British Expats Praise Spain's Lifestyle, Safety, and Affordability
British expatriates in Spain share personal stories emphasizing enhanced lifestyle, safety, and affordability driving their move from the UK.
- • Natalie Milan and partner purchased a five-bedroom home in Costa del Sol for under €800,000, similar to a London flat's cost.
- • Holly Smith reports feeling safer and enjoying a family-friendly lifestyle in Mallorca.
- • Work-life balance and hospitality costs are markedly better in Spain than in the UK.
- • Over 252,000 Britons left the UK for abroad between July 2024 and June 2025, reflecting a wider migration trend.
Key details
British expatriates relocating to Spain are highlighting significant improvements in lifestyle, safety, and cost of living, according to recent personal accounts. Natalie Milan and her partner Karl moved from London to the Costa del Sol, purchasing a five-bedroom house in Mijas for under €800,000—only slightly more than their former one-bedroom flat in Fulham. They found Spain's hospitality costs significantly lower, such as meals costing around €55 for two, and enjoy a better work-life balance compared to London's demanding corporate environment. Natalie is also pursuing Spanish citizenship, emphasizing the need for legal guidance in this process.
Meanwhile, Holly Smith relocated to Mallorca with her family almost a year ago and feels much safer and more secure. She appreciates the warm, family-friendly atmosphere, the island’s pleasant weather, and the relaxed pace of life, contrasting with the UK’s dreary weather and busy lifestyle. Longtime resident Diana Winskill noted Spain’s community strength and year-round sunshine as key reasons for settling down permanently.
Data from the Office for National Statistics supports this trend, showing approximately 992,000 Brits moved abroad between 2021 and 2024, with 252,000 leaving the UK between July 2024 and June 2025. These stories reflect a broader wave of Britons seeking improved quality of life through relocation to Spain’s welcoming and affordable environment.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
