Our intention is to give information to those considering moving to Spain or those already here, particularly those finding their way around. Our specialist area of knowledge is the Costa Blanca (in particular the Torrevieja/Orihuela Costa area) and the Costa Del Sol (in particular the Fuengirola/Marbella area). However, much of the information will be applicable to all of Spain. To help those currently looking to purchase a property, we have recently launched a sister site SearchSpainOnline and here you will find an extensive selection of property in all price ranges throught Spain.

So, what is living in Spain really like for an expat?

That’s an interesting question but one thing it is NOT is a longer version of your annual two week holiday on a Benidorm or Marbella beach. It is exciting, frustrating, fun, too hot, too cold, too lonely, too busy, too quiet, too noisy. In short it can be all things to all people and at this stage we have no idea whether you will enjoy or even survive the challenge of living in a foreign climate instead of just spending a week or two while spending your holidays in Spain.

What we do know is that your chances of success are increased massively if you have done your homework in advance. What do we mean by that?

Well, nowadays, there are many sites on the Internet where you can gain all kinds of information about emigration in general and about emigrating to Spain in particular. There are also several excellent books and you will find many references to two definitive guides.

There is David Searl’s “You and the Law in Spain” and Blevins Franks “Financial Guide to Living in Spain.” You will find details of the books elsewhere on this site but leaving for Spain without studying them in depth is a very dangerous start to your life abroad. Ensure though that you have the latest editions – information on inheritance tax in 2006 or the smoking laws in 2010 is worse than useless!

I have lived in Spain for many years and know the main expat areas well. Many trusted contributors have filled the gaps. So whether you are looking for information about Marbella golf or, indeed, Marbella accommodation I am sure we can help. If you are looking for details re Mallorca hotels or Menorca ferries I am sure we can supply the information you require. If you cannot find the information you need on Torrevieja tourism or Torremolinos trains, please contact us and I will try to get you specific information.

As you visit the different sections of this site you will find information about many aspects of Life in Spain. Spain has moved forward to a tremendous pace over the past thirty years and from the sleepy, agrarian state of just a few years ago a dynamic, post-industrialised society has developed. These changes have been seen most clearly on the Costas where you will now find a cosmopolitan lifestyle with prices not markedly different to Northern Europe for many products and services. This region is one that has seen a steady rise in tourism, followed by a rise in hotels, resorts and timeshares, which may actually provide a budget friendly means for accommodations for those wishing to explore the region. Holiday rentals Spain have a tremendous selection of rental properties throughout the mainland and the islands.

I would be disingenuous if I wrote that every house purchase by a foreigner goes totally smoothly BUT almost all problems can be predicted and prevented. Too many people believe that the purchase process will be the same as that in the UK, Scandinavia or wherever. This is NOT correct. Sadly, many estate agents have taken advantage of this naivety and made a totally logical and valid process less transparent than necessary for their own gain. I do not care less what any “man and a mobile” says; you need independent advice. Nobody would dream of buying a home in Stockport or Stockholm without using a solicitor even when they would normally understand the system and the language. Amazingly when they buy their home in Marbella, too many decide they can do it alone or use the omnipresent, “bloke in the bar”. For that reason, I am pleased that Spanish professional Graham Hunt has agreed to offer all ThisIsSpain visitors a free copy of his E-book Buying Spanish Property and Living in Spain. To receive your copy please email Graham direct and mention ThisIsSpain. If we can make the purchasing process more transparent for one buyer it will make his efforts worthwhile.

I am also absolutely delighted to confirm that ThisIsSpain has been able to secure the services of Parodi Lawyers who will give an initial consultation at no cost to any visitor to this site who needs advice on any aspect of Spanish Law – be it Legal, Accounting or Taxation. To make contact with PARODILAWYERS
simply email PARODILAWYERS direct and mention ThisIsSpain.

This site can only be of benefit if it is current and is constantly being upgraded. The speed with which Spain is changing means that we are always under pressure to update it. If you see mistakes or omissions or you have information that you would like added, please do not hesitate to contact us. We wish you every success with your new life. If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask.

¡Buena suerte!

localFaces is a place to find out what’s going on around you – and for you to tell people what’s going on around them.

localFaces is a place to meet local people – people who live or work near you – a new way to contact people in your local area.

Just launched in Spain, and soon in the UK, and with other countries to follow, you are welcome to sign up now.

You will be able to reach people who are local to you, get and give local advice, find local offers, find out what’s on, and where. Plus you will be able to tell people what you are up to, let them know what you have found, what you like, and what you want to complain about.

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