Mikael, 56, and Anna, 52, have a new life in Spain
Marbella, Spain. In Nagueles, west of Marbella's historical old town, an area known for sun-drenched beaches, tapas restaurants and small picturesque shops, resides Mikael, 56, and Anna, 52. Despite having moved down just a few months ago, the couple feels already at home in their new country. They still can't understand why they waited so long to realise the dream of an apartment in Marbella on the Spanish coast.
It all started a year earlier when the couple visited old acquaintances who had a house with an attached bungalow in Nueva Andalucia, 15 minutes away from downtown Marbella. Their acquaintances had moved here years ago and were happier with their new life on the Costa del sol.
- To see how our acquaintances had grown closer to each other, found a more tranquil lifestyle, and also the proximity to the golf course attracted us, said Mikael.
- To see how our acquaintances had grown closer to each other, found a more tranquil lifestyle, and also the proximity to the golf course attracted us, said Mikael.
Mikael and Anna had bought their terrace house outside Stockholm in the mid-90s and had made a substantial profit when they decided to downsize after their now grown-up children had moved out. The profit from the house sale was enough both for a smaller apartment in town and for the dream of a home in Marbella. From the beginning, they had intended to pay for the entire apartment in Spain in cash. However, after a meeting with their manager at Habeno - comparison sites for Spanish mortgages, the couple understood that it was more financially beneficial to accept a loan offer and instead invest the remaining proceeds from the sale of the house.
The application process for a pre-approval via Habeno went quickly. According to Anna, it took less than 24 hours, which is unusual here in Spain. When Mikael and Anna started looking for an apartment with the help of a local broker, it only took two months before they sealed a deal and received the keys to a new apartment.
- I don't think we would ever have managed it ourselves, says Anna.
- I don't think we would ever have managed it ourselves, says Anna.
Mikael and Anna's three best tips when moving to a new home in Spain
1. Ask questions.
Talk to friends who already live in the area and ask questions in the local Facebook groups. We have received a lot of answers and support along the way.
2. Get help with negotiations.
It is easy to go wrong in the Spanish legal and banking system. Therefore, we used Habeno's plus service and let them manage the negotiations with the bank.
3. Save money by bringing your belongings.
When we moved to a smaller apartment, we no longer had room for all our furniture and other belongings. We enlisted the help of a shipping company that drove down our belongings, and then we supplemented with stuff from the local market.
The couple met up at the shared pool and led the way to the apartment. At the same time, Anna explained how well they enjoy the area and how wonderful the newly renovated apartment building is, with a pool and large social areas.
- We also have padel courts, Micke chimes in, although none of them plays regular.
- We also have padel courts, Micke chimes in, although none of them plays regular.
Although the couple lived in the new apartment for a short time, it is noticeable that Anna already feels at home. She easily cuts open a fresh watermelon while lifting down a serving platter and a stack of small plates.
The walls are full of cards of the family, and here and there in the apartment, there are post-it notes with Spanish words.
- I'm trying to learn Spanish, Anna explains. It takes a little longer at my age, but I'm in no hurry, she continues.
- I can order a beer. That's enough for me, says Micke with a smile before walking out onto the balcony.
- I'm trying to learn Spanish, Anna explains. It takes a little longer at my age, but I'm in no hurry, she continues.
- I can order a beer. That's enough for me, says Micke with a smile before walking out onto the balcony.
The day is almost over, and the late summer heat remains even though the sun has set hours before. Mikael and Anna sit on the newly bought outdoor couch overlooking the Mediterranean.
- It feels like we've gotten closer to each other again, says Anna. At the same time, Mikael reminds her that it's school break soon, and the children and grandchildren are coming to visit. Mikael then points to one of the rooms adjoining the hallway. We have a spare room where the children can stay when visiting.
- It feels like we've gotten closer to each other again, says Anna. At the same time, Mikael reminds her that it's school break soon, and the children and grandchildren are coming to visit. Mikael then points to one of the rooms adjoining the hallway. We have a spare room where the children can stay when visiting.
- This is life. I can't understand why we didn't do this earlier, he continues, referring to the apartment purchase.
- It felt like such a high threshold at first, Anna chimes in, but once we decided to get help from Habeno, it went both quick and painless, concludes Mikael.
- It felt like such a high threshold at first, Anna chimes in, but once we decided to get help from Habeno, it went both quick and painless, concludes Mikael.
Who are Habeno?
We are a comparison service for mortgages in Spain and Portugal. Our mission is to negotiate mortgages with extraordinary terms.
In addition, our team of experienced mortgage experts can help you realise your dream home come true. Start by applying for a pre-approval. It's free and non-binding.
In addition, our team of experienced mortgage experts can help you realise your dream home come true. Start by applying for a pre-approval. It's free and non-binding.