The Costa Property Podcast

Of all the questions we get asked, and we get asked a lot of them, this one comes up again and again. Will I make friends out there? Will I fit in? Will I have somebody to actually go for a coffee with? Because you could live in the most beautiful apartment in the world, and if you do not have a community around you, you will still feel like this was not the right move. So this week Sandra sits down with Ali Meehan, founder of Costa Women, a community of women living in and moving to Spain that now spans the Costa del Sol, Gran Canaria and Mallorca. Ali arrived in 2002 as a remote worker, before anyone called it that, and for a long time the only person she saw apart from her husband was the courier man. She joined a book club to fix it. That book club became Costa Women. You’ll hear: ✔ The real reason why finding your community and making friends is so important ✔ Ali’s own first years in Spain as a remote worker in 2022 ✔ Why Costa Women was born and who it’s for ✔ The myth that everyone who moves here ends up in the bars and what is actually happening now ✔ How to start building your community months before you get on the plane ✔ How to find the right group and community for you ✔ What your first few weeks should look like, and the mistake that turns a move into a long holiday ✔ What has changed about who is moving to Spain, and why ✔ The negative press about Spain, and the reality on the ground ✔ The fastest ways into the language and the culture Find Ali and Costa Women Costa Women is a community for women already living in Spain and for women still thinking about it. Local groups, business networking, book clubs, an annual conference and an online space, all of it built by women who have made this exact move. Costa Women: https://costawomen.com/ Costa Women Business Growth: https://costawomen.com/businesses/growth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CostaWomen/ Ali on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alimeehanspain/ And when you are ready to work out where in Spain you actually fit: 📘 Take the Location Quiz: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=quiz or 📞 Book a call with us: https://calendly.com/warner-wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=consult_call Recommended next episode: Fell in Love With the Costa del Sol This Summer and Want to Make the Move? Start Here (Episode #115) Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔ What’s been your favourite episode? ✔ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

You are scrolling Idealista. There is a two bedroom in Benalmadena at 350,000 euro, the terrace looks lovely, there is a bit of a sea view in the background, and you say to yourself, we could actually do this. Here is what nobody tells you while you are sitting there scrolling. The number on the screen is not the number you pay. So what does it actually cost to buy a property in Spain in 2026? Not the listing price, the real number. If you are buying property in Spain, comparing Costa del Sol towns, working out a Spanish mortgage as a non resident, or just scrolling Idealista wondering whether a 350,000 euro apartment in Benalmadena is within reach, this is the honest breakdown from two people who do this every week. In this episode we take you from the listing price to the keys in your hand: what actually gets added on top, what needs to be sitting in your bank before you book a flight, what the same money buys you in different parts of Benalmadena, and whether prices here are going to keep climbing. You’ll hear: ✔ Why the number on the listing is not the number you pay, and exactly what gets added on top ✔ The 10 to 12% broken down: transfer tax, notary, lawyer, and why we always tell you to plan for 12 ✔ The mortgage trap: why you cannot borrow the tax, and the real cash a 300,000 euro purchase needs sitting in your account ✔ What frontline beach in Benalmadena Costa costs per square metre against ten minutes back inland ✔ How to tell whether the listing you are looking at is even still available ✔ Why a property listed with four agencies is worth less, not more ✔ The full timeline from offer to keys: reservation, contrato de arras, notary, and how fast it can really go ✔ Whether prices are going to keep rising, and Warner’s honest answer ✔ The client who still has nightmares about the apartment he did not buy If you take one thing from this episode, take the budget calculator. It is free, it is a spreadsheet with every cost already plugged in for cash buyers and mortgage buyers, and Warner has recorded a short video walking you through how to use it. 👉 Get the FREE Budget Calculator: https://wlcostaproperties.mykajabi.com/offers/eGi7pjBC/checkout 📞 Book a call with us: https://calendly.com/warner-wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=consult_call 📘 Not sure which town suits you yet? Take the Location Quiz: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=quiz Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔ What’s been your favourite episode? ✔ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

