibraltar.
We are thinking of Sotogrande, as there is an International school (assuming my son will get in and we can afford it!?) and there are bilingual nurseries. Also, I think we would prefer Spain to Gibraltar and it is commutable for him. He worked there briefly some years ago (before he met me) and used to park in Spain and walk across to avoid the queues.. not sure how far his new office will be, and if that is doable!?
Things I'm concerned about:
Is Sotogrande a good option to base ourselves out of?
Is there much to do there? With kids.. and in the evenings?
More than likely (if we go ahead with it) we will move just as the Summer kicks in, so I am concerned about how hot it will get and how the kids will manage?
What are property's like in Sotogrande, roughly how much would we need for a 3/4 bed? Is there much to choose from?
Has anyone on here done a similar move, any advice?
Not sure if it's worth uprooting the family, the other options are he keeps on looking for something locally, or he commutes.. none of which are ideal!! We can afford for him not to take it at the moment, but eventually he will have to get something..
Any insights into life in this area are very welcome, and will help us to make our decision.
#2
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
Great in summer, lots going on but you need the money ! This is the prefered resort of many wealthy Spaniards - yachts, riding, golf ....Definitely need a car if you want to do anything .A quick check on Idealista - 3 bedroom chalet just reduced from Euro 1.1 Million. There are others at 400K - 500K but not so many.
#3
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
Lovely place but very expensive. Valderrama Golf across the road, a great marina for your super yacht. Cheap shopping down the road in Gibraltar.
Nice Polo ground if you are into that.
Estepona area a few miles north would be a cheaper option. Don’t know about the schools, but the residents in Sotogrande probably send the kids to English public schools!
I would love to live there but my yacht is too big to fit in the marina (I wish).
Nice Polo ground if you are into that.
Estepona area a few miles north would be a cheaper option. Don’t know about the schools, but the residents in Sotogrande probably send the kids to English public schools!
I would love to live there but my yacht is too big to fit in the marina (I wish).
#4
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
Hello All,
We are a family of 4 currently living in Ireland (kids are 2 and 6). My DH has just got a job in Gibraltar, and we are deciding whether or not he should take it and relocate the family to Spain (for 1 - 2 years). I currently work remotely and travel to the UK once or twice a month, so I would continue to do that for as long as I can manage it or the job lasts (I am an IT Contractor). He has tried to get work in Ireland and hasn't been able to get anything so far, and it is a good job in Gibraltar.
We are thinking of Sotogrande, as there is an International school (assuming my son will get in and we can afford it!?) and there are bilingual nurseries. Also, I think we would prefer Spain to Gibraltar and it is commutable for him. He worked there briefly some years ago (before he met me) and used to park in Spain and walk across to avoid the queues.. not sure how far his new office will be, and if that is doable!?
Things I'm concerned about:
Is Sotogrande a good option to base ourselves out of?
Is there much to do there? With kids.. and in the evenings?
More than likely (if we go ahead with it) we will move just as the Summer kicks in, so I am concerned about how hot it will get and how the kids will manage?
What are property's like in Sotogrande, roughly how much would we need for a 3/4 bed? Is there much to choose from?
Has anyone on here done a similar move, any advice?
Not sure if it's worth uprooting the family, the other options are he keeps on looking for something locally, or he commutes.. none of which are ideal!! We can afford for him not to take it at the moment, but eventually he will have to get something..
Any insights into life in this area are very welcome, and will help us to make our decision.
We are a family of 4 currently living in Ireland (kids are 2 and 6). My DH has just got a job in Gibraltar, and we are deciding whether or not he should take it and relocate the family to Spain (for 1 - 2 years). I currently work remotely and travel to the UK once or twice a month, so I would continue to do that for as long as I can manage it or the job lasts (I am an IT Contractor). He has tried to get work in Ireland and hasn't been able to get anything so far, and it is a good job in Gibraltar.
We are thinking of Sotogrande, as there is an International school (assuming my son will get in and we can afford it!?) and there are bilingual nurseries. Also, I think we would prefer Spain to Gibraltar and it is commutable for him. He worked there briefly some years ago (before he met me) and used to park in Spain and walk across to avoid the queues.. not sure how far his new office will be, and if that is doable!?
Things I'm concerned about:
Is Sotogrande a good option to base ourselves out of?
Is there much to do there? With kids.. and in the evenings?
More than likely (if we go ahead with it) we will move just as the Summer kicks in, so I am concerned about how hot it will get and how the kids will manage?
What are property's like in Sotogrande, roughly how much would we need for a 3/4 bed? Is there much to choose from?
Has anyone on here done a similar move, any advice?
Not sure if it's worth uprooting the family, the other options are he keeps on looking for something locally, or he commutes.. none of which are ideal!! We can afford for him not to take it at the moment, but eventually he will have to get something..
