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 practical supports that changed everything for her and her family, from choosing schools to getting healthcare in English, handling the paperwork, and finding real community.

You’ll learn:

• Why “full immersion” creates unnecessary pressure
  
  
• How to feel confident in daily life before you’re fluent
  
  
• The five systems that make settling easier: healthcare, schools, gestor, relocation help, and community
  
  
• Why belonging isn’t about grammar, it’s about showing up
  
  

If you’ve ever worried you can’t move because of the language, this episode will make you exhale.

Resources mentioned:

• Watch next: [Schools in Benalmádena – Education Options on the Costa del Sol]
• Book your complimentary consultation call: We’ll walk you through the move step by step!

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 Episodes

• #59 How I Build A C-Level Career without Speaking Spanish
• Watch: Healthcare in Spain: What Expats Need to Know on the Costa del Sol

Enjoying the Podcast? Leave Us a Review!

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Tell us:

✔️ What’s been your favorite episode?

✔️ What’s the most helpful tip you’ve learned?

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Just head over to Apple Podcasts, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

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 in your budget
• Learn how to adjust location, size, or amenities without losing what matters most to you.
• A simple checklist we use with clients so you can move fast when the right home appears.
• How to Negotiate confidently and Spot when a property’s condition or position gives room to negotiate
  
  

Resources mentioned

• Download Our Budget Calculator to get your numbers right: https://wlcostaproperties.mykajabi.com/offers/Cm5XNrEm/checkout
  
  
• Download our Free Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers-guide/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=free_buyers_guide
• Book your complimentary property consultation call: We’ll walk you through the buying process, talk budgets and timelines, and help you identify which area of the Costa del Sol is right for you.

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 Episodes

• #80 What Does It Really Cost to Live on the Costa del Sol? A Breakdown of Monthly Expenses
• #37 The Spanish NIE Number – Why You Need It and How to Get It

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.

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 Spain’s non-lucrative visa, and move full-time to the Costa del Sol.

In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Lorraine shares the real story behind their move, from the paperwork and planning to the friendships, Spanish lessons, and new routines that now fill their days in Benalmadena.

You’ll hear:

• What it’s really like to go from holiday home to full-time life in Spain
• How they navigated the visa process after Brexit
• The importance of language, community and mindset when settling abroad
• Lorraine's biggest piece of wisdom for those considering the big move

Resources

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Keep up to date with our latest video drops!
• Book your complimentary call: We’ll walk you through the buying process, talk budgets and timelines, and help you identify which area of the Costa del Sol is right for you: https://tinyurl.com/4ff8ndn6
• Dowload Our Buyers Guide: https://tinyurl.com/3fxmu94c
• Get on our VIP Day Waitlist: https://tinyurl.com/4pa5maue

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 Episodes

• #78 Brexit, Visas & Red Tape: Is It Still Easy for Brits to Relocate to Spain?
• #37 The Spanish NIE Number – Why You Need It and How to Get It

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.