Ten years ago this month we packed up our house in Ireland, put two small children in the car and moved to the Costa del So from Ireland. Since then we have helped hundreds of international buyers make the same move and find their dream property from our base in Benalmadena. So if you were here this summer and you had that moment, the one on the last evening where you looked around you and thought, what if we did not have to go home, this episode is for you. You’ll hear: ✔ The exact moment we decided to move from Ireland to Spain ✔ How to tell the difference between holiday blues and the real thing ✔ Where to start, and how to work out which town actually suits the life you are moving into ✔ The questions a good agent should be asking you, and the red flag that means you are with the wrong one ✔ Our experience and advice on finding work here and the mistake we made ourselves in the first year ✔ Rent first or buy first, and why our answer has changed since we did it ✔ Language, community, and the honest truth about fitting in If you take one thing from this episode, take the Location Quiz. It is under 60 seconds and it sends a personalised location profile straight to your inbox. 👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz. It takes 30 seconds, it's free, and we'll send your personal location profile straight over:https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=quiz 📞 Want to talk it through with us? Book one of our complimentary consultation calls: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=consult_call Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you've been loving the podcast, we'd really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔ What's been your favourite episode? ✔ What's the most helpful tip you've learned? ✔ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

With 10 years living in Benalmadena and hundreds of international buyers guided through this exact decision, Sandra and Warner know the Fuengirola vs Benalmadena question better than almost anyone on this patch. In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra walks you through the exact 5 questions we ask every buyer who's torn between Fuengirola and Benalmadena, the two Costa del Sol towns getting the most interest right now. They're 10 minutes apart on the same train line, but they'll give you two very different lives. Answer them honestly and, by the end, you'll know which one is yours. Here's what you'll hear: ✔ Question 1: are you buying a holiday home, or a home for good? ✔ Question 2: do you want to walk everywhere, or drive? ✔ Question 3: who is your property really for? ✔ Question 4: what your budget actually gets you in each town ✔ Question 5: what do you want within a 5 minute walk of your front door? ✔ The expensive mistake we watched one couple almost make and how to dodge it ✔ Why the life outside your four walls matters more than the property itself ✔ Our golden rule we share with all buyers Still not sure which town is right for you? 👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz. It takes 30 seconds, it's free, and we'll send your personal location profile straight over:https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=quiz Want to talk it through with us? 📞 Book one of our complimentary consultation calls: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=consult_call Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you've been loving the podcast, we'd really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔ What's been your favourite episode? ✔ What's the most helpful tip you've learned? ✔ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

Everyone thinks of Benalmádena as a holiday town. We call it home. In this listener-favourite episode - back by popular demand because you keep asking us - Sandra and Warner go behind the scenes of daily life in Benalmádena and explain why they chose it over Marbella and Málaga to be their forever home on the Costa del Sol. From the marina to Arroyo de la Miel to the whitewashed Pueblo, we break down the three sides of the town, a real day in the life, the food scene, and exactly who Benalmádena suits best, from families to part-year investors who want walkability and a 30-minute train from the airport. You’ll hear: Busting the myth that Benalmádena is “just for tourists” The three sides of town: the Marina, Arroyo de la Miel & Benalmádena Pueblo A real day in the life: coffee, school drop, beach walk, client calls Raising a family here: international schools, sport & cultural immersion Where to eat & drink: Sandra's and Warner's favourite spots Why it's underrated: Málaga on your doorstep without Marbella prices The train line, the airport run, and the walkability factor Take the location quiz! Not sure if Benalmádena is right for you? Take our quick FREE location quiz . https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz Enjoyed this one? Share it with someone who's been dreaming about their big move to Spain. Work with WL Costa Properties 📞 Book a complimentary property consultation: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=consult_call 📧 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga — by appointment only. Book here

