Are we doing the right thing?

I think the best thing you can do is stop and draw a breath. Sending deposits for rental or purchase without seeing what you are paying for can never be a good idea. Never forget that a property agent is working for the owner of the property not you. This is especially important when renting.  Unless  the owner of the property is a company, you will pay the agent’s commission - typically one month’s rent, so they have a vested interest in pushing you to sign on the line. 

There’s a huge amount of concern around Brexit and when you need to be in Spain to register for residencia etc. Dario on this forum has posted many helpful  extracts of the relevant regulations translated into English. Without wishing to steal his thunder, as I understand it, if you are living in Spain and registered on the Padrón (the local council register) prior to 31st December 2020 you re entitled to apply for residence as a member of the EU, i.e with reduced financial criteria compared to none EU. 

As to your questions re Cantoria I cannot comment as I m not familiar with area. Likewise with import of cats and dogs I have no experience. 

Hope this helps. 

Thank you, Ian, yes you are right breathing would definitely help right now and a large glass of wine! 

Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of spending time viewing rentals and we will arrive with 2 dogs and 3 cats in a van and need to move straight into somewhere... for us, it is also about timing it when my husband has time off work, we are doing this ourselves and are also very aware of the possibility of borders closing again. Greece only opened the land borders last week, we will be traveling 2 days across Greece before getting a ferry to Italy... 

The requirements of residency I've been keeping up with, including the new TIE we will need to apply for... I know that will all happen in time, 

Do you know the agencies? I'm new to the forum I don't know if it would be ok to mention them here and ask for feedback? 

Thanks :)

If you want to ask for opinions on specific agencies then go ahead!  People tend to have their own favourites and demons, so you may receive mixed messages, but no harm in trying.

Are you doing the right thing?  Only you can conclude on that, but if you are renting first then at least you lose little if you change your mind.

Hola Amanda!  We were travelling this winter just gone with our dog in our camper van to avoid the UK grey and cold, and then just decided to short term rent in Almanzora. We then got 'stuck' here :) it wasn't the plan, we had a ferry booked back - funny how things turn out! Initially my other half thought we were bonkers staying, so for us to buy straightaway wouldnt have worked and we'd have felt trapped. However we have adjusted to the slower pace and quiet life, and now absolutely love the area and lifestyle, and are hoping to settle permanently whether renting or buying when we get back from the UK in the autumn... would definitely recommend renting to get a good feel - you can then register on the Padron too to pave the way for residencia etc. Happy travels!

Fortunately most rogue agents have been forced out either by bad publicity or the property crash,however a few remain,perhaps consider renting in 1 of the bigger areas then look around the Cantoria area.

the pets should be no problem with borders as I assume you have 'passports' for them.

it is normal to 'panic' a bit, but name the agent and see what the replies are

I have also sent you a PM

Thanks, everyone for your comments, support and private messages, as a result, we have found a short term place to stay while we look properly. It's a relief that I won't be spending huge amounts of money on a place unseen during these unsettling times we can't afford to lose money. 

well done and good luck with the adventure

cant give advice on solicitors or anything about the official side .but do not worry about the language as there is a large ex pat community in Cantoria and the surrounding areas ( to the point you would think you were back in the UK at times )and the town hall has a interpreter called George he is brilliant if you have any problems he can either sort it or give you the best advice there is also C.A.T.S services in a local village the can do all the official stuff at a cost they are excellent .hope this helps 

Hi Amanda.

You have done exactly the right thing. Getting the breathing space you need on Spanish spoil.

Hope all goes well

Maggie