A man and his family have swapped their lives in grey Britain for the sunshine of Spain – and it’s saving them £1,600 a month on bills.
John Bird, 39, longed to escape the rat race, often working up to 14 hours a day just to survive in the UK.
He and his wife, who is from Spain, used to travel there four times a year to visit family – and quickly fell in love with their way of life.
In a bid to live happier, and for cheaper, their family-of-three, including their son, one, uprooted everything they knew and made the move.
Now, they’ve gone from spending £3,500 a month on bills to £844 (1,000 EUR) and he’s urging others to do the same.
In one clip on TikTok, racking up 1.2m views and over 20,000 likes, he reveals how life in the sunny country is cheaper than over here.
“I was working to live and living to work, with the occasional holiday just to keep me alive,” John, a property investor from WHERE, told Absolutely Business.
“Seeing how Spanish people live really opened my eyes to what was possible for me.
“The work life balance is better, I saw people enjoying more freedom to spend time with family and friends.
“Spanish people actually enjoy their country and it’s much more affordable in comparison to the UK.
“I am now living a healthier lifestyle and have more time, as well as money, to enjoy day-to-day life.
“It’s like being on holiday all year – it’s paradise.”
John and his wife [not named for privacy reasons], had been purchasing property in Alicante to rent out since 2015.
In January 2018, though, they moved into one of their apartments there while refurbishing a villa and sold one of their business to fund the cost.
A month later, they were living the life they once dreamed about.
Now, he shares his tips and advice using his own experience on TikTok and in a new business venture as a Location consultant.
In the clip, he begins with saying: “I never understood how much of a rip-off it was living in the UK until I left.”
He shows off his home, including vegetable fields, no neighbours – and a pool – costing him less than 3000 euros a year to fund it.
John advises people who own a property with a little bit of equity, or if there’s a business to sell, to take the plunge.
He said: “I have absolutely no regrets.”
Though overall positive, he does say that finding employment can be a struggle and feeling homesick is common – but a flight to London is only two hours.
As John’s individual advice is in high-demand, he says there are few general things that are important to remember
John added: “I made a few videos explaining life and what is possible for people who may want to live in Spain and people demanded my help.
“Plan your exit from the UK to be tax efficient using a regulated tax advisor.
“You can book a one-to-one consultation with me, and use a BAR associated immigration lawyer for a visa.
“Rent a property here before busing and lastly, make sure to have a good time when you’re here.
“I wish I had done a bit more research, as I could have possibly done the move for cheaper.
“Spain has a slower pace of life, and adjusting to this can take a while.
“Yes the UK allows more money to be earned, but that’s where it stops – with Spain it’s all about finally being able to enjoy being alive.
“My only regret is not moving sooner.”
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