
From Tourist to Local – How to Feel at Home in Spain
You’ve fallen in love with Spain – the sunshine, the lifestyle, the charm of its towns and cities. But what happens when the holiday ends and real life begins?
Part-time education worker Debra Wheaton lost her husband 6 years ago, but decided she wanted to fulfil the dream they shared of one day buying a house in Spain. Thanks to HomeEspaña, she is now the proud owner of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom villa in the popular area of Villamartín, Alicante.
Born in Essex, 62-year-old Debra visited Spain with one of her two daughters at the end of April 2022 to look for a holiday home.
“Jamie the HomeEspaña Sales Director took us all around the area and now every time I come, I find something that I remember he mentioned”, she said.
Debra said she had a feel for the house the minute she saw it and, after a period of reflection back at home, ended up purchasing the property for €140,000 in August last year.
“I love the outside space and how secluded the property is. The location was also appealing, being near the main road, the bus route and walking distance to the supermarket”, Debra told us.
Debra also had plenty of praise for how HomeEspaña handled the purchase process:
“Helen the Aftersales Manager is an absolute superstar and made everything very easy. She is a real asset.”
Debra also mentioned that HomeEspaña put her in touch with its currency partner to help move her funds from the UK and said that they were also brilliant.
Since purchasing the property, Debra has transformed it, knocking down a wall to make a brand new open-plan kitchen and lounge area, two new bathrooms and has also laid new flooring throughout. She also has plans to build a summer kitchen this year. Debra can only enjoy the property on school holidays at present, but has rented it out to friends as well she says.
“I am here now with my sister-in-law now and the whole family is coming over to visit in the next six weeks,” Debra said. “We did a road trip from the UK through France and stopped in Pamplona on the way.”
Debra told us that she has already recommended HomeEspaña to some friends of hers who are looking to buy a house in the same area and would not hesitate to recommend them to other people looking to purchase in Spain.
You’ve fallen in love with Spain – the sunshine, the lifestyle, the charm of its towns and cities. But what happens when the holiday ends and real life begins?
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