Our Articles
- 31st August 2025
- Reading time: 7 m
Finding 'Mañana'
Have you ever felt like you’re watching your own life from the passenger seat? For years, that was us. John and Sarah. Our days in Chicago were a blur of synchronised calendars, rushed commutes, and meals eaten while scrolling through emails. Life was a well-oiled machine, efficient and productive, but it seemed to be producing little more than the need for more efficiency.
- 29th July 2025
- Reading time: 7 m
Complete Guide to Buying Property in Spain
A detailed walkthrough of the Spanish property buying process designed for UK buyers aged 55-65, covering everything from initial property search to final completion, with emphasis on practical considerations, hidden costs, and legal requirements.
- 25th August 2025
- Reading time: 8 m
Costa del Sol Real Estate Market Report: H1 2025 Outlook
A comprehensive examination of the Costa del Sol property market for the first half of 2025. The article analyses the key drivers of sustained price growth, including chronic supply shortages and diverse international demand. It provides a detailed breakdown of price trends across different market tiers, from the ultra-luxury sector in Marbella to emerging investment hotspots like Mijas and Málaga East. The report also explores the significant shift in buyer preferences towards sustainability, wellness, and technology. It concludes that while the market remains robust, it now requires a more strategic and nuanced approach from informed buyers.
- 24th July 2025
- Reading time: 8 m
Building a New Country House in Andalusia: The Real Guide to Planning Permission
This article provides an expert analysis of the process and challenges associated with obtaining planning permission for a new residential dwelling on rustic land (suelo rústico) in Andalusia, Spain. It examines the current legal framework under the LISTA law, detailing the general prohibition on new builds and the specific, narrow exceptions that may apply. These include the reconstruction of a pre-existing legal dwelling (a ruin) and the construction of a new house intrinsically linked to a viable agricultural operation. The text outlines the necessary steps, from initial due diligence with a lawyer and architect to the protracted application process with local and regional authorities, while also highlighting common pitfalls and offering strategic advice for potential builders.
- 20th July 2025
- Reading time: 2 m
British Artist Finds New Life in Remote Andalusian Village
Sarah Mitchell, a 45-year-old ceramic artist from Manchester, has transformed her life by relocating to the small village of Alcalá del Júcar in Castilla-La Mancha, where she has revitalized both her artistic practice and contributed to the local community's cultural renaissance.
- 20th July 2025
- Reading time: 5 m
From Phoenix to Paradise: One American Retirees Culture Shock in Rural Spain
Robert "Bob" Harrison, a 67-year-old retired engineer from Phoenix, Arizona, shares his candid first impressions after relocating to Ronda, a picturesque Andalusian village in southern Spain. From navigating bureaucratic mazes to discovering the joy of lengthy lunch breaks, Harrison's initial months reveal both the enchanting surprises and frustrating realities of retirement abroad.
- 15th August 2025
- Reading time: 6 m
Your Complete Guide to Applying for a NIE Number in Spain
This comprehensive guide walks mature English-speaking expats through the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) application process in Spain. Covering everything from understanding what a NIE is to navigating common pitfalls, this article provides practical insights for property buyers and long-term residents. Written from a real estate perspective, it offers realistic expectations about Spanish bureaucracy while maintaining an encouraging tone for newcomers to the process.
- 9th August 2025
- Reading time: 6 m
A Complete Guide to Buying Property in Andalucía's White Villages | British Retirees
This comprehensive guide explores the property buying process in Andalucía's picturesque white villages, specifically tailored for British retirees aged 55-65. The article covers market conditions, legal requirements including NIE numbers and escritura documentation, village selection criteria, financial considerations, and working with local professionals. It provides practical advice on hidden costs, renovation challenges, healthcare access, and community integration while emphasising the importance of realistic expectations and thorough preparation for this significant lifestyle change.