Buying an Appartment in Spain?

[Robo]

Bit of wishful thinking here.

We were looking at our options over lunch today.
I'd love to retire, but can't unfortunately.
But I can work remotely.
And ease back my working hours a bit.

I'm hoping to walk a fair few more Caminos before age and ill health catches up with me.
So living in Spain for a few months each year is a possibility.

Potentially we could downsize here, and buy a small apartment/studio somewhere fairly central, and take breaks of a few days from work to go walk different Caminos.

Perhaps renting it out as an AirBnB when we are not there could help defray some of the costs? (or booking com)

I know quite a few members here have moved to Spain from elsewhere, or have always lived in Spain.
Any thoughts or advice would be most appreciated.

Questions that came up in our lunch discussion were........

1. Where to be based? Probably fairly close to International Airports (2-3 hours) or at least main line rail. We are not beach people. More into mountains and countryside. But it probably makes sense for a 'base' to be in a major town/city. Thoughts were Madrid, Salamanca, (been to those) Toledo?

2. AirBnB ability. Here in Australia many apartment buildings (maybe most?) do not allow them to be used as AirBnB type 'short term' accommodation. I wonder if it's the same in Spain?

3. Property Management. Given we are in Australia, I wonder who we could lean on for managing the property? Here in Australia there are companies that do it, for long term rentals. But short term? Ideally they would also manage the bookings as well as take care of the property. (edit. Looks like there are AirBnB 'co-hosts', who do this for a %)

Just some random thoughts, that might allow me to 'semi' retire and walk some more Caminos at least.

Comments or advice always appreciated.

Yet another hair brained scheme maybe?

 

[Pafayac]

My advice is to buy an appartement in Gijon, large enough to welcome pilgrims: currently, this is nearly impossible to find cheap accommodation in this town !

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

A dream which I'm sure a few of us share.
You could contact these guys for answers to many of your questions, I'm sure there are plenty of other examples.

Airbnb Management in Spain | GuestReady

Maximise your rental income with GuestReady. We are an award-winning Airbnb management company, operating in spain. Our 5-star services start at just 15%.

www.guestready.com

 

[Luka]

Interesting thoughts...

If you want to be close to an international airport your choices would be more or less limited to Barcelona and Madrid. Both expensive cities. And also getting more and more restrictive to airbnb kind of constructions, because of overtourism and housing problems. Barcelona even wants to ban airbnb by 2026 (if I recall well).

Salamanca might be an interesting option. Certainly a lot more affordable than Madrid. León maybe? Central location for many Caminos. High speed train to Madrid, so rather accesible to an international airport. Same counts for Oviedo and Gijón (though you would have to travel a bit longer). I think I would look along the lines of the AVE-network. Maybe also good options along the Santiago - Madrid connection. There is (for some incomprehensible reason) an AVE-station in A Gudiña, if you would prefer countryside.

 

[Robo]

My advice is to buy an appartement in Gijon, large enough to welcome pilgrims: currently, this is nearly impossible to find cheap accommodation in this town !

Hmm. Might have to look at that area.

 

[Robo]

A dream which I'm sure a few of us share.
You could contact these guys for answers to many of your questions, I'm sure there are plenty of other examples.

Airbnb Management in Spain | GuestReady

Maximise your rental income with GuestReady. We are an award-winning Airbnb management company, operating in spain. Our 5-star services start at just 15%.

www.guestready.com

Thanks for that.

 

[Robo]

Interesting thoughts...

If you want to be close to an international airport your choices would be more or less limited to Barcelona and Madrid. Both expensive cities. And also getting more and more restrictive to airbnb kind of constructions, because of overtourism and housing problems. Barcelona even wants to ban airbnb by 2026 (if I recall well).

Salamanca might be an interesting option. Certainly a lot more affordable than Madrid. León maybe? Central location for many Caminos. High speed train to Madrid, so rather accesible to an international airport. Same counts for Oviedo and Gijón (though you would have to travel a bit longer). I think I would look along the lines of the AVE-network. Maybe also good options along the Santiago - Madrid connection. There is (for some incomprehensible reason) an AVE-station in A Gudiña, if you would prefer countryside.

Many thanks. Some new areas to investigate........
Interesting looking along the AVE network. Good tip!
Burgos maybe. Certainly lower prices....

 

[VNwalking]

A Coruña? I have nothing helpful to add about the rest. But do wonder about a visa?

