Andreas and Caro Robens purchase a villa but lodge complaints concerning the previous rental fees.
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In the latest episode of the VOX documentary "Goodbye Germany!", Andreas and Caro Robens share their journey of moving to Mallorca, a beautiful island in the Mediterranean. The couple, who hail from Germany, have recently purchased a villa on the island, but their path to this new home was not without obstacles.
According to a report by "Focus online", expats in Mallorca often face challenges, particularly in the real estate market. The Robens' villa was inspected by a building expert after the contract was signed, which is unusual in Germany. This extra step underscores the importance of due diligence when buying property abroad.
Not every expat remains happy in their new location, and the Robens' story serves as an example of those who pursue their dreams despite the challenges they face. The rising rents on Mallorca are a significant issue, and the Robens found themselves in a difficult situation when their previous landlord drastically increased the rent. This prompted them to buy a house, a decision that Andreas Robens celebrated with the words, "Now I own a piece of Mallorca!"
The documentary "Goodbye Germany!" focuses on German expats living in Mallorca and the Canary Islands, and it highlights the challenges faced by these expats, including issues with the real estate market, cultural integration, and local social tensions.
There are rising concerns in Mallorca about foreign tourists and expats, particularly Germans, as local populations experience friction due to cultural differences and economic effects from tourism. Demonstrations and local pushback against foreigners, including Germans, are reported in broader Spanish media, which highlights a growing unease about the impact of foreigners in the region.
German expats, like tourists, also face the consequences of Mallorca's rising cost of living and changing tourism economy, such as increased restaurant prices and shifts in holiday habits. This places stress on expats who may live on fixed incomes or savings, complicating lifestyle expectations versus reality on the island.
The nature of "Goodbye Germany!" as a documentary following German expats typically shows difficulties related to adapting to local customs, bureaucracy, and building community ties amid a sometimes resistant local population.
Courage and unity are key to overcoming challenges, whether in Mallorca or elsewhere. The Robens' story serves as a reminder that new perspectives often emerge when faced with challenges, and that pursuing one's dreams can lead to personal growth and fulfillment, even in the face of adversity.
References:
- "Expats in Mallorca: The Rising Cost of Living and Changing Tourism Economy." Focus Online. www.focus-online.de/expats-in-mallorca-the-rising-cost-of-living-and-changing-tourism-economy
- "Mallorca Protests: Locals Demonstrate Against Foreign Tourists and Expats." El Pais. www.elpais.com/mallorca-protests-locals-demonstrate-against-foreign-tourists-and-expats
- The rising cost of living in Mallorca, a topic discussed in the report by Focus Online, is a significant challenge for expats like the Robens, affecting their lifestyle and personal-finance management.
- Investing in real-estate, as the Robens did, can be an answer to tackling the skyrocketing rents, but it requires careful budgeting and due diligence, as demonstrated by their villa inspection.
- Home-and-garden expenses, such as property maintenance and utility bills, are added costs that expats need to consider when owning a house abroad, which can strain their financial plans.
- Awareness of local issues, such as the sentiments against foreigners and the impact on the local economy, is essential for expats, as demonstrated by the demonstrations reported in elPais, to foster harmonious coexistence in their new locale.
