Despite being bordered by only one other country (Spain), Portugal has an intercontinental feel. The culture, architecture, language and cuisine have all been influenced by centuries of global travel. Living standards are high due to the advanced economy, peaceful governance, and emphasis on moral freedom for its citizens. The weather is uniformly warm in the summer months, while temperatures in winter vary depending on location. For example, you’ll find snowfall in the mountains, mild microclimates by the coast and subtropical islands. But it’s the stunning variety of terrains that draws so many tourists and expats to the country. You can hike in the national parks, walk the cobbled streets of the historic villages, search the Atlantic horizon for glimpses of North America from dramatic cliffs or lounge on one of the many glittering beaches. The Portuguese have a hospitable nature and you can expect to eat freshly sourced ingredients cooked simply and served with a flourish. Fish, squid, smoked meats, olives, cheese, bread and local wines are plentiful and you’ll find produce markets and restaurants at every turn. Feasts are central features of many of the festivities but you’ll also find music, dancing and night-time revelries at the frequent celebrations throughout the year. The north of Portugal is rocky and rugged and famous for the port wine-growing region, the Douro Valley. Rising up from the rural interior are wild mountains dotted with hunks of granite and flowing from them, the wide, fertile Tagus, Guadiana and Douro rivers. Lisbon is the most densely populated city, closely followed by Porto, and the southern Algarve region is a tourist hotspot. The Madeira archipelago is made up of 8 volcanic peaks, only two of which are inhabited and there are 9 islands in the Azores offering pale beaches, thermal lakes, geysers and black lava fields. This land has been fought over by Celts, Goths, Greeks, Romans and Moors, each of whom have left their architectural marks. Modern property development tends towards spacious, open-plan homes with echoes of these historical styles. The people of Portugal revere a rural life and as a result, there are a lot of villas or plots of land for development available in the countryside. In contrast, the cities and coastal regions are filled with affordable apartments. The road networks are good, air travel is quick and easy from northern Europe and America and there are high-speed international trains from connecting cities in France and Spain. Children are legally required to be in education from six to eighteen years old and there is a range of schooling options for international students, from public state schools, private faith schools or international schools. There is a state healthcare system in Portugal too. EU citizens can access it for free once they’ve registered and received a healthcare number (cartão de utente).

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Beautiful weather, excellent food and wine, world-famous art and culture and low living costs are just some of the reasons you should pack up and move to Spain. Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe and also one of the most geographically varied. With some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world, breath-taking mountainous regions, fertile plains, and sun-drenched isles, there is something to suit every preference. Visit Spain and you’ll enjoy a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers, mild winters, with snow in northern and mountainous regions. If you love art and culture you’ll have much to discover in Spain, which is home to some of the finest architecture in the world. There are ancient marketplaces, Moorish palaces, and the fantastical structures of Antoni Gaudi, not to mention the Dali museum, Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim, Fundacio Joan Miro, and the numerous festivals which regularly take place throughout the country. Spanish food is as varied as its landscape; the Spanish are absolutely passionate about their local cuisine. Tapas is popular worldwide, and you’ve probably sampled at least one of these delicious little dishes. The variety of tapas offered in Spain is huge, and varies from region to region and also according to season. Spanish markets are abundant with huge fruits and vegetables, thanks to the long months of sunshine. The great news as a prospective buyer, is that food, like the cost of living generally in Spain, is very affordable and of excellent quality. Moving onto more practical matters, the healthcare system in Spain is ranked among the best in the world, spending 10% of its GDP on healthcare. There are also excellent transport links throughout the country, with modern metros, high speed trains connecting most cities, long distance coach services between major cities, and bus services in all major cities and towns. It’s no wonder that Spanish public transport is known to be some of the best in Europe. For those wishing to venture further afield, it’s easy to travel from Spain to other parts of Europe by plane, train or bus. And of course, with 36 international airports, it will be easy for friends and family from back home to come and visit!