 

[Robo]

A Coruña? I have nothing helpful to add about the rest. But do wonder about a visa?

Nice idea.

I'm eligible for an Irish Passport. (EU)
That might help?
Would need to get advice on that.
Or at least on Foreign ownership.
90 days a year would be plenty.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

You might be interested in the article below. It's worth noting that whatever the Airbnb rules now, many governments across Europe are imposing restrictions, so it's very likely rules will change.

Spanish government to limit short-term rentals and tourist flats to address housing crisis - Spain in English

The Spanish government has announced its intention to modify the country's existing housing law to put more limits on both short-term and tourist lettings

www.spainenglish.com

 

[Sirage]

On a reasonable rail line, not necessarily the highest speed, rather than close to an airport.

Clearly time to have a few weeks or months being in Spain to experience the various places that are suggested here.

Include Segovia, about 30 minutes from Madrid on a good train, (and as a nostalgic bonus it has delivery vans with "Merino" on the sides because of its history with Merino sheep). It is at a good elevation above the Spanish heat.

Salamanca is good, but there are many good towns.

 

[Pelegrin]

2. AirBnB ability. Here in Australia many apartment buildings (maybe most?) do not allow them to be used as AirBnB type 'short term' accommodation. I wonder if it's the same in Spain?

There is a recent law that set 3/5 of the neighbourhood community to prohibit the possibility of " piso turistico". It is easier to find that possibility in the coast.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Nice idea.

I'm eligible for an Irish Passport. (EU)
That might help?
Would need to get advice on that.
Or at least on Foreign ownership.
90 days a year would be plenty.

There are no current restrictions on who can and cannot buy a property, (EU not necessary) you simply need a NIE (foreigner registration number basically), and it's strongly suggested that you open a local bank account.
There's plenty of info online. (Yes I have seriously considered this, although as a permanent rather than temporary resident).
You might want to check out this one, it seems to cover most of the basics.

Buying a Property in Spain as a Foreigner (2024 Full Guide)

According to the current data on the Spanish real estate sector, there is a significant “boom” in foreign purchases of properties in Spain: since 2009, foreign demand for housing in Spain has increased notably, being led by British buyers, closely followed by Germans and French. It is true that...

spainadvisers.com

 

[TravellingMan22]

Bit of wishful thinking here.

We were looking at our options over lunch today.
I'd love to retire, but can't unfortunately.
But I can work remotely.
And ease back my working hours a bit.

I'm hoping to walk a fair few more Caminos before age and ill health catches up with me.
So living in Spain for a few months each year is a possibility.

Potentially we could downsize here, and buy a small apartment/studio somewhere fairly central, and take breaks of a few days from work to go walk different Caminos.

Perhaps renting it out as an AirBnB when we are not there could help defray some of the costs? (or booking com)

I know quite a few members here have moved to Spain from elsewhere, or have always lived in Spain.
Any thoughts or advice would be most appreciated.

Questions that came up in our lunch discussion were........

1. Where to be based? Probably fairly close to International Airports (2-3 hours) or at least main line rail. We are not beach people. More into mountains and countryside. But it probably makes sense for a 'base' to be in a major town/city. Thoughts were Madrid, Salamanca, (been to those) Toledo?

2. AirBnB ability. Here in Australia many apartment buildings (maybe most?) do not allow them to be used as AirBnB type 'short term' accommodation. I wonder if it's the same in Spain?

3. Property Management. Given we are in Australia, I wonder who we could lean on for managing the property? Here in Australia there are companies that do it, for long term rentals. But short term? Ideally they would also manage the bookings as well as take care of the property. (edit. Looks like there are AirBnB 'co-hosts', who do this for a %)

Just some random thoughts, that might allow me to 'semi' retire and walk some more Caminos at least.

Comments or advice always appreciated.

Yet another hare brained scheme maybe?

Hi mate.

My partner and I have been looking at properties in Spain over the last couple of years and spending months at a time in possible locations.

We netted out at Valencia or Andalucia. Valencia is a great city. I fell in with an expat group there, mainly USA folks, and they were all very happy with their choice. Obv it is very connected transport wise. All the benefits of a city without the costs and plenty of good public transport. Beach close, great arts centre and lots of bands tour.

