Just over a year ago, Helena and John from South Yorkshire moved out to Arboleas in southeast Spain. Despite the fact that there’s still the perception that it’s impossible to do post-Brexit, the couple report no nasty surprises or obstacles.
“We planned for it carefully, did our research and we knew what to expect,” says Helen, 58, who worked for the council for 40 years. “The biggest problem has been learning to slow down after being so busy for so long.”
Why choose Almería for a move to Spain?
The couple met a year before they went out to Almería with A Place in the Sun and have since got married. John, 60, is also retired – after 32 years as a coal miner – and the couple were ready to start life in Spain.
For Helen, a place in Spain was a ‘40-year dream’ and the couple chose Almería after a visit, before approaching the TV programme to help them find a home with their £180k budget.
How much does property cost in Arboleas, Almería?
They ended up buying property five, a three-bedroom detached villa with contemporary interiors, a swimming pool and spacious areas around it, located in the residential community of Los Carrascos, on sale at £198k.
Viewers of the programme that was broadcast in February 2026 will have seen the couple leave their offer on the table with Ben Hillman, but the owner agreed to their offer after filming ended. It cost them £190k, plus fees.
How does the Non-Lucrative Visa process work in Spain?
“We’d sold our UK property a month before filming, so we were all ready to go,” says Helen. The property completed in April, then the couple found someone to renovate it before they moved in.
“We applied for our Non-Lucrative Visa when we went back to the UK (Manchester consulate), and he worked on the home whilst we were doing that. We knew about the conditions for the visa before going on the programme and that we had enough pension income to show.”
The visas cost them about £2,000 altogether, and they were helped by a lawyer from Arboleas to handle both the property purchase and visa application.
“We were quoted some very steep amounts for private health insurance but in the end, we pay €120 a month [through Feather Insurance], which is quite good,” says Helen.
What is life like for expats in Arboleas?
“We’ve bought a car, brought over the dogs, made friends,” she says. “Sixty per cent of Arboleas is British expats. Our builder became a friend. We have new British neighbours next door, so we are helping them to get settled.”
The couple have successfully renewed their NLV after one year and fully intend to become permanent residents in Spain after five years.
What should you know before moving to Spain?
“It’s all been quite straightforward,” says Helen. “Not stressful at all. We did do a lot of research and knew what the area would be like – if someone is moving over, I might recommend renting somewhere first to make sure you know what you want.”
The only thing they miss about the UK is their family – between them they have three children and five grandchildren. “But we have plenty of visitors,” says John.
They are still getting the interiors of the house just as they wish, but plan on travelling around Spain a bit – maybe in a motorhome – when they have more time.
“Adapting to the Spanish lifestyle does take time and you mustn’t come here and expect to transfer your UK life over (with sun),” says Helen. “You realise that in peak summer you have to get things done by 10am or it’s too hot. But if you don’t? Well, you learn to accept that things can wait.”
Thinking about your own move to Spain?
With the right planning and advice, moving to Spain can be more straightforward than you might think.
🔍 Search for properties in Spain
📘 Download our free Spain Buying Guide
📺 Apply to appear on A Place in the Sun
