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Hi Stuart, we live in a rural village in Andulucia at three hundred and fifty metres above sea level. We are thirty minutes from the coast but have superb WiFi , a perfect electric supply, mains water and drains . We have our dustbins emptied twice a week and in a village of twenty houses our streets are swept weekly. We find the locals are very welcoming and we all appreciate what they offer us and what we offer the locals. We would highly recommend this wonderful country and and lifestyle.

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. I agree, these are definite advantages of living in a small village or a hamlet, where you can enjoy the amenities and stay close to nature.

@-xnnybimb-9398

2 жыл бұрын

I have a question. What are village homes like? How big are they? How many rooms. Do you all have cars? Thanks in advance.

@minio4444

2 жыл бұрын

Dear Edward, would you share the location of your village? Any pointers on how an outsider can find/locate/assess these locations for the necessary amenities? Thanks!

@edwardda-prof5822

2 жыл бұрын

@@-xnnybimb-9398 The houses come in all sizes, styles some are reformation complete and some are ideal for reform, if you would like any introduction to sellers I can facilitate. Stuart has just compiled a blog from close by in the Cabo de Gato.

@-xnnybimb-9398

2 жыл бұрын

@@edwardda-prof5822 I'm fine, but thank you very much.

I lived in a rural part of malaga, coming from a town in the UK, what a life style change . I worked for locals at the beginning, gardening and then building , this is where I saw what this lady was talking about . Houses being sold at a price from a estate agent . Sadly this land and houses were the country summer weekend houses that families had , they lived in the town for work, so they were selling of there way of life , many to put towards a house apartment for there children. The land isn't worth much, as she said no water. Quite often no telephone. No money in olives and 5000 metres of campo land is hard work. You can tell easily if you have water around , fruit trees , if just olives little water, fruit trees require water . Also in 2001 I worked for 50€ aday hard graft , no money in gardening. Viva espania , awsome country

Very good interview and advice. I love rural Andalusia and I know the area around Montefrio very well. My own home is in a small Axarquian village on the foothills not far from Velez-Malaga so. It's only a few kilometres from the coast so I get the best of both worlds. The more remote you are the more essential it is to speak Spanish. The property value can appear to be good but unless you know what you're doing you can be ripped off. Also, the days of buying a house with a suitcase of cash are long gone if you're sensible. Trouble is there are thousands of attractive properties falling to pieces because somebody, who left or inherited the property, insists on selling for prices not seen since 2002. Houses that are so dilapidated from years of abandoned neglect you might as well be buying an empty plot of land. I've seen hapless foreigners that come to Spain, desperate for the dream, pouring their savings down a black hole. There are so many attractive rural cortijos you can rent these days for a fraction of the cost and stress of buying a property that unless you're completely committed to living in the countryside for most of the year, or permanently, I would advise against it unless money is no issue.

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

I completely agree.

@welshtoro3256

3 жыл бұрын

@@sabina.author Hi Sabina, It's been a while since I read a 'My life in Andalusia' book but I had a quick glance at yours and it looks like fun. Twenty years ago there were virtually no places like yours to stay at. It was a Pension or Hostal at Montefrio, Priego or Alcala. I'm pleased it's all come good in the end.

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

@@welshtoro3256 thank a lot! Hope you enjoy the book.

@amandaroberts5111

3 жыл бұрын

I know the area, it is lovely. Do you live alone and do you have residency?

Since visiting Andalucía and spending my time around Ronda, Grazalema and many other small villages, I felt it’s where I belong. If I could find work there I would be over like a shot. I love the country, the people, the food, climate...everything.

Thanks for the video. These Q+A’s are valuable for people thinking of moving to Spain!

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. I hope you enjoy the book.

@jimboyle6974

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. Which is what I'm planning to do in a couple of years when I retire.... to live not use as a holiday home in Spain.. so this is part of my research. Interesting about the estate agents pricing for foreigners

Anyone thinking of moving to rural Spain should spend some time there first in the winter. Even in the south it can get far colder than you imagine.

