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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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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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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If you’ve not made up your mind yet where you want to buy a property, explore our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/regions">region guides</a> for a broad overview of an area. Or if you have your eye on a particular area of Spain, take a look at our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/provinces">province guides</a>. Find out what it’s like to live there, where the top locations are to buy a property, and discover what services and amenities could be on your doorstep.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or perhaps you already know which city / town you want to move to, and want to find out more about what it’s like to live there, things to do for expats, healthcare options, schools, jobs, and transport services. If so, check out our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/cities">town and city guides</a>, which offer a deep dive into all these topics and more.&nbsp;For further location inspiration, check out our blog posts on the top destinations to buy property in Spain for <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/where-to-buy-cheap-property-in-spain-in-2024">budget hunters</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/where-to-buy-property-in-spain-2024">investors</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-live-in-spain-for-families">families</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-retire-in-spain">retirees</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-live-in-spain-for-digital-nomads">digital nomads</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-golf-resorts-to-buy-a-property-in-spain">golf lovers</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/lights-camera-spain-spanish-movie-locations-where-you-can-buy-a-property">movie fans</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-food-and-wine-destinations-in-spain-to-buy-a-property">foodies</a>, and <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-heritage-destinations-in-1">history buffs</a>.

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Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to splash out, whether you’re looking for land to develop or for an ancient cave house, the secret to finding your perfect property in Spain is research, research, research. Luckily, you can get a feel for a place in many ways

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For those who intend to buy a property in Portugal and enjoy all that Portugal has to offer, the process is simple. What may be difficult is choosing just one dream home to buy.

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We’re celebrating the best food and wine destinations to buy a property in France. From centuries-old medieval villages to laid-back coastal beach retreats, here are 11 dreamy French destinations where you can wine and dine to your heart’s content.  

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Thinking about buying property in Italy? Here’s everything you need to know about the house purchase process, things to consider and more.

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Episode 05: Steve who purchased in Bédar, Almeria