Re Andalucia - I guess Cordoba was the winner though no beach! Cadiz was attractive too though we only were there for a few days which is no time to judge! I think buying a property in Andalucia attracts smaller property purchase taxes, though you hear lots of stories about very harsh laws on repossession and so forth. For example if a property has a debt against it, in some regions, you inherit the debt. You need a good lawyer and not the one the estate agent recommends! Plenty of airports about and lots of good bus and train connections.

I recently spent three weeks in Coruna and liked it but you need good weather! I don’t like the cold so wouldn’t live in north.

I would the recommend you subscribe to the The Local and get a daily feed from it. It has everything you could ever wish to know about moving to Spain.

 

[Corned Beef]

Something for you to pass away some time on. Top of the list is €1.27m which is likely cheap by Australian standards (if my sisters are to be believed)

https://www.idealista.com/en/venta-viviendas/gijon-asturias/

 

[Robo]

Hi mate.

My partner and I have been looking at properties in Spain over the last couple of years and spending months at a time in possible locations.

We netted out at Valencia or Andalucia. Valencia is a great city. I fell in with an expat group there, mainly USA folks, and they were all very happy with their choice. Obv it is very connected transport wise. All the benefits of a city without the costs and plenty of good public transport. Beach close, great arts centre and lots of bands tour.

Re Andalucia - I guess Cordoba was the winner though no beach! Cadiz was attractive too though we only were there for a few days which is no time to judge! I think buying a property in Andalucia attracts smaller property purchase taxes, though you hear lots of stories about very harsh laws on repossession and so forth. For example if a property has a debt against it, in some regions, you inherit the debt. You need a good lawyer and not the one the estate agent recommends! Plenty of airports about and lots of good bus and train connections.

I recently spent three weeks in Coruna and liked it but you need good weather! I don’t like the cold so wouldn’t live in north.

I would the recommend you subscribe to the The Local and get a daily feed from it. It has everything you could ever wish to know about moving to Spain.

Sounds great. Though Beaches and Bands are not really our thing
We live in Sydney Australia, surrounded by glorious beaches. But never go there.......different folks?
We do sail though........
Love water, just no desire to be in it. Too many things that bite LOL

Cordoba sounds good!

 

[Robo]

Something for you to pass away some time on. Top of the list is €1.27m which is likely cheap by Australian standards (if my sisters are to be believed)

https://www.idealista.com/en/venta-viviendas/gijon-asturias/

Yes, probably an average house price these days in Sydney. (actually A$1.6m so a bit less)
(Home prices here are crazy and are making it very hard, if not impossible, for first home buyers to get into the market) Unfortunately the price of housing is not a reflection of people's earnings here.

Sadly I don't have that kind of money to throw around.
Having taken 20+ years to pay off this home, I don't have 20 more years of working left!!

Looking at more like €100-150k for a small apartment!

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I would recommend a smaller town in easy reach of Madrid or Barcelona. You can always visit the city for a few days when you want to.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Sounds great. Though Beaches and Bands are not really our thing
We live in Sydney Australia, surrounded by glorious beaches. But never go there.......different folks?
We do sail though........
Love water, just no desire to be in it. Too many things that bite LOL

Cordoba sounds good!

Sure, understood, we are all different. My main advice would be to try and spend a bit of time in any town you choose to buy in. Being in a place for a few days as a tourist is very different to be being somewhere for a few months. I don’t really regard the Camino as ‘authentic Spain’ in the sense than you are part of an international community passing through. It’s a very different feeling being in a fixed location, for a few months. That’s been our key finding anyway.

 

[Robo]

I would recommend a smaller town in easy reach of Madrid or Barcelona. You can always visit the city for a few days when you want to.

I was thinking about that too. I like Zamora and thought of there.
But it doesn't have much of a Plaza Mayor.
We like to hang out eating and people watching.
I loved the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca for example.

For us it would be a pity to spend time in a smaller town, given the travel cost from Australia etc, only to have to travel and have additional accommodation expense, visiting the places we would rather be in.

For example, I'd rather live in a small studio, a 10 minute walk from the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, where I could wander down for a coffee or a long lunch during work breaks, than live in a 2 bed apartment or house in a small city, waiting for the weekend to travel somewhere else.

All about trade offs I guess, and what we enjoy about our surroundings.

We often laugh about where we live in Sydney.
I used to be a bit embarrassed when people asked where we live!
It's considered a lower cost area with a lot of immigrants.
But we love it! It has everything we need.