Ten years ago we sold our house in Ireland, packed up the car with two babies in tow and moved to the Costa del Sol in Spain. Everyone thought we were mad… In this very personal episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner sit down for an honest, behind the scenes look back on ten years of relocating to the Costa del Sol. The fears nobody tells you about, how they actually survived, and what life really looks like a decade on. You'll hear ⬇️ ✔️ Why we left Ireland in 2016 and the moment on the beach we decided to go ✔️ The breaking point: childcare costs, long hours and a little boy whose health was suffering ✔️ How we actually survived financially and why you must know your number before you go ✔️ Why Spain is not cheap if you try to live like you are on holiday every day ✔️ The job hunt nobody believed in and building WL Costa Properties from scratch ✔️ The language struggle nobody warns you about ✔️ How our kids went from not a word of Spanish to dreaming in it ✔️ Why you get to choose your hard Enjoying the podcast? 🎧 Hit follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. It is free, it tells the algorithm to show this to more people just like you, and it is the only thing we ask. Still dreaming about a move one day? 👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz and find out which part of the coast might suit you in 30 seconds. No obligation: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/) Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you've been loving the podcast, we'd really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What's been your favourite episode? ✔️ What's the most helpful tip you've learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review. Work with WL Costa Properties 📘 Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz, find your perfect location: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz 📞 Book a complimentary property consultation: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=consult_call 📧 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena, Malaga by appointment. Click here: https://wlcosta-bookings.netlify.app/ Note: Our story reflects our own experience of relocating in 2016. Everyone's move and personal situation is different, so always do your own research before making a decision.

The Costa del Sol property market has changed in 2026 and almost no other agency on this coast is willing to say it out loud. In this Q2 2026 Market Update episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner sit down for an honest, no-spin breakdown of what has actually happened on the Costa del Sol in the first half of 2026, and the buyer-profile shift every international buyer needs to understand before they take their next step. You'll hear ⬇️ ✔️ The Costa del Sol Q2 2026 market shift agencies are leaving out of their content ✔️ The fundamental buyer-profile change: investors down, relocators up ✔️ Why if you were competing with 10 buyers in 2025, you're now competing with 3 to 5 ✔️ The €1.2 million cash-villa we closed last week and what it tells you about leverage in 2026 ✔️ Why prices are NOT crashing despite the world feeling uncertain ✔️ What the lower transaction volume actually means (and why the average price is up) ✔️ Warner's specific advice for international buyers planning to act on the Costa del Sol in 2026 ✔️ The €100 million Tivoli World investment and Málaga Airport expansion driving Benalmádena demand Ready to speak to a human about your move? 📞 Book one of our complimentary discovery calls with our team. We offer a limited number of slots each month and they fill quickly: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=consult_call Still figuring out which part of the Costa del Sol is right for you? 👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz and find out in 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/ Contact Us 📧 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you've been loving the podcast, we'd really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What's been your favourite episode? ✔️ What's the most helpful tip you've learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra Laurie sits down solo to unpack the single biggest mistake she sees international buyers make on their Costa del Sol buying trip and how to make sure you don't make it yourself. The team at WL Costa Properties have spent 30+ years combined experience walking international buyers through the Costa del Sol coastline. We know exactly where the trip falls apart, what causes the burnout by day three, and what the buyers who get it right do differently. You'll hear ⬇️ Why most buying trips fail before they even begin (and it has nothing to do with the properties) The lifestyle-first framework that flips the entire buying process on its head Why you should NEVER try to see the full 160km Costa del Sol coastline in one trip Sandra's exact 3-location shortlist method and how to choose yours Why hiring a car is non-negotiable How to pace a buying trip like a local, not a tourist The 3 things you MUST do before you book your flights Thinking about your own Costa del Sol buying trip in 2026? 👉Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz This quiz was built for exactly the buyers Sandra describes in this episode. It does the heavy lifting BEFORE your buying trip so you arrive with clarity, not chaos. Ready to take the next step? 📞 Book your free property consultation call: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation 📧 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga. From 1st July, by appointment only. Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you've been loving the podcast, we'd really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: What's been your favourite episode? What's the most helpful tip you've learned? What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner sit down for an honest conversation about what's actually happening in the Costa del Sol property market so far in 2026 and the question every international buyer is asking right now: should I buy now, or should I wait? If you've been sitting on the fence telling yourself "surely the prices are going to drop because of what's happening in the world," this is the episode you need to hear before you make a single decision about buying property in Spain in 2026. You'll hear ⬇️ ✔️ The real data behind 2025 vs 2026 - inquiries, transactions, and price per square metre ✔️ Are prices really crashing or is it all headlines? ✔️ Is there price corrections happening and what are their predictions for 2026 and beyond ✔️ The exact advice we'd give a family member with money to invest in Spain right now ✔️ The shocking data on the one town on the Costa Del Sol that outperformed the rest in data ✔️ The buyer profile shift ✔️ The €100M Tivoli World investment and the Málaga Airport expansion driving Benalmádena prices in 2026 and beyond Thinking about making your own move to Spain? 👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz and find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz We see too many buyers fall down the location rabbit hole. Marbella or Benalmádena? Fuengirola or Estepona? Coast or inland? The quiz cuts through the noise and sends a custom location report straight to your inbox . Ready to take the next step? 📞 Book your free property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties team: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=consult_call 📧 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Recommended Next Episode: Why Benalmádena? The Costa del Sol Town You're Wrong About in 2026 (Episode #108)

