31 Aug 2015 8:35 PM:

After almost four years I can honestly say that we wouldn't have done much differently, but we did most of the things that others have already covered. We knew what we wanted (a village home with outside space) and, as importantly, what we didn't want (overdevelopment, urbanisation, campo isolation). We researched many parts of the country and found two locations that met our needs, and then we made our decision.

We lived in the village for six weeks (without a car) in 2011 and decided that it was for us.  We planned everything and have enjoyed the time, the climate, the food, the culture, the cost and quality of life. and our Spanish is getting there. It's accepted that we have Spanish aquaintances rather than close friends, but that's the case if you were to move within the UK.  We kept a UK base so that there is always a Plan B, but so far Plan A is working well.

One piece of advice for anyone moving to Spain: don't underestimate how much storage space you are going to need if you buy a furnished property, and be sure to cost it fully.

Thread: What would you do differently?

--------------------------------------