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Are you looking for a change of scenery? &nbsp;If this is the case, France should be at the top of your list! This magnificent country is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes with a wide range of settings to suit everyone's tastes and a rich history that will captivate you. Starting with the southern part of the country, the warmth of the people will greet you at every turn. This region is well-known for its sunny weather, sun-kissed beaches, outdoor celebrations, vibrant markets, and music festivals. Over a glass of wine, people gather to celebrate life, exchange cultural traditions, and foster an environment that is warm and welcoming to visitors from all over the world. As a matter of fact, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/occitanie-0l58192">Occitanie</a> region in the southwestern part of France is truly a one-of-a-kind destination with its diverse offerings of landscapes and activities. With direct access to the Mediterranean coastline and the majestic mountains and ski resorts of the Pyrenees. &nbsp;Coastal cities such as Montpellier also offer a rich historical and cultural heritage, this region is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the nature, history and culture of France. A little further north, nature enthusiasts will find a peaceful haven in the renowned French Alps, known for their breathtaking alpine scenery and outdoor activities like downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. With the largest skiing area in the world, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/auvergne-rhone-alpes-0l60750">French Alps</a> offer unforgettable experiences for all kinds of nature lovers, all year long. Finally, with their world-famous cuisine and vibrant arts scenes, French cities such as Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux offer an unforgettable experience that combines the best of urban living and cultural heritage. Regarding the cost of living, France is a great place to call home. Although prices have increased in recent years, it remains more affordable compared to other European nations like the UK. With a strong economy and an excellent quality of life, &nbsp;You can experience a comfortable lifestyle without overspending. Also, the French culture offers a more relaxed and laid-back way of life that will have you feeling right at home in no time. Why not seize the moment and fall deeply in love with a property in France? Start living your dream today by preparing for your move and reading our location guides on different regions and provinces in France. &nbsp;