Any insights into life in this area are very welcome, and will help us to make our decision.
#5
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 3
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
He works in Marketing but his main experience is in the gambling area, so the companies tend to be in tax “efficient” areas.. Hence the job in Gibraltar!!
He could get work in Dublin but it’s practically impossible to get accommodation and schools in Dublin at the moment, so we are living in the South West of Ireland and not much work for him here.
We would be renting in Spain as we’re looking at it as a short(ish) term move. We have our house and some small investments back in Ireland, so ultimately will be coming back here. But thinking it would be a bit of an adventure for the kids (and us) to live somewhere nice and sunny and a bit different for a while.
He could get work in Dublin but it’s practically impossible to get accommodation and schools in Dublin at the moment, so we are living in the South West of Ireland and not much work for him here.
We would be renting in Spain as we’re looking at it as a short(ish) term move. We have our house and some small investments back in Ireland, so ultimately will be coming back here. But thinking it would be a bit of an adventure for the kids (and us) to live somewhere nice and sunny and a bit different for a while.
#6
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
He works in Marketing but his main experience is in the gambling area, so the companies tend to be in tax “efficient” areas.. Hence the job in Gibraltar!!
He could get work in Dublin but it’s practically impossible to get accommodation and schools in Dublin at the moment, so we are living in the South West of Ireland and not much work for him here.
We would be renting in Spain as we’re looking at it as a short(ish) term move. We have our house and some small investments back in Ireland, so ultimately will be coming back here. But thinking it would be a bit of an adventure for the kids (and us) to live somewhere nice and sunny and a bit different for a while.
He could get work in Dublin but it’s practically impossible to get accommodation and schools in Dublin at the moment, so we are living in the South West of Ireland and not much work for him here.
We would be renting in Spain as we’re looking at it as a short(ish) term move. We have our house and some small investments back in Ireland, so ultimately will be coming back here. But thinking it would be a bit of an adventure for the kids (and us) to live somewhere nice and sunny and a bit different for a while.
#7
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
He works in Marketing but his main experience is in the gambling area, so the companies tend to be in tax “efficient” areas.. Hence the job in Gibraltar!!
He could get work in Dublin but it’s practically impossible to get accommodation and schools in Dublin at the moment, so we are living in the South West of Ireland and not much work for him here.
We would be renting in Spain as we’re looking at it as a short(ish) term move. We have our house and some small investments back in Ireland, so ultimately will be coming back here. But thinking it would be a bit of an adventure for the kids (and us) to live somewhere nice and sunny and a bit different for a while.
He could get work in Dublin but it’s practically impossible to get accommodation and schools in Dublin at the moment, so we are living in the South West of Ireland and not much work for him here.
We would be renting in Spain as we’re looking at it as a short(ish) term move. We have our house and some small investments back in Ireland, so ultimately will be coming back here. But thinking it would be a bit of an adventure for the kids (and us) to live somewhere nice and sunny and a bit different for a while.
#8
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
Hello All,
We are a family of 4 currently living in Ireland (kids are 2 and 6). My DH has just got a job in Gibraltar, and we are deciding whether or not he should take it and relocate the family to Spain (for 1 - 2 years). I currently work remotely and travel to the UK once or twice a month, so I would continue to do that for as long as I can manage it or the job lasts (I am an IT Contractor). He has tried to get work in Ireland and hasn't been able to get anything so far, and it is a good job in Gibraltar.
We are thinking of Sotogrande, as there is an International school (assuming my son will get in and we can afford it!?) and there are bilingual nurseries. Also, I think we would prefer Spain to Gibraltar and it is commutable for him. He worked there briefly some years ago (before he met me) and used to park in Spain and walk across to avoid the queues.. not sure how far his new office will be, and if that is doable!?
Things I'm concerned about:
Is Sotogrande a good option to base ourselves out of?
Is there much to do there? With kids.. and in the evenings?
More than likely (if we go ahead with it) we will move just as the Summer kicks in, so I am concerned about how hot it will get and how the kids will manage?
What are property's like in Sotogrande, roughly how much would we need for a 3/4 bed? Is there much to choose from?
Has anyone on here done a similar move, any advice?
Not sure if it's worth uprooting the family, the other options are he keeps on looking for something locally, or he commutes.. none of which are ideal!! We can afford for him not to take it at the moment, but eventually he will have to get something..
Any insights into life in this area are very welcome, and will help us to make our decision.
We are a family of 4 currently living in Ireland (kids are 2 and 6). My DH has just got a job in Gibraltar, and we are deciding whether or not he should take it and relocate the family to Spain (for 1 - 2 years). I currently work remotely and travel to the UK once or twice a month, so I would continue to do that for as long as I can manage it or the job lasts (I am an IT Contractor). He has tried to get work in Ireland and hasn't been able to get anything so far, and it is a good job in Gibraltar.