In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast , Sandra and Warner sit down for a conversation about the Costa del Sol's most misunderstood town, Benalmádena. If you've ever dismissed Benalmádena as "just a tourist spot" or written it off based on a holiday memory from 10 years ago, this is the episode you need to hear before you buy on the Costa del Sol. Sandra and Warner unpack why so many international buyers initially turn their noses up at Benalmádena and why the buyers who actually take the time to look properly almost always end up buying here. You'll hear ⬇️ ✔️ Why so many buyers dismiss Benalmádena too quickly and what they're missing ✔️ The 4 buyer profiles that ALL fit Benalmádena ✔️ The three completely different vibes inside Benalmadena ✔️ Why the luxury postcodes are quietly attracting €1M+ buyers ✔️ The Dubai / Middle East spillover effect we're seeing on the ground right now ✔️ Why Benalmádena's infrastructure makes it different to every other Costa del Sol town ✔️ Why Sandra feels safe raising her family here and what that tells you about the area Thinking about making your own move to Spain? 👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz and find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz We see too many buyers fall down the location rabbit hole. Marbella or Benalmádena? Fuengirola or Estepona? Coast or inland? The quiz cuts through the noise and sends a custom location report straight to your inbox. Ready to take the next step? 📞 Book your free property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties team: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=consult_call 📧 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Recommended Episode Is Spain the New Safe Haven? | The Real Reason Why Everyone Is Looking at Spain in 2026 (Episode #107) Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you've been loving the podcast, we'd really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What's been your favourite episode? ✔️ What's the most helpful tip you've learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner sit down for an honest conversation about a MAJOR shift they're seeing in buyer behaviour in 2026 and answer the question: Is Spain really a Safe Haven? From US buyers seeking safety and predictability, to UK and Irish families who've simply had enough of rising costs and weak leadership , Sandra and Warner share exactly what they're hearing on the ground, on discovery calls, and during property tours on the Costa del Sol. This is the conversation that's happening behind closed doors. And in this episode, they're saying what others haven’t said out loud. You’ll hear ⬇️ ✔️ The REAL impact of geopolitical uncertainty on the Costa Del Sol ✔️ The shift in buyer type and what it means for you ✔️ What US buyers are really saying (even when they won't say it directly) ✔️ Why UK and Irish buyers are fed up and what's pushing them over the edge ✔️ How Spain's international leadership is attracting a new wave of buyers ✔️ The real cost of living in Spain vs the UK and Ireland ✔️ Why safety, predictability and values-led culture are now the #1 priority Thinking about making your own move to Spain? 👉 Book your property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties Team: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers/ More free resources: 📘 Take the 30 second location quiz to find out which area of the Costa del Sol is right for you: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz 📧 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment

