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

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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.

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, and pitfalls so you can relocate with confidence..

You’ll discover in this episode:

• The truth behind public vs private healthcare and why many expats use both.
• Which is the best option for families vs retirees
• Who actually qualifies & when: EU, non-EU and timelines
• Pre-existing conditions and how that impacts your move.
• From paperwork to doctor: how the process works
• How available is English speaking care?
• Why proximity to hospitals and the Málaga train line matters
• Mistakes to avoid when it comes to healthcare in Spain

Resources

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Keep up to date with our latest video drops!
• Connect with our Guest: Irina of Málaga Expat Consulting (Irina)
• 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.

Want to simply keep in the loop?

• 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

• #53 NIE, TIE, Residency? The Essential Guide to Spanish Paperwork (Without the Confusion)
• #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.

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 what the airport expansion really means for the future of the region.

They discuss:

• How new global flight routes could fuel year-round demand and push prices higher
• Why connectivity, not location, is becoming the new driver of confidence and value
• The coastal hotspots poised for growth from Benalmádena to Fuengirola and Torremolinos
• The costly mistake most buyers make when they decide to “wait until next year” from their decades of experience

Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move to Spain or looking for your next investment, this episode reveals the exact reasons experts are calling 2026 a pivotal year for Costa del Sol real estate.

At WL Costa Properties, we work hand-in-hand with international buyers every day to make your move to Spain feel simple, safe and exciting - not overwhelming.

• Book a free, no-pressure consult with Sandra or Warner

Want to keep in the loop?

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

• #75 A Spanish Lawyer Explains: What 2025’s New Rental Laws Mean for Buyers
• #68 What You Really Get for Your Money in Benalmádena: Prices, Property & Location Deep Dive

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.

On Apple Podcasts, scroll down to ratings and reviews, hit the rating, and drop us a quick review.

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 Instagram version of relocation. It’s the truth behind the sunshine and what it really takes to build a life on the Costa del Sol.

You’ll hear:

• How long it does it really take to feel at home in Spain
  
  
• The 3 day rule” Sandra created to manage visitors without burning out
  
  
• The cultural quirks you only discover by living here
  
  
• The reality of running a business abroad and how Kerry adapted Nerja Coffee Roasters to Spain’s way of life.
  
  
• Why Kerry’s children are now her toughest (and funniest) Spanish teachers.
  
  
• The single piece of advice Kerry says every future mover needs to hear

Connect with Kerry & Nerja Coffee Roasters

🌐 Website: nerjacoffeeroasters.com

📸 Instagram: @nerjacoffeeroasters

▶️ YouTube: @NerjaCoffeeRoasters

Want to keep in the loop?

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

• #52 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Moving Abroad: Overcoming Fear & Finding Community with Florence Reisch
  
  
• #50 Self-Employment, Remote Work & Jobs in Spain – Busting Myths with Ali Meehan

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.

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, healthcare, and eating out, you’ll hear real examples from my own family and clients, and get a clear picture of what to expect when planning your budget.

You’ll learn:

• Utilities and community fees, and why costs can rise in the summer months
• Internet, mobile, and other basic household bills
• Grocery costs for a single person versus a family of four
• The impact of lifestyle choices like eating out or joining hobbies and sports clubs
• Public vs. private school costs
• What a family of four really pays for private and public healthcare
• Additional considerations you might not have thought about!
  
  

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a realistic understanding of what life here actually costs and how to budget with confidence for your move.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Download the free Costa del Sol Buyer’s Guide – Your essential checklist and insights for planning a move with confidence. Get your copy here

Ready to buy and want clear advice?

Book a Property Consultation with WL Costa Properties.

Want to keep in the loop?

If you want honest, expert advice about relocating or buying 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

• #43 Avoid Hidden Costs: Essential Taxes You Need to Know When Buying Property in Spain
• #34 The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Healthcare in Spain: What Every Expat Needs to Know Before Moving

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.

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?
• Whether you should rent before buying or go all in straight away.
• The hidden 10 - 13% costs most buyers forget to budget for.
• How can the 2025 tourist license rules affect your rental income
• And the final question: Does Warner have any regrets about moving to Spain?

This isn’t a surface-level FAQ. It’s straight answers, insider tips, and the kind of local knowledge that can save you time, money, and stress when buying on the Costa del Sol!

Whether you’re searching for a holiday home, planning a relocation, or investing on the Costa del Sol, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take your next step.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Free Budget Calculator – See the true cost of buying in Spain
• Free Buyer’s Guide – Your step-by-step guide to buying in Spain.

Ready to buy and want clear advice?

Book a Property Consultation with WL Costa Properties.

Want to keep in the loop?

If you want honest, expert advice about relocating or buying 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

• #64 From Offer to Keys: Exactly What Happens When You Buy a Property in Spain (Step by Step)
• #68 What You Really Get for Your Money in Benalmádena: Prices, Property & Location Deep Dive

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.