When most people picture the Costa del Sol, they picture beach bars, sangria, happy hours and pubs. But what if you’re sober, sober-curious, or you just don’t want your whole social life to revolve around alcohol, can you still move to Spain and enjoy it? In this episode, Sandra talks with Emma and Louise, co-founders of Sober Socials, a growing community on the Costa del Sol for people who want connection, fun and belonging without alcohol. You’ll hear: How Louise went from fully embra...

Ready to buy in Spain without even stepping inside? In this episode, Lynette and Damien share how they found, secured, and fell in love with their dream home in Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol, Spain. From years of visiting the area to building trust with our team, they walk through the exact steps that made a fast, confident purchase possible. In this real-life buying property in Spain story, you’ll see how much of the process actually happens before you view a home: reaching out early, usi...

This week we’re taking a little detour from property into one of the real joys of life in Spain: wine. Sandra is joined by Linda from Winederlust Málaga, a wine and food expert from Manchester with over 20 years’ experience in hospitality, now based in Málaga. Together they bust 10 of the biggest myths about wine, from dark rosé and “breakfast cava” to Sherry, screw caps, natural wines and that mysterious dip in the bottom of the bottle. If you’re thinking about moving to the Costa del Sol, t...

Thinking about selling your property on the Costa del Sol in Spain? 🇪🇸 In this conversation, Warner sits in the hot seat as Sandra asks the Top 10 questions every seller asks us - from how long a sale really takes, to how to price your home, to what documents you need, right through to how to sell without ever stepping on a plane. Because yes, selling in Spain can feel daunting, especially if you’re not here. And that’s exactly why communication, preparation, and working with someone who care...

Exchange rates can shift your Spain property budget by thousands. In this episode, Sandra talks with Carol Schleisman from Currencies Direct about how exchange rate movements impact buyers, including a real case where a buyer’s budget dropped by €20,000 during her trip. You’ll learn the key pitfalls to avoid, how to protect your rate with forward contracts, and why speaking to a currency specialist early prevents last-minute stress. What you’ll learn in this episode How exchange rate mo...

Over 40% of international buyers in Spain choose new builds, but what actually happens once you reserve, pay your deposit, and wait for completion? In this episode, Warner sits down with Viktoria Jancurova, a recent buyer who purchased a new-build apartment in La Cala de Mijas through WL Costa Properties. This is the real story; the shiny parts, the stressful parts, and the moment she opened her door to find water pouring through her kitchen ceiling. If you’re considering a new development on...

Most people will tell you that to truly integrate and feel part of life in Spain, you have to go from zero to a hundred - full immersion, full fluency, straight away. But that often backfires… In this episode, Sandra shares her honest story about moving to Spain with only 10 or 15 sentences of Spanish. You’ll hear how she used to avoid kids’ parties, feel anxious in restaurants, and embarrassed at the doctor’s office and what helped her finally relax and belong. You’ll also hear five pr...

If you’ve been running the numbers for a move to the Costa del Sol, there’s a moment we want you to avoid: you’ve shortlisted homes and then the budget falls apart over a cost you didn’t factor in. It’s small on paper, but big enough to derail the plan. In this episode, we’ll show you how to spot it early, build it into your figures, and keep your search steady. What you’ll learn: Exactly which line items buyers forget and how to position them in your plan.Understand which costs belong ...

Lorraine and her husband William always dreamed of owning a place in the sun. In 2017, they travelled to Benalmádena for the first time and after viewing 20 apartments, they found the one that felt right: a peaceful spot with a small sea view and space for visiting family. For years, their apartment was their getaway from London life. But during the pandemic, unable to travel, they realised just how much Spain meant to them. It was the turning point that led them to retire early, apply for Sp...

Moving to the Costa del Sol and wondering how healthcare really works once you land? Do you need private or public, and how can you qualify? In this episode of the Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner hit the road with Irina from Málaga Expat Consulting to compare Benalmádena’s public and private hospitals and bust the biggest myths expats have about healthcare in Spain. If the Costa Del Sol is on your horizon and healthcare is make-or-break, listen now to get the facts, shortcuts,...