If you're using AI tools like ChatGPT for your property search in Spain, this episode is essential listening before you make any decisions. In this episode, Sandra is joined by AI educator and startup CEO Susanne Drews (Chemp AI), who has lived in Spain for 20 years, to unpack the real risks of relying on AI for your property search on the Costa del Sol. You’ll hear exactly how to use it wisely alongside expert, on-the-ground advice. Whether you're planning to invest, relocate, or buy a second home on the Costa del Sol, this conversation will change how you use AI in your property journey. You'll hear ⬇️ ✔Why ChatGPT is not a search engine and why that matters for property buyers ✔How AI 'hallucinates' property prices and legal information ✔A real case of a Spanish lawyer fined for using AI-invented laws ✔Why buyers are mistrusting real estate experts because of AI answers ✔How to use AI wisely to prepare for your property search ✔Malaga's rise as Europe's next major tech hub and what it means for property Guest Details Connect with Susanne Drews on Instagram: @susanne.ia Thinking about making your own move to Spain? 👉 Book your property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties Team: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers/ More free resources: 📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more): https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap 📩 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Want to simply keep in the loop about life in Spain? If you want honest, expert advice about family life, relocating or property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain. Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What’s been your favorite episode? ✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

In this honest 10-year reflection, Sandra and Warner share the 10 biggest lessons they’ve learned from building a life in Spain over the past decade, including what they would do differently, the mistakes people still make, and the advice they now give their VIP clients before they buy or relocate. This is the real behind the scenes lessons you only learn after years of actually living here. You’ll hear ⬇️ ✔️ The reality of living in Spain vs holidaying here ✔️ The real reason why choosing the right area sometimes matters more than a beautiful property ✔️ What people get wrong about paperwork, bureaucracy and doing it all alone ✔️ The real cost of life in Spain and where people miscalculate ✔️ Why homesickness is normal and how to plan for it ✔️ The truth behind learning Spanish before you move Thinking about making your own move to Spain? 👉 Book your property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties Team: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers/ More free resources: 📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more): https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap 📩 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Want to simply keep in the loop about life in Spain? If you want honest, expert advice about family life, relocating or property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain. Recommended Youtube watch: Discovering Benalmadena: A Hidden Gem on the Costa del Sol | WL Costa Properties https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFFREYnMZSg Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What’s been your favorite episode? ✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review!

If you’re an international buyer looking for a premium villa lifestyle on the Costa del Sol, Marbella isn’t the only option. In this episode, Sandra is joined by Julia Payne, who has lived in La Capellanía, Benalmádena since 2000. Julia shares what makes the area so desirable, how community fees work, what types of homes you’ll find, lifestyle perks and average price tags for homes What you’ll hear ⬇️ ✔️ Why La Capellanía is so desirable ✔️ How community fees work here and what they actually cover ✔️ What homes really look like in La Capellanía (modern “sugar cube” builds vs traditional Andalusian style) ✔️ What €1M+ actually buys in La Capellanía ✔️ How you get peaceful living without feeling isolated Interested in La Capellanía? 👉 Book your property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties Team: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers/ More free resources: 📘 Take the 30 second location quiz to find out which area of the Costa del Sol is right for you: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz 📩 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Want to simply keep in the loop about life in Spain? If you want honest, expert advice about family life, relocating or property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain. Recommended Episode Discovering Benalmadena: A Hidden Gem on the Costa del Sol | WL Costa Properties Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What’s been your favorite episode? ✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

