France makes history with right to abortion ruling
On Friday 8th March, France enshrined the guaranteed right to abortion into its constitution. Following French lawmakers voting officially in favour of the motion the previous Monday. The timing of the formal inclusion of this change into the constitution, on International Women’s Day, was no coincidence. France sent out a powerful message of support to women, backing their right to free choice appearing to reflect the views of the majority of French citizens.Read more...
Pick up a new hobby in Canada
Many overseas property buyers who move to Canada say how the stunning nature and pristine environment – or just the change from ‘same old, same old’ back home – encourages them to try out new hobbies. And, with this being one of the best ways to integrate yourself into the local community, it really is a win-win for overseas property buyers. What, then, are some of the most popular hobbies in Canada?Read more...
Free homes! Why a Spanish property will save you money
As they say in Europe these days, you can’t have your cake and eat it. Or can you? Buy a home in Spain and your money will be safe in bricks and mortar earning you capital growth or rental while you’re enjoying “free” holidays. Here are a few more ways your Spanish home will be paying for itself while you’re enjoying it.Read more...
What is Spanish healthcare like?
We are often asked about state Spanish healthcare. Is it any good? Are there long waiting lists? What if I don’t speak Spanish? Are the doctors and nurses helpful? What about serious operations? Well, let me put your minds at rest by telling you that Bloomberg’s latest report on world healthcare places Spain at No 3 for efficiency of patient care and 8th of 195 countries for patient care. That’s above France at no 88 and the UK at no 30. Statistics are all well and good but what is the health service in Spain really like? I have lived 12 years in Catalonia and unfortunately have had to call upRead more...
Your handy guide to local taxes in the USA
Tax is a complicated business no matter where you decide to park yourself in the world. However, when you buy overseas, it’s vital to understand how your tax situation will be affected. For those hoping to buy property in the USA, getting your head around the system might take a head scratching. In America, tax is imposed at a federal, state AND a local government level. Yes – this means that you can be taxed by all three at once! Additionally, the US is one of only two countries in the world to tax non-resident citizens on their worldwide income, although they do offer a tax credit for foreigRead more...
News update: Spain to protect expat voting rights
As we approach the end of 2018, two subjects remain firmly in the news as they did back in January: Brexit and Catalonia. However, there is good news. No matter what happens with Brexit, Spain and the UK have agreed to pass a law protecting expats’ voting rights in Spain and the UK. Plus, there’s lots of exciting developments on the horizon, including a €27 million investment not far from our office in Mijas. Good news too for drivers: motorway toll cuts!Read more...
10 great reasons to move to Italy in 2019
We heard a great quote the other day. “If you’re not happy where you are, move! You’re not a tree.” It sounds like something a wise Italian grandmother would say. Italy has so much to offer anyone who wants to make that great escape. So take your future in your own hands and consider these 10 great reasons to move to Italy in 2019.Read more...
What we’ve loved about life in Greece in 2018
Sometimes when it seems that most of the world is in turbulence of one kind or another it feels as if Greece is still trundling on regardless – possibly this is because life in Greece has always been somewhat chaotic! Here’s what we’ve loved about life in Greece in 2018, and what’s coming up in 2019.Read more...
Buying in Italy, Part Four: How To Buy
In Part Four of Buying in Italy, we’re looking at how to buy in Italy. You’ll find out the key players to involve, plus what to consider on the financial side. This can seem complicated, but, with a clear understanding of the process in your head, it should all go smoothly.Read more...
Five ways your life in Portugal will be better
Are you contemplating your future life in Portugal and wondering what to expect? If so, this article will give you plenty of reasons to be cheerful. It looks at five ways in which life is almost certainly better in Portugal, compared to back “home.”Read more...
What is healthcare in Cyprus like?
I know that it’s difficult to think about the possibility of becoming ill in Cyprus – the weather is so good and the food is so nutritious, so why worry? But realistically, anything can happen – yes, even here! So I’m going to tell you about the basics of the healthcare system in Cyprus for the British and other Europeans who come to live here.Read more...