@neckarsulme

3 жыл бұрын

do you know why many houses are advertised for sale that say "Has no heating"? I see many houses for sale that say that

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

this is very true

@richardm9688

3 жыл бұрын

Plus, because houses are built for the warmth, they tend not to have central heating as standard. You can blow out warm air from the air-con but it's not that effective compared to having a wood burner, for example. Houses are not insulated to the same level as they might be in colder countries plus floors are generally tiled. During the winter some people put down a number of rugs to have something warm to walk on. Also check the position of the house. They may be northerly facing to protect against the heat of summer and the strong sun, but it will feel chilly during the colder months. Many cookers also have electric hobs. If you are used to gas you may find these slow to get things to boiling point compared to using a gas flame. Think about installing a gas fired hob attached to a gas cylinder, if you want to cook things more quickly. Also, water and electricity is charged in two ways, one for the amount you use, and two a fixed rate charged every two months for being connected, i.e. Even if you are away from the property and don't use anything you will still be charged for simply being connected to the grid. I don't know if this applies in all of Spain? Having said that, the Spanish equivalent of council tax is relatively low (perhaps the biggest monthly expense in other countries), so your total outgoings when compared to the country you come from may still be favourable. Mucho Suerte!

@neckarsulme

3 жыл бұрын

@@richardm9688 Thank you so much for the information

@pedrofmc0000

3 жыл бұрын

The very first thing to do is finding out when the house, flat or apartment was built. The rules and regulations have been changed along the time, the so-called Technical Building Code (CTE). If the house is more antique than those laws then you have to begin thinking on start reforms on isolation mainly but also on electrical installation. If the house has less than 50 or 55 years then it must fulfil the regulations of those years at least. The problem comes when it comes to rural areas with very old houses and, also, really isolated. You can't expect good quality and less still infrastructures such as water, electricity etc... Some example, air chambers for flat and apartments began to be mandatory at the end of the 70s although most of the flats already had them and so on... And yes, a lot of people come to Spain thinking the weather is always warm and when the winter comes the problems start.

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and hearing from Sabina on her little farmstead. I have read "Driving Over Lemons" by Chris Stewart and her story pings some of the same notes regarding water and structures that need a good deal of work. I am looking forward to reading her book. I am also considering a move to Spain and looking at a number of small towns but not rural property in Andalucía, Valencia, Catalunya, Aragón, Navarra, and Asturias. The reason why not rural for me is simply I want to live with the least possible reliance on the automobile. A small town with all basic services is a walker's paradise. And when you want to go to the city, grab a bus or a train. Since I am a hydrologist, I am aware of water issues, both drought and flood, that many people looking to move to Spain do not consider. I would like to see more videos such as this one, especially in regards to the social integration in some diverse areas of Spain for foreigners. Por lo menos, hablo castillano, pero solo puedo leer català. Obviously, if I settle in a small town in Cataluyna or the Valencian Community, I would not expect folks there to speak Castillano to me and would need to learn Catalan or Valencian. But what about other aspects? Sabina noted how welcoming the people in Montefrío are to her and this is a good sign. Is is similar or not so much in other autonomous communities or other pueblos in Andalucía?

Hi Stewart listening to this video I was surprised to hear this lady say that most of the country houses don’t have mains water or electricity. That was true in the past but is not correct now. We live just outside of Montefrio and we came 18 years ago and only had well water- which never ran out because we were in a valley. We decided 7 years ago to go onto mains when we were given the opportunity as many people decided to take it also. Some of our neighbours are on well water and it’s not a problem. Electricity has always been in my home and I know very few people who don’t have it. They’ve done a lot of upgrades especially around the local areas. The thing is if you buy very cheap (ruins) then expect to have to sort amenities out, it would be the same in any country. I also disagree that they charge the foreigners twice the price for houses. ( that used to be the case) if you get a reputable estate agent and a good solicitor there should be no problem.

@MsElke11

3 жыл бұрын

How are the property taxes vs France or Italy?

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Hi John! That's a good point. I suppose the geography means that sometime houses very close by can have different experience and different access to amenities. We live only 12 minutes outside Montefrio, but none of our neighbours have water and our wells go completely dry every summer. It really depends on your specific location. Endesa has refused to upgrade our electricity lines for over six years now, which means when we boil a kettle all the lights dim, etc. It's good for any prospective buyers to be aware of possible pitfalls. I hope you enjoy the book.

@alysonpillinger7863

3 жыл бұрын

We live in rural Extremadura and we have well/borehole water supply and our electricity is 100% solar. No mains water or electricity.

@Carpediem2106

Жыл бұрын

@@alysonpillinger7863 Are small plots affordable over there?

I've just had the chance to watch the 5 first minutes. I will follow it later because it is very interesting, even for Spaniards with a rural property like me. "Sabina" in Spanish is both a name and a surname. It is also the name of a nice juniperus tree which thrives in the most rural and empty parts of Spain: Guadalajara, Soria, Segovia, Burgos, Cuenca, Albacete and Teruel.

