Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Márquez have revealed their contrasting views on purchasing a property in Spain. The couple, who first crossed paths on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, recently travelled to Gorka's homeland to look at properties for a future holiday home.
Looking back on the trip, Gemma, 41, confessed she had been 'naïve' about the complexity involved in the process. Speaking on the latest episode of their podcast, Lost In Translation, she said of the trip: 'We had a lovely time, it was just two nights, the two of us. We did loads and loads of walking, we did some house hunting, we're hoping to get a holiday home, that's the aim, but we've put that on the back burner for a bit.'
Gemma Admits Naivety Over Overseas Purchase Process
'We've realised it's going to take a lot more [work], I naively thought it's the same as the UK, you go over, you buy it, stamp duty, done. There's a big process,' Gemma explained. In response, Gorka highlighted that purchasing property overseas involves a different set of regulations and requirements and cannot be hurried.
Discussing Gemma's method of house hunting, the professional dancer joked that his fiancée went from 'zero to hundred' almost instantly. Offering an example, he told listeners: 'You go, "Let's get a house abroad, let's go". Like I was in New York and in the three days that I was there, she booked flights, she organised viewings, she organised this, no idea where to go and then I find out I'm going to Spain. And then she goes, "Oh yeah, this one".'
Gemma Keener Than Gorka to Acquire Property
Admitting that she was the keener of the pair to acquire a property, Gemma highlighted that Gorka was 'the opposite' of her. The dancer proposed that before committing to anything, they should revisit Spain and view additional properties and neighbourhoods with their children, Mia, six, and Thiago, two, to determine what suits everyone best. 'Because this life is forever,' he emphasised, while Gemma contended that purchasing earlier could enable them to begin investing sooner. 'I just love the lifestyle over there,' she added.
While the actress seems keener than Gorka to locate a property, she recently disclosed what would ultimately assist her in choosing the perfect home. Replying to an Instagram follower before their latest visit, she explained: 'We've been back and forth with estate agents. I need to spend time there though, not just a viewing online. Sounds silly but I have to 'feel' like it's a 2nd home. I told Gorka I'll know when I walk in as I'll get the feeling. He just nodded and agreed.'
Wedding Plans on Hold
The couple are also regularly questioned about their wedding arrangements after announcing their engagement on Valentine's Day in 2021. Discussing the matter in a previous podcast episode, Gemma revealed: 'None of us want a big fuss or lots of guests so we may just go and do it with just family and come back and have a huge party! I've never wanted a big white wedding. More than happy with a lovely small one. We feel married anyway.'
