In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner dive into why Benalmádena is becoming one of the smartest places to buy on the Costa del Sol.

Forget the outdated package holiday reputation… Benalmádena has evolved into a vibrant, year-round destination for families, retirees, and investors alike.

With amazing transport links, a thriving international community, beautiful beaches, walkable streets, and price points to suit every buyer, it’s no wonder more people are discovering its potential.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why Benalmádena offers the best of both worlds for lifestyle and investment
• What you can get for your money - from €250k apartments to €1M luxury homes
• The key differences between areas like Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena Pueblo, Torrequebrada & the Puerto Marina
• How Benalmádena’s accessibility, international schools, safety, and walkability set it apart
• Insider tips on how to pick the right area for you

Whether you're house-hunting, relocating, or simply curious about the Costa del Sol property scene - this episode is packed with real, local insight and expert advice.

Thinking About Relocating to Benalmadena?

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: https://calendly.com/warner-0tu/property-advice?month=2024-06
• Follow us on Instagram for insights into life on the costa del Sol: https:www.instagram.com/wlcostaproperties
• Check out our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpkbiK4jq4tuIqT80bwTz1Q

Related Episodes

• #24 Lessons Learned: How to Integrate into Spanish Life and Culture - Tips From Warner and Sandra’s Expat Journey
• #45 The California of Europe? Why 2025 is the Year to Invest in Costa del Sol Real Estate

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.

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!

What does it really take to move beyond the holiday version of Spain and embrace authentic life on the Costa del Sol?

In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra is joined by Malaga-based food and culture guide Hanni Martini, who shares her raw, real journey from rainy UK life to full immersion in local Spanish living.

From adjusting to Spanish meal times and navigating language learning, to dodging tourist traps and discovering market gems, this conversation is packed with practical tips, honest stories and insider insights into Spanish life beyond the beach.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Hanni’s journey from UK corporate life to full-time Costa living
• Why learning the meal schedule is more important than you think
• The 5-meal Spanish day explained
• Where to find authentic food (and what tourist traps to avoid)
• Must-try dishes and hidden gems
• Tips on language, local markets, and building real community ties

Connect with Hanni:

Instagram: @hannimartiniii

Get her food tips, Malaga insights, and lifestyle stories!

Thinking About Relocating to Spain?

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: https://calendly.com/warner-0tu/property-advice?month=2025-06
• Follow us on Instagram for insights into life on the costa del Sol: www.instagram.com/wlcostaproperties
• Check out our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/bFFREYnMZSg

Related Episodes

• #39 The Ultimate Guide to Christmas on the Costa del Sol: Local Traditions and Celebrations We Love
• #54 The Most Underrated Town on the Costa del Sol? Why We Chose Benalmádena
  
  

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 Q2 market update, Sandra and Warner lift the lid on what’s really happening in the Costa del Sol property market - from the tourist visa impacts and the end of the golden, they share the trends they are seeing on the ground on the Costa DelSol.

If you’re wondering whether 2025 is a good time to buy, or how the market’s shaping up from Benalmádena to Mijas, this one’s for you.

Sandra and Warner draw on their boots-on-the-ground experience and insights from real clients to share the honest truth of what they are seeing right now.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the market hasn’t slowed down (despite the headlines)
• Warner’s honest take on how pricing your property correctly is the difference between selling and sitting
• What’s really happening on the ground with the tourist licence changes - and how it’s impacting buyers and urbanisations
• Who’s actually buying right now on the Costa Del Sol?
• How the tourist licence changes have impacted the market
  
  
  

Thinking About Buying in Spain?

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: https://calendly.com/warner-0tu/property-advice?month=2025-06
• Browse our latest property listings: www.wlcostaproperties.net
• Download your free Costa del Sol Buyer’s Guide: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers-guide/

Related Episodes

• #28 Buying Property in Spain? Essential Terms You Must Know Before Buying
• #54 The Most Underrated Town on the Costa del Sol? Why We Chose Benalmádena
  
  

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 Alex Radford, a dual-qualified UK and Spanish solicitor and one of the go-to legal experts for Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun.

Based on the Costa del Sol, Alex has helped hundreds of international clients safely navigate the Spanish buying process - from NIE numbers to Power of Attorney, bank accounts to legal horror stories.

Together, Warner and Alex break down exactly why hiring the right lawyer is non-negotiable if you want peace of mind and a smooth purchase in Spain and what the process looks like.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why the legal process in Spain is different (and what buyers often misunderstand)
• How Power of Attorney works and how Alex helped a couple buy a property without stepping foot in Spain
• Why it’s crucial to know who’s representing you
• Red flags to watch out for when sourcing a lawyer in Spain
• Why not engaging with legal support could cost you more in the long run

READY TO FIND YOUR DREAM PROPERTY IN SPAIN?

At WL Costa Properties, we work hand-in-hand with trusted legal experts to make sure your experience is safe, simple and honest from start to finish.

Book a no-pressure property consult with Warner: https://calendly.com/warner-0tu/property-advice?month=2025-06

Browse current listings on our website: www.wlcostaproperties.net

Connect with WL Costa Properties on Instagram: www.instagram.com/wlcostaproperties

CONNECT WITH ALEX RADFORD

Founder of My Lawyer in Spain

Solicitor (UK & Spain), Legal Contributor to A Place in the Sun

Website: mylawyerinspain.com

Related Episodes

• #28 Buying Property in Spain? Essential Terms You Must Know Before Buying
• #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.

Thinking of buying a property in Spain - but confused about what really happens next?

You’re not alone.

In this episode, Warner breaks down the full buying process, start to finish.

From making an offer to walking out of the notary with keys in hand, you’ll hear how each step works (clearly and without the jargon)

Whether you're actively searching or just getting serious, this episode is designed to take the guesswork out of buying your Spanish home.

