5 Facts You Should Know About Living in Spain

Have you ever wondered why Spain is the number one choice for overseas buyers? Here are five of the top reasons why you should head to the Spanish Costas for a new start or a holiday in the sun.

1) Cheap lifestyle

According to consumer price website Numbeo.com, Spain is 19.9 per cent cheaper than the UK in consumer prices; food and groceries are 29.5 per cent and 16.5 per cent cheaper respectively. A euro for a coffee in a café is also not uncommon.

Utility costs are not much different, but in warmer parts of Spain, you will spend less on heating! The real bonus is the council tax, for example, for a typical two-bedroom apartment in the Costa del Sol, the budget is around 500 euros per year.

2) Healthy lifestyle

According to the OECD, life expectancy in Spain is 83.2 years, the highest in Europe. The combination of a Mediterranean diet, relaxed lifestyle and mild climate means Spain is regularly ranked as one of the healthiest countries in the world.

The Costa Blanca, in particular, is known for its climate, where humidity levels are low and health conditions including arthritis and respiratory illnesses can be alleviated there. And if you want to bask in the winter sun, the Canary Islands are one of the few winter resorts in Europe. Spain was ranked eighth out of 192 countries in the 2017 Health Access and Quality Index, which is particularly encouraging for retirees. This puts Spain ahead of Italy (12th), France (15th) and Portugal (31st).

3) Affordable homes

The Spanish property market is diverse, with villas, apartments and bungalows to suit all budgets. Spain’s low interest rates and the eurozone’s higher Eurobonds are particularly attractive. Resorts along the Costa del Sol, home to Marbella and the famous Golden Mile, and the Costa Blanca, home to Torrevieja and the upmarket resort of Jávea, offer a full range of price ranges. Other affordable options include Almeria, Murcia and the Costa Calida, where a budget of €80,000-€100,000 can buy a two-bedroom apartment close to the beach.

Most people buy property in a complex or urbanization with one or more communal swimming pools and gardens. Some people choose to buy property in Spain near golf courses.

4) Diverse expat population

Despite Brexit, the British remain the largest group of foreign buyers in Spain, accounting for around a fifth of all property purchases by non-Spaniards in 2016. In the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, you're likely to meet other expats, particularly French, German, Russian, Ukrainian, Swedish and Belgian homeowners.

5) Many flights

Few countries can compete with Spain for flight options. From Ukraine you can fly with Ukraine International Airlines, Bravoavia, VUELING, Wizz Air. Ticket prices vary depending on the season. The main airports are Alicante to get to the Costa Blanca, Malaga, Costa del Sol, Barcelona for the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, and Palma in Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.