[dancingspider]

I’m wanting to make the move to Spain but I’m solo and terrified of not knowing what to do.

Suzi, it takes research, planning and quite ait of elbow grease before you move.

When you get to Spain expect a lot more uncertainty that you have to navigate through. Anyone who has moved to Spain continues to experience situations they haven't experienced before, throughout their lives, regardless of how long they've been in Spain. That could be trying to figure out everyday life, Spanish government procedures or whatever. It is something we take on when we move to another country, the acceptance that we'll face challenges. That is what makes this forum super, that you can learn from the experience of other by simply ively reading the posts of others or enquire how to others managed particular issues.

However, your starting premises is that you want the entire process of moving managed for you, before you get here, which really doesn't bode well, for how you're going to cope when you do get here. Will you also want that managed by someone else?

 

[dancingspider]

Kaipa, that is exactly the point that these challenges that in the UK would not have been an issue, suddenly can become big issues and a lot more difficult to resolve in Spain.

I came to Spain with the mindset, bring it on and I will either go through (or around) whatever problems come my way, but this takes perseverance and determination. Yes, I can learn from the experience of other, but ultimately it falls to me to resolve these issues. Even though I have been in Spain many years, both this year and last I was again reminded how challenging it can sometimes to live in a Spain, as I had to navigate some official processes. Moving to another country, especially a non-English speaking one, is not for the faint-hearted! Then trying to earn a decent living here set a whole new set of challenges!

The other big challenge which is a recurring theme on this forum is folks who have an idea of how they can earn a living in Spain, be it running a B&B, bar, being a handyman/jack of all trades or starting a small business. Basically, the core activity of the service you provide in any of these will be the same, but the businness regulations, taxes, work hours etc are very different in Spain, and these 'brainwaves' to fund a new life in Spain, are basically unviable.

 

[dancingspider]

I do blame programs like, 'A New Life in the Sun', which tend to make the whole process of relocating to Spain (or elsewhere) seamless.

It tends to focus on the property search criteria, viewing, and 'interviews' with the buyers throughout, and there is nothing wrong with that, but it is a gross over simplification of what is involved in moving to a new coutry, and being able to afford it long term, in a sustainable way.

It usually starts with what the buyers budget is, at their ideal location (on the beach, close to shops, restaurants, and bars) and the presenter comes up with a compromise at their ideal location that they can afford, but they don't like. After being disappointed with that they go inland for a larger property, but it is typically in the middle of nowhere or in a village half way up the mountains somewhere. After that sobering experience they then either up their budget or start to be more realistic about what they can actually afford on the coast (less bedrooms or bathrooms, no swimming pool or less outdoor space). Where these programs about a new life in the sun fall down is they don't mention the costs of buying above the purchase price (i.e. taxes etc), visas, residency or limits on the number of days you can Spain, that these places are like ghost towns quite often for most months of the year. The visits to appartments are typically off season, so they see all the facilities, but come summer they are packed with people all competing to get into the pool, screaming kids, drunk and loud neighbours into all hours of the night.

Having said all that I do enjoy watching 'a place in the sun', but it does have a lot to answer for...

 

[dancingspider]

OP has gone to ground, one suspects.