Welcome to the final step of our 3-part Map Your Move to the Costa del Sol series. In this episode, we pull everything together so you can move from dreaming to doing with a clear financial plan and a realistic property strategy. You’ll understand how to get clear on your real budget beyond the purchase price, how to think about cash vs mortgage, and how to shape your buying strategy around your lifestyle, income goals, and comfort with renovations. What you’ll hear ⬇️ ✔️ Why the price you pay for the property is not your real budget ✔️ What to factor in beyond the purchase price: taxes, legal/notary, furniture/setup & buffer ✔️ The first and most important finance question to answer ✔️ How to build a property strategy around lifestyle, income, or investment goals ✔️ How to think about apartment vs townhouse vs villa, and turnkey vs renovation ✔️ Why trusting the right experts matters more than listening to “John in the pub” Free tools and next steps: 👉 Download the Budget Calculator: https://wlcostaproperties.mykajabi.com/offers/eGi7pjBC/checkout 👉 Speak to one of our trusted mortgage advisors: https://wlcostaproperties.net/mortgages/ 👉 Book your property consultation call: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers/ More free resources: 📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more): https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap 📩 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Want to simply keep in the loop about life in Spain? If you want honest, expert advice about family life, relocating or property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain. Related Episode [3 PART SERIES] Map Your Move to The Costa Del Sol Step 2/3: how to choose where to live Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What’s been your favorite episode? ✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

Welcome back to Map Your Move to the Costa del Sol 3 Part Series In Part 2, we get into the less glamorous but absolutely essential side of making your move work: realistic timelines, visa and residency considerations, schools and healthcare. We also unpack the difference between buying a property for investment or future retirement and relocating properly to live in Spain, why working with the right professionals matters, and why Benalmádena keeps standing out. What you’ll hear ⬇️ ✔️Why many buyers start the process 6 months too late ✔️The difference between buying for investment/holiday use and relocating to live in Spain ✔️ Why your timeline, goals and eligibility all need to match ✔️ Why we advise against relying on random Facebook group advice ✔️ What families should think about first when it comes to schools and healthcare ✔️Why Benalmádena keeps coming up for serious relocators Videos mentioned: 👉 Watch our Visa & Residency Tips for UK Buyers video: Ultimate Guide to Moving to Spain After Brexit | Visa & Residency Tips | WL Costa Properties : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnmooFEQXOY 👉 Watch our Schools Life on the Costa del Sol video: School Life on the Costa del Sol: Real Talk on Family, Carpool & Community | WL Costa Properties : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2CA9xBYSl0&t=3s 👉 Watch our Healthcare in Benalmádena / Costa del Sol video: Healthcare in Spain: What Expats Need to Know on the Costa del Sol | WL Costa Properties : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVXC7xsKwHo&t=2s Free resources: 📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more): https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap 📩 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Want to simply keep in the loop about life in Spain? If you want honest, expert advice about family life, relocating or property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain. Related Episode [3 PART SERIES] Map Your Move to The Costa Del Sol Step 1/3: how to choose where to live Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What’s been your favorite episode? ✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

Most people start their Costa del Sol move the wrong way round. They browse listings, fall in love with a town on holiday… and only later realise it doesn’t fit real life. In our brand new series Map Your Move to The Costa Del Sol Part 1, we share the fail-proof process that we use with serious international buyers to get location + mindset clarity before property viewings. What you’ll hear ⬇️ ✔️ The #1 reason relocations don’t work (and how to avoid making this mistake) ✔️ Why your dream needs a process and the right order ✔️ The key location questions (airport, schools, train line, community, lifestyle fit) that will make or break your move ✔️ Why a decision date beats a move date ✔️ The practical method for choosing the right location for you ✔️ Mindset shift: Choosing for YOU not for visiting family If you’re a UK/Irish, US, or international buyer planning a move to the Costa Del Sol, Spain, this crucial step saves you time, stress, and the risk of picking the wrong town. Resources: 📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more): https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap 📩 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Want to simply keep in the loop about life in Spain? If you want honest, expert advice about family life, relocating or property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain. Related Episode #1 A Big Dream: Our Journey To Spain And Our Biggest Piece Of Advice When Buying Property On The Costa Del Sol In 2024 Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What’s been your favorite episode? ✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

