Spain is the happiest British Expat Destination

**Ktee** · 22-01-2012, 06:58 AM

The research, from Lloyds TSB International, asked over 1,000 British citizens in the 10 most popular expat destinations to rate their new homes on factors ranging from quality of life to cost of living.
Overall, 68 per cent of those interviewed said they were happier in their adopted country than in Britain, rising to 75.9 per cent in Spain.
Other countries which fared well on the happiness index were Canada and Germany, where 72.2 per cent and 71.4 per said they were happier respectively.
Interestingly, those countries where expats said they had the highest quality of life or best financial prospects were not necessarily where expats were most happy. New Zealand, for example, offered the highest quality of life according to the survey, but was ranked bottom for contentment, while the country where most expats said they were better off – the UAE – was only the fourth happiest place.
John Kramer, a British expat who lives in Andalucia, said that he was unsurprised by the fact most expats were happier in Spain, because its "outdoor lifestyle, traditional family values, and positive outlook on life” made it a very easy place to enjoy.

“People still look after one another and really do live in the moment,” he explained. “The Spanish still seem to value the things that we have long ago forgotten."
The survey also showed that despite Spain’s economic struggles, most expats (71.3 per cent) still thought they were financially better off than in Britain, with 80 per cent agreeing there was a lower cost of living there – a higher percentage than in any other country.
Lisa Sadleir, who has lived in Spain for 20 years, said that the country's economic troubles had not gone unnoticed by expats but that “despite the economic downturn, we have never been happier”.
“Some people thought we were crazy with all the forecasts of doom and gloom but we love our family life in Spain and could not ask to live in a better place. As the saying goes 'the best things in life are free' and it costs nothing to head out into the dunes and enjoy a day on the beach,” she added.
Other expats, however, seem less enamoured by Spanish life. The country's high unemployment rate – currently at around 23 per cent – means jobs can be difficult to find for those who do not speak Spanish as a first language, while fluctuating exchange rates have hit those who draw an income in sterling, such as pensioners, particularly hard.
Sarah Drane, who runs a marketing company in Majorca, said there were many positives to living in Spain "but if any expat says it's paradise, they're lying – it's a front that we feel compelled to project.
"It is undoubtedly true that going to a land of sand and sun, a place of cheap wine and siestas, does put a smile on many a face, but living in Iberia is not without its problems. The bureaucracy is a nightmare, when it rains it pours, the property market is in the mire, and people get into real financial strife when they take their eyes off their ball.
"We’ll all Facebook a snap of us on the beach in December – but if it’s blowing a force nine and we’re huddled around a two-bar electric heater on a ice-cold tiled floor we’ll keep schtum. After all, we moved to Spain for the 'dream' so we can’t shatter that illusion, not just for our friends’ but for our own sake".
Nicholas Boys Smith, a spokesman for Lloyds TSB International, said the survey showed "the real variety of decisions to be made when choosing where to emigrate”.

**Cal** · 22-01-2012, 08:32 AM

Although our time in Spain was relatively short compared to here or the UK , it was a fab place with some great people so i can understand why so many prefer it.

Cal x

**Aldo** · 22-01-2012, 08:51 AM

I know Lisa Sadlier (from the article) personally and would advise anyone living or thinking about living in Spain to check out her websites http://costaconsultingbureau.com/
http://familylifeinspain.com/
You will find absolutely anything anything you need to know. I have used her services a few times and only whish i'd found out about her sooner.

**Ktee** · 22-01-2012, 09:26 AM

Are there any women you don't know

**Cal** · 22-01-2012, 10:38 AM

Kate its Aldo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's a woman magnet,lmao

Cal x

**Aldo** · 22-01-2012, 11:07 AM

I gotta lotta luvin' to give

**FamilyInSpain** · 23-01-2012, 08:07 AM

Well Good Morning my lovey people! Isn´t this a great way to start another busy week here on the Costa Del Sol .... reading flattering comments on your forum (blush! blush!)
Thank you so much for your kind words about our websites. Our aim is to make information readily available to people living in Spain and especially those thinking of moving to Spain. We are currently helping so many people that have made mistakes and been given the wrong information in the first place ... PLEASE come to us first and we will point you in the right direction from the outset.
ALDO ... guessing that name originates from your surname maybe???? Anyway, thank you for the nudge to rejoin your forum ... maybe we should set up a Q&A page about Living in Spain. I´d be more than happy to contribute.
Have a great Monday everyone & hopr the sun is shining on you all :)

A very happy Family In Spain
aka Lisa Sadleir (note ... e before i !!!) LOL