Why Spain? Reasons Buyers Move to Spain

People move to Spain for the light, the pace and the people: long sunny days, an easy-going way of life and a welcome that makes newcomers feel at home quickly. For many of our buyers, a home in Spain starts as a holiday dream and becomes the place they actually live.

Is Spain a Good Place to Live?

For most people who make the move, yes. The south of Spain enjoys around 300 sunny days a year, so life moves outdoors: long lunches on a terrace, evening walks along the promenade, weekends on the beach or the golf course. In InterNations' Expat Insider 2024 survey, Spain ranked fourth worldwide for expat living. You can read more about the findings in our report on what expats say about Spain.

Healthcare is a big part of the answer. Legal residents who meet the requirements can use the public system, and many newcomers add private cover for shorter waits. Our guide to healthcare in Spain explains how both work.

And then there are the people. Being a foreigner is often the biggest worry before a move, and in Spain it fades fast. Neighbours say hello, shop owners remember your name, and the streets are full of families and laughter well into the evening.

Who Moves to Spain?

Retirees: Sunshine, a slower rhythm and an established international community make Spain one of Europe's favourite places to retire. Our guide to retirement in Spain covers what retirees ask us most.

Families: Coastal towns with international schools, safe neighbourhoods and plenty of outdoor space draw families who want their children to grow up bilingual and outdoors.

Remote Workers and Early Movers: Good connections to the rest of Europe and a lifestyle built around the outdoors bring professionals who can work from anywhere. The right permit depends on your nationality and plans; our page on the residence permit is the place to start.

Buyers from the UK and the US: Each comes with its own questions. British buyers can read how living in Spain after Brexit works today, and Americans have their own guide to moving to Spain.

Where Do People Settle?

Spain is not one place, and the right region depends on the life you want.

• Sun, Sea and a Busy International Scene: the Costa del Sol, from Málaga to Estepona, with golf, marinas and year-round restaurants.
• Relaxed Beach Towns and Great Value: the Costa Blanca, with long sandy beaches and a large British and German community.
• City Life by the Sea: Valencia, home of paella and the Fallas festival, where the city centre and the beach are minutes apart.
• Island Life:Mallorca, for buyers who want calm coves and a slower pace.

Everyday Life in Spain

Spanish food changes from region to region: paella from Valencia, tapas shared with friends, churros dipped in hot chocolate. Meals are long and social, and dinner starts later than most visitors expect.

The calendar is full of festivals. Valencia burns giant figures during the Fallas, Buñol throws tomatoes at La Tomatina, and almost every town has its own fiesta for a patron saint or a harvest. Within a year, many newcomers find themselves joining in.

Daily costs are part of the picture too. Our overview of the cost of living in Spain breaks down what a household spends.

Is Buying a Home in Spain a Good Idea?

For many people, owning a home is what turns a holiday dream into a life in Spain. If you are weighing the decision as an investment too, read our analysis of investing in Spanish property.

Your First Steps

Start with the life you want, then choose the place, and the home. Our guide to buying in Spain walks you through each stage, and the purchasing costs guide shows what to budget on top of the price. If you cannot travel yet, our team can show you homes on an online video tour with TeleProperty, and arrange in-person viewing tours when you are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to see what life in Spain could look like for you? Tell us what you are looking for, and contact Spain Homes ® to arrange your viewing tour.