In this special Episode 100th of The Costa Property Podcast, we celebrate a major milestone and share what’s coming next for the show. The podcast began as a simple way to help buyers feel calmer and more informed when buying or relocating to the Costa del Sol, cutting through information overload, rumours, and misleading headlines. In this episode, we reflect on what we’ve learned after 100 episodes, why buyers now arrive more prepared after listening, and what we have up our sleeve next for the show! Are we pausing? Are we pivoting? Are we expanding? Press play to hear all revealed! What you’ll hear ⬇️ ✔️Why we started the podcast and what we saw buyers struggling with most ✔️What’s changed after 100 episodes ✔️Why we’re doubling down on YouTube ✔️How we cut through rumours/headlines with insight from the ground for our listeners ✔️What’s coming next for the show in 2026 Resources: 📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more): https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap 📩 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Want to simply keep in the loop about life in Spain? If you want honest, expert advice about family life, relocating or property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain. Related Episode #1 A Big Dream: Our Journey To Spain And Our Biggest Piece Of Advice When Buying Property On The Costa Del Sol In 2024 Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What’s been your favorite episode? ✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

In this episode, Warner sits down with our client Lee, a Costa del Sol homeowner who recently sold his property with WL Costa Properties in El Pinillo (Benalmádena/Torremolinos area) and made a big lifestyle move to El Faro. Lee shares what surprised him most about the process, what mattered when choosing an agent, and the behind-the-scenes details that helped sell his home fast. This episode is an insight into the real reason why over 750 happy sellers have chosen to list their properties exclusively with WL Costa Properties since we opened our doors in 2017. What you’ll hear: Lee’s journey from the UK to Spain in 1997 Why Lee decided to sell his property in El Pinillo What Lee looked for when choosing an agent and why WL Costa was #1 on the list The marketing essentials that actually moved the needle on his property sale Why pricing correctly from day one matters (and what happens when listings are overpriced) How WL Costa Properties ensured his property viewings were serious buyers Lee’s biggest piece of advice for sellers when choosing an agent on the Costa Del Sol 🏠Ready to Sell Your Costa Del Sol Home? Book a complimentary consultation with WL Costa Properties: https://wlcostaproperties.net/sellers/ Resources: 📘 Download our Seller’s Guide with our 7 steps to a successful sale: https://wlcostaproperties.net/sellers-guide/ 📩 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Want to simply keep in the loop about life in Spain? If you want honest, expert advice about family life, relocating or property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain. Related Episode #69 4 Golden Rules for Selling Your Property Successfully on the Costa del Sol Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What’s been your favorite episode? ✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

If you’re thinking about buying a property on the Costa del Sol in 2026 and you’re asking, “Will prices keep going up or should we wait?”, this is the conversation you need to hear. Sandra and Warner of WL Costa Properties answer the big 2026 questions international buyers are asking, and Warner gives his straight answers based on notary data from Benalmádena and 20 years real estate experience on the Costa del Sol. What you’ll learn: Will prices rise again in 2026? Warner explains the actual figures Why “price drops” on Idealista and property portals actually mean for buyers Can you still negotiate a bargain in the current market? The 100% tax headlines & tourist licence predictions for 2026 Why international buyers will continue to flock to the Costa Del Sol in 2026 Why the Costa Del Sol is a safe location for families The “Perfect” vs “potential” property and what that means for buyers Book a complimentary consultation with WL Costa Properties: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=consult_call Resources: 📘 Take the 30 second location quiz to find out which area of the Costa del Sol is right for you: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz 📩 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment Want to simply keep in the loop about life in Spain? If you want honest, expert advice about family life, relocating or property on the Costa del Sol, be sure to Follow us on Instagram or visit WL Costa Properties for insights on life in Spain. Related Episode #94 Q4 2025 Costa del Sol Property Market EXPLAINED [ What 2026 Buyers Need to Know ] Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review and Follow! We know life is busy, but if you’ve been loving the podcast, we’d really appreciate it if you could take just a minute to leave us a review. Tell us: ✔️ What’s been your favorite episode? ✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned? ✔️ What do you want to hear more about? Every review helps us reach more people just like you who are dreaming of a new life in Spain. Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.