We are thinking of Sotogrande, as there is an International school (assuming my son will get in and we can afford it!?) and there are bilingual nurseries. Also, I think we would prefer Spain to Gibraltar and it is commutable for him. He worked there briefly some years ago (before he met me) and used to park in Spain and walk across to avoid the queues.. not sure how far his new office will be, and if that is doable!?
Things I'm concerned about:
Is Sotogrande a good option to base ourselves out of?
Is there much to do there? With kids.. and in the evenings?
More than likely (if we go ahead with it) we will move just as the Summer kicks in, so I am concerned about how hot it will get and how the kids will manage?
What are property's like in Sotogrande, roughly how much would we need for a 3/4 bed? Is there much to choose from?
Has anyone on here done a similar move, any advice?
Not sure if it's worth uprooting the family, the other options are he keeps on looking for something locally, or he commutes.. none of which are ideal!! We can afford for him not to take it at the moment, but eventually he will have to get something..
Any insights into life in this area are very welcome, and will help us to make our decision.
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
Hi, Sotogrande is expensive, cheaper areas are a long way from Gibraltar but working in the Gambling business in Gibraltar is very tenuous. We have had friends doing that sort of work but they are always stressed that they will lose their jobs and some have. Its all based on tax efficiency and companies come and go. I would not risk my families future on such a speculative employment. It will all be too stressful for you. Schools, change of life, work, expenses..its not easy!
#10
Just Joined
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 3
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
The move doesn’t bother us too much.. we have moved around a lot in the past. The plan is to save as much as possible in the time we are there while also enjoying a good quality of life in better weather. I work remotely anyway, so it doesn’t make much difference to me.
I appreciate all the replies, but curious if there is anyone who has made a similar move with positive outcome.. If we turned away from any move, because it was too much hassle.. surely we would miss out on some of the variety life has to offer??
I appreciate all the replies, but curious if there is anyone who has made a similar move with positive outcome.. If we turned away from any move, because it was too much hassle.. surely we would miss out on some of the variety life has to offer??
#11
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
The move doesn’t bother us too much.. we have moved around a lot in the past. The plan is to save as much as possible in the time we are there while also enjoying a good quality of life in better weather. I work remotely anyway, so it doesn’t make much difference to me.
I appreciate all the replies, but curious if there is anyone who has made a similar move with positive outcome.. If we turned away from any move, because it was too much hassle.. surely we would miss out on some of the variety life has to offer??
I appreciate all the replies, but curious if there is anyone who has made a similar move with positive outcome.. If we turned away from any move, because it was too much hassle.. surely we would miss out on some of the variety life has to offer??
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 99
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
Duquesa is only about 40 min drive from Gib and has lots of properties for sale. You can get a 3 bed house there for under 200k Near the beach and has a mix of spanish and Uk owners. Near Manilva and Sabinilla. There is a local school in the area. I know a couple who lived there for a few years and their kids went to school there. They had lots of friends there. Ultimately they moved to Gib for better schooling and jobs but we visited them a few times in Duquesa and it seems to be very family orientated.
https://www.costadelhome.com/3-bed-3...duquesa-384418
Or alcaidesa? I've no idea what it's like living there but properties are cheap and it's only about half hour drive.
But I reckon you'd be better to rent at first so that you can see where you really want to be. In summer it'll be expensive to rent but better than sinking everything into buying a house that is in the wrong place....
https://www.costadelhome.com/3-bed-3...duquesa-384418
Or alcaidesa? I've no idea what it's like living there but properties are cheap and it's only about half hour drive.
But I reckon you'd be better to rent at first so that you can see where you really want to be. In summer it'll be expensive to rent but better than sinking everything into buying a house that is in the wrong place....
#13
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Joined: Apr 2015
Location: Estepona
Posts: 18
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
Personally I find Sotogrande rather soulless and one note, its kind of plastic but then again if you have a lot of money its probably nice to hang out with other very wealthy folks.
Id second Duquesa/Sabinillias or my favourite which is Estepona which is stunning with a great beach and nice marina, its a bit farther up the coast but its a lot bigger than the other options.
Id second Duquesa/Sabinillias or my favourite which is Estepona which is stunning with a great beach and nice marina, its a bit farther up the coast but its a lot bigger than the other options.
#14
Re: Advice on relocating to Spain (Sotogrande)
It's such a subjective question but I too think it is a soulless kind of place. The marina is pretty to look at but compared to others further up the coast towards Malaga it is dead. Having said that I do know some nice different folks from that area and they all seem happy with living there. Feels like a marriage of convenience if you work in Gibraltar but I would recommend Sabinillas for more life and variety (and a lower cost of living).