In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra Laurie sits down solo to unpack the single biggest mistake she sees international buyers make on their Costa del Sol buying trip and how to make sure you don't make it yourself.

The team at WL Costa Properties have spent 30+ years combined experience walking international buyers through the Costa del Sol coastline. We know exactly where the trip falls apart, what causes the burnout by day three, and what the buyers who get it right do differently.

You'll hear ⬇️

• Why most buying trips fail before they even begin (and it has nothing to do with the properties)
• The lifestyle-first framework that flips the entire buying process on its head
• Why you should NEVER try to see the full 160km Costa del Sol coastline in one trip
• Sandra's exact 3-location shortlist method and how to choose yours
• Why hiring a car is non-negotiable
• How to pace a buying trip like a local, not a tourist
• The 3 things you MUST do before you book your flights

Thinking about your own Costa del Sol buying trip in 2026?

👉Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

This quiz was built for exactly the buyers Sandra describes in this episode. It does the heavy lifting BEFORE your buying trip so you arrive with clarity, not chaos.

Ready to take the next step?

📞 Book your free property consultation call: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation

📧 Email our team: [email protected]

📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28

📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga. From 1st July, by appointment only.

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 favourite 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.

Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner sit down for an honest conversation about what's actually happening in the Costa del Sol property market so far in 2026 and the question every international buyer is asking right now: should I buy now, or should I wait?

If you've been sitting on the fence telling yourself "surely the prices are going to drop because of what's happening in the world," this is the episode you need to hear before you make a single decision about buying property in Spain in 2026.

You'll hear ⬇️ 

✔️ The real data behind 2025 vs 2026 - inquiries, transactions, and price per square metre 

✔️ Are prices really crashing or is it all headlines?

✔️ Is there price corrections happening and what are their predictions for 2026 and beyond

✔️ The exact advice we'd give a family member with money to invest in Spain right now 

✔️ The shocking data on the one town on the Costa Del Sol that outperformed the rest in data

 ✔️ The buyer profile shift 

✔️ The €100M Tivoli World investment and the Málaga Airport expansion driving Benalmádena prices in 2026 and beyond

Thinking about making your own move to Spain? 

👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz and find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

We see too many buyers fall down the location rabbit hole. Marbella or Benalmádena? Fuengirola or Estepona? Coast or inland? The quiz cuts through the noise and sends a custom location report straight to your inbox.

Ready to take the next step? 

📞 Book your free property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties team: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=consult_call 

📧 Email our team: [email protected] 

📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 

📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment

Recommended Next Episode: Why Benalmádena? The Costa del Sol Town You're Wrong About in 2026 (Episode #108)

Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner sit down for a conversation about the Costa del Sol's most misunderstood town, Benalmádena.

If you've ever dismissed Benalmádena as "just a tourist spot" or written it off based on a holiday memory from 10 years ago, this is the episode you need to hear before you buy on the Costa del Sol.

Sandra and Warner unpack why so many international buyers initially turn their noses up at Benalmádena and why the buyers who actually take the time to look properly almost always end up buying here. 

You'll hear ⬇️

✔️ Why so many buyers dismiss Benalmádena too quickly and what they're missing

✔️ The 4 buyer profiles that ALL fit Benalmádena

✔️ The three completely different vibes inside Benalmadena

✔️ Why the luxury postcodes are quietly attracting €1M+ buyers

✔️ The Dubai / Middle East spillover effect we're seeing on the ground right now

✔️ Why Benalmádena's infrastructure makes it different to every other Costa del Sol town

✔️ Why Sandra feels safe raising her family here and what that tells you about the area

Thinking about making your own move to Spain?

👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz and find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

We see too many buyers fall down the location rabbit hole. Marbella or Benalmádena? Fuengirola or Estepona? Coast or inland? The quiz cuts through the noise and sends a custom location report straight to your inbox.

Ready to take the next step?

📞 Book your free property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties team: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=consult_call

📧 Email our team: [email protected]

📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28

📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment

Recommended Episode

Is Spain the New Safe Haven? | The Real Reason Why Everyone Is Looking at Spain in 2026 (Episode #107)

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 favourite 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.

Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner sit down for an honest conversation about a MAJOR shift they're seeing in buyer behaviour in 2026 and answer the question: Is Spain really a Safe Haven?

From US buyers seeking safety and predictability, to UK and Irish families who've simply had enough of rising costs and weak leadership , Sandra and Warner share exactly what they're hearing on the ground, on discovery calls, and during property tours on the Costa del Sol.

This is the conversation that's happening behind closed doors. 

And in this episode, they're saying what others haven’t said out loud.

You’ll hear ⬇️

✔️ The REAL impact of geopolitical uncertainty on the Costa Del Sol

✔️ The shift in buyer type and what it means for you

✔️ What US buyers are really saying (even when they won't say it directly)

✔️ Why UK and Irish buyers are fed up and what's pushing them over the edge

✔️ How Spain's international leadership is attracting a new wave of buyers

✔️ The real cost of living in Spain vs the UK and Ireland

✔️ Why safety, predictability and values-led culture are now the #1 priority

Thinking about making your own move to Spain?