Spain’s property prices have reached their highest levels in 20 years. But what does that really mean for buyers and sellers on the Costa del Sol? In this Q3 Market Update, Sandra and Warner from WL Costa Properties take you behind the scenes of what’s really happening on the ground. They reveal the trends, the shifts, and the insights shaping the current Costa del Sol property market. From the ripple effects of Spain’s new tourist licence laws to record-breaking July sales and the rise of sa...

Málaga Airport is about to receive the biggest investment in its history, a €1.5 billion expansion that will add new terminals, welcome millions more passengers and position Malaga as Spain’s third-busiest international hub. But this isn’t just an infrastructure project. It’s fuel for the Costa del Sol property market and it could be the most significant signal we’ve seen in years for buyers and investors alike. In this episode, Warner and Sandra unpack exactly why now is the time to act and ...

Everyone dreams of moving to Spain - the sunshine, the slower pace, the promise of a better life. But three years after making the leap, does it really feel like home? In this episode, Sandra is joined by Kerry, co-founder of Nerja Coffee Roasters, who shares her honest reflections on life in Spain three and a half years in. From siestas and fiestas to running a business abroad, Kerry reveals the cultural quirks, unexpected challenges, and the joys that make it all worthwhile. This isn’t the ...

How much do I really need each month to live on the Costa del Sol? The truth is, there isn’t a single answer. A single person’s costs look very different to a family of four with children in private school. And more than anything else, your lifestyle choices will determine your budget. In this episode, Sandra breaks down the day-to-day costs of living in Spain - covering both the basics and the extras that often catch people by surprise. From utilities and groceries to schools, he...

Thinking about buying property in Spain? Chances are you’re asking the same questions Warner and Sandra hear every single day from international buyers. In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, they go quick-fire through the 10 most common questions foreign buyers ask about Spain with honest, unfiltered answers you won’t find on Google. They answer questions like: What an NIE number is and why you can’t buy without one.How much of a mortgage foreigners can actually get?Wheth...

If you’re British and dreaming of relocating to Spain, it can feel like Brexit has slammed the door shut. Headlines, forums, and conflicting Facebook comments often paint a picture of impossible red tape and endless paperwork. But the truth is very different. In this episode, Sandra is joined by Melanie Radford from My Lawyer in Spain, one of the country’s most trusted legal experts on relocation. Together they dismantle the myths, walk through the facts, and explain exactly what’s stil...

Buying a property in Spain is exciting, but for many international buyers, the mortgage process feels confusing and overwhelming. In this episode of the Costa Property Podcast, Warner sits down with Peter van Dijk from Mortgage Direct, a leading mortgage broker in Spain, to cut through the noise and explain exactly what you need to know if you’re thinking of financing your dream home on the Costa del Sol. Peter brings decades of experience in European finance and now specialises in helping fo...

Would you hand over half a million euros to a stranger on the street? On the Costa del Sol, that’s exactly what many overseas buyers are doing - trusting unqualified, unregulated agents with life-changing amounts of money. In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner expose why Spain’s property market is sometimes compared to the Wild West - and, more importantly, how to protect yourself if you’re planning to buy. With Warner’s 16+ years of international real estate experi...

Thinking of buying a property in Spain to use as a holiday rental or investment? Recent April 2025 legal changes could affect your plans and you might not even know it yet. In this episode, Sandra sits down with expert property lawyer Patricia Ruiz from My Lawyer in Spain to unpack what every international buyer needs to know before signing on the dotted line. From short-term rental restrictions, tourist licence traps, to community rules- this episode is a must-listen if you're thinking about...

Have you ever wondered, Is this it? Maybe the kids are grown, your career has shifted, or you’ve simply outgrown the version of life you’re living. But what does it really take to start over in midlife... and how do you know where to begin? In this episode, Sandra speaks with coach and expat Emma Thorne Lees, who supports women navigating identity shifts, burnout, and life transitions - whether that means moving to Spain, changing careers, or reclaiming space for yourself. Together, they expl...