EARLIER this year, Ray Bath and his wife Jordan made one of the biggest decisions of their lives by swapping the Essex rat race for a new chapter in Majorca.
The couple, 37 and 32, packed up their lives in Basildon and jetted off to with their two kids on February 2, 2026 – and the parents believe it’s the best thing they’ve ever done.
After careful planning, they made the leap to move to Majorca which has enabled them to spend more time with their kids Credit: SWNS
The couple pay around £1,700 in rent for a four-bedroom townhouse, with no water or council tax bills Credit: SWNS
The family are currently on a three-year-visa and hope to extend it for an additional five years – before seeking a permanent residency after five years Credit: SWNS
It’s now been just over 11 weeks since the big move and the sun-loving pair said they now have more precious time to spend with Melia, six, and Jude, four.
Not only this, but the couple also save a staggering £1,000 every month, they revealed.
The family are immersing themselves in Spanish culture – and pay around £1,700 in for a four-bedroom townhouse, with no water or bills.
Jordan said: “It’s always been a vision to move abroad. I’ve been here for 23 years with my family and when Ray came out, he fell in love with it.
“We’ve always seen Majorca as a second home. We loved the climate, the outdoor lifestyle and knew it would be a better quality of life for our children and our jobs.
“We found we were missing vital time with our children. Ray’s dad passed away last summer and we realised life is too short.
“Out here, the kids will happily go place in the square next to a restaurant while we eat dinner.
“I couldn’t imagine sitting in a restaurant in Basildon or London, let my kids play out there and feel safe about it – but here we do.”
Ray and Jordan, who have been for 15 years and run Viva Endure, sold their four-bedroom detached home in Basildon for £704,000 and their business for £350,000.
But after careful planning, they made the leap to move to Majorca which has enabled them to spend more time with their kids and enjoy a freer .
Mum-of-two Jordan explained: “In Essex, Ray would do the morning shift at work while I’d get them ready and do the nursery drop.
“Then Ray and I would be reunited at lunchtime before I worked the evening shift. I was missing out evening routine with the kid’s dinner and bed.
“I’ve always been my own boss and even went back to work four weeks after giving birth to my daughter.
“It wasn’t a case of not wanting to work but wanting to be present with my children. I had longed to sit down of an evening and just be with them.”
The family viewed five houses in Puerto Pollensa, a family-friendly town on the Northern part of the island.
In February, they moved into a four-bedroom town house, with two balconies, four bathrooms, and annexe – and a large courtyard with a lemon tree.
Ray and Jordan chose to rent for “location freedom” in case they decide they want to move to another area in future.
The couple said their children didn’t need much persuading to move out as they were familiar with the area from previous holidays and they had come with them to view properties.
Expenses in the UK vs Majorca
Here's how much the couple spent in the UK - and what the expenses are now that they live abroad.
UK
Mortgage: £2400
Electricity bill: £270
Water: £50
Council tax: £380
Average weekly food shop: £250
Eating out / activities: £250
Majorca
Rent:£2000
Electricity bill: £130
Water: 0
Council tax: 0
Average weekly food shop: £150
Eating out / activities : £400
Parents Ray and Jordan have started Spanish language classes alongside Duolingo and said their days usually start around 6am, with the kids settling down to bed at around 8.30pm after evening sports clubs.
Jordan explained: “The school have been loving and welcoming from the start.
“Unlike in the UK, every parent walks their child into the classroom. School day finish at 1.30pm and they have an afternoon siesta. They come alive at night-time, and go to sports clubs.
“You have to learn to be present in the moment. Everyone is calmer and happier, nobody’s stuck in the . You have to immerse yourself in the culture. You can’t stick together with other British parents.
“As soon as we started greeting others in Spanish, we’ve had nothing but respect. They’ll help us translate.”
The family are currently on a three-year-visa and hope to extend it for an additional five years – before seeking a permanent residency after five years.
Jordan said: “We plan to stay forever. I’m close to my family but they have their own lives and from Southend Airport, you can get here in under two hours.
“People ask me what I miss about the UK but I don’t think I miss anything.”
Ray added: “I think we’re going to see more of this in the world – more people will travel and live in difference places to where they’re born.
“The world is becoming a place where people do want to explore and move around.
“It’s a common theme for most people to work, work, work. They think when I reach ‘this age’, I’ll retired, I’ll do everything I want to do.
“But what if it never comes?”
How easy is it to move abroad?
Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving:
- Notify HMRC about your upcoming move.
- Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address.
- Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving.
- If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad – contact the International Pension Centre .
- You can sign up to the Royal Mail’s redirection service .
- If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre .
- If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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