Moving to Spain
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 13
Moving to Spain
My husband and 3 daughters are planning to move to Spain as soon as we sell our home in the UK.
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: now just seville ( province)
Posts: 550
Re: Moving to Spain
I would guess that most people are wanting to relocate and make a living by finding some kind of a job. Fact is there are ( virtually) no jobs.
It is unfair to raise false hopes.
Pete
It is unfair to raise false hopes.
Pete
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Velez-Malaga
Posts: 4,920
Re: Moving to Spain
My husband and 3 daughters are planning to move to Spain as soon as we sell our home in the UK.
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
Those of us who have been living here for the past few years (6 in my case) will have all seen British couples and families have to return to the UK since the recession began, some of them in dire financial circumstances, and don't think it would be helpful to encourage others to come at this time.
However, if people have established businesses that can be run from anywhere; can commute to the UK or elsewhere for work; are retired and in receipt of pensions; or early retired with enough resources to support themselves, then it's a different story. I'm in the last category (early retired) and I'm very happy here. I'm always happy to see questions from people in any of these circumstances who are thinking of moving to Spain, because it offers a great quality of life. Not perfect, nowhere is!
#4
Re: Moving to Spain
My husband and 3 daughters are planning to move to Spain as soon as we sell our home in the UK.
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
A few stayed but most went back to the UK...reasons: childrens education, work, the need to see and be with family in the UK, money, accommodation and pressure on the relationship.
The problem about bringing children to Spain in itself is a that however well they learn Spanish they seldom feel Spanish and they loose their cultural roots. It's a tough choice to make on their behalf and most go back.
Sorry but for those of us who have seen it time and time again we have become cynical as there are only so many bright business ideas and new bars and restaurants that can be successful.
In our experience more than half the people we know have gone back and thats probably the same for most of the forum writers.
#5
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: In the middle of 10million Olive Trees
Posts: 12,053
Re: Moving to Spain
My husband and 3 daughters are planning to move to Spain as soon as we sell our home in the UK.
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
I believe many people over the past 20-30 years have come here because it has been seen as a place you can just pop into like a pub or cafe and everything will be fine. But they were unrealistic and found there werent the benefits and support networks of the UK.
But even though a major part of the EU with some preferential treatment, it isnt that simple. It is a foreign country and they have their own rules and regs they have spent centuries building up (the same as the UK)
Many people have come to BE Spain wanting to just pack a bag and catch a plane, thinking they can just walk into a job, or failing that work in a bar or even pay petty cash to buy one. Life isnt like that in any country.
All I would say to you is - how would you make the move, live, work, converse, play and learn if you went to another country that is on the BE country list. Some English is the main language but others it is second or even third and you may well spend all your time in an Expat Enclave. Read the Italy thread about the problems of living there.
It seems to make good press to write about the number of people returning from Spain - but similar numbers return from Oz!.
There is one hell of a lot of knowledge and experience available here at BE Spain, gained over many years - much of it is in the back file of the site.
But England with sun it isnt - Right now it has been raining almost continuously for 2 days, the temp is around 12c and it is only going to get worse.
I wish you well and look forward to you returning to discuss the options with those nice people at BE Spain.
kind regards
#6
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,368
Re: Moving to Spain
My husband and 3 daughters are planning to move to Spain as soon as we sell our home in the UK.
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
#7
squeaky clean
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Spain 4th feb 08 - October 11, now flits batck and forth from sunny Worthing
Posts: 1,576
Re: Moving to Spain
Also now Spain has become very strict with its residencia requirements. You must prove an income and healthcare provision before you can become an official resident.
It is a harsh country and the days of "living the dream" are over. I guess the negativity is simply making sure folks realise that. But it is nice when folk have an independent income, no commitments and move over, they at least will spend in Spain and help the faltering economy a bit.
