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Greetings everyone. I've read posts here that are both positive and negative, which I expected. Good info in both kinds too. I'm a single male 40'sish us resident and am intrigued by the cave house communities I've been researching. I am planning on a winter vacation to see the area, and possibly find a house. A few q's come to mind: 1) Are some areas better than others for ex pats? Galera looks very nice, but what about Huescar or Orca? Any suggestions as to what the differences between the communities are? 2) Are there any us citizens in these communities, if so or not, why? 3) There are several brokers online advertising properties, any feedback on which ones are preferable? Any responses would be appreciated. I've been living in a highly populated, and very stressful region of this country, for far too long. I'm ready for a change and wonder if Spain is it. Cheers and have a great day...Vince
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Hi Vince,
My wife is a US citizen, and there certainly are other Americans living in Spain. Not a lot, but a few.
The first issue you need to address is that of immigration. US citizens cannot simply relocate to an EU country. You need a special visa. These are not easy to obtain, and there are only a limited number of circumstances under which they are issued. It is similar (but not quite the same) as an EU citizen seeking to obtain a Green Card in the US. It is certainly not a mere formality. There are very specific rules that must be compied with. Without that, you are limited to a tourist visa only, and you cannot reside here on a tourist visa.
So you need to thoroughly investigate that before even thinking of buying property. Do not (under any circumstances) take a realtor's word for anything on this topic. They want to sell you something... consult a specialized immigration attorney and even then, cross-check any advice given.
With regard to the localities you suggest, I would not wish to be in a cave house there... it can be extremely cold and damp inland in winter here, especially at altitude. Temperatures as low as -8C (17.6 F) are not uncommon in January/February. Some locations are even colder. Coastal localities are much more moderate. Central heating is highly recommended if you are much inland, or are at an altitude of more than a couple of hundred meters.
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It appears that Vince is coming for a holiday. He does not need a visa, unless he is hoping to settle here.
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I've been living in a highly populated, and very stressful region of this country, for far too long. I'm ready for a change and wonder if Spain is it.
I kind of read that (in conjunction with asking advice on house purchases) as being suggestive of more than a holiday in the longer term.
Perhaps Vince would clarify?
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I am planning on a winter vacation to see the area
This message was last edited by johnzx on 09/10/2012.
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The whole sentence reads:
"I am planning on a winter vacation to see the area, and possibly find a house"
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Hi Vince, in response to your question, of course yanks are welcome! Welcome! One of my best friends is American, has been living here for quite sometime now, originally from Boston. He has settled very well. As far as advice is concerned I suggest you come to Spain for a few month and travel around the country to get to know it. If you can narrow down a little what type of location and what weather you would be looking for maybe we can all help you a bit more ; Coastal, Village, Country, Mountains. I assuming from your post that you don't want city life! :) There are fantistic places all over Spain. As far as Huescar and Orca are concerned I'm afraid I can't help you with that one but I am sure there are members living close or in the area who can.
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Ian : EOS TEAM MEMBER
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and possibly find a house"
I am sorry but I was reading what Vince actually wrote, and not guessing that he MAY have meant something more than, 'Taking a Vacation'
Thus I did not go beyond his actual words and guess that possibly 'finding a house' was for the vacation which he said he was intending to take.
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Hi, thanks to those who replied to my question, I received some very good advice on the subject of visa. It seems that some of the things I read(from propery sellers sites) were not accurate in regards to getting a permanent visa. Looks like a normal vacation is on the horizon, not a house buying one. I think this is a good forum on all things Spain and will contiue to come back to it for accurate info. Enjoy your day everyone...Vince
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Pleased to assist.
The sale of overseas properties is often accompanied by misleading claims about the alleged "ease" with which residence visas may be obtained. This is as much a problem for EU buyers considering properties in the US, as it is for people in US thinking about relocating to the UK. I always advise people to thoroughly, and independently, investigate such issues before parting with deposits, etc.
Things are rarely as simple or easy as sellers suggest.
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Looks like a normal vacation is on the horizon, not a house buying one.
Enjoy your VACATION
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