The most useful advice about moving here usually comes from people who have actually done it. This week we heard from Mark and Heidi, who moved from Shropshire to the southern Costa Blanca in 2007. They now run a property management, cleaning and maintenance business from Punta Prima, on the Orihuela Costa.
What follows is their experience and their opinions, in their own words where possible. It's one couple's story, not legal, tax or financial advice.
Why the Costa Blanca?
"We were fed up with the UK: taxation, weather and the quality of life," Heidi says.
They chose the Costa Blanca partly because they liked Alicante as a city. "Torrevieja was a lot smaller then and had an unspoilt coastline, but it's obviously changed over the years," she says. "Just over the border, the Murcia region is beautiful and is still very Spanish. But Orihuela Costa appealed because of the diversity of nationalities."
Settling in, then and now
The hardest part? "Actually, nothing. We settled in very well," Heidi says. They had a business up and running within a few weeks. "It helped that we were doing a similar business in the UK, so we had a head start with our knowledge."
She's clear that things are different for people moving now. "Since Brexit, things have changed a lot, so moving permanently is a lot harder now." If you're planning a permanent move from the UK, start with the UK government's Living in Spain guidance on visas and residency, and take professional advice on your own situation. Our UK-to-Spain moving checklist covers the practical steps.
Their advice: research, research, research
If a friend told them they were moving out next year, this is what they'd say:
"Never leave lock, stock and barrel to start with. It's definitely not a holiday if you have to work."
"You need to thoroughly research the areas. Never buy a property just because it looks lovely and you get carried away with the dream! Check the areas over several weeks; day and night can be so different. If you can, rent first to be absolutely sure. It's key to research, research, research!"
It matches what we hear from almost everyone who has made the move. Our guides to renting before buying and renting first in Orihuela Costa go into more detail.
Running a business in Spain
Heidi says they found it relatively easy, "but again, it was years ago". Her advice for anyone thinking of buying a business, such as a bar or café:
"You need to monitor it for several weeks to make sure the customers are coming in. Make sure the books are legit, and be prepared for long, hard days in any business, especially in the heat of the summer. It can be brutal!"
For tradespeople such as builders, plasterers and air-con engineers, her view is simple: "If you are a true professional, you will always get work. Don't try to rip anyone off. Be fair with your prices and stand by your work. There are a lot of cowboys out here, so good standards will always follow."
Before buying or starting a business, get advice from a qualified Spanish lawyer and accountant (gestor). Rules on licences, tax and social security apply to your specific situation.
Life in Punta Prima
Mark and Heidi live in Punta Prima. "We are very happy in our particular street. It's quiet, we have friendly neighbours, and we don't get any trouble like some areas can," Heidi says.
The big plus is being able to walk everywhere. "If you can find the right property here in Punta Prima, you can walk to all the amenities: shops, bars, restaurants and the beach."
Her point about "the right property" and "our particular street" is worth noting. Even within one area, streets can feel very different, which is another reason to visit at different times of day before you commit.
About their business: 2thebeachspain.com
Mark and Heidi's business looks after second homes for owners who live abroad. They check on properties while the owners are away, and clean and maintain them so they're ready when the owners return.
"Many people think that a lock-up-and-leave property is okay, but we have found many issues in our clients' absence," Heidi says. She lists flooding, water leaks, sewage problems and infestations. "If they hadn't had a key holder, the damage would have been colossal and costly."
"Our clients call us a one-stop shop, as they don't have to worry while away about researching and finding unknown and possibly untrustworthy traders," she adds. Mark handles most jobs himself, and in the rare cases he can't, they bring in tradesmen they trust. They say references are available on request.
Find out more: 2thebeachspain.com
This feature reflects Mark and Heidi's personal experience and opinions, shared with Move to Costa Blanca in October 2026 and checked by them before publication. It is a free feature: Move to Costa Blanca was not paid for it and does not earn a commission from 2thebeachspain.com. It is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. For your own situation, speak to a qualified professional.