Three ways to turn “What if?” into “We’re moving to Spain!”

Dreams do not have to remain dreams: moving to Spain is relatively straightforward – just ask the millions who have already done it.

If you’ve recently returned from a trip to Spain, chances are you have been struck with a few familiar pangs of post-holiday blues. The rain and grey of the British Isles is no match for the sunny skies of Spain, so it’s only inevitable that your mood will dip upon returning home. Ditto when comparing work with a week spent lazing around a pool…

But for some people, there is something more to it than mere readjustment. Spain got to them. Its culture, its people, its architecture, its pace of life, its… aromas? Whatever it may be, once Spain gets under your skin it can be very difficult to shake the feeling of “What if?”

What if you could wake each morning to dazzling skies and welcoming warmth? What if you could trade your overpriced, cramped property in Blighty for an affordable, bright and spacious place in Spain? What if you could avoid rush hour traffic, the splash of filthy puddles and the crush of bodies on a 7am train?

Well, you can. But it’s not as easy as simply upping sticks and leaving. Moving to Spain requires forethought, heaps of planning, and an unshakeable urge to do it. Emigration cannot be taken half-heartedly, so how does one turn a “what if?” into a “we’re on our way”? Everybody is different, but here are three bonafide truths that should help you along the way…

1. You’re already in good company

Although to you the move may seem like a daunting step into the unknown, it is reassuring to know that millions have gone before you. Actual figures for Brits and Irish living in Spain are difficult to pin down, but most experts estimate that there are at least 1.2 million such expats across the country.

The most heavily concentrated areas are along the Mediterranean coast, and the Costa del Sol in particular is uniquely equipped to cater for the needs of the fresh expat. From British supermarkets and greasy spoon cafés, to plumbers, solicitors and teachers that hail from the UK, it is very easy to integrate and enjoy a soft-landing in southern Spain.

2. There may never be a better time

Spanish property prices are around 28% below the levels seen in 2008, which was the peak of the recent boom. But most data seems to suggest that values are rising across the country, and especially so in popular areas such as Marbella and the surrounding regions. Hence, Spanish property right now represents something of a perfect storm – wonderfully affordable for Brits armed with pound sterling (and perhaps able to sell their home in the UK), and the knowledge that the value of their Spanish home is going to increase steadily for the next few years.

Chuck in the current uncertainty over Brexit, and Brits have a solid two-year window in which to take advantage of current EU laws that allow them to live, work and own property in another EU state. After Brexit, things become a little less clear, and will almost certainly mean it is that much more difficult to do the things we take for granted now.

3. Money worries are universal

“But what about work?” “What about pensions?” “What about the cost of living?” Valid questions that a would-be expat should be asking. But ask yourself this: do you already worry about these things at home? If not, then a move to Spain should already be financially viable. But if you do, then obviously you should not expect such concerns to melt away if you move. But you know what? If you’re resourceful enough to hold down a job, support a family and keep a roof over your head in the UK, then you’re certainly resourceful enough to do so in Spain.

Sure, there will be challenges (and it would help a great deal if you could begin learning Spanish before you make the move), but the facts of the matter are this: living costs in Spain are lower, the healthcare system is free and excellent, education standards are high, the job market is recovering, and the Costa del Sol has plenty of positions available for qualified, competent and reliable English-speakers. That would be you, right?