&nbsp;<h2>Intro</h2>Welcome to the Kyero.com Spanish Property podcast where we interview real people who recently purchased a home in Spain.They tell us what worked, what didn’t and what they’d do differently next time.I’m Beth Davison and today I’m speaking with Steve, who purchased a villa in <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/almeria-province-property-for-sale-0l4">Bédar, Almeria</a>, complete with both a pool and sea viewJust wait until you hear about how saying “yes” to opportunities can lead to great things. For Steve it was all about dog walking amidst the natural beauty of Spain.He worked with estate agent <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/spain-property-for-sale-0l55529?agent_id=6467">Olive Properties</a> to find his dream home in Spain. &nbsp;Check out the show notes at kyero.com/podcast to find links and resources mentioned in this episode<h2>Body of Transcription</h2>Beth: Do you want to start by introducing yourself, and letting me know what you do, and the type of property you decided to buy or rent.Steve: OK, so my name is Steve and I’m retired. We moved our holiday home from Portugal also, this year, where we’ve been for twenty years. We decided to move to rural Spain, Almeria region, and we started the search of property in May of this year.Beth: Fantastic, and then at what point did you close that and you bought the property?Steve: OK, so, we probably did a search in the Almeria region for probably about thirty, thirty-five properties. We ended up visiting the village that we bought the property in, which is a little village called Bedar. Which is a rural location, about a half an hours drive to the coast of Mojácar.We were guided by the agent who was fabulous. We got an idea that we wanted something rural, but not too isolated. We wanted a village that had some bars and restaurants within walking distance. In the end we bought something that’s fabulous, that we hadn’t identified from the agent’s make_groupperspective. In other words, we went to see some properties and the property that we ended up with wasn’t on our list.Beth: Oh great, so what was it about that specific property that made you change what you were looking for?Steve: Well, it ticked all the boxes: it was the location, it was very rural, the view was stunning and it was the understanding of what the village was about which is very much a community. The main reason that we went to the area was that we wanted a community, but we also wanted pretty good sunshine throughout the UK wintertime.Beth: Yeah, fantastic. So, you can just escape, find a little bit of warmth. It sounds like it would be amazing.Steve: Yeah, we typically go out for six weeks at a time because my wife, Amanda, and I were both retired, so we take our dog with us for six weeks and then we come back to the realities of the UK weather and we can’t wait to get back out there.Beth: Yeah, I’m sure. So, you already had a place in Portugal, why did you decide to investigate Spain as a second option?Steve: OK, so we were also fairly rural in Portugal, but rural Algarve, and it was just getting busier and busier and we just wanted something just a little bit quieter. The properties that we viewed all around the area were fairly quiet, but this just happened to tick so many boxes.It’s very, very peaceful. You don’t hear road noise. You haven’t got aircraft going across. The downside of the area is that it’s about an hour’s drive to the nearest airport, but that’s sort of worth it. It’s very much a community feel.Beth: Amazing. So, how did it all start? What resources were you using to do your research?Steve: I guess we did the resource that everyone does now-a-days, it’s via the internet. We selected properties that we wanted to see, as we did with many of the other agents. We had an appointment and we probably spent twenty to twenty-five minutes / half an hour in the office just talking about what we wanted and what we didn’t want. We selected some properties for us to see on top of those that we’d highlighted.The ones that we highlighted didn’t meet our criteria. The ones she took us to, that she thought would be ideal, was ideal.Beth: Great, so it sounds like she was really, really helpful. What’s the property like itself?Steve: OK, so the property is about twelve years old. It’s got the most gorgeous infinity pool that when we’re swimming you can actually see the sea - albeit you probably need binoculars for, but it’s a gorgeous infinity pool.It has three bedrooms. It’s got lovely terracing, beautiful, beautiful sit out areas with palm trees around and it’s right on top of the ridge, on top of the hilly, hilly area. So, we’ve got gorgeous views and we’ve got gorgeous views of both sunset and sunrise.Beth: Wow, you’re making me jealous. It sounds amazing.Steve: Having spent twenty years in Portugal, and we thought that was lovely. This has exceeded our expectations to the point that we’re actually going to go out for a nine month stint just to experience it all. It’s absolutely gorgeous.Beth: I was going to ask, how do you use it? Do you got out for a couple of weeks at a time or do you go for month long stints? But it sounds like you do longer trips.Steve: So, typically we spend six weeks at a time and we always get the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao and drive down because we have a dog. So, we’re used to driving through Spain to get to Portugal. We just fancied a change and I’m glad we did.Spain has surprised us, especially rural Spain: very, very friendly; very, very welcoming. I think the costs in Spain are lower than Portugal and very, very friendly. There’s a mix of local as well as expat. The facilities, everything has exceeded our expectation.The walks are just marvelous. So, off we trot with our young puppy. We’ve got a young puppy now, a lovely Weimaraner. So, off we trot onto the lovely walks, and we meet people, and chat with them, and then we stop off in the village and have a coffee or have some breakfast at the bar. It’s just a nice experience.Beth: Yeah, it sounds amazing. So, did you go in with a budget in mind?Steve: Yeah, we set the budget. I think our budget was, from memory about 350,000.Beth: And that’s Euros or Pounds?Steve: Probably Euros. Yes, yes it was, we spent €350,000. Obviously you’ve got about ten per cent on top of that for the fees and the like. So once we set that as a criteria, our main objective was privacy and seclusion whilst being in a village environment. So, it’s a fairly tall ask, but I’ve got to say that Olive Properties matched that very well for us.We were looking for something that was (if you like) better than Portugal, but I don’t think we were too prescriptive. We didn’t quite know what we were after.Beth: Right. Did you visit the specific area before the agent took you there, or were you on a real kind of treasure hunt, I suppose, where you didn’t really know?Steve: That’s a good description. Yeah, you’re right – treasure hunt. We didn’t know. We visited and we had narrowed the area down, somewhat, because of climate and because of rural location, but we wanted reasonable access to motorway network.So, I guess we were trying to look for the best of both worlds, that’s easy to get to but, when we’re there, fairly quiet and tranquil. We were guided by the agent more than we expected to be.I want to say guided because she really spent time listening to what we were really looking for and not what we were asking for.Beth: Interesting. OK, great. This seems to be a real theme with everyone that I’ve spoken to that they’re getting really good service from the agents over there and just really helpful. I’m glad that you guys had the same experience. How many places did you view in total?Steve: So, we