Back from Gib

Hello dessyr

Thank you for this testimony!

Could you say that the cost of living has gone way too high in only four years time?

Regards
Kenjee
Expat.com Team

It has gone up in 4 years although not dramatically.  A 2 bed fully furnished apartment was £800 p/m but one bedroom was a sofa bed in the lounge.....so a one bed really. Certainly the cost of clothing has increased in four years. Sad really because if it were cheaper we would likely have moved.

This is a good appraisal.   You mention 4 years, I will state that in 2 years the rent I can earn on a 2 bed as increased by 80%.   The reason is because Spain (or Madrid) have driven a lot of ex Pats onto the Rock from neighbouring Spain due to their stupid laws aimed at ex Pats and Border antics.   Its a supply and demand issue, rents rose because so many wanted places to live.

I will add an important fact for those coming, banking here is a nightmare, business bank accounts take months to open.   Forming a Gib company is expensive because you get ripped off by agents.   You can do it yourself for less that £100 but before you do that meet with accountants and find out if this is the best place for your business.   I am stuck here, 2 years on banging my head against a wall.   I am going to Malta soon to research that options as many of the people I met in the early days have already left and gone there.   

It was encouraging to read your review, it showed common sense to come and check things out before taking the plunge.   So many don't and get disheartened.   Do the research and understand the lie of the land and you will enjoy Gib through this understanding.