We're close to all the things we like.
Great places to eat, with virtually every cuisine you can think of. Nice parks.
Easy access to the countryside.

The 'fancy' expensive end of town is near the CBD (downtown) / Beaches and other places we don't really go to.......

Where would I go to in a city in Spain?
The Plaza Mayor, the 'old centre'.
Great food, architecture, people watching.

 

[SabsP]

I was thinking about that too. I like Zamora and thought of there.
But it doesn't have much of a Plaza Mayor.
We like to hang out eating and people watching.
I loved the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca for example.

For us it would be a pity to spend time in a smaller town, given the travel cost from Australia etc, only to have to travel and have additional accommodation expense, visiting the places we would rather be in.

For example, I'd rather live in a small studio, a 10 minute walk from the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, where I could wander down for a coffee or a long lunch during work breaks, than live in a 2 bed apartment or house in a small city, waiting for the weekend to travel somewhere else.

All about trade offs I guess, and what we enjoy about our surroundings.

We often laugh about where we live in Sydney.
I used to be a bit embarrassed when people asked where we live!
It's considered a lower cost area with a lot of immigrants.
But we love it! It has everything we need.

We're close to all the things we like.
Great places to eat, with virtually every cuisine you can think of. Nice parks.
Easy access to the countryside.

The 'fancy' expensive end of town is near the CBD (downtown) / Beaches and other places we don't really go to.......

Where would I go to in a city in Spain?
The Plaza Mayor, the 'old centre'.
Great food, architecture, people watching.

But living in a smaller town you could get actively involved in the local community.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I agree with travelling man you need to check out each town. They are all different. Where I lived in Asturias was small but quite lively. But worth checking out the prices first.

 

[Pelegrin]

Cordoba sounds good!

Córdoba sounds good for autunm and winter.

 

[Anhalter]

This might not be the answer you been looking for:

I do have some personal experience from my family with property in Spain. I feel that if you want to make it work, you either have to be super smart about it, put in a lot of money to have someone do it for you or put in a lot of effort by doing the required things yourself. It can become a burden. Even if you get people or an agency to do the work for you, nothing guarantees that they wont mess things up. Then you need to let them go, find someone new... the works.
I would hate to be tied down to that.

If i was to spend a couple of months a year in Spain, i'd rather rent. Yes, this will feel like spending money instead of investing money, but with the money spend, you make your problems someone elses problems. And worst case, you rent a place you hate, you rent somewhere else next time.

 

[Robo]

Sure, understood, we are all different. My main advice would be to try and spend a bit of time in any town you choose to buy in. Being in a place for a few days as a tourist is very different to be being somewhere for a few months. I don’t really regard the Camino as ‘authentic Spain’ in the sense than you are part of an international community passing through. It’s a very different feeling being in a fixed location. For a few months.

Yes, good point and I agree 100%
Though getting away for a 'few months' from Australia is not easy. And very expensive!
Also I have a business to run.
Hence we might go in as 'cheap' as possible and minimise the risk.
We'll only be there a couple of months a year anyway.

It will be a risk. But hopefully we can minimise it.

I take your point about the Camino not being authentic Spain.
But I think the more rural routes like the VdlP are probably bit more 'authentic'.
There just aren't many

 

[Robo]

But living in a smaller town you could get actively involved in the local community.

I would agree, if that is what we are looking for.
But we aren't.

We will be there a couple of months a year max, working remotely, sightseeing, enjoying the local food, and going for walks.

Sorry, we are not really very social.
We've lived in our current house for 12 years and have probably spoken to the neighbours 20-30 times.
We stick to ourselves......

We're all different.

 

[Robo]

This might not be the answer you been looking for:

I do have some personal experience from my family with property in Spain. I feel that if you want to make it work, you either have to be super smart about it, put in a lot of money to have someone do it for you or put in a lot of effort by doing the required things yourself. It can become a burden. Even if you get people or an agency to do the work for you, nothing guarantees that they wont mess things up. Then you need to let them go, find someone new... the works.
I would hate to be tied down to that.

If i was to spend a couple of months a year in Spain, i'd rather rent. Yes, this will feel like spending money instead of investing money, but with the money spend, you make your problems someone elses problems. And worst case, you rent a place you hate, you rent somewhere else next time.