Jo xxx
It is a harsh country and the days of "living the dream" are over. I guess the negativity is simply making sure folks realise that. But it is nice when folk have an independent income, no commitments and move over, they at least will spend in Spain and help the faltering economy a bit.
Jo xxx
#8
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 13
Re: Moving to Spain
Thank you for all your comments, and I appreciate all your feedback. Money is not so much of an object, just really wanted some other types of advice if necessary.
#9
Re: Moving to Spain
Good luck with the move, where abouts in Spain will you be moving to ?
We have been here 9 years, our kids were 4 and 8 they picked up the Spanish well at school, but I am ashamed to say I still struggle a bit !
One thing we didn't realise was that in the area where we moved to ( inland of Alicante ) was that in school the kids are taught in Valenciano as well as Spanish.
Cheers Tony
We have been here 9 years, our kids were 4 and 8 they picked up the Spanish well at school, but I am ashamed to say I still struggle a bit !
One thing we didn't realise was that in the area where we moved to ( inland of Alicante ) was that in school the kids are taught in Valenciano as well as Spanish.
Cheers Tony
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2006
Location: denia
Posts: 192
Re: Moving to Spain
My husband and 3 daughters are planning to move to Spain as soon as we sell our home in the UK.
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
Spain is a lovely country,people are very welcoming,BUT,a lot has changed here since the economic crisis,i came here 2006 it was ok then but now,forget it unless you have pots of money and are finacially independant,reality hurts,but that the way it is.
If you have done your homework and research which you MUST do its a no brainer coming to spain to live,people expats are flooding back to the uk a lot cannot sell their homes,or if they can losing 50-60% loss,so either the banks are repossesing their homes or they are just locking up their villas going back uk.also from france,so you now have the answer to your question (why people are discouraging you!).
Unfortunately its not anymore just about SUN,SEA,BLUE SKIES & SANGRIA,unless you are well off!
paris
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Beckenham, London borough Bromley
Posts: 1,617
Re: Moving to Spain
My husband and 3 daughters are planning to move to Spain as soon as we sell our home in the UK.
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
After visiting some of the other countries pages and seen all the positive offers of encouragement and help and then to come on to the Spain one and when there are posts about people moving to Spain (some of the posts are very positive) some of the posts here only seem to discourage. Why is that?
you say you are planning to move; why to Spain? what do you want from life? What are you hoping to get here that is better than the UK? It can work - BUT you need to be clear on your objectives and methodology.
I enjoy my life here - and have done so for nearly ten years; but my lifestyle is nowhere near what I predicted it would be. It has worked for me, or I have made it work for me more realistically.
Davexf
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 101
Re: Moving to Spain
we are planning a move to Spain end of 2013. and in our mid fifties, however I will be in receipt of a NHS pension plus we will have rental income, and a minimum of 2/3 years full funding in the bank, including private healthcare cover and we will own our own home.
we are moving because we wish to experience something different while we can, and anticipate that it is not going to be easy. But we have done our sums and still know we Will have got it wrong However if we had children, had to seek work, pay rent/mortgage etc i would not leave the UK for Spain. I suppose what I am saying is, even with our financial status IE fairly independent - not rich - but in a more fortunate position than some - we are still taking a risk but we are are taking that risk as fully informed as we can be and accepting of any outcomes . As an aside we are also taking Spanish lessons, I am studying for exams in Spanish.
Having said all of that if you can realise your dreams, having accepted all the associated risks then who am I to give advice, as i like you am still in the UK
best wishes
we are moving because we wish to experience something different while we can, and anticipate that it is not going to be easy. But we have done our sums and still know we Will have got it wrong However if we had children, had to seek work, pay rent/mortgage etc i would not leave the UK for Spain. I suppose what I am saying is, even with our financial status IE fairly independent - not rich - but in a more fortunate position than some - we are still taking a risk but we are are taking that risk as fully informed as we can be and accepting of any outcomes . As an aside we are also taking Spanish lessons, I am studying for exams in Spanish.
