Hi all My name is Barry or Baz whatever suits I live in Cornwall and my wife and I hope to move to Almeria sometime next year. Would really appreciate some advice during the run up as it looks as though there is a lot of knowledge here.

Have a browse through the free beer thread, lots of info in there. ;-)

hi baz we have a house in almeria parents in haercal-overa we hope to move out soon . here are a few things i would say 1 try and speak spanish or take spanish lessons before you go if you are in a spanish with few expats you will need to do your spanish lessons they will love you to try you will be excepteded quicker. 2 if you buy older property remember it does get cold in the winter make sure you have a good form of heating the wood burner will not be enough. 3 dont take in stray animals the locals know us brits are animal lovers you will find pups kittens on your door sted my parents have ented up with 1 dog 3 cats 1 goat they love them all but only started of with 1 cat they brought with them from england .4 mix with brits and spanish local tapas bar is good for this . i could go on all day do you home work almeria is a lively area of spain . helen

Thanks to you both for your replys,
As you say jdr there is a lot of information there and it is very useful. At times though I think it is great to have someone who has done it to tell you their experience.
Helen I have taken lessons and try to speak Spanish as much as possible while I am over there, I certainly need to improve though because I can only get by and not enter into proper conversation I am usually OK until I am answered!! Bit worried about the cold winters as I was expecting it to be cold but have been quoted minus 6?

Hola Barry,
Agree with all that is being said but do feel that they have forgotten some vitals.
1. Go to a reputable estate agent when you do buy VITAL.
2. Do your homework via estate agents, forums etc and make sure that the area you choose is where you will be living. So many people come to Spain on holiday and when the time comes move to that area which they visited and find that holiday mode is nothing like living out here.
3. Dont be swayed by friends and family who might live out here. The area they livie in might be fine for their needs but not yours/
4. Photocopy everything about 10 times and I mean everything!! [paperwork that is!] as you will have to produce copies of everything. If possible get copies of your parents birthcertificates.
5. Bring everything with you, it all works and if it all fits into your new home, great. The cost of furniture here can be quite expensive for mediocre type furniture.
6. Initially do not trust anyone not even solicitors. In the case of the latter always use one that is recommended to you by a friend or some other person who has dealt satisfactorily with him/her.
7. After choosing an area scoure the local papers etc and join a forum which perhaps deals with that particular area. There are forums on the internet that are exclusive to a particular urbanisation and you can only join if you have details of your home.
The efforts you make now will hold you in good stead ijn the future.
We have lived out here for 12 years and as yet have only met minor problems of a beaurocratic nature.
Good Luck Barry

Hi Keddyboy
Thanks for your reply there is some very good advice in it. I do have some concerns with the house purchase but it would take reams to write it all here.
Regards
Barry