The only way to really know what it is like to live in a different country is by experiencing it yourself, or asking someone who already lives there. Local expat of 15 years, Sally, tells us the truth about living in Spain, including what she loves and what has taken her a little while to get used to.
The Costa Tropical is a picturesque stretch of coastline nestled between the Costa del Sol and the Costa de Almería in southern Spain. With a laid-back vibe, sub-tropical climate, beautiful beaches and impressive mountainous landscape, the Costa Tropical presents an exciting, unique and affordable retirement alternative to the likes of the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca.
As the temperature gets colder and the sky turns greyer, the idea of upping sticks and moving to Greece has never been more tempting! But since Brexit, it has become increasingly more difficult for British citizens to live and work in Greece. You’ll need a work visa, something that is not easy to get.
Life in Spain is (almost!) back to normal. The property market has also started to recover, with home sales up 25% this summer, compared to the same time in 2019. But as we near the two-year mark since the start of the pandemic, some Spanish properties are still sat empty, with many receiving little to no maintenance throughout this period.
If you’re dreaming of a home in Spain, but you can’t find the one you want, or it doesn’t fit your budget, buying off-plan could be the answer. Essentially, this means buying a property that’s either not yet built or still in the process of being built, as opposed to an older property (known as a “resale”).