Do you dream of a life on the Costa Blanca? Waking up to a sea view, tapas within easy reach and 310 days of sun a year? Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? But before you pack those cases, it is smart to try living here first. Why? Because living somewhere is not the same as being on holiday.
Contents
- Why a trial stay is a good idea
- Tips for a successful trial stay
- The practical side: apply for an A1 certificate
- A trial stay: an investment in your dream life
On holiday you have a different rhythm from the one you have in daily life. Or at least, that is what I am assuming for the sake of argument. In Utrecht we live right in the middle of town. Everything is within walking distance and with Flinck the shopping arrives within a few minutes. Fancy eating out? We stroll straight into town and take our pick. But it is also busy. Too busy for me: with my poor health I need more peace and quiet. And yet I also need to feel that I am living. So good restaurants, shops and a bar nearby really are a must for me. I like having neighbours as well. But living in an apartment in Spain is not an option for me. Spanish houses carry sound terribly and I really cannot cope with that noise.
We bought a house fairly spontaneously. Purely as an investment. But there were a few things that mattered to us. We had just spent two and a half weeks in Spain, and before that we had been in a different part of the Costa Blanca South. Both times in December and January.
A few things were important to us:
- A view
- Sun in winter, shade in summer
- At least three bedrooms and two bathrooms
- Nobody living above us
- A restaurant within walking distance
Why a trial stay is a good idea
A holiday spot is not always a place to live. That lovely little square where you sit out so happily in summer? In January it can be so quiet that your own footsteps echo. Or what about that cosy villa with the fantastic view? Gorgeous – until you discover that in winter the wallpaper literally comes off the wall because of the damp. Or that at the foot of the Montgo you get no sun at all. Or that high up the mountain you can sit inside a cloud for days on end in winter.
A trial stay gives you the chance to discover not just the sunny side of a place, but the practical side too. And yes, even with those 310 sunny days you want to know how it feels when it is less warm. But there are simple things as well. We live in Pedreguer. You might think… hmm, miles from everything. But for us it is perfect. On Saturdays I like going to the antiques market in Jalon, about a 20-minute drive. On Sundays we like the market in Jesus Pobre with its artisan local produce, five minutes away. The big shopping centre in Ondara? Seven minutes. Off to Denia for a nice meal out? For a massage, or to catch the boat to Mallorca or Ibiza? Seventeen minutes. To Javea? Depending on whether you want the old town or Arenal, about 15 minutes. The good restaurants are on our side of Javea too. Moraira? That is 25 minutes. Is the beach there too busy in summer? Want to head back to Javea? Then you pretty much have to go via Pedreguer to get there. We sit just above all of it, so we can be anywhere in no time. In short, think carefully about what matters to you. If we had known in advance how much time we would end up spending in Spain, we would probably have bought in Javea. But as it is, we are glad we can get everywhere so quickly and live a little more cheaply.
Are you over here anyway? Then apply for your NIE number straight away. You need it for practically everything. You can do it yourself. But honestly, save yourself the stress, the frustration and the waiting and arrange it through your gestor.
Tips for a successful trial stay
- Rent in different seasons: Spend a while here in summer and a while in winter. January and February are the quietest months. It is colder then and you are more likely to get rain. Do you still enjoy being there? Then this might well be the place for you.
- Pay attention to the heating (yes, really!): Many houses on the Costa Blanca were built for summer. Glorious in August, but in January you sit there shivering. Is air conditioning that can also heat enough for you? Do you want a wood burner? Or are you looking for a house where central heating is an option/
- Check where the sun falls: How much sun does your terrace get in winter? We really do enjoy the winter sun on the terrace. But we want shade in the winter too. A terrace facing due south and nothing else? That means you will burn to a crisp in summer. And check how windy it is.
- Widen your search area: Hotspots like Altea, Moraira and Jávea are popular, but look at smaller places as well. Less well known, but often just as charming and more affordable.
- Ask for help: Want to know where the locals rent, or to join a WhatsApp group? Let us know and we will happily add you. Those groups are a goldmine for tips and for company. Plenty of people have gone before you and know exactly where to go.
The practical side: apply for an A1 certificate
If you are planning to live in Spain temporarily and are still registered in the Netherlands, an A1 certificate is essential. This document from the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) makes sure your Dutch health insurance stays valid while you are abroad for a while.
Why an A1 certificate?
- You stay covered by your Dutch health insurance, with no extra travel insurance needed for medical care.
- It is ideal for anyone who wants to combine a trial stay with working remotely for the Netherlands.
- It lets you enjoy Spanish life without giving up your Dutch base.
How do you apply?
- Submit an application to the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB).
- Make sure you have all the paperwork you need to show that you work in the Netherlands.
- Allow for some processing time, so start early.
Do note: the A1 certificate applies only to people in work. Children or anyone not working needs separate travel insurance.
A trial stay: an investment in your dream life
A trial stay is not only practical, it is fun. You get to know the region, you discover what really matters to you, and who knows, you may come across your dream home. Ready to buy a house right away? Then check the steps in the buying process. Or read the 10 most frequently asked questions about buying a house on the Costa Blanca.
Do you need help finding somewhere for a trial stay? Or would you simply like some tips on where to start? We are happy to help. Send us a message and who knows, your Spanish adventure may start sooner than you think.
