Because the US was too expensive: an American couple made their dream come true: their own house in Spain

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Fewer and fewer people can realize their dream of owning their own home, because houses are becoming more and more expensive. The same happened to the Americans John Flores and Michael Leitz. But the couple couldn’t afford a house in San Francisco. But in Spain, Flores and Leitz found what they were looking for: they bought a 120-year-old three-story house in the country for less than 45,000 euros (about 42,500 francs).

Shortly before retirement, the teachers realized that life in San Francisco would be expensive. They could not pay the rent on a house with their pension, which is much lower than their monthly salary. So they went far away. “The closest you can get to the Californian lifestyle in Europe is to live in Spain – so it was an easy decision for us,” Leitz told CNN. Because Flores has Mexican roots, he speaks fluent Spanish.

The mild climate, relaxed nature of the locals and cheap, good food make Spain one of the most popular destinations for emigrants. Visas and residence permits are issued relatively easily. With retirement in mind, Flores and Leitz traveled to the most beautiful corners of Spain, learned the language and became enchanted by the culture.

Dream house in the country

The retirees lived in a rented apartment in Valencia for three years while they were still looking for the perfect home. The two immediately fell in love with the orange trees, the national dish paella and the beautiful architecture. But a house by the sea was out of her budget. So they looked at the national real estate market.

Flores and Leitz found what they were looking for in the historic town of Xàtiva. The place is just a 50-minute drive from Valencia and attracts many tourists to the country. Remnants of the Roman Empire and traditional fried rice enchant the 29,637 inhabitants, which now also include the two Americans. They moved into a three-story stone house. The couple recognized the potential of the small rooms at first glance.

House cost 45,000 euros

Flores and Leitz bought their dream house for 45,000 euros, completely renovated the four walls, demolished the interior wall, had the ceiling raised and installed air conditioning. A walk-in closet, a guest room and a bathroom with bath have been created on the second floor. Although there is a garden, the Americans have many potted plants on the terrace. When it comes to furniture, American and Scandinavian styles meet Spanish country house furniture. “We brought some things from California, including a Persian rug that had been in the family for a long time, and others we bought from Ikea,” says Leitz. In Spain they found a furniture dealer who provided them with the rest.

The Americans were able to move within six months of the purchase. “The hardest part was the long wait for approval and the bureaucracy,” Leitz explains. They kept hearing the word “mañana” (in German: “tomorrow”). But they have never regretted their decision to emigrate. They are now firmly integrated into Xativa. Life in the countryside is cozy and quiet; the shops are closed from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. «The older we get, the more we like the quiet life. We don’t need nightclubs and bars,” says Leitz. And if nightlife is lacking, Valencia is just a short train ride away. (jwg)

Source: Blick