Thread: Top 10 tips to follow for a successful move to Spain

I am preparing an article on the topic "Moving to Spain" to include in our Guide to Spain section.

The title is: "Top 10 tips to follow for a successful move to Spain"

I would definitely think that one of the most important elements for a successful move should include:

• Do your homework! Find out about the areas, find out about schools, find out about places to live, find out about healthcare, find out about the laws, find out about the way of life, etc.
• Make a financial plan! A 12 - 24 month budget should detail spending upon arrival and for the move per se, as well as startup costs (deposits on rents, deposits on mortgage downpayments, etc.). And then a 12 - 24 monthly plan on what you will need money for
• Prepare an income plan! Whether you will be looking for a job or starting your own business, make a [realistic] plan. Research as much as possible and prepare a "business plan" for starting a business or a "strategic plan" for finding a job.

If somebody asked you for advice on moving to Spain what would be the Top 10 tips you would give them?

Remember that you "are not" on holiday (not as easy as it sounds)
On arriving here think in Euro's, never run the "how much is this in pounds" through your head. You will tend to cap your expenditure this way & keep your money from suddenly disappearing.
The local Brit builder/plumber/expert was (in many cases) a librarian before moving to Spain.
The local Brit bar is usually not the best place to find out what you will need to know (a lot). You will be better served asking your questions in a place like this.
Quaint & Rustic here in Spain, can often mean no electricity/water/sewage & miles up a dirt track.
Rent for a little before you commit yourself, as you will have a great deal to learn.
Healthcare can be an issue here if you do not qualify for an E102 (over 65, bye & large), not an issue if you work here though & pay into the Social System.

Our top tips would include (not in any particular order):

Remember it gets cold in winter, even on the Costas, and make sure the property you buy has central heating and wasn't just built for the summer rental market.

Don't buy off-plan - there is a wide range of existing properties without all the risks and disadvantages involved in moving on to a part-completed urbanisation.

Use an independent property search company to help you - they will be able to select properties from a range of agents and will keep you at arms length from the pressure of 'hungry' estate agents.

Rent first before you decide to buy - it will give you more time to look around and for the 'rose tinting' on your specs. to fade!

Do take independent advice and use an independent lawyer.

Make sure you have enough savings to fall back on - it may not be as easy as you think to find a job, the value of your income/pension from the UK may be drastically reduced by a fall in the exchange rate and Spain suffers from inflation as well.

If you are leaving family behind in the UK, think seriously about communications. Equip yourself with a laptop if you haven't already got a PC and make sure you install broadband as soon as you get here so that you can keep in touch regularly and cheaply by email, MSN and Skype; IT has been one of the biggest single contributors to the speed with which we have settled down here.

Plan, plan and plan again - don't just decide to move because you had a great holiday in Benidorm last year or because you are fed up with the UK weather or economy!

Don't expect things to be perfect here - everything takes a little longer and the Spanish have their own way of doing things. It's not 'little Britain' and nor should it be, otherwise the country would lose it's charm and Wwe wouldn't want to live here.

We are very happy living here in Spain and have fortunately managed to avoid a lot of the above pitfalls (apart from the exchange rate problem!)

1) Find a job before you move.
2) Find an apartment or place to live before you move.
3) Save up 3-6 months of living expenses before you move.
4) Don't rush into an overseas move.
5) Take the time to learn spanish before you move.
6) Get a calling card to communicate with anyone back home.
7) Get travelers cheques until you have a chance to open an account in Spain.
8) Do you research before you move.
9) Keep a positive attitude!