Possible move to Gibraltar

[pomadas87]

DH has a potential job offer in Gibraltar (we are in U.K. At the moment) - I would love some advice on living there, what's it like, is it as expensive as I'm lead to believe?!

DH is keen on the job offer - it's a £60k salary with relocation package and benefits. I wouldn't work as we have a 3 month old DD and I'm currently on mat leave.

Does that salary sound enough to live on? We would rent initially I think in Gib but would consider Spain too.

And what is it like for families with babies? Are there mum and baby groups? I would be looking to build a whole new network out there as all family and friends based here.

All positive and negative experiences welcome please!!

No direct experience ( although I have visited Gib and wasn’t keen) but if your DH is working there it means get be best if you lived there rather than Spain.
Sometimes the border closes for a brief period or the Spanish border controls tighten up and slow everything down. With Brexit on the horizon as well the border could get more difficult.
It’s a pretty small place and could get a bit claustrophobic

Thanks hopping yes I know the border queues are a concern definitely

Anyone else?

I have a 2 bed flat there but it isn't finished yet, they're still building it! We've spoken to agents about rental and there's a massive shortage of properties under £2000 per month. Try Chestertons and Century 21 there. There's no VAT but there is income tax. Supermarket prices (there's a Morrisons) are similar to here and so are meals out. I'm in London though so my perception may be a bit skewed. Petrol is cheaper but the whole place is only 3 miles long! Loads of people use scooters.

I've only been on short visits and don't have young children. There are certainly plenty of schools and families there and perhaps there's a Facebook group or similar that would help you to connect with others locally.

The climate is lovely in summer and mild in winter and the summer evenings are endless. Can you go for a visit before you make a decision?

Thanks robyn yes we will go for a visit, we've been a couple of times before on holiday too.
Rentals sound really pricey - so you know anyone who commutes from Spain or is that really inconvenient?

Gibraltar population is about 30000. Another 10000 cross the border everyday! La Linea does not have a great reputation although I've only seen it from a distance. I know someone with family there who also doesn't speak highly of it.

I guess Spanish rentals will be much cheaper but then you are living in two currencies and that can have its own costs.

Rentals for a 2 bed apartment start around £1700 I think but you won't have much choice at that price. The market is different for locals, they have a 3 year residency period for that. We plan to retire there and will rent out our apartment in the meantime. It's in Clemence Suites.

Thanks Robyn!

Hi, rental in Gibraltar is similar to London prices but on 60k you could live very comfortably in Spain. My DH works in Gibraltar and rents a parking space on the Spanish side of the border for around €50 a month, we live in Spain around 20 mins drive away. Rental prices in Spain are going up but still cheap, there's a range of supermarkets nearby with the beautiful beaches and reasonably priced restaurants depending on where you go. La Linea is just over the Gib border and not so nice. The Manilva area has many expats, Sotogrande is lovely but rather pricey. When you rent you don't pay council tax, no tv licence - just water (cheap), Internet, electricity.

We don't have children but there are many young families around and think they have social meet ups etc.

Definitely best coming and looking at areas if you make the move :-)