Thinking of moving to Marbella and Buying Property

Hi Jo, Hope you're well. I've been following your blog and think its great. I just had a few questions which I'm sure that you've had to answer a dozen times!!! At the moment I'm thinking of moving to Marbella for a better quality of life, I'm turning 29 soon and think that by the end of 2008 I would love to live out in Marbella....particularly the area of Neuva Andalucia. My mum bought a place in San Pedro a couple of years ago and divides her time between there and London. I visit her frequently but wanted to know what your experiences were living in Marbella full time, and what the main differences you and your family have found compared to London. Also in terms of work I get the impression that many people set up businesses in Spain as opposed to finding employment - is employment for expates particularly in office based jobs difficult to come by? I was also potentially keen in purchasing a place in the La Maestranza complex next year as I've heard good things about it, I just wanted to know if you could give me and further info on the location, community and amenities. Any advice that you could give would be fab! Many thanksEmma :)


HI Emma, Thank you for your lovely comments about my blog...its nice that people find it useful. We are also from London, been here nearly 5 years now. Moved just the 2 of us then fell pregnant after 4 weeks of living here. We love it, but you do need to come with money to get you going. Its not as cheap as it used to be. Many people come here and carry on as if they are on holiday...going down the port 10€uros per drinnk, expensive restaurants, and unless you have an unlimited fund, you just cannot do this. We do know many people that have gone back to their own country...mainly when children come as they find schools difficult and also no fmaily here etc etc. There are jobs, mainly estate agency or at the moment everyone seems to be doing websites. Theres not much else unless you speak spanish. Then you have bar jobs etc. When you are interested in buying in La maestranza, let me know....I generally know someone or 2 that is selling. It is a good development...it can be noisy in the summer as its busy, but you have to take rough with smooth. If you are ever looking for somewhere to stay we have another apartment on the complex www.lamaestranza.eu we do from long weekends to numerous weeks / monthly rentals. The first year you move out....you will get people that just love a free holiday....then it wares off on both parts you as you get fed up being used and your place being treated like a hotel. Its great, but it not as easy to make money as people think. Many people do stuff they have never done in the UK like Set up a business...then they find it too much money or effort etc....but if they had done it in the UK theyd probably reaolise there wasnt much difference. if you come, just make sure you come with money to live on....yuo dont want to just get pushed into the first job..we know peole that have stayed too long in crappy jobs and now feel stuck. Sun is shining here December 5th...its fab. Good lluck and hope to hear from you soon saying you are here!!! Regards Joanne

Thanks Jo! Have already started saving....my mum told me the same thing...i guess with taking money over takes a huge pressure off! I think London has definitely taken it toll....life here is just so expensive and still rising. Really trying to find a better quality of life. Before you fell pregnant did you and your partner find it hard to make friends and meet people, although i have my mum in San Pedro would really like to meet people my own age!!! And also are there any other communities/complexes that you could recommend in the Neuva Andalucia area apart from La Maestranza?
Thanks!Emma

Hi Emma It was quite easy to meet people, its just whether they are your cup of tea....if you know what i mean. Since our little girl was born all the peopel we meet basically have kids.
If you find an urbanisation which has a nice pool area etc then you will meet people on your develeopement. We have met loads. I dont really know about other complexes like our. Only señorio de aloha which is close by. When and if you are serious about buying let me know. My friend owns an estate agents and sure they will be able to help. Regards Jo