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Hope you enjoy the rest of the interview. You can read more about our adventures in my book.

I lived in Granada for 1 year (I'm in Ciudad Real now), I miss those green rolling hills of olive trees in Andalucia

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, the views in Andalusia are one of the best in Europe, in my opinion, and the hills stay green all year round.

@janetlombardi2314

3 жыл бұрын

A very informative interview thank you. In my opinion i would look at the bigger picture if i was making a permanent move especially if purchasing a rural property. I feel that the risks outweigh the positives and i wouldn't want to have the risks or any problems into my old age. Unless you have an abundance of money it makes life tough. You're better being connected to utilities i personally would rather play it safe. Thanks for sharing

@joseantoniodavila2752

3 жыл бұрын

I lived in Granada for 1 year and I'm in Ciudad Real now too! The Alcudia Valley and almost Cabañeros and surroundings resemble that.

@d.c.sodyssey4783

3 жыл бұрын

@@joseantoniodavila2752 is there any office work in Ciudad Real.

@joseantoniodavila2752

3 жыл бұрын

@@d.c.sodyssey4783 In the evening, after attending the goats. (Quizá no entendí la pregunta).

My dream is to live in rural Asturias.

@neckarsulme

3 жыл бұрын

as is mine!

I would recommend that you rent to start off with. Get to know the area there will be places that you like more than others. Rural can be lovely, we spent 16 years in Andalucia. In the end the pull of family and friends took us back to the UK. No regrets it was a great adventure .

When we went to Andalucia. We stayed in a B&B owned by a couple from Belgium ( who were arguing daily) who took advantage of us Charged us double because we came from Canada. We found out after meeting people in restaurants.,so we moved to a place ,more welcoming, owned by a young couple . They are both good cooks .The place is called La Paloma., I think. I prepared to stay in a "Mom and Dad" operations.

Great video, thank you to discuss the benefits and pitfalls for newbies like me👍👏

A great video, thank you for all the information.

Not a big fan of the interview format as, for me, it tends to be very stilted. This, on the other hand, was an enjoyable watch and Sabina's positivity and personality shone through. (the weekly interview with Jonny is a very hard watch due to the lack of flow, chemistry and meaningful preparation )

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

thank you so much!

Great interview Stuart!

Really good information Thank you

Nice vid, very informative

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Hiya Stuart, great interview. Thank you.

Hi Stuart and Sabrina, great to hear such an honest yet optimistic account of the life abroad. Sabrina I wish you the best of luck with your project, I travelled in Spain for three months and although challenging, it proved an adventure worthwhile. Blessings to you both :)

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

thank you - all the best to you too!

Great video I really enjoyed it very informative and reality check for my Spanish Dreams lol I fell in love with Andalucia back in 2017

Recent broadening of sites content has been a great move Stewart. As soon as my degree was out the way I went to live in Holland when I was 22 years old f.Hadtwo of the best years of my life .This young woman has the great fortune of not being affected by Brexit. Uk brexit supporters what have you done to your children.Love Spain. Unable to live there presently. the update site allows me to feel in touch Thanks Stewart.

Hi Stuart, great interview. Not all people moving to Spain have interesting stories to tell but I am sure that a lot do, if you can find them

Good interview! I bought her book!! 🤗🤗

Property prices for rural property is going up every month due to the Covid-19 and the chances of it coming back this winter. The Spaniards were buying from Video tours. You also need to buy from someone who has boots on the ground for many years and knows when someone is being ripped off or not!

Good interview and very interesting guest Stuart

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Właśnie szukamy miejsca w Hiszpanii. Lektura książki Sabiny powinna być pomocna. Pozdrowienia z Chin.

I really enjoyed watching your chat with Sabrina. Lovely lady & very interesting - will check her out & get hold of her book 🥰 I bought a property in a village fairly near to Martos, some 13years ago. It was going to be a "project", which it has certainly turned out to be, but I love it!! Unfortunately, until this year, I was working full time in the UK & only had a month or so over the winter, when I could come down to the house! (Just retired now!) When I bought it I had plans to "re-jig" the interior, but my main stumbling block was finding builders to do the work. It's a long story & the work still isn't completed (I'd just found a new builder & then Covid arrived!!) but, hopefully, before too long it will be done. I can live in it, but parts are a bit like extreme camping!! I love it's position looking down on a reservoir & a very tall hill - the local goat-herd runs his goats on the fields all around; sunsets are amazing from the roof terrace &, of course there are acres & acres of olives!! Hopefully, I will be over again in September 🤞🤞

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. I think you will enjoy the book and hopefully things will run smoothly again in autumn. It's true what you say that the beauty of nature and landscape around here outweigh any pitfalls. Good luck!

