Have you ever dreamed of ditching the rat race, going debt-free, and starting fresh somewhere sunny? That’s exactly what we, the McGlynn family, did—and we’re spilling all the details in our latest YouTube video! After years of feeling like financial slaves in the UK, we took a leap: we bought an abandoned house in Andalusia, Spain, for just €40,000. No mortgage, no debt—just freedom, land, and a new life for us and our two kids. Want to know how we pulled it off? Read on, then watch the full story on our channel, Renacer McGlynn!
Why Spain? The Dream Takes Root
It all started with a chat with the brilliant folks at Off Grid Only Spain. They’d left the UK with young kids too, raving about how Spain transformed their lives. That put our minds at ease—moving abroad with little ones didn’t seem so mad after all. With a budget of €40,000 and a burning desire to escape obligations, we dove into the search. We wanted land, space, and a simpler life—something inland Andalusia could deliver.
Step 1: Hunting for a Bargain
Armed with websites like Idealista and ThinkSpain, plus hours of YouTube inspiration from channels like Inland Andalucia and Rusticom, we scoured listings. Our budget ruled out the coast (no surprise there!), but inland Spain was calling—perfect for our off-grid vision. We shortlisted properties, booked three trips, and explored areas with the kids in tow. Each visit was about more than houses; we wanted to feel the towns, the people, the life.
Step 2: The Rollercoaster Ride
The search wasn’t all smooth sailing. On our second trip, we fell hard for a house—until builders back in the UK told us it was sinking. Gutted doesn’t cover it! But that’s a tale for another video (check it out ). By trip three, just the two of us went, determined to find the one. We saw a cracked house, a massive mid-terrace with loose dogs next door—close, but not right. Then, everything changed.
Step 3: The €40,000 Gem
Enter Diego, our estate agent who also owns a bar. Over a meal, he pointed to a board listing a house. A 15-minute drive later, we were standing in front of it: a two-bedroom fixer with stunning land and views. It wasn’t huge, but it was more than we’d hoped—move-in ready enough for our family, with space we could make our own. At €40,000, it was a steal—and the start of our off-grid adventure.
Living the Dream in Andalusia
Now, we’re here, turning this abandoned gem into a self-sufficient haven. The house is smaller than our UK place, but that’s the point—less stuff, more life. We’re planning bespoke furniture, soaking up the views, and loving the freedom. It’s not a holiday home; it’s a real home, and we’re making it ours, one day at a time.
Watch the Full Story!
Curious about the sinking scare, Diego’s bar, or how we navigated Spain’s tricky property market? Our latest video, “How We Found an Abandoned House in Spain for €40,000 – Our Off-Grid Journey,” has it all. Click below to watch, and don’t forget to subscribe to Renacer McGlynn for more on our restoration journey!
How We Found Our €40000 Abandoned Gem in Spain – The Full Story!
Tips for Your Own Spanish Adventure
- Pick your area first: Fall in love with a region, then hunt.
- Check locations: Online listings can mislead—confirm with agents.
- Take your time: Explore beyond the houses to feel the life.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below or on our video—we’re no experts, but we’re happy to share what we’ve learned!
