What Is It Like For Americans Who Buy Property And Live In Spain?

The slower, more relaxed pace of life in Spain is an attractive draw for many people who live a more hectic life across the Atlantic. The dream of buying a villa in the Costa Blanca overlooking the sea is a powerful incentive but, what is it really like for Americans who take the plunge and move to Spain?

Investing in Sunshine

The Costa Blanca offers an average of more than 300 days of sunshine per year, with winter temperatures being pleasantly warm and summer heat calmed by the breeze that drifts inland from the sea, particularly as the tide turns. Property prices in Spain are also rather tempting, with Real Estate prices often being significantly lower than in the US, allowing those who move here to have a great property in an ideal location. For those who plan to spend part of the year in Spain, renting the home out is also a good option to pay some of the costs.

Buying Process

The tax and legal obligations of buying a property in Spain might bewilder those from the US and it is essential to hire the services of a good English-speaking lawyer to help with this and Hamiltons of London have been successfully helping people find their dream home for 25 years now and our experience and friendly team will be able to suggest a solicitor to help with your move. 

Visas and Residency

If you decide that you would like to move to Spain permanently, you will need to apply for a visa. The most popular way for Americans to do this has been with the Golden Visa Program, but the current Spanish Government has recently voted to discontinue this option. No date for the end of the Golden Visa has been announced yet, but if you want to take advantage of this avenue to residency, you will need to do so quickly!  There are other visa options as well, each with different requirements, and again, your lawyer will be able to help you and offer advice regarding the process of obtaining your residency.

Local Life

The first step to integrating into local life on the Costa Blanca is to learn some basic Spanish; Although many people will speak English, the effort is always appreciated. Some Spanish may also be necessary if you plan to visit inland villages away from the coastal and tourist areas. The welcoming Spaniards will soon accept you as part of their hometown and you can better enjoy the local culture and festivals if you have some understanding of the history and language of your new home. You will find that there are also plenty of local international clubs to become involved in, and making new friends from all over the world will make for a very fulfilling life in your new home.

Cultural Differences

Embrace the change that you will feel in Spain with a more relaxed attitude to time and enjoying a siesta during the day may be a little bit of a shock to those used to perhaps a more strict and efficient way of life. Deadlines are more flexible, and appointments may be late. Relax and enjoy the slower pace, which greatly improves your quality of life and is a key part of the way things are done in Spain.

Community

The draw of the sunny shores of the Costa Blanca means that there is a large international community of ex-pats with an abundance of social groups available to join, and several events are organized that cater to Americans living abroad. Such groups are great for ensuring that you start to feel at home and avoid feeling alone in your new environment.

Living the Dream

There might be some obstacles on the way but, when you finally own your villa in the Costa Blanca, you will be able to enjoy a relaxed and sociable life, or alone time sitting with a glass of local wine on your terrace watching the sun go down. With careful planning and a little patience, you new adventure in Spain will soon be reality.