Want to live your best life in the sun? It’s no secret that living in a sunny climate has a whole host of benefits from improving pre-existing health conditions to just generally making you feel more happy and content.
Living abroad somewhere like France or Spain can be a whole new adventure. People moving to France or Spain with families tend to find a new relaxed way of life so if you can make an income to fund your dream then it could be the best decision you ever made.
Start a Business Abroad
Some of the most popular business ideas to fund a life in the sun include opening holiday lets, gites, B&B, holiday parks, bars and restaurants. If you have a sports interest then that could be an idea too such as watersports, diving, sailing or mini golf. The options are endless!
It’s wise to have enough capital behind you in case things go wrong, just take recent events such as Brexit and the Covid-19 Pandemic as an example. Also if you buy property to renovate to create holiday lets then the whole project could take longer and be more expensive than you might think.
Moving to France or Spain
There is so much to think about when moving abroad from the legal aspects to the practicalities too. If you are bring pets, how are they travelling there and do they have pet passports in place? If you’re moving as a whole family then you will likely be looking at areas with good local schools where children can integrate.
Depending on the age of your children this might also influence where you choose to relocate and what kind of business you choose to start up. For example teenagers might need an area close to a community with things going on around them. Younger children who still need childcare might make you look at a business that is less time intensive and with more flexible hours. The surroundings should be family friendly and safe.
Learning the Language
Language can be a barrier when you first move to a new country so it would be great plan to start some language classes to learn the local language be it French or Spanish before you arrive. You can’t under estimate the benefits of knowing the basics especially when it comes to integrating with the local community and this would be even more important when starting a business.
If your main customers will be English speaking then this will make things a little easier but being able to converse however basically in the local language is a definite advantage.
Legal Pitfalls
Check up on the latest legal requirements following Brexit and have everything in place before the big move. Look at the latest advice on becoming a resident in France or Spain and collect as much information as possible on things such as how much money you might need in your bank account, your reasons for moving and your business plans once you get there.
Buy a Holiday Home
Sometimes living your best life in the sun might not be a full move to a different country. You could buy a holiday home and then did in and out of the French or Spanish lifestyle as it suits you.
This is a great idea for anyone wanting to test the waters without moving abroad or for families and couples who need to be based in the UK but want a slice of sunny action when the mood takes you.
Holiday homes have become increasingly popular over recent years with many UK residents having second homes abroad. It’s perfect for family holidays and having a base that you can call a home from home. It can be a cheaper option that annual family holidays too with holiday costs and peak times becoming increasingly expensive for families. Self catering and all inclusive breaks can cost thousands in school holidays making the option of purchasing a holiday home one to seriously consider.
The downside of a holiday home over living abroad if you have children is the amount of time you get to spend there. Some factors can play a big role such as the cost of flights or school holidays, limiting the number of times a year you can get to your holiday home and enjoy it.
Our Holiday Home in Spain
For now we have chosen the holiday home option for our family and our circumstances. Our own holiday home is based on Mar Menor Golf Resort in Spain. We chose Murcia due to the climate and the fantastic beaches not to mention the Mar Menor lagoon. We bought the property around ten years ago and it’s been brilliant for yearly holidays and family celebrations. We have got to know the local area really well over the years but are still finding out new places to visit and explore every time we go.
We had our own swimming pool installed a few years ago turning the grassed garden into a pool and seating area. It’s been a great improvement to the villa and it’s a lovely space to spend time relaxing. The kids of course love the pool!
Holiday Home Hidden Costs
Things to consider before buying your holiday come are how much time can you spend there and the costs. Having a pool has increased our maintenance costs and on top of this there are utility charges, community fees and key holder costs. We pay for a keyholder to keep an eye on our property while we are not there and they really are worth their weight in gold! They also do changeover cleans before and after our holidays and when family go out and use the villa.
Where to Relocate?
Whether moving abroad to start a business or looking for a holiday home to enjoy you might not be sure which country you are going to choose never mind the area! This website will focus on France, Italy, Portugal and Spain as the most popular options for Brits to get their own slice of sunshine. Spain is fantastic for beaches and life on the coast. France has beautiful inland towns and villages with rivers and canals. The lifestyles can be very different and yet similar all at the same time. What all of these countries have in common though is MUCH more sun than the UK and a more relaxed lifestyle.
So if you’re looking for your best life in the sun there are lots of options to consider. Move there for good? Start a business abroad? Buy a holiday home?
This website aims to help you in your search and have you living your best life in the sun in no time!
