Top tips for starting your New Life in Spain

Even if you sell everything in the U.K it is a good idea to rent an apartment or villa in your chosen area for at least a year before you decide wether to buy or not. This allows you to "roadtest" the area. Is there enough going on to make it interesting all year round or is it too busy? Get to know people in local bars or social clubs, find out about the availability of work. What jobs do people do, what are the local schools like. Above all if the area doesn't fit your criteria don't be afraid to move to another region.

Think about where you want to live, is living by the sea really such a good idea? Beaches are noisy in summer and property prices by the sea are at a premium. Also many apartments are only used in the season so the area may well be very quiet out of season meaning some bars, restaurants and businesses may be closed. Inland may well be quiet all year round and the expat community non existent, many people dream of living in the "real" Spain but unless you speak the language too a high standard you could find it hard to get things done. Redtape in Spain is everywhere and you really need a guide and one who speaks your language. Service providers in Sapin, Ibedrola(electric) and Telefonica(phone/internet) have few english speaking staff and resolving problems can be virtually impossible without speaking some Spanish.

If you have some lovely peices of furniture by all means bring them with you, however classical furniture will be out of place if you decide on say a modern apartment. There are many excellent places to purchase furnishings but prices can vary wildly. DO NOT consider bring electrical goods(laptops aside) as the slight variation in voltage drastically shortens the life of many items. Televisions are particularly prone.

Read up extensively on the area you are planning on going to, make a note of places of interest and make an effort to visit them. List all the local fiestas and go and watch the processions and fireworks etc. These are always well supported by the locals and are part of what makes Spain and the Spanish way of life so enjoyable.