Never ever buy a house or sign anything on emotion or on a rush. They are a couple of verification to make before you buy anything, this is the best way to avoid bad surprise.

First, if you are new to an area it makes sense to rent a flat or a house in this area during a couple of months to really know the place. Some area seems to be very interesting when you are there for 1 or 2 weeks of holiday but living on those areas for a longer period can be quite frustrating.

For example, I went for a 8 days holiday in Valencia, I thought the city was great, so I decided to rent a flat there and to spend the year. It appeared that Valencia is one of the most boring place, I have ever lived. Most of the time, I’m away in other location, if you want to avoid such disappointment by all mean rent something first for a while , this way you will really know how the area is and how the people behave with you outside of a holiday context.

If you are interested to buy a resale property make sure it was renovated unless you want to renovate it yourself (which can cost you up € 20,000 or more in renovating cost alone). Check the quality the electricity, gas and water installation, in fact check everything, and if you are not an expert, ask one to come with you. Bad surprise sometime happens if you neglect to do this.

If you move in a new area and you are still in age to work, you will have to consider either a job or a new business to start. If you are from say England, you cannot expect the same salary in Spain than the one you had in England, you will probably be paid less. In my field of expertise, Spain pay 500 to 600 Euro/net less than in my country (Belgium). I personally, choose to start a business. This is important that you can keep in mind the way you will live there.

Last but not least, if you are about to divorce, wait until you are completely divorced, the divorce may take you a large portion of your money.