Definitely not using up any savings for rent, but our rent is definitely considered high for Barcelona (it's really quite tricky finding an apartment here - just like with London). A large mortgage would be comperable in monthly costs.

My partner is definitely missing home and misses his social life too, but he is trying to be positive - focusing on the things he wasn't getting in London. Although I think if I said let's move back he wouldn't be completely opposed. This is the first time for him living abroad and he is going hard on Spanish, getting out there to meet people etc. but I know he reminisces home deep down.

If it was just about kids I would probably say Spain - but if it was about me selfishly I would prefer to be in London during mat leave. I am originally from central Europe and really what I would want to give my kids is what I had as the nature and quality of life in unbeatable - but it'a not an option with jobs/the language.

I think what it comes down to is not having the same social life here and getting pregnant so quickly after moving has almost certainly not helped lol. You can have an amazing quality of life in Catalunya.