Chasing the dream in spain

Anne said:
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 @ 6:54 PM

Rent before buying, ensure you acquire a good independent lawyer for all things legal (purchaser takes on any unpaid debts on the property) and make sure you have a contingency budget (to provide at least a years grace to fall back on if required), and try and keep a downsized home base if possible to return to in the UK before finally committing to a move to Spain. All too many have found they can't afford to return if they so desire or need. Learn the language and don't assume that you will find work in this economic downturn. Familiarise yourself with the taxes, IHT rules (different from the UK) and CGT. DON'T buy offplan (far too risky), be aware that some Banks have been known to sell illegal properties without habitation licence in place, and get any offers that sound too good to refuse checked out. Check out the local area well, talk to other expats and locals and don't believe all the hype from agents. Do your own checks. Check if the developer is contributing to community fees if you are thinking of purchasing on a development, also if there are any outstanding debts owed the community by existing owners. Organise the movement of currency via a good broker (like Moneycorp), etc etc Read loads of EOS postings in other words keep it real !!
Good luck.

goodstich44 said:
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 @ 8:21 PM

..and never forget that the justice system doesn't work like ours in the UK, and we know that's not perfect, but compared to Spain...!!. Being in the right in Spain often means far less than we take for granted in the UK as many have found sadly. All the homework you can find won't prepare you the injustice common in Spain's so called justice system. That's not just the ranting of a bitter person, but the current reality that many are trying hard to change.
Good luck.

Mick said:
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 @ 10:28 AM

Sometimes you have to do these mad things and go for the dream.

Good luck

Mick said:
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 @ 10:28 AM

Sometimes you have to do these mad things and go for the dream.

Good luck

dave said:
Sunday, January 9, 2011 @ 3:42 PM

well we did it back in november and not looked back costa del sol coldest 15 c
one day was 26c in dec
most things a lot cheaper than uk people very freindly and cheerful
public transport cheap bus 1 euro to 1.25 euro
trains are lovely
plenty of property took us 2 afternoons to find 4 bed flat yards from 3 supermarkets and 10 mins on bus from centre of town motorway 200 yards away motorways here to everywhere and free
my parttner had to go to A&E she was treated in 10 mins!!!
just go for it!