Meeting new friends/considering buying a home around this area

Just some thoughts and nothing personal is inferred. Five years ago I would have said "if you are over 65 don't even think of making the move."  However, I've been proved wrong since and many keep reminding me of my previous opinion. This will likely be the most important move for you since marriage and buying your first house, so whatever you decided to do get it right first time.

First, let's get your dog situation out of the way. July and August are really hot months in southern Spain where temps can rise and just when you think they are going to recede, they accelerate causing much discomfort especially to your dog. Spain is wonderful, just look at the holiday brochures, cheap flights, mojitos on the terrace, bars overlooking the Med, bronzed bodies - what could possibly go wrong? The truthful answer is "Everything" if not executed properly. If I'm turning you off, please stop reading now, but you sound to be an intelligent person and I bet you'll keep reading. 

1. Buy a notebook for your potential move to Spain; forget about doing this on your lap-top. Do a SWOT analysis on your intended situation - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. Write down your thoughts almost on a daily basis and keep the notebook with you at all times because you'll have several Archimedes moments. Each may change depending on dates, information, mood, money, second-thoughts, family, health, etc. 

2. Scan real estate agents sites online and take notes of "musts," "dislikes," "mights." Do you wish to rent your Spanish property when not being used by you?  Would  you prefer to be inland? Are sea views important? How far away is the nearest good supermarket? Will the hills kill you? Do you need Brits to be near? Will you enjoy learning Spanish? How will you pass your time? How good is the local bus service?

3. You may be , thinking, this Matthew guy is trying to drive me out of thinking about Spain. I'm not, but Spain is full of expats who left their brains behind them at the airport when they first arrived. So I'll cut to the chase - Some time this week book a house, apartment, duplex, in the area where you intend to move. Rent for no less than five weeks. The money you'll spend on rental will likely be the best money you have ever spent and you will not only discover if the area in mind is suited to you, but if Spain is suited to you. OK! Matt, you're being too fast and blasé; tell me something I don't already know. 

4. If you decide not to act immediately - then wait until October (earliest) before spending five weeks minimum in Spain. But, I think you could be in Spain within a fortnight. Forget about summer, the earlier you act to rent a place outside of the main tourist season, the better. 

5. You're thinking of buying Spanish property. I would advise you do not sell your home in your home country just in case you need to beat a retreat. 

6. Take advice from anybody prepared to give it. Even Bob-down-the-pub in Spain is probably experienced and his advice could be excellent.

Don't burn your boats and the Rubicon won't be a major issue. 

(a) Use a solicitor to act only for you and not one used by the vendor or estate agent. 

(b) Keep updating your SWOT analysis and keep re-reading it.

(c) Be aware of the average cost of property in whatever area. 

(d) Don't let the need for new kitchen presses, fridge/freezer/washing-machine/cooker/microwave put you off. You can get a new kitchen for around £3000.00 (Sterling). Likely, you'll have to have the place painted too, but it's not much of a problem as everything is painted in white (except for those who didn't bother with a SWOT analysis).

(e) If you are viewing properties, be aware that estate agents usually bring potential clients to properties when the sun is at its best. Furthermore, an estate agents raison d'etre is to sell property. If they don't sell, they don't get paid - That's the first line of your notes. 

I'm in good mood today and you've enlightened me somewhat as I look out on a frost bitten back garden in Ireland and hoping the sun will accelerate its warm rays. I wish you the best of luck and what is stopping you from looking at rental properties immediately? Go for it!

Oh Yes! Print off this post and stick it inside the front cover of your notebook.

Matthew has just about summed it all up,the only thing I would add is think about long term health implications when choosing your area/house, what seems and ideal place when you are fit and well could be a nightmare with limited mobility

good luck

A compliment from HartCJHart is quite flattering. I better start changing the route of my morning walk and watching my back (Panama Hatted Brexiteer Male with sniper's rifle can be lethal from a long distance 😂). But, joking aside, buying property is serious. I would warn that after buying property in Spain there is a honeymoon timespan where you believe everything's going to plan and there's nothing stopping you now. But, after about six years, you'll start to question your "investment." 

We've hit this wall from time to time, but always we return to the frame-of-mind that buying for us was an excellent decision. 

now now Matthew,you know I always agree/praise when it is due,but you got the panama hat wrong,it casts a shadow over the crosshair

Hi Mel,

A couple of additions to Matthew's extensive information, cheak if there are groups around to join, hillwalking, ect, as one thing myself and my hubby struggled with when we moved here is social life mainly revolves around pubs, not being pub people we did feel somewhat cut off from people. 

One more thing is the weather in winter, we have noticed the weather in winter is becoming wetter and colder every year( we're here 4 years) and although noticibly milder than Ireland (where we came from) it does get cold when you have acclimatised. I got rid of winter clothes thinking I would not need them, boy was I wrong! 

Apart from that I wish you the best of luck in your new adventure. 

Patricia