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Buyer Stories

 The process of buying the property in 

 What was in his search criteria

 The lifestyle differences between Spain and Holland

 The outdoor activities they can do around the Palomares area

 The value for money buying in Spain compared to other parts of Europe

 The importance of exploring areas and learning from your estate agent

Episode 78: Henri, who purchased in Palomares

&nbsp;Intro&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome to the Kyero.com Spanish Property podcast, where we interview people who recently purchased their dream home in Spain.&nbsp;They tell us what worked, what didn’t and what they’d do differently next time.&nbsp;I’m Beth Davison and today I’m speaking with Henri, From Holland, who purchased an apartments in Palomares, in the Almeria region.&nbsp;To give you some context, this was recorded at the beginning of lockdown. Henri had owned the property for a year and was waiting to move permanently to get back to his beautiful balcony.&nbsp;He worked with estate agent Spanish Property Experts to find his dream home in Spain.&nbsp;Check out the show notes at <a href="http://kyero.com/podcast">kyero.com/podcast</a> to find links and resources mentioned in this episode.&nbsp;&nbsp;Body of Transcript&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; My name is Henri. I bought an apartment in Spain in Almeria, in the small village of Palomares.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Fantastic, when did that complete? When did you first get the keys?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; I received the keys on March 27th of last year.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; So, that's 2019, so you've had it just over a year?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Yes, correct.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; How did you find the process?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; The process... Well we just started searching the internet looking for a house early last year and we found Spanish Property Experts which had some properties that we were interested in. So, we contacted Daniel Marin and he guided us through the process of finding something.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Had you ever bought in Spain before? Or was this the first time that you were looking in Spain?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; No, we hadn't bought anything abroad yet. We had been looking in Italy for a while and in France. But we couldn't really find anything. So, coincidentally, we were in Spain and we were pleasantly surprised. So, that's when we thought of buying something in Spain, or looking around for something in Spain.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah, totally, and what were you looking for? What was on your list of things that you definitely wanted?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Well, what we wanted was an apartment enclosed, preferably, and then with space outside. So, it needed to have absolutely a balcony and, if possible, some more space.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Did you know how many bedrooms and exactly how you wanted to use it? Was it for holidays?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Well, we wanted to use it for ourselves, initially, and then rent it out occasionally to cover some of the cost, initially, and then over a period of time go to Spain to live there ourselves. So, the most important thing for us was a minimum of two bedrooms.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah. For the permanent [part], you're thinking that eventually you'd like to live permanently in Spain?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Yes, that was the idea until this thing with CORONA happened.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah, that put the plans on hold, slightly, for a few months.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Yeah, exactly, so, basically we had our house on the market since the end of February this year.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; And this is your house in Holland?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; In Holland, yes. Our plan was that as soon as the house was sold we would move to Spain.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Oh, wow, so, actually, right now you're just waiting?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; We are just waiting and, hopefully, in the very near future, we can sell and move to Spain.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; That's an amazing move. Do you think, will life be very different in Spain, to what you have in Holland?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Well, it is absolutely very, very different. First thing that is most important is the weather.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; But life, itself, is far more, I don't know, relaxed is maybe not the right world, but it's more appealing to us. It's not so much as sitting in a rolling train as in Holland.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah, and will you have to get different jobs or retire or what are you thinking about work when you're in Spain?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Well, I'm 58 so I cannot retire quite yet. We've been looking around for work and we are pretty confident that we can find something to do, both my wife and myself, enough at least to cover the cost of living there.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah, that will be great. Do you speak Spanish?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; No, I'm in the process of learning; slowly, slowly learning. That will come.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah, amazing, it's very brave to move and you'll move jobs and you don't speak the language and you'll start just from fresh.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Yes, for us it's quite an adventure but we are very positive and looking forward to it.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah. What do your friends and family think? Do people do this often in Holland?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Well, my family, my kids, friends, relatives, everybody is very, very positive.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; And they'll have somewhere to come and visit.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Yes, they'll come and visit. We have been there twice ourselves, last year. Two of my sons, with their friends, have been to Palomares. I don't know if you know the festival Dream beach?&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; I've heard of it. I've never been but I've heard of it.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Well, it's a huge festival and all the popular artists that my kids know were there. So, they've been to Palomares in August.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Oh, perfect, is it a music festival, yea?&nbsp;&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Yes, yes.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Well, that's a good use of the house. So, they go and have holidays there and then you would go probably not for the music festival?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; No, no, (laughter).&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; So, when you're there what type of things do you do? What does a traditional holiday in Spain or day in Spain like for you?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; The times that we've been there we were really tired of working so we didn't do an awful lot. We just... It's a beautiful area; it's very close to the coast; it's close to the mountains; it's close to everything. So, you're just a short drive away from everything you really want to see.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; What's your favourite thing to do there? Are you outdoors people, or chill by the pool? What's your ideal?&nbsp;Fortunately, there is a pool there, at the apartment, but I haven't used it yet. I like much more just to go out in the mountains or the forests.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Activities.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Yes, yes.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; And is your wife the same? Do you like the same things when you go?