An Expat Talks about Moving to Almeria, Spain

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Almeria

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Brought:

1. A potato masher - you cannot get them in Spain

2. A very large stock of English teabags, bisto and oxo

3. Electric blankets

Left Behind:

1. Furniture - readily available in Spain and not expensive

2. Domestic appliances - readily available and not expensive - English televisions don't work here unless modified and that can be expensive

3. Wonder web - can't buy it here.

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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Hire a car, tour the area and find the village or town that appeals to you most. Find a good Spanish registered SL or SA estate agency - CB's are the equivalent to self employed status - and spend three days looking at houses in the area of your choice. Make sure that you have a car or access to one because in rural Spain it is essential to have transport.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

I live in a very large (5 bedroom - 4 bathroom) village house. This is not typical of expats in the area - they all want detached houses with lots of land. My house has walls which are so thick that I never hear the neighbours and therefore it might just as well be detached. It is also much larger than the detached houses which are built here and infinitely less expensive to buy

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

With the assistance of a very good estate agent

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Much, much less. It is still possible to buy a very large, beautiful property for around 100,000