She’s right they have 2 different prices here depending on the potential buyer.. it should be challenged more.

I've heard a lot about expats buying houses and there being an 'official price' on the documents and an expectation of literally a bag full of cash being handed over to cover the real price. An accountant I worked with mentioned this to me from his own experience, and he was absolutely astounded by it.

Water issues? Have you looked at sustainable building models that are including water capture? Earthships are designed by Michael Reynolds, an architect from USA (Taos, New Mexico) as a real option for off-grid living.

Fantastic, Sabina, so interesting.

Fascinating.

The best of luck to you Sabina

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@peteymax

3 жыл бұрын

@@sabina.author saludos desde Irlanda

Another gem dere Stuart keep em coming to our Irish community in Valencia Happy Paddys day to All

Interesting to hear that 'Gringo Pricing' happens in Europe as well as South America.

Thanks

Spain is a beautiful country.

Very interesting ❤

I agree that coming here to work will be even harder now, and I´m not sure how wise it would be to depend on a pension with fluctuations in the pound/euro values. However, I don´t think the language difficulties should deter people -- certainly it´s essential to communicate, but may I add two things I´ve found? Firstly, that it´s not the quality of my Español that´s the important thing with people, it´s the fact that I´m trying to learn -- that goes a long way. Learning Spanish in Lanjaron is like learning English in Glasgow but I can usually make myself understood. However I understand little of what is said to me, though since Spaniards I´m told, speak not to communicate but to express, I get away with a good deal of nodding. Second, it´s easy to forget that communication is largely non-verbal, and it´s easy when struggling for a word to frown, and give off unhelpful body language -- much better to retain eye-contact and a smile, even if language fails you completely. I use an agency which handles my interface with bureaucracy, (it´s amazing what I can do with a couple of grown-ups to help me). It´s worth noting that since the virus arrived, houses in isolation with a bit of land are seen as safer places to live than the towns, and prices and availability are reflecting this. If you´re fortunate enough to be able to make a life here, it´s a beautiful place with beautiful people.

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that comment - I completely agree. Spanish people are very accommodating and forgiving when they talk to expats.

Strurt we need more videos like these close to train stations and not to for away from the city. If you can point out small pockets of small farms or 2 to 4 acres that will be great 👍 thanks ron

Watching from Islas Canarias Spain

Btw-- I really enjoy your regular reports on the daily experience in Spain. I appreciate your tours through Spain and regular review of the political drama in Spain... Excellent source of current news/info on Spain. Thank you!

You could take what this lady says as gospel when she speaks about her location. My partner and I will eventually retire to a similar place just for the simplicity of it all. Although Monte Frio sounds ominous, LOL. 30 years ago whilst on holiday, we both visited a small village a spit outside marbella, it was beauriful and typical of a rural Spanish village. Sadly not the case today but time marches on. There is a lot of this price inflation going on on CDS, not just properties, it's kind of like an us and them syndrome. Cars, property, conveyancing etc etc, if you're not Spanish expect to pay for it. On the whole tho this is a great "fly on the wall" kind of video and so very true, thank you Stuart for taking the time to put this together. Stay safe mate

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and good luck with your retirement plans. I suppose it's in the name how cold it gets around here in the winter :) Hope you enjoy the book. Saludos from Andalusia.

She has internet, that’s good 😌. I never really seen a lot of KZread videos of Granada unless it’s about the Alahambra. It would be nice to see the country side of Granada. ❤️

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

If you'd like to see photos of the countryside, nature and local landmarks from Granada province, you can follow me on instagram @cortijob or fb @cortijoberruguilla. Thanks for watching!

I am a welder with many animal statues in steel and brass, I am very busy in the Winter.

Podrías entrevistar a algún expatriado en alguna aldea gallega?

@joseantoniodavila2752

3 жыл бұрын

Ya se habrá vuelto loco.

@rayvogensen2983

3 жыл бұрын

Lo hice el año pasado con un matrimonio de alemanes que vive cerca de Monforte de Lemos. No me acuerdo de la fecha pero hace bastante tiempo.

Hi Stu, Is the couch teddy on a break 🤔

You can generate water from the atmosphere, like a specialized AC unit that condensate water from the air. There are solar powered units you mount on the roof to produce drinking water that way. They are still quite expensive but might be cheaper than drilling and legalizing a well in Spain.

