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

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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.

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 still possible for UK citizens in 2025.

From visa options to new legislation, Melanie breaks down what has really changed since Brexit and what you must plan for if Spain is your dream destination.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The real picture in 2025: what’s changed since Brexit (and what hasn’t)
• Step-by-step advice on the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) including timelines, paperwork, and the latest renewal rules
• How to time your visa application and property purchase
• Who should consider the Digital Nomad Visa, Golden Visa, or Self-Employed Visa and what each actually involves
• The truth about Spanish “red tape”
• Common mistakes Brits make when applying for a visa alone and how to avoid them
• How EU spouses can support non-EU partners to gain residency rights

If you’re overwhelmed by bureaucracy, afraid of missing deadlines, or simply confused about which visa is right for you, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a clear way forward.

Resources & Links

My Lawyer in Spain: Book a consultation with Melanie and her team

Looking to buy on the Costa del Sol?

• Download WL Costa Properties’ free Buyer’s Guide
• 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

• #53 NIE, TIE, Residency? The Essential Guide to Spanish Paperwork (Without the Confusion)
• #46 Spain is Scrapping the Golden Visa in 2025 – What This Means for You

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.

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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 foreigners secure mortgages in Spain. Whether you’re planning to invest in a holiday apartment, relocate permanently, or purchase a rental property, this conversation gives you clarity and confidence for your buying journey.

You’ll hear:

• Whether foreigners can get a mortgage in Spain (and what the banks look for)
• Typical loan-to-value ratios for non-residents
• The documents you’ll need for a smooth application
• The cash you really need upfront (including hidden costs and taxes)
• The difference between fixed, variable, and mixed mortgages in Spain
• Why working with an independent mortgage broker can save you time, stress, and money
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

This is a must-listen if you’re planning to buy property in Spain and want to understand your financing options clearly before you start house-hunting.

Learn more about Mortgage Direct and Enquire Today: https://mortgagedirectsl.com/initial-enquiry/?utm_source=WL+Costa+Properties

Looking to buy on the Costa del Sol?

Download WL Costa Properties’ free Buyer’s Guide

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

• #68 What You Really Get for Your Money in Benalmádena: Prices, Property & Location Deep Dive
• #58 Three Things You MUST Do Before You Start Your Property Search 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.

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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 experience in Spain, Dubai, and the UK, you’ll hear:

• Why Spain’s market is largely unregulated and what that means for buyers
• The red flags to watch for when choosing an agent
• The difference between opportunistic agents vs. true professionals
• Why working with an area specialist matters
• How to buy safely and avoid costly mistakes in the process

Planning your move to Spain?

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

• #65 How a Lawyer Protects Your Spanish Property Purchase with Alex Radford
  
  
• #22 3 Common Mistakes When Buying Property in Spain (and How to Avoid Them)

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 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 buying in Benalmádena or anywhere along the Costa del Sol.

You’ll also hear Patricia’s top legal tips for anyone feeling confused about the latest legislation including what to ask, check, and clarify before you buy.

This episode gives you the legal insights most estate agents won’t tell you upfront

You will learn:

• The real differences between short-term and long-term rentals in Spain
  
  
• What the April 2025 legislation means for holiday lets
  
  
• What to do if your community doesn’t allow tourist licences
  
  
• The legal checks every investor should do before buying
  
  
• What to consider if your short-term rental plans get blocked
  
  
• Patricia’s expert advice for buyers who feel uncertain or overwhelmed by recent law changes
  
  

Guest: Patricia Ruiz

Patricia is a respected lawyer with My Lawyer in Spain, working with international clients to navigate the legal side of Spanish property purchases. With deep experience in urban planning, title checks, and usage rights, Patricia helps ensure her clients' plans don’t fall apart post-purchase.

Visit MyLawyerinSpain.com

Planning Your Move to Spain?

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

• #65 How a Lawyer Protects Your Spanish Property Purchase with Alex Radford
  
  
• #55 Buying Property in Spain? Why You Need a Spanish Will – with Lawyer Regina Martín

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.

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 explore what it means to reinvent yourself in midlife.

They explore:

• Emma’s story of burnout and starting over now living in Spain after moves to Australia and Costa Rica
• Why midlife often brings a call for reinvention (and how to tune into it)
• The powerful question to ask before any big life change
• The mindset traps that keep women stuck and how to move through them with self-compassion
• Emma’s 4-phase coaching process and how the Japanese concept of konenki reframes midlife as a time of renewal
  
  

Whether you're thinking of relocating, redefining success, or just asking is this what you really want - this episode is your starting point.

Connect with Emma:

• Website: emmathornelees.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmabreakthroughcoach
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmmaThorneLees
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmathornelees

Blog post mentioned: https://emmathornelees.com/konenki-an-empowered-approach-to-menopause/

Planning your move to Spain?

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

• #11 How To Overcome The Fear Of Moving Abroad With Best Selling Mindset Authors & Ted-X Speakers Donna & Cheryl
• #49 How to Mentally Prepare for Moving to Spain: 5 Key Mindset Shifts That Will Make or Break Your Experience

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.

Buying a property in Spain as a foreigner?

It’s the question we get from nearly every client.

In this episode, Sandra is joined by Elena from Martínez-Echevarria, one of the top-ranked legal firms on the Costa del Sol, to reveal the risks buyers face when they try to navigate Spain’s property system alone.

If you're planning to buy in Spain, especially as a foreigner unfamiliar with Spanish law, language, or property practices - this conversation could save you time, stress, and thousands in legal headaches.

Here’s exactly what is covered:

• Do you legally need a lawyer to buy property in Spain or is it just a recommendation?
• What does a Spanish property lawyer actually do behind the scenes?
• Why are foreign buyers more exposed to hidden risks than locals?
• How a Lawyer supports with the reservation contract
• What’s your #1 piece of advice for someone just starting the buying journey in Spain?

If you want to move forward with clarity, legal protection, and zero nasty surprises - this episode is your starting point.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

– Martínez-Echevarria Legal Firm - full-service property law, immigration & taxation

-Book a property consultation call with WL Costa Properties

Planning your move to Spain?

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

• #65 How a Lawyer Protects Your Spanish Property Purchase with Alex Radford
• #55 Buying Property in Spain? Why You Need a Spanish Will – with Lawyer Regina Martín

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!