Having said all of that if you can realise your dreams, having accepted all the associated risks then who am I to give advice, as i like you am still in the UK
best wishes
Last edited by mogsmum; Oct 26th 2012 at 5:58 am. Reason: stupid
#13
Re: Moving to Spain
we are planning a move to Spain end of 2013. and in our mid fifties, however I will be in receipt of a NHS pension plus we will have rental income, and a minimum of 2/3 years full funding in the bank, including private healthcare cover and we will own our own home.
we are moving because we wish to experience something different while we can, and anticipate that it is not going to be easy. But we have done our sums and still know we Will have got it wrong However if we had children, had to seek work, pay rent/mortgage etc i would not leave the UK for Spain. I suppose what I am saying is, even with our financial status IE fairly independent - not rich - but in a more fortunate position than some - we are still taking a risk but we are are taking that risk as fully informed as we can be and accepting of any outcomes . As an aside we are also taking Spanish lessons, I am studying for exams in Spanish.
Having said all of that if you can realise your dreams, having accepted all the associated risks then who am I to give advice, as i like you am still in the UK
best wishes
we are moving because we wish to experience something different while we can, and anticipate that it is not going to be easy. But we have done our sums and still know we Will have got it wrong However if we had children, had to seek work, pay rent/mortgage etc i would not leave the UK for Spain. I suppose what I am saying is, even with our financial status IE fairly independent - not rich - but in a more fortunate position than some - we are still taking a risk but we are are taking that risk as fully informed as we can be and accepting of any outcomes . As an aside we are also taking Spanish lessons, I am studying for exams in Spanish.
Having said all of that if you can realise your dreams, having accepted all the associated risks then who am I to give advice, as i like you am still in the UK
best wishes
Good luck with the move.
You are right, it is better to try something ( even if it dose not work out )
than live the rest of your life thinking what if ?
Some good things I can think of about spain are
1 SUN
2 BLUE SKY
3 CHEEP BOOZE
4 CHEEP PROPERTY ( you can own a detached house with a pool and land for less than the price of a semi in the uk )
Tony
#14
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: In the middle of 10million Olive Trees
Posts: 12,053
Re: Moving to Spain
Good luck with the move.
You are right, it is better to try something ( even if it dose not work out )
than live the rest of your life thinking what if ?
Some good things I can think of about spain are
1 SUN
2 BLUE SKY
3 CHEEP BOOZE
4 CHEEP PROPERTY ( you can own a detached house with a pool and land for less than the price of a semi in the uk )
Tony
You are right, it is better to try something ( even if it dose not work out )
than live the rest of your life thinking what if ?
Some good things I can think of about spain are
1 SUN
2 BLUE SKY
3 CHEEP BOOZE
4 CHEEP PROPERTY ( you can own a detached house with a pool and land for less than the price of a semi in the uk )
Tony
OK if you are 20, want the life of a beach bum with nothing but a change of clothes and a surfboard, but bringing out young children whose lives could be irreparably damaged to the uncertainty, the potential massive rows tween husband and wife and possibility of divorce over this is not on.
However, Tony, considering I have a nice 3 bed semi on the edge of East Anglia/East Midlands which is now being rented out due to IMO the stupid price I was offered for it, £100k, exactly where are all these cheap detached houses with a pool and land for less than the price of a semi in the uk??
In our current search have found some very nice places, but always there is negative side heavily outweighing the positives.
One (English) couple tried to sell us their house on the side of a hill for a profit on what they bought it for 5 years ago (hearsay evidence indicates they have been trying to sell it since they bought it) and wouldnt drop the price.
Another (English) couple told us they wanted €200k for their (very nice) place when it is being advertised by a Spanish agent for €175k.
But we do have a tight spec, certain needs, including location and I suppose it is our fault........
#15
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 487
Re: Moving to Spain
....But if you're not obsessed with the weather and cheap drink doesn't bother you, it doesn't have a lot going for it at the moment does it??