Dreaming of owning your very own bolthole in the sun? These five Brits made it happen – buying properties in France, Italy, Spain and Cyprus. But even with their success stories, each of them had a moment of “I wish I’d known that sooner.”
Whether you’re planning a full relocation or just testing the waters with a holiday home, their insights can save you time, money and stress.
1. Paul, Spain – “It’s not just about sunshine. You need local help.”
Paul sold up in the UK in 2025, buying an €80,000 apartment in Denia for a quieter, simpler life. He’s now a Spanish resident and plans to enjoy his retirement exploring Europe in his motorhome.
What he wishes he knew:
“A local gestor who speaks your language is worth their weight in gold. Mine walked me into the mayor’s office, helped with utilities, taxes, everything. Don’t rely on doing it all yourself.”
Paul’s tip: Use someone local and personal. He found a trusted advisor through a small estate agency, not a big legal firm.
2. Sue, Cyprus – “Don’t settle. We found a house for the price of a flat.”
Sue and her husband bought in Paphos after just one day of viewings. Their home is in a quiet area, but only five minutes from the beach, with shared pools and a rooftop terrace.
What she wishes she knew:
“Buying abroad was so much easier than buying in the UK—but you still need the right support. Your estate agent and solicitor are everything.”
Sue’s tip: “Don’t assume you need to compromise. We thought we’d end up in an apartment but got a whole house, partly furnished, for almost the same price.”
3. Alan, Italy – “Don’t buy the dream if it’s not your lifestyle.”
Alan originally imagined a classic Tuscan estate, but quickly realised he didn’t want to spend retirement maintaining olive groves. Instead, he bought a small apartment in a lively village.
What he wishes he knew:
“Define your criteria early. It’s so easy to get swept up in fantasy properties that don’t fit real life.”
Alan’s tip: Think about long-term practicalities. Visa requirements, maintenance and location. Community, walkability and travel links mattered more to him than land or size.
4. John, France – “Check everything yourself. There’s no UK-style building survey.”
John bought a five-storey stone house in rural France, all without seeing it in person first. His in-laws viewed the property during Covid on their behalf and sent over photos. He now uses it as a holiday home and plans to retire there.
What he wishes he knew:
“There’s no formal survey like in the UK. You need to ask about everything: plumbing, boilers, roof, sewage. Don’t assume anything works.”
John’s tip: If you’re not fluent in French, get an English-speaking notaire or translator to help with legal documents and questions. He used Smart Currency Exchange to manage his transfers over 15 months, without losing out on rates.
5. Mike, France – “Trust makes the process stress-free.”
Contract local experts to keep your property properly maintained
Mike bought a Napoleonic-era home in southwest France as a second home. He connected with a team of locals who now help maintain the pool, mow the lawn and get the house guest-ready ahead of their arrival.
What he wishes he knew:
“There are no guarantees. Our original hot water tank gave out, a pump was undersized, but we were lucky. Ask as many questions as you like, even if it feels awkward.”
Mike’s tip: Get to know the house’s history. His cleaner and handyman had both worked on the property before and helped him spot hidden issues early on.
Thinking of buying abroad? Learn from those who’ve done it
Every buyer had one thing in common: the right support made all the difference. Whether it was a trusted solicitor, a knowledgeable currency partner like Smart Currency Exchange or reading expert advice from Your Overseas Home, these stories prove that good preparation equals a good experience.
And most of all? None of them regret it.
“If it feels right, go for it,” Sue says. “Just be smart about it.”
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