Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

Hey everyone!

first time posting in this forum (be kind :-)) - my wife and I (plus our 2 boys aged 6 & 10) are looking to move to Spain soon - my wife is half Spanish so already has a Spanish passport so hopefully that makes the Visa thing a bit simpler :-) we’re in ourlate 30’s/ early 40’s and love the weather, outdoors lifestyle and community/ very social culture which is what’s attracting us to move over and change our life.

we recently holidayed in Andalusia and loved it - we stayed just outside Chiclana in a smallish finca and we drove all over - to Cadiz, Vejer, El Palmer, and much of Costa Del Sol (up as far as Fuengirola) including places inland like Mijas, Coin and others.

our conundrum is whether to live Cadiz side (loved that it was less touristy, more authentic Spanish, less busy and crowded) but also loved the Costa Del Sol side, ironically for some of the opposite reasons. We could buy a home by selling up in the UK or we could rent out our UK home and rent locally in Spain. Cadiz region (Jerez/ Chiclana areas in particular) seem good value for money vs Costa Del Sol areas like Estepona, Manilva and Marbella, but we would also need to be near some British international schools for the kids - does anyone have any advice on best areas or areas to avoid for families like ours? Also what’s peoples views on apartment living in urban areas vs a bit further out of town in fincas? Is the property purchase process as bad as the UK and is there anything we need to be mindful of?

sorry for the marathon post! Any advice at all on any of the subjects would be so helpful! 🙏

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

Difficult to know what your experience and knowledge of Spain is even if your wife is half Spanish. A holiday in Andalusia by itself isn't enough to safely consider moving.
I any event, if you are unsure between two areas then I'd be inclined to rent out the UK property and rent in Spain for a period of time in the two areas before committing to selling/buying.
I appreciate this may not be viable with schooling for the kids and them changing schools but it is not impossible.

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

Renting out UK property and renting in ES is safest bet. You get to test water and can move to different areas if you dont like where you are.
But have you though about money? How are you planning to support big family in ES? Forget about getting local jobs.
What if you have to stop working or loose job?

Moving to ES is something that people in retirement like to do, as money is build up.

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

If it was just you and your wife I would definitely go for the Cadiz/Chiclana area but I'm wondering if the west side is Málaga is more suitable because they have some good international schools and there is more for young people in that area.

You are well placed to move to Spain and you will not be cursed with the post Brexit barriers so I would have a good look around before committing and check out schools etc. I wouldn't recommend going too far inland in an isolated area either because your children will probably get bored in an environment like that when they get older and want to be near friends and activities.

Good luck!

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

Well that wasn't what I did, and the last ONS study showed 176,890 under 65s vs 121,181 over 65s British citizens were resident in Spain.

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

Do you speak Spanish?
What work/field are you in now? Is the work you do going to be available in Spain?
In other words, the weather, outdoor style of living, culture, is not going to pay the bills.

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

Thanks all, really helpful to get different perspectives!

the work we both do is easily done remotely, so we are sorting that before we move; finances won’t be an issue.

we don’t speak fluently, but I’m learning Spanish rapidly and my wife is already able to speak partially (and learning more as we speak)

Will definitely look deeper into the renting side of things to ensure we get the area right first before committing longer term!

thanks all!

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

On the Costa del Sol, you need to be aware that long-term rentals (over 12 months) are difficult to find as most owners want to take advantage of shorter-term peak season holiday rentals, which can be three times the winter rates. Owners often avoid long-term rentals due to the risk of tenants failing to pay, as it is very difficult to evict their tenants, who effectively become squatters. It's much easier and safer to let it just for the summer months.

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

Gibraltar

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

But just how easy is it to move there as a British citizen after brexit?

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

Good points also from EU.flag Even if the OP has now replied and said that they can work remotely, how likely would that be if they lost their job or something went wrong with their business?

I've seen it personally and have worked remote for a couple of years but due to redundancies needed to look for a new job. Many companies now have a hybrid model or want people back in the office. And once you are over 40 it doesn't get easier with employment, so while the remote job might seem good today, it always makes sense to plan ahead if that remote option goes.

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

I assume you'll apply on the the family member of a Spanish citizen route. The problem with working remotely is you won't build up unemployment benefit in Spain.

There was a time where you could export UB from the UK to Spain, I doubt that's survived Brexit.

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

At the moment you can just walk in.

However Gibraltar is.shortly supposed to be rejoining the EU, When that happens who knows?

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

What a overstatement!
Gib is NOT joining EU. Gib is only joining Schengen zone. ANY country can joining Schengen zone, and doesn't require any other EU kind of memberships.
Gib residents will not have right to free movement in EU or right to live/work in EU either.

Re: Moving to Cadiz/ Malaga regions - thoughts/ tips/ advice?
 

Let's wait and see