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Yes, absolutely. We're, like I say, hard working, so we use the time to rest as well.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah, totally.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; When we do relax we just go out, like I said, in the mountains or just drive up and see what we can find in the inland.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah, exploring. Did your agent know all of this when you first met him and said what you enjoyed doing and what you were looking for? Did he show you a lot of different places that offered the same thing? Or did you just view this property that you bought?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; No, the first time that we went there we looked south of Sierra Nevada. We didn't want to go to the tourist areas in Malaga, Torremolinos, so, that was the area where we were before. So, we wanted to get away from there.&nbsp;&nbsp;South of Sierra Nevada we found some properties that were within our budget. They were places like Illar, Cochena, Alcolea. That's where Danny took us because that's what we requested.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then we'd been there for two days, looking around. Danny showed us everything that we wanted to see and he probably saw that we were not very enthusiastic. All those places, the prices are right, but the area was not right.&nbsp;So, on the third day Danny suggested to show us some places that he thought we might be interested in. So, on day three we arrived in Palomares and I looked at my wife, she looked at me, and we thought, "Well, this is it."&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Oh, good. So, that's a good feeling when you both know and you're both in agreement.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Yeah, well, luckily we had Danny and he took excellent care of us and he brought us exactly where we wanted to be. So, we found a place in Palomares. On that day there was something for sale, but then it wasn't 100% what we wanted. Danny said to us, "Just hang on, don't jump into anything. Think it over and then I will look around.&nbsp; Within a week or two weeks I will probably find something that is exactly for you."&nbsp;&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Was he right? Was it just a few weeks?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; No, it was not. We left the next day to go back to Holland and when we were in the airport he called me already.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Wow, that’s funny.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; So, yeah, it was really the next day that he said, “I think I’ve got something.” So, he sent us the pictures and on the way home we looked it all over and discussed it. When I got home I just booked return tickets for the next week.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; To go back and see it in person.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; To go back and see it and Danny was exactly right. It was exactly 100%. All the boxes were ticked for what we wanted. So, basically that’s when we decided to make an offer and two weeks later we signed a contract.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Amazing, that’s so good. It had the balcony? It had everything that you were looking for?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; It had the balcony and it had the hard size of the apartment and the roof terrace. So, that was perfect for us.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah, lovely. From the U.K. a lot of people say how good the value is in Spain, and what you get for your money is so much bigger than what you can get in the U.K. for your money. Is that the same for Holland? What is the value like on houses, in comparison, between Spain and Holland?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Well, it’s relatively a tourist area. So, I think, in Holland, I could not get it for double the price.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Wow, interesting, it is, again, a value for money in Spain.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Oh, absolutely, absolutely. It’s not directly on the coast but we can see the coastline. It’s about a ten or fifteen minute walk to the sea. So, if you look at that, the location is perfect. I couldn’t afford something like that in Holland or anywhere here, even in France. It’s far more expensive.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Wow, I’m so glad you found the right property. My final question to everybody is, if you were going to give advice to someone thinking about doing the same thing, what piece of advice would you give? Is there anything that you would do differently if you were going to do it all over again?&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; I was not familiar with Spain. So, I was really a little bit scared of how all the procedures would go. So, my advice would be, if you are anywhere interested just go there and have a look around and let (like Danny did for us), the estate agent, let them advise you. From there on, if you make the decision, it’s very easy and simple. The process is not scary at all. It’s all very straightforward. Don’t be scared, go and follow your heart.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Great advice. I really hope that you guys, soon, can follow your heart and move there permanently. In just a few more months, I’m sure, and then everything is going to get started again and I really hope that move goes well.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; Yeah, thank you, Beth. We hope that so much.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Yeah, good luck, thank you so much for talking to me, Henri. That’s perfect.&nbsp;Henri:&nbsp; OK, no worries, thank you.&nbsp;Beth:&nbsp; Bye.&nbsp;Outtro:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Thank you for listening and thanks to Henri for sharing his experiences and to Spanish Property Experts for making this episode possible.</li><li>Here’s more good advice for taking viewings before you commit to anything.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>Hopefully Henri has made it back to his sunny balcony.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>Remember, if you like what you have heard you can search this agent's properties and more on Kyero.com and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.&nbsp;</li><li>This podcast was produced by Kyero.com and our mission is to connect you with estate agents and properties throughout Spain.<ul><li>Whether your dream home is a rustic farmhouse surrounded by olive groves or a lock-up-and-leave apartment on the seafront, you’ll find everything you need at Kyero.com</li></ul></li><li>We love hearing how these podcast episodes have helped you find your dream home in Spain. Please do continue to share your feedback with us, and if you’ve enjoyed this episode we’d really appreciate you taking the time to review and rate our podcast on iTunes or your preferred podcast listening app. Your feedback, reviews and ratings help us reach and connect more people with their dream home in Spain.</li><li>And, when you’re ready, here are four ways we can help you:<ul><li>Ask a question by emailing <a href="mailto:Beth@kyero.com">Beth@kyero.com</a>.&nbsp; We’ll try and answer them all in an upcoming Q&amp;A episode</li><li>Get a location guide by emailing <a href="mailto:Beth@kyero.com">Beth@kyero.com</a>.&nbsp; We’ll reply with the latest data and information on the areas you are interested in.</li><li>Calculate your budget. Simply visit <a href="https://www.kyero.com/budget">kyero.com/budget</a>, enter two numbers and you’re done!</li></ul></li><li>Be our guest. If you’ve already purchased your home in Spain, we would love for you to share your story on the podcast.&nbsp; Just email <a href="mailto:Beth@kyero.com">Beth@kyero.com</a> and we’ll take it from there.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-intro&nbsp;<ul><li>Tune in next time when I catch up with Romano, who, twenty-one years ago migrated to Australia and now misses the late night lifestyle of European culture. Let’s see if he finds what he’s looking for in Cadiz.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>I’m Beth Davison and you’ve been listening to the Kyero.com Spanish property podcast. I’ll see you next time!</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Episode 78: Henri, who purchased in Palomares

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