living in spain

Read the threads Darren, it's all there mate.

Yes, renting is a very good idea, if you do, keep your receipts, they may be useful if you decide to apply for residency (TIE), a NIE number would be useful for opening a bank account and other important things, it’s like having a I.d number and you don’t have to be a resident to obtain one. As you have said, take your time and have a good look around for the right area and people, day and night. Watch out for the 90 day rules and whatever happens after brexit. Make sure you have travel insurances, health and motoring all in order, driving licence and passport in date. If you do decide to relocate here in Spain, get yourself a good legal team as it can be stressful at times, don’t rely on bar talk. Learn to speak Spanish, even a few words or sentences will help. If you do decide to come over, keep your eyes and ears open for updates on the Coronavirus and of course stay safe and healthy and obey the rules here in Spain as the authorities do like handing out fines and criminal charges that could be costly and lead to imprisonment, hey but it’s brilliant here and I have personally loved living here for 1 year now re early retirement. Good luck my friend. Ps keep a eye on your finances and money as it’s not that cheap here, scams and theft are always in the news.