Relocate or renovate? Which works best for your Spanish change of scene
As summer comes to a close, it’s a popular time to think about relocating to a new place or renovating a much-loved property in Spain. While the real estate market in the country is healthy with lots of stunning property on the market, refurbishing an existing home might be preferable if you haven’t quite decided which area to move to but you crave a change of scenery.
For those who love living in Spain, or for those making their dream move to the country, there are some amazing cities to choose from. For those who feel settled in a location they adore, renovating a home with an extension or some minor upgrades might be the answer.
While relocating and renovating have their pros and cons, this article can help you decide which option might work best for now.
Consider why you might relocate
For those of you already settled in Spain, relocating welcomes the start of an exciting new chapter in your life and can benefit both your current and future plans. You might want to relocate to a different region of Spain to experience more of what the amazing country has to offer.
While each area of Spain has its own unique charm, it’s good to visit the area again. Talk to the locals for advice about living there as well as research all the best parts about the place you have in mind. From its fascinating culture and history to enjoying other scenery and lifestyle factors, a relocation can be a really positive step.
Relocating gives you the flexibility to explore a new part of Spain that you might have always loved or recently visited on holiday. It opens up new adventures and can create a great opportunity to rethink and adjust your lifestyle, work or aim to meet new friends. Perhaps you’re moving to be nearer the sea or prefer a mountainous region like the Sierra Nevada in southeast Spain.
For that perfect balance a beachside and hillside location can offer you the best of both worlds. If you look along Marbella’s border with Mijas Costa, you’ll find many exclusive and attractive old and new-build developments. Meanwhile, larger and popular places, such as Marbella, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Granada are desirable locations for those who are after lots of amenities and thriving cities.
Moving to a new area does however, mean having to adapt to a new neighbourhood and community. It takes time and effort to build connections in a new place although it is fun and exciting too. Relocating also likely means finding new service providers, doctors, vet, schools if applicable, and other necessities. There is also the process of selling your home and finding a new one. And if you are settled and happy where you currently live, uprooting can bring unwanted stress.
Relocating also gives you the opportunity to buy and furnish a new home as well as add value by making some much-needed adjustments to increase your Spanish home’s value. If your property abroad is a long-term investment, you will be thinking about its resale value in the future or for when you plan to move again.
Why it is good to renovate a new or existing home
Renovating your current Spanish home, or a new home that you’ve recently invested in, does have lots of advantages. You can customise and improve it to suit your lifestyle or fit your dreams of having an inspiring Spanish interior. Here are a few examples:
- Upgrade the kitchen to reflect your alfresco cooking and Spanish entertaining style
- Add the luxurious bathroom retreat you’ve always dreamt of
- Create a stunning garden and landscaped outdoor zone for year-round use
- Convert unused spaces into hobby rooms or home offices
Putting your own taste into the renovations can make your current Spanish home feel more special. Properties in rural parts of Spain are in demand for their rustic appeal and often offer more outdoor space at a lower premium. Perhaps you’re keen to expand your garden or develop the land. It’s a good idea to make the most of the extra outside space you have that you might otherwise lose by moving closer to a main town or city. You’ll also stay in the local community you know and love, with your established connections, hobbies and conveniences.
Issues to consider on a Spanish renovation project
Any major remodelling project will likely require you to live through months of construction dust, noise, workers coming in and out of your home and general disruption. Your normal routines will be impacted as renovating room by room can drag out the process and headache even longer. In Spain, like anywhere, there are also the frustrations of securing proper permits or licences, finding builders and relying on contractors to do quality work and show up on time.
Like all renovations, issues like leaks, electrical problems, or structural concerns can arise, resulting in delays and additional costs. These issues might also put a strain on your Spanish-speaking skills if you aren’t fluent in the language! While renovating has its advantages, weigh whether the cons of the process and staying put are worth it versus moving.
A major renovation project will take more time, even if done in phases. From getting permits to the actual construction, renovations can easily take six months to a year or more in Spain. This might require you to live through the dust and noise unless you decide to take on a temporary holiday let or short-term rental while the work is underway.
Moving and relocating can be costly
Unforeseen costs that spring up when you’re doing any major work can often add up quickly and need to be taken into account. In some cases, it may make more sense to stay put and renovate or make smaller lifestyle changes. Likewise, renovating your home can be more cost effective in the long run, but the upfront costs can be high depending on the scope of work.
Before considering whether to relocate or renovate, weigh up all the factors and ask yourself what you want from your life in Spain. Whatever change you crave, there are financial costs, practical considerations and lifestyle preferences to think about. Whether it makes personal sense to relocate to a new property or renovate your existing home, you’ll have all the excitement of exploring a different location or living in your upgraded luxury Spanish home.
Mike James is a regular traveller and frequent visitor to Spain having lived in Andalucia, Valencia & Murcia during his time. With first-hand experience of life in Spain, a background in finance and property and an established freelance writer, he provides engaging and well-researched content across a broad range of topics.