viewed about thirty places in total. Our first tranche was in May, where we saw this property, and this was three or four days before we were to go home. We came out six weeks later and put the offer in.So, we came out again to travel down to our place in Portugal, saw this property, put the offer in. Then it was quite a lengthy process of offers being made and being accepted. The one thing that did happen is that Olive Properties and Joe communicated so very well to the process as to what we could expect. It was a nice experience.Beth: Did you have any difficulties with language barriers or the different legalities, tax – all things that are different from buying in the UK, did you have any issues?Steve: I suppose, because we had a place for twenty years in Portugal, we’re sort of used to living in a foreign country and knowing that there are different tax laws. We identified a couple of solicitors, but in the end we went with a solicitor that Joe recommended, which I wouldn’t normally do. Sometimes there are warnings about doing things like that, but I have to say that solicitor, that Joe recommended, was fabulous: good communication in English, and made it possible, made it happen. So the process took four or five months from start to finish with a good conclusion.Beth: Yeah, brilliant, and what did you find the most challenging? Possibly nothing, it sounds like you have had a great experience, but is there anything that stands out as being the most difficult?Steve: I have to say not. It was a fairly smooth process. I would probably say the length of time. We would have liked for it to have happened quicker. The people that were selling had got a rental in the property and wanted to keep that going for a couple of months, and we agreed to that. So, the frustration was that we wanted to get out there quickly and make it happen.You know, I think it’s about trying to negotiate, to agree, to get everyone on board. The time went fairly quick… no it didn’t go very quickly. It absolutely dragged until the moment we got in there.Beth: Yeah, I bet.Steve: But having got in there, we then spent six weeks of just enjoying the area and exploring. We’re going back out in January for another six week stint and we’ve already booked to go back out in May for six weeks. As I say, in September we’re staying for eight or nine months just to really experience Spain and explore the local areas.Beth: Amazing, and do you get visitors? Have you brought family and friends over yet?Steve: We have a list of people that want to come out. So, we’ve had two bookings, by friends. We won’t be renting it out. That’s for sure. It’s our little special place. But yeah, we’ll enjoy sharing it with friends. That’s for sure.Beth: Really nice. So would you do anything differently if you were embarking on the process again?Steve: You know, probably not. I think having fixed ideas is probably a disadvantage. It’s nice to be open-minded and learn from people that know the area well - be prepared to listen to other people’s ideas, whilst knowing what you’re looking for.So, I think the process was as smooth as it could be. I think the people that we encountered, in terms of the solicitor and the team at Olive Properties, were absolutely fabulous with us. So no, I’ve got nothing but good feelings for the whole process.Beth: Great, and if you were giving advice to someone about to embark on this, just like you were doing a year or so ago, what advice would you give?Steve: Just do it.Beth: Just dive in.Steve: Honestly, sometimes you’ve got to make that step and make it happen. I would say go with your instincts. So if it feels good, just do it.Beth: Great, I think that’s good advice in life generally, I love that.Steve: As an aside, there is a film out there called Yes Man. I don’t know if you’ve seen it.Beth: Yes, Jim Carrey.Steve: Jim Carrey, exactly that, and it’s the principle of saying “yes” in life, and I think that is our philosophy. If you can say “yes” to something then it’s normally a good thing.Beth: Lovely, and lastly, just to talk a little bit about the lifestyle in Spain. What do you love most about being involved in the Spanish culture and owning a property in Spain?Steve: Obviously, the weather is significant. Having a dog is fabulous because you meet lots more people when you’ve got a dog. I think the Spanish culture, certainly rurally; it’s almost like going back twenty or thirty years in the UK. There’s just a niceness a time and a space with people that are prepared to sit and chat.We’re trying to learn Spanish. The Spanish try to speak English and I just think it’s a nice friendly culture with the sun and fairly cheap booze really cap it all off.Beth: Lovely, and lastly, just so that you can make everyone jealous, what is a typical day like for you once you’re over there and you’re settled in your place, what’s your typical day?Steve: Well, a typical day is… Well, my wife gets up pretty early and then comes and wakes me up to tell me what a fabulous sunrise it is, and then we have breakfast on the terrace, we then wander off with the dog, walk down into the village, we’ll have a coffee and maybe we’ll have an extra breakfast (which we shouldn’t do). Lunch is often just by the pool and then we’ll wander down to the village in the evening, or meet up with friends for a drink.It’s very, very relaxed, and I have to say, one day just rolls into the next.Beth: Yeah, I’m sure. Well, it sounds amazing. Thank you so much for chatting to me today.Steve: It’s an absolute pleasure.Beth: Brilliant, cheers Steve.Steve: Bye bye.Beth: Bye.<h2>Outro</h2>Thank you for listening and thanks to John for sharing his experiences and to Urbane Barcelona for their help to make this episode possibleI particularly liked how much John benefited from the viewings as he completely changed his mind about the top floor apartment, and, of course, the good news that some sunshine has really helped his asthma.You can search this agent’s properties and more on Kyero.comDon’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episodeThis podcast is produced by <a href="https://www.kyero.com/">Kyero.com</a>, and our mission is to connect you with estate agents and properties throughout Spain. Whether your dream home is a rustic farmhouse surrounded by olive groves or a lock-up-and-leave apartment on the sea front, you'll find everything that you need at <a href="https://www.kyero.com/">Kyero.com</a>. If you've enjoyed this episode we'd really appreciate your five star rating on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/kyero-spanish-property-podcast/id1332034550">iTunes</a>. It helps us reach and connect more people with their dream home in Spain, and, whenever you're ready, here are four ways we can help you:<ul><li>Ask a question by emailing <a href="mailto:podcasts@kyero.com">podcasts@kyero.com</a>. 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:podcasts@kyero.com">podcasts@kyero.com</a>. We'll reply with the latest data and information on the areas you're interested in</li><li>Calculate your budget, simply visit <a href="https://www.kyero.com/budget">Kyero.com</a>, enter two numbers, and you're done</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, just email <a href="mailto:podcasts@kyero.com">podcasts@kyero.com</a> and we'll take it from there</li></ul>Tune in next week when I speak with Erik from the NetherlandsHe purchased a Chalet in Javea Alicante, and I can’t wait to tell you all about how he opted for 3,000 square metres of land along with his property and what he learned when it came to household refurbishment.I’m Beth Davison and you’ve been listening to the Kyero.com Spanish property podcast. See you next time!&nbsp;

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