Making the move – UK to spain

If you’re currently living in the UK and are thinking of emigrating to live in Spain then you’re not alone. There are a large number of Brits who move to Spain every year and it’s not hard to understand why. With its warm climate, beautiful beaches and civilized culture, Spain has a lot to offer its residents.

Often what prompts people to make the move to Spain is not just what it has to offer but dissatisfaction with the way things are at home. The UK certainly isn’t renowned for its climate and the growing cutbacks in major services mean it doesn’t hold the appeal as a place to live that it once did.

Where to Move

If you’ve decided that you are going to purchase a property in Spain then the first thing to decide upon is where in the country you want to live. Whilst Spain is home to some of the most lively and vibrant holiday spots in the world such as Barcelona, Ibiza and Madrid, there are also many other regions in the country that offer a much more subdued and laidback atmosphere. What region of Spain you choose to live will depend on your age, budget, family circumstances and of course personal preference. Many people will first visit an area they’re thinking of living in before purchasing a property there. This is ideal as it enables you to truly experience what life in that region is like.

What’s so appealing about Spain as a place to live is the variety it offers. Major cities like Barcelona and Madrid are perfect for those who love shopping and like the busy atmosphere of a city. Of course properties in these cities are more expensive due to their desirability. Many people prefer the more tranquil side of Spain when they’re looking to move there and there are certainly plenty of regions that offer this experience. There are many towns and villages across Spain that offer the perfect mix of climate, culture and beautiful scenery that so many new residents are looking for.

Finding the Right Property

Once you’ve decided on where you want to move, you then have to go about finding the right property. There quite a few property types in Spain such as villas, apartments and houses. They vary in price depending on their size and location. When you’re looking for property for sale you can either choose to search online or visit the region you’re thinking of moving to and looking for property for sale whilst your there. Both approaches have pros and cons. Looking online is obviously convenient but it doesn’t give you a true sense of the property or its surrounding area.

The truth is that most buyers will look around the property in person before making any firm commitments. This makes sense as there’s always the possibility of the property needing repairs or having some other problem that you might need to have looked at before buying.

Photo credit: Dale Musselman (via Flickr)