Moving to Spain is a dream that can seem crazy and risky.
And yet, many Belgians take the plunge every year. That is the case, for instance, of Mr Collignon and Mr Pacini, who decided to enjoy their property in Spain for a good part of the year. They share their experience with us.
Regions that quickly won them over
Mr Collignon and his wife first bought their property just north of Orihuela Costa, near Torrevieja, to spend their holidays there. The appeal of the region and Mrs Collignon's work locally soon convinced them to take the leap. They now live there all year round.
For their part, Mr Pacini and his wife were won over by Águilas from their very first discovery stay. After buying their apartment, they spent 15 days there on holiday before heading back to Belgium. Each trip convinced them a little more to settle there. They now spend around 8 months a year in Spain, returning to Belgium mainly to spend time with their loved ones.
The particular character of the region really had a strong influence on their choice. Beyond the quality of the climate, Mr Collignon enjoys the lively atmosphere of Torrevieja : « there's never a quiet period where we are, even during the winter. The bars and restaurants always stay open ». Mr Pacini, on the other hand, prefers the peace and quiet of Águilas : « what I love is the natural state of the region. There aren't too many large tourist developments spoiling the surroundings ».
Easy integration
Mr Collignon and Mr Pacini are unanimous : the Spanish are very welcoming and they had no trouble settling in.
Mr Collignon's wife speaks fluent Spanish, particularly at her workplace. This made the various administrative formalities easier and helped them make Spanish friends, in addition to the other Belgians they mix with at their residence. Mr Collignon is gradually learning the language, but has never had any problem communicating. If French isn't understood, there is always the option of speaking English : « and with a little kindness, there's always a way to make yourself understood ».
For Mr Pacini, the language barrier wasn't an obstacle to settling in either. With a little goodwill, everything can be done easily. He and his wife are taking a few Spanish lessons that allow them to communicate, whether at a restaurant or with their Spanish acquaintances : « The Spanish are very welcoming and friendly ». At their residence, they have also made plenty of Belgian friends who share the same interest in the region.
One final piece of advice
Mr Collignon stresses how important it is to have support when buying your property : « Thanks to Secundo's guidance, we already found it easier to handle our administrative formalities (contact with lawyers, choosing the bank, and so on). A good part of the paperwork was already well under way. When it comes to integration, choosing a lively town makes it easier to get to know people. There is also a Facebook group for French-speakers living in Spain who like to get together for a walk or a dinner. There's every opportunity to never be bored and to meet new people ».
For Mr Pacini, the key is above all to know what you want : « First and foremost, you need to do your research. You have to be able to find the region that suits you, depending on whether you're looking for peace and quiet or a lively atmosphere. Choosing an agency that supports you from A to Z helps you find the property that really suits you. You should also look into the developer before buying and, above all, dare to take the plunge. There is sometimes bad press in Belgium, but if you are well informed beforehand, there's nothing to fear ».
Would you like to take the plunge and buy a property in Spain too? Get in touch and we'll answer all your questions.