Nice To Be Here

It seems precisely  the right way to approach such a move.  Time,  to not only assess  the locale, but the political and economical implications  as well.  Five years is perhaps bordering on indecisiveness! Though a careful approach  is vital to such a big decision. Good luck with your venture.

Oh no! not renting for five years, just for the first year!

Hola Debbie.  That is what we planned 6 years ago,but soon realised we didn’t want to waste money on rent,especially with the house prices being so reasonable here. Within 3 months we had residencia,a bank account,were on the padron,got our NIE,made Spanish wills,and were on the Spanish health system,bought a house,and car. Quite proud of ourselves at almost 70 years old!! In spite of desperately missing family,it is the best thing we have ever done. Good luck

Good luck Debbie

Be careful and be sure to get a properly registered estate agent. Preferably one with a proper commercial office , not a room in a house posing as an office. There are too many unregistered con men and women out there who are only intent on cheating and robbing you. 

This was our plan too, we ended up renting outside our first choice of area, just because we were having difficulty finding a rental property.  Once here, we have decided we are happy to continue renting, as when the inevitable happens, it will mean far less hassle for our children anyway.

I agree with the comment regarding the corrupt estate agents and even solicitors! We were caught out by both and then by several other companies, double glazing, shops, aesthetic clinic, architect, plumber, general builders,.

BUYER BEWARE !

We rented first, for 7 years in fact! It made sense for us - we were renting out 2 properties in the UK which covered our rental going out in Spain. Eventually we got fed up with the hassle of maintaining the properties in the UK, decided to sell up and buy our home in Spain. After 7 years, we knew the local area pretty well, and of course we had plenty of time to look at properties (we looked at maybe  40).

The choice to rent first was proved correct in the first 6 months - we realised we were in the wrong area for us, and moved on quickly!

Hope this helps!

Steve