@8252001Maverick

3 жыл бұрын

I was told the U.S. military uses this technology in order to save on transportation costs. Water is heavy to transport so why not extract it from the air. Quite remarkable.

@melange78

3 жыл бұрын

@@8252001Maverick It is quite energy intensive so unless you use solar power to do it it is usually not a viable solution. Also you probably have to disinfect the system regularly in order to avoid bacterial buildup in the system.

@hillockfarm8404

2 жыл бұрын

To get water out of air you need high humidity just for it to be possible. In foggy places mist nets have been succesfull. In a desert like climate with low humidity (i.e. no fog/dew/clouds) forget it. More hype than water.

@melange78

2 жыл бұрын

@@hillockfarm8404 Nope, the technology today works in 20% relative humidity.

I have always wanted to live in a rural cottage, but already know the pitfalls that this lady mentions. This is why I have not moved to rural Andalucía or the mountains of León, because no water, no electric, no internet. I mean come on, this is basic knowledge. I expected other things like highwaymen patrolling the area at night or marauders reeking havoc. Transporting 1000 liters of water on a 4X4 in the summer months is hardly hardship and does not mean you are a hardy kind. sorry. One advice, you can install rain/water harvesting collectors. This is my dream at least.

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Good point - I know it may seem basic to many readers of my book, but that's perhaps where the situational humour comes in. We moved to rural Spain with very little foresight or planning:) Fortunately where we live in Andalusia is very safe, so I don't have any highwaymen stories to tell. We've had the same idea that you mention and are now collecting rainwater into a giant water tank. I write more about how we solved our water worries in the sequel.

Is she Polish?

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I'm originally from Poland.

@carolinematta5764

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I guessed it too, lived and loved Poland for 6 years. Plus I would choose semi rural in Andalusia!

My advice to everyone is: do NOT buy property in Spain unless you know the area well, you know the person you buy it from and you know people in the area who knows the history of the property. When you first come down, just rent something and familiarize yourself with the area. Also note that it is WAY more difficult and expensive to buy and sell properties in Spain than elsewhere, there are hidden fees and the government will tax you for what they think the property is worth, not what the market thinks it is worth. They tried to rip me off like 16k EUR for my property and I managed to get it down to like 5k EUR after contacting a lawyer.

@MsElke11

3 жыл бұрын

Would you say a 50k euro house in Spain goes farther than the same price in rural Italy??

@melange78

3 жыл бұрын

@@MsElke11 I don't know about Italy. The problem with Spain is the hidden fees and costs that you don't know about. Also you need to understand that Spain isn't cheap in general. Food and alcohol are cheap, everything else is not. Given that the wages are about half of central and northern Europe, most things are expensive. The gym in the town I live in is the most expensive gym I have ever gone to and I have lived in four countries.

@sabina.author

3 жыл бұрын

@@MsElke11 I can't compare for you as I don't know the prices in Italy. It will really depend of the exact location and how populated and popular your village is. I suppose just like in Italy, you can buy a really big property for this money, but in an abandoned village, which means it will be hard to sell later in your life.

Good information but I would say a tad overly pessimistic - Which I guess is driven by the horrors stories of unprepared dreamers. As with anything due diligence is of upmost importance. Learn Spanish, speak to the village elders, speak to the locals expats, take them out for a meal. They will know everything you need - perhaps what is even wrong with the property you are looking at before you dive in. You are moving into a slower way of life so start by being slow - rent accommodation in your desired area and take your time. Also a lot of these properties are inherited and often part of a family dispute (one person wants to sell and another doesn't) so locked away until an heir dies or changes their mind. You can absolutely get properties that need little work if you are doing your research properly. This video makes things sound incredibly desperate IMO.

Lives the Rural Life ,Immersed herself with the Spanish Community and still cannot pronounce Chorizo Properly

There's always a trade-off when buying in the boonies. You won't get electricity or water hook-up as one would in town, obviously. Those two "pitfalls" can be easily resolved with planning and some money. What you're buying is picturesque countryside, peace of mind, wonderful neighbors, and a lifestyle that's hard to duplicate anywhere else. ALL of these attributes and drawbacks must be considered before buying. You'd be a total moron not to.

How could she teach english with that accent?

@stevetilk4926

3 ай бұрын

Her English is impeccable! Perfect grammar. Yes, she has an accent but she speaks English perfectly.