We got our dream home on the Costa Blanca, now we’re just waiting for our visa! Says British buyer, Neil.
Since 2018, Neil and his wife have been ruminating on a retirement to Spain. After the pandemic put their plans on pause, the pair picked up their research again and went on to buy a home in the Costa Blanca in May 2024.
Their property hunt meant asking all sorts of questions: to pool or not to pool? How far from the beach? How close are the nearest shops and restaurants? It saw the couple search in inland Málaga, realise it was not quite for them, and move their hunt for a home to the Costa Blanca region.
What made you choose the Costa Blanca?
Enjoyable, sunny holidays in Spain inspired us to think of retiring there. Plus, we have some friends who had already done so. We were looking for the year-round warmth, lower cost of living and a more relaxed lifestyle.
Eventually, we settled on a home in a complex by a golf course, within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. We searched for a home in inland Málaga, but ultimately felt that this was too hilly, and that the flatter terrain of the Costa Blanca suited our needs better. In area that we’ve bought, the mountains make for a beautiful backdrop, but it’s not necessary to climb one to get to the shops.
How was the buying process?
Simple! Even simpler than in the UK. After making an offer, there was some discussion, and then the offer was accepted, easily. We did not have to experience the toing and froing of making an offer, rejection and further negotiations that is so common in the UK buying process.
What was your experience of using a Spanish estate agent?
Finding the right estate agent is key to a smooth buying journey. Initially, we contacted five estate agents, and some just did not listen to our requirements or were too pushy. For example, one showed us properties that were far too out of budget. Another showed us properties that would need doing up, even when we’d expressly said that was not what we were looking for.
On our viewing trip, we were quite open about what we wanted to see. Our trip was ten days long and we intended to see as many properties as possible. We had not zoned in on a particular town that we wanted to buy in, just an area. Also, we were interested in seeing a wide variety of properties, as we weren’t set on the type that we were after.
Eventually, we found an excellent estate agent who showed us a great variety in homes, replied speedily to emails, and showed us around the local villages too.
What was your experience using a Spanish lawyer?
Our lawyers have been superb and made the experience really straightforward. Even since the property purchase, the lawyers have continued to be helpful, telling us about local taxes and sorting electrics in our new home.
Was there any aspect of buying that was harder than expected?
Not with purchasing the property, but with applying for a visa. We have friends that moved to Spain before Brexit and had a much easier transition. For us, there has been so much documentation to apply for one. (Neil has applied for the non-lucrative visa, which is for to those moving to Spain who do not intend to work).
For my visa application, I needed to a medical certificate and police record, which had to be translated into Spanish. I’ve also needed to obtain medical insurance. All of this has been more a time and financial burden than I first anticipated.
We applied at the consulate six weeks ago, and while our lawyers were superb throughout the process, there’s been little communication from the Spanish authorities.
There are ways to speed up the process – mostly through paying for it, and I wish I had known that at the start of my buying journey, so that I could have set aside money for it.
What are you most looking forward to about living in Spain?
In anticipation of my visa coming through, I’m expanding my little Spanish with the help of phrase books and apps but moving there and hearing it on a daily basis will make all the difference.
Most of all, I am looking forward to the peace and quiet, warm, sunny days, a relaxed way of life. I’m also excited to explore parts of Spain for longer, visit different towns and coasts, more so than you would be able to on holiday there.
In the location I’m moving to, there is a British expat community and a Spanish one, so I’ll get to meet lots of new and interesting people.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their Spain buying journey?
Look into everything – estate agents, lawyers, costs and time scales! If you are moving and not just buying, it’s important to factor in the price and time that your visa will take, alongside the property purchase.
I found the Your Overseas Home webinars useful for getting a picture of the Spanish buying process. I watched webinars on how to buy, currency and common pitfalls. Still, nothing beats going out to Spain to see properties and your chosen location in person.