Yes, good points, and that was my initial idea.
It's certainly the logical approach.
I suppose being able to AirBnB it to offset the costs was the attraction.
Not sure we could afford to rent 2 months a year.
But I'll do the numbers.

 

[Anhalter]

Yes, good points, and that was my initial idea.
It's certainly the logical approach.
I suppose being able to AirBnB it to offset the costs was the attraction.
Not sure we could afford to rent 2 months a year.
But I'll do the numbers.

Consider that you won't be the first person with the idea of co-financing their holiday home with renting it out. People have been doing that for decades. Yes, it can work, but it can also fail. Won't be easier when you're on the other side of the world.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I would personally look to rent a place if you are there only 2 months a year via Airbnb. Takes away the hassle and risk. You can also look to vary your location year on year. Plenty of cheapish places in good areas. I know how expensive everything is in Australia and you will save a fortune on food and other costs though I guess you will offset vs airfare.

 

[Luka]

This might not be the answer you been looking for:

I do have some personal experience from my family with property in Spain. I feel that if you want to make it work, you either have to be super smart about it, put in a lot of money to have someone do it for you or put in a lot of effort by doing the required things yourself. It can become a burden. Even if you get people or an agency to do the work for you, nothing guarantees that they wont mess things up. Then you need to let them go, find someone new... the works.
I would hate to be tied down to that.

If i was to spend a couple of months a year in Spain, i'd rather rent. Yes, this will feel like spending money instead of investing money, but with the money spend, you make your problems someone elses problems. And worst case, you rent a place you hate, you rent somewhere else next time.

Good point, but I could argue with that (living in Asturias, Spain for almost 7 years now).

First of all, when buying a house/appartment, always contract a lawyer. A lawyer will sort out all the paperwork and do the (very) necessary checks about the legal status of what you are buying and possible catches. You should be safe then.

Secondly, it is getting harder and harder to find a place to rent in many parts of Spain. Especially for just 2-3 months (if you don't want to pay airbnb-prices). So that might not always be an easy alternative. But not impossible of course.

 

[Robo]

Consider that you won't be the first person with the idea of co-financing their holiday home with renting it out. People have been doing that for decades. Yes, it can work, but it can also fail. Won't be easier when you're on the other side of the world.

You're far too logical!
And perfectly correct of course.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I would personally look to rent a place if you are there only 2 months a year via Airbnb. Takes away the hassle and risk. You can also look to vary your location year on year. Plenty of cheapish places in good areas and you can get long stay discounts.I know how expensive everything is in Australia and you will save a fortune on food and other costs though I guess you will offset vs airfare.

 

[naplesdon]

I was still in the market to buy after I sold my apartment in Biarritz. My plan was to move the Algarve. For the past year I have been using IDEALISTA to research properties on the market. If you narrow down you options to one or two areas, you can get notices every day of new properties that are available for sale in your chosen price range and square meter range. They send about 3 options each day which includes the real estate agent's information.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I was still in the market to buy after I sold my apartment in Biarritz. My plan was to move the Algarve. For the past year I have been using IDEALISTA to research properties on the market. If you narrow down you options to one or two areas, you can get notices every day of new properties that are available for sale in your chosen price range and square meter range. They send about 3 options each day which includes the real estate agent's information.

Indeed - Idealista very much the app for property in Spain!

 

[Skinnybiker]

A couple of additional points.

Do you want "Endless summer" or "Endless winter" because that could help you decide where to look for a place? We live in Cadiz province about 35km south of the city and reckon that mid June to mid September are the hot months the other nine months are good for all outside activities (similar climate to Perth probably).

Search for James Blick on Youtube, he's a Kiwi married to a Spanish chica and does a lot of stuff about moving & living in Spain. Also I would advocate renting to start, it's possible to get into a lot of trouble buying; as someone else above said if you buy the problems are yours but if you rent the problems are the owner's.

Another suggestion for a city in Andalucia is Granada, big enough to have all the resources but easy to get around, look at the Albaicin for rentals. Or the Costas in winter, there will be hundreds of rentals for one or two months. Malaga is Spain's third airport and has plenty of international connections.

Buena suerte Richard

 

[Robo]

I was still in the market to buy after I sold my apartment in Biarritz. My plan was to move the Algarve. For the past year I have been using IDEALISTA to research properties on the market. If you narrow down you options to one or two areas, you can get notices every day of new properties that are available for sale in your chosen price range and square meter range. They send about 3 options each day which includes the real estate agent's information.

