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.
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 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.
Struggling to get on the housing ladder, it’s little wonder young professionals are dismissing London for cheaper more exciting European hubs. We speak to recent graduate Olivia Way about her relocation to Barcelona and outline other cities where the lifestyle and job opportunities are attracting sun-seeking millennials…
Whether you’re having your home built from scratch or just need your patio resurfaced, finding a builder in Spain is easy. But where do you start, what will you pay and what are the local rules about building? In part 3 of our series on self-building in Spain, we’ve got to the business end of the process.