Because It’s not just about finding the dream property - you’ve got to understand how the process works so you can act with confidence when the right one comes along.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why the offer process in Spain works differently than the UK or US
• How much you really need to put down for a reservation
• What happens during the private purchase contract and how it protects you
• What a lawyer does during the buying process (and why it matters)
• How long the process usually takes
• A clear breakdown of additional costs: taxes, legal fees, and more
• Warner’s 3 golden rules for avoiding stress when buying in Spain

READY TO FIND YOUR DREAM PROPERTY IN SPAIN?

Book a no-pressure consult with Warner: https://calendly.com/warner-0tu/property-advice?month=2025-06

Browse current listings on our website: www.wlcostaproperties.net

Connect with WL Costa Properties on Instagram: www.instagram.com/wlcostaproperties

RESOURCE MENTIONED

Download our free Budget Calculator to get a clear view of your total purchase costs - including taxes, fees, and legal extras: https://wlcostaproperties.mykajabi.com/offers/eGi7pjBC/checkout

RELATED EPISODES

• #14 More Than Just A Real Estate Agent: Meet The Man Behind WL Costa Properties
• #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.

Everyone talks about the sunshine, the lifestyle, the dream.

But what no one really warns you about?

The emotional toll and how much pressure relocation can quietly put on your relationship.

According to psychologists, relocation is one of the top five most stressful life events, right up there with divorce and starting a new job.

In this episode, Sandra and Warner open up about what really happened behind the scenes of their move to Spain - from losing their rhythm as a couple, role reversals, and redefining what "success" looked like in their early years abroad.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

• The #1 mistake most couples make when they relocate (and how to avoid it)
• Why you can’t “do it all at once” - and what should come first
• The emotional roles no one prepares you for (especially with kids in the mix)
• The importance of communication during the transition
• How to create “rituals” that reconnect you when everything feels disconnected
• Why this is one of the most important conversations they’ve ever had on the podcast

If you’re dreaming of a life in Spain - especially as a couple or family - this episode is your chance to learn from those who’ve lived through the messy middle… and come out stronger.

READY TO START YOUR NEW LIFE IN SPAIN?

If you’re serious about making the move, connect with us to learn more about life on the Costa Del Sol.

Connect with WL Costa Properties on Instagram: www.instagram.com/wlcostaproperties

Check out the website: www.wlcostaproperties.net

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Want us to cover a specific topic on the podcast?

Drop us a message on Instagram @wlcostaproperties or visit our website www.wlcostaproperties.net to get in touch.

Related Episodes

• #57 From Renting with Toddlers to Selling Dream Villas: How WL Costa Was Born
• #31 Is the Grass Really Greener? Why We Left Ireland for a New 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.

You’ve seen the headlines:

“Spain says tourists go home.”

“Anti-tourism protests erupt.”

“Foreign buyers blamed for housing crisis.”

If you’re planning a move or even thinking about buying a holiday home in Spain or on the Costa Del Sol, we get it - those headlines can feel worrying.

But are they actually true for the Costa del Sol?

In this episode, Sandra and Warner break down what’s really happening on the ground.

From Benalmádena to Marbella, we’re talking local reality - not media spin.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

• The truth behind the “tourists go home” headlines (and why it’s not the full picture for the Costa del Sol)
• What’s actually causing the housing pressures in cities like Barcelona
• Why expats and second-home buyers are not the enemy
• What respectful relocation looks like (and why locals do notice the difference)
• Warners expert advice on why now is still a smart time to buy
• Tips for being a “good guest” in your holiday destination - and why it matters

READY TO START YOUR NEW LIFE IN SPAIN?

If you’re serious about making the move, connect with us to learn more about life on the Costa Del Sol

Connect with WL Costa Properties on Instagram: www.instagram.com/wlcostaproperties

Check out the website: www.wlcostaproperties.net

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Want us to cover a specific topic on the podcast?

Drop us a message on Instagram @wlcostaproperties or visit our website www.wlcostaproperties.net to get in touch.

Related Episodes

• #56 Costa Del Sol Q1 2025 Market Recap: Who’s Buying, What’s Selling & What It Means for You
• #54 The Most Underrated Town on the Costa del Sol? Why We Chose Benalmádena
  
  
  

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 moving to Spain but not sure how to navigate the job market?

We hear this all the time. Job hunting as an expat in Spain can feel like a maze - but it doesn’t have to.

That’s why in this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, we sit down with Serena Faithful, a recruitment expert who’s been helping people find work on the Costa del Sol for nearly two decades.

Serena knows the ins and outs of getting hired in Spain - and she’s sharing everything with us in this episode.

If you’re ready to make the leap to Spanish living, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss - it’s packed with insider tips and insights that you won’t find anywhere else.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The 3 Must-Haves for Your Spanish CV (and the #1 mistake most expats make)
• How to Stand Out to Spanish Recruiters
• The Truth About Job Hunting in Spain If You Don’t Speak Spanish Yet
• The best way to approach LinkedIn networking in Spain
• What not to do when reaching out to recruiters in Spain

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Connect with Serena Faithful on LinkedIn

READY TO START YOUR NEW LIFE IN SPAIN?

If you’re serious about making the move, connect with us to learn more about life on the Costa Del Sol.

👉 WL Costa Properties Website: www.wlcostaproperties.net

👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily insights into life in Spain: www.instagram.com/wlcostaproperties

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

Want us to cover a specific topic on the podcast?

Drop us a message on Instagram or email info@wlcostaproperties.net

RELATED EPISODES:

• #59 How I Built a C-Level Career in Spain Without Fluent Spanish
• #15 From The UK To The Costa Del Sol: Jamie Rose’s Solo Leap to Spain in His Thirties
  
  
  

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.