Spent a few years living in Argentina where economically its proper grim. Been in Spain for a month and getting the impression that the work situation here is still pretty ropey. Even estate agents trying to flog me apartments say its difficult to make a living here. However if the property market has started to move again isn't that good for tradies? Or are there just too many spaniards and eastern europeans competing for limited opportunities? So whats the likelihood of earning a living wage here as a plumber or bathroom/kitchen installer etc?

I would suggest it's pretty dire.

Do you speak Spanish fluently? If not, then you will be constrained to Brit areas thus limiting your market.

My (Spanish) plumber charges 18€ an hour and always seems busy but I can't see how a Brit would 'break into' this market.

18€ per hour self employed is ok if work always coming in. But how long would it take to get to that stage...

​​​​​​ Im not sure the spanish market will be an easy market to crack despite my ability to comunicate with them. I speak spanish albeit for now an Argentine variety which must seem strange to them.

Im currently based to the east of Malaga. Maybe I'd be better off towards the airport side for the much larger Brit english speaking communities.

If there is a relationship between how long it takes for a plumber to come and how much work he/she has, then they ones I contact must have tons of jobs to do.

​​​​​​Co uld be a good sign!

How much do they charge for the hour (when they eventually turn up)?

Same as above, between 18 - 20 Euro an hour.

our spanish one is charging 15 euros

Ours is Spanish (will NOT employ any one but Spanish trades) and charges 18€ as stated.

I think it really does depend on where you are or will be, some areas are really picking up and it's hard to get tradesmen to do jobs, always busy, there are lots of Dutch, Germans, French, British where we are and they all communicate in English so speaking Spanish as well is a bonus.

If you are willing to work and in the right place there are good opportunities, most brit tradesmen seam to think that by giving them a job to do your interrupting there holidays!!