Yes I've been using that.
Lots of rental options too.

 

[woody66]

HI Robo!
I wish you well with your plans!
I know this is not Spain; but has some relevance!
I think Anhalter has given some insight at what trying to maintain a place thousands of miles from home can be.
If you only intend to be in Europe initially for 2 or 3 months a year long term rent it's just like walking the Camino instead of paying for a bed each night; you pay a lump sum for your stay.
Less hassle and worry; places just outside cities are cheaper.
Where i stay is a suburb of Lisbon.
When i visit we stay together in an apartment (she has a large family) my next visit i will stay for a month! Cost just under 900 Euros for apartment.
I will do this until the house is finished and then apply for my D7 visa (as an old fart with a guaranteed pension; minimum income they except is about 8400single 12000 couple Euros)
When you retire same sort of possibility exists in Spain for you; however Spain requires i think 28000 Euros.

If all goes well on moving to Portugal ; my girlfriend is building an Eco house near Salvaterra de Magos (it will be 8 km of the Portuguese Central so i hope i will be the cat that got the cream! Camino on the doorstep and a new life and adventure at my age !
Have you considered Portugal it is on Spain's doorstep!
Good Luck
Woody

 

[Liica]

Bit of wishful thinking here.

We were looking at our options over lunch today.
I'd love to retire, but can't unfortunately.
But I can work remotely.
And ease back my working hours a bit.

I'm hoping to walk a fair few more Caminos before age and ill health catches up with me.
So living in Spain for a few months each year is a possibility.

Potentially we could downsize here, and buy a small apartment/studio somewhere fairly central, and take breaks of a few days from work to go walk different Caminos.

Perhaps renting it out as an AirBnB when we are not there could help defray some of the costs? (or booking com)

I know quite a few members here have moved to Spain from elsewhere, or have always lived in Spain.
Any thoughts or advice would be most appreciated.

Questions that came up in our lunch discussion were........

1. Where to be based? Probably fairly close to International Airports (2-3 hours) or at least main line rail. We are not beach people. More into mountains and countryside. But it probably makes sense for a 'base' to be in a major town/city. Thoughts were Madrid, Salamanca, (been to those) Toledo?

2. AirBnB ability. Here in Australia many apartment buildings (maybe most?) do not allow them to be used as AirBnB type 'short term' accommodation. I wonder if it's the same in Spain?

3. Property Management. Given we are in Australia, I wonder who we could lean on for managing the property? Here in Australia there are companies that do it, for long term rentals. But short term? Ideally they would also manage the bookings as well as take care of the property. (edit. Looks like there are AirBnB 'co-hosts', who do this for a %)

Just some random thoughts, that might allow me to 'semi' retire and walk some more Caminos at least.

Comments or advice always appreciated.

Yet another hair brained scheme maybe?

I’ve moved from Paris to Madrid and I’m in heaven. Living in northwest is perfect for us. We also don’t like to live in the center and we prefer a house with a big yard, which is impossible in the center. I do not use public transport, but there’s a train near. The region of the Guadarrama mountainshave a few small towns and still very safe.
Places like Cercedilla, Las Rosas, Las Matas, Torrelodones, Majadahonda, Boadilla… are perfect and very well located. I like this side of better than the East.
Finding houses here are not easy, but not impossible. You must hire a professional to help you and check all the papers before buying.
The weather is amazing, the people are the best!
I’m just not sure if maintaining an apartment empty for so long is a good idea (and safe). But anyway, I would definitely use airb&b instead and before buying, so you can know the place.
Good luck

 

[Robo]

A couple of additional points.

Do you want "Endless summer" or "Endless winter" because that could help you decide where to look for a place? We live in Cadiz province about 35km south of the city and reckon that mid June to mid September are the hot months the other nine months are good for all outside activities (similar climate to Perth probably).

Search for James Blick on Youtube, he's a Kiwi married to a Spanish chica and does a lot of stuff about moving & living in Spain. Also I would advocate renting to start, it's possible to get into a lot of trouble buying; as someone else above said if you buy the problems are yours but if you rent the problems are the owner's.

Another suggestion for a city in Andalucia is Granada, big enough to have all the resources but easy to get around, look at the Albaicin for rentals. Or the Costas in winter, there will be hundreds of rentals for one or two months. Malaga is Spain's third airport and has plenty of international connections.

