Property Guides

Sally Veall

Born in London but having spent many of her younger years between the UK and Tuscany, Sally gained a taste living abroad at an early age. Having gained her A-levels, she “fell” into journalism, which saw her work as a freelance before changing career direction and studying interior design. She speaks several languages: French, Italian and Spanish which became useful when she moved to northern France in 1996 because of her husband’s work. There she helped him as a translator and also had her own business renovating and decorating rural houses for people from the UK and The Netherlands. In 2000 she moved to south-west France and re-established her property career, often working with Notaires as an independent translator for English-speaking clients. In 2006 she moved to Catalonia in Spain, again due to her husband’s work. At that time she had very little Spanish but quickly learnt it and also attended the local adult college to gain a basic understanding of Catalan. To begin with, she continued to renovate and decorate properties but then an opportunity arose in 2010 to return to writing and since then she has worked for the SpainBuyingGuide as the resident copywriter and freelances for other online websites. She says her aim is to tell the truth about moving to another country and to ease the way for new arrivees. With over 25 years’ experience as a “foreigner living abroad” she understands the joys and hardships of making a new life in another country. Books: Richmond, Surrey, As it Was. 1976  Historical and Archeological Section of the Richmond Society. (John Cloake, John Wright and Sally Albrecht (Veall).) Property:  Spain Buying Guide. Resident copywriter since 2010. Interior Design: Owner of Salvia Decor, Salisbury Wiltshire. Showroom/interior design. Working independently in France from 1996 to 2006 and in Spain from 2007 to 2010.

Articles by Sally Veall

Where are the best places to buy in Spain for winter sun?

When you woke up this morning did you see grey skies and rain? Have you had your heating on for weeks? Perhaps you are dreaming of a home in the sun? Well, nowhere in Europe is better for winter warmth and sunshine than Spain, not to mention the lighter evenings. In London, by the 21st December, the sun sets at 15:55pm but in Málaga in southern Spain it is light till 18.05!

The joys of autumn in Spain

The clocks went back last weekend in Spain as well as in the UK signalling the start of autumn and later, winter, though Spain is still an hour ahead of Britain. In the summer months there is so much to do it’s difficult to choose where to go, what to join, what to see or listen to but after October things tend to quieten down. Restaurants close, music festivals are few and far between and our beaches are less crowded.

Inland Costa Blanca: all the sunshine for less money!

Whilst the seaside is where most people head on the Costa Blanca, it’s well worth going inland on your property hunt. You can have all the advantages – sunshine and a relaxed way of life – for considerably less money, plus you’ll find a more authentic, less touristed, Spanish way of life in the region’s historic towns and villages.

Brexit and Spain: the view from the ground

Brexit uncertainty might be the main news in the UK each days – although a deal might be creeping closer – but, in Spain, the government has been doing its best to pave the way for British residents, from guaranteeing expat rights to most recently announcing it would continue the EHIC system if Britain does the same.
Spain, France or Italy: which would suit you?

Spain, France or Italy: which would suit you?

I have been lucky enough to live in three European countries, neighbours but all very different in several ways. What is OK in one country doesn’t necessarily go down well in the others and local habits, humour, behaviour and culture still remain firmly embedded in each, despite a so called united Europe. Here’s a lighthearted look at Spain, France and Italy.

Pin It on Pinterest