I ditched the UK to move to Spain with my two kids and husband - here's why I have no regrets

A mother-of-two who ditched the UK to move to Spain has revealed why she doesn't regret the decision. Sophie Marnick, her husband Jake and two sons, Oscar, nine, and Ruben, five, packed up their life in Staffordshire to move to Cadiz earlier this month. When Jake got a job as a specialist engineer in Spain at the end of 2023, the family decided to sell their house in the UK and move abroad. Though the visa alone cost £3,500 even without the paperwork, after living there for a week the family have no regrets about the big move.

Taking to her TikTok account @sophiemarnick, Sophie revealed that the cost of living near Cadiz is so 'cheap' that she's been able to quit her job to be a stay-at-home mum, despite needing to work full time in the UK. The family are now living just a three-minute walk away from the beach, and have a long-term rental with views of the sea and picturesque town. Sophie explained that Spain's weather - compared to the 'depressing' UK and low crime rates were also big pulls.

She said they are now 'living the dream', adding: 'I get to be a stay at home mum, that is something that in the UK is physically not possible. Sophie Marnick and her family moved to Spain from the UK earlier this month - and, as of yet, have no regrets. 'I went back to work when my eldest son was just eight months old to be able to afford to live. I work virtually full time hours at the moment. 'Our opportunity with my husbands job and the cost of living in Spain compared to here is giving me that opportunity and I can't wait to be more present for them.'.

Since their move, the family have gone to the beach every day, even swimming in the sea despite cold February weather back in the UK. Sophie said that the change in climate also played a big part in their decision to move. She said: 'The weather is a massive impact to our decision. The UK weather is so depressing and I think the weather makes such a difference to people's happiness. 'We just want to show and travel the world with our children. Not just being typical Brits and going for a week's holiday in the sun.'.

'We think it's incredible for our children to be bilingual, experience other cultures and live an outdoor lifestyle. 'The UK doesn't offer that for our children. I am so worries about the crime, the attitudes and the technology of today. We have a chance to change that for them.'. Day 1 living in Spain 🌞🇪🇸 #fyp #uktospain #movetospain #lifeinspain #lifeabroad #expat #livingabroad #leavingtheuk #movingtospain #movingabroad.

Sophie, her husband Jake, and two sons Oscar and Ruben, are living in a long-term rental only a three-minute walk from the beach. The family have spent the first week in the country exploring the local area and settling in. Due to the low cost of living, Sophie has even been able to quit her job to be a stay-at-home mum. Residency in Spain is open to UK nationals and other non-EU citizens planning to stay longer than 90 days, subject to fees and proof of financial stability.

On TikTok, many Brits were quick to express their envy, while others rushed to send their congratulations. They wrote: 'Enjoy, I moved to Spain 20yrs ago, never looked back, enjoy your new life';. 'I lived in Spain for two years when I was younger. Some of the best times of my life';. 'It’ll be the best thing you’ve ever done';. 'Yessss super exciting get away form c*** weather haha x';. 'Me and my family have been in Spain 7 years and I love it my children are all bilingual and it is definitely a safer, happier and healthier place to live. good luck and enjoy';.

'Ahhh this is the dream!! It’s all I talk about with my kids and husband lately!!! Just not sure my husband would be able to get work.'. On TikTok, many Brits were quick to express their envy, while others rushed to send their congratulations. The family landed in Seville Airport earlier this month, after Jake drove their belongings and dog Bella over in a van. Sophie is not working for the time being to help her sons settle in the new country, and plans to send them to a Spanish school.

They've spent the past week exploring the local area and sorting out life admin, and have already made friends with the locals. She said: 'Such a great first week. I really think we've settled more than we thought we would.'. However, others hoping to move to Spain in the near future may face a more difficult task, especially if they are looking to get a holiday home there. Last month, the Spanish government unveiled drastic reforms affecting Brits' ability to buy homes as the country desperately looks to tackle the mounting housing crisis.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a new package of 12 measures the government hopes will win over residents furious with the lack of available homes. One contentious proposal is the introduction of a tax for non-EU citizens buying houses in the country who do not already reside in Spain. Demonstrators march shouting slogans against the Formula 1 Barcelona Fan Festival in downtown Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, June 19.