Buena suerte Richard

Great tips, thanks.
Granada. Now there's an Idea.
Yes I've found James Blick (Spain Revealed). Great Channel!

I suppose the difference is............we are not 'moving' there.
Just going to stay a couple of months a year.
It's a place to 'visit'.

Our home base is in Sydney and we spend time in Bangkok with family.
Bought a tiny apartment there many years ago, (for about the price of a good car)!
It works out great.

I suppose that what's prompted the idea for Spain.

But with all the great advice here................I'm coming back to thinking that maybe we should just rent?
It would give us the option to stay in different places each year.
That's a big plus.

 

[TravellingMan22]

A couple of additional points.

Do you want "Endless summer" or "Endless winter" because that could help you decide where to look for a place? We live in Cadiz province about 35km south of the city and reckon that mid June to mid September are the hot months the other nine months are good for all outside activities (similar climate to Perth probably).

Search for James Blick on Youtube, he's a Kiwi married to a Spanish chica and does a lot of stuff about moving & living in Spain. Also I would advocate renting to start, it's possible to get into a lot of trouble buying; as someone else above said if you buy the problems are yours but if you rent the problems are the owner's.

Another suggestion for a city in Andalucia is Granada, big enough to have all the resources but easy to get around, look at the Albaicin for rentals. Or the Costas in winter, there will be hundreds of rentals for one or two months. Malaga is Spain's third airport and has plenty of international connections.

Buena suerte Richard

Malaga was on my list as love it there. I was thinking Granada but have only spent a few days there but was going to do a month there to rule in or out. Same with Cadiz but think I may end up spending too much time in that lovely old market with the lovely bars in!

 

[LTfit]

Nice idea.

I'm eligible for an Irish Passport. (EU)
That might help?
Would need to get advice on that.
Or at least on Foreign ownership.
90 days a year would be plenty.

An Irish/EU passport should do it, at least I had no problem with a Dutch passport and the steps were very simple compared to The Netherlands. Maybe it was simpler for me since I bought an albergue from another EU citizen who explained the process. I had no lawyer or real estate agent, only a local gestor who gave me some advice for less than €100 and a local notary.

 

[Robo]

An Irish/EU passport should do it, at least I had no problem with a Dutch passport and the steps were very simple compared to The Netherlands. Maybe it was simpler for me since I bought an albergue from another EU citizen who explained the process. I had no lawyer or real estate agent, only a local gestor who gave me some advice for less than €100 and a local notary.

Thanks. good to hear.

Though it's standard here in Australia to use a Lawyer who specialises in property.
I think I'd probably do the same.
We also get a valuation from the bank.
A building inspection (by a qualified builder/engineer), and
a pest inspection.

It's a big purchase!

 

[Pilgrim9]

Bilbao?

I spent about a week there, loved it, and would move there or to some more economical nearby town in an instant if I could.

Very hilly, topologically complex, and therefore interesting area with a major river, a sea port, mountains, a Metro system which is integrated with a main-line railroad, a tram line, two art museums (a respectable fine arts museum plus the completely separate Guggenheim Museum a few blocks away), a legacy industrial heritage combined with a vibrant cultural scene.

Learning the local language (probably essential) would stimulate the brain, walking up and down the hilly streets would enhance physical fitness, and experiencing the varying seasons would help prevent ennui.

Bilbao has become a tourism-oriented city which might be relevant to out-renting a property when one is not there.

Just an idea for evaluation and disposal.

 

[TravellingMan22]

You defo need a good lawyer. Sure the media hype it up but Spanish property laws seem quite a thing. I know the whole squatter thing caused my friends a nightmare and many others have had problem too! It does seem a minefield depending on regions.

According to a credible media source there are 300k illegal homes in Andalucia. Buy one of those and you may end up with a fine or the bulldozers coming in. Some will be hype but it does seem an issue. Tread carefully!

 

[ivar]

I would rent until you find your “paradise”, then buy.

 

[Robo]

When you retire same sort of possibility exists in Spain for you; however Spain requires i think 28000 Euros.

€28,000 per? Year?

 

[Molly Cassidy]

€28,000 per? Year?

Yes. Usually must be unearned income - e.g. pension.

ETA: You don't need to meet this requirement if you have an Irish passport.