👉 Book your property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties Team:

https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers/

More free resources:

📘 Take the 30 second location quiz to find out which area of the Costa del Sol is right for you:https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

📧 Email our team: [email protected]

📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28

📍 Visit our office:

 Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga

 Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment

Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

If you're using AI tools like ChatGPT for your property search in Spain, this episode is essential listening before you make any decisions.

In this episode, Sandra is joined by AI educator and startup CEO Susanne Drews (Chemp AI), who has lived in Spain for 20 years, to unpack the real risks of relying on AI for your property search on the Costa del Sol.

You’ll hear exactly how to use it wisely alongside expert, on-the-ground advice.

Whether you're planning to invest, relocate, or buy a second home on the Costa del Sol, this conversation will change how you use AI in your property journey.

You'll hear ⬇️

✔Why ChatGPT is not a search engine and why that matters for property buyers

✔How AI 'hallucinates' property prices and legal information

✔A real case of a Spanish lawyer fined for using AI-invented laws

✔Why buyers are mistrusting real estate experts because of AI answers

✔How to use AI wisely to prepare for your property search

✔Malaga's rise as Europe's next major tech hub and what it means for property

Guest Details

Connect with Susanne Drews on Instagram: @susanne.ia

Thinking about making your own move to Spain?

👉 Book your property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties Team: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers/

More free resources:

📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more):
 https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap

📩 Email our team: [email protected]

📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28

📍 Visit our office:
 Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga
 Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment

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.

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.

Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

In this honest 10-year reflection, Sandra and Warner share the 10 biggest lessons they’ve learned from building a life in Spain over the past decade, including what they would do differently, the mistakes people still make, and the advice they now give their VIP clients before they buy or relocate.

This is the real behind the scenes lessons you only learn after years of actually living here.

You’ll hear ⬇️

✔️ The reality of living in Spain vs holidaying here

✔️ The real reason why choosing the right area sometimes matters more than a beautiful property

✔️ What people get wrong about paperwork, bureaucracy and doing it all alone

✔️ The real cost of life in Spain and where people miscalculate

✔️ Why homesickness is normal and how to plan for it

✔️ The truth behind learning Spanish before you move

Thinking about making your own move to Spain?

👉 Book your property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties Team: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers/

More free resources:

📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more):
 https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap

📩 Email our team: [email protected]

📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28

📍 Visit our office:
 Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga
 Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment

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.

Recommended Youtube watch:

Discovering Benalmadena: A Hidden Gem on the Costa del Sol | WL Costa Properties https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFFREYnMZSg

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!

Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

If you’re an international buyer looking for a premium villa lifestyle on the Costa del Sol, Marbella isn’t the only option.

In this episode, Sandra is joined by Julia Payne, who has lived in La Capellanía, Benalmádena since 2000. Julia shares what makes the area so desirable, how community fees work, what types of homes you’ll find, lifestyle perks and average price tags for homes 

What you’ll hear ⬇️

✔️ Why La Capellanía is so desirable

✔️ How community fees work here and what they actually cover

✔️ What homes really look like in La Capellanía (modern “sugar cube” builds vs traditional Andalusian style)

✔️ What €1M+ actually buys in La Capellanía

✔️ How you get peaceful living without feeling isolated

Interested in La Capellanía?

👉 Book your property consultation call with the WL Costa Properties Team: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers/

More free resources:

📘  Take the 30 second location quiz to find out which area of the Costa del Sol is right for you:https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

📩 Email our team: [email protected]

📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28

📍 Visit our office:
 Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga
 Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment

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.

Recommended Episode

Discovering Benalmadena: A Hidden Gem on the Costa del Sol | WL Costa Properties

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.

Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

Welcome to the final step of our 3-part Map Your Move to the Costa del Sol series.

In this episode, we pull everything together so you can move from dreaming to doing with a clear financial plan and a realistic property strategy. You’ll understand how to get clear on your real budget beyond the purchase price, how to think about cash vs mortgage, and how to shape your buying strategy around your lifestyle, income goals, and comfort with renovations.

What you’ll hear ⬇️

✔️ Why the price you pay for the property is not your real budget
✔️ What to factor in beyond the purchase price: taxes, legal/notary, furniture/setup & buffer
✔️ The first and most important finance question to answer 
✔️ How to build a property strategy around lifestyle, income, or investment goals
✔️ How to think about apartment vs townhouse vs villa, and turnkey vs renovation
✔️ Why trusting the right experts matters more than listening to “John in the pub”

Free tools and next steps:
👉 Download the Budget Calculator:https://wlcostaproperties.mykajabi.com/offers/eGi7pjBC/checkout
👉 Speak to one of our trusted mortgage advisors: https://wlcostaproperties.net/mortgages/
👉 Book your property consultation call: https://wlcostaproperties.net/buyers/

More free resources:

📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more):
 https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap

📩 Email our team: [email protected]

📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28

📍 Visit our office:
 Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga
 Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment

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 Episode

[3 PART SERIES] Map Your Move to The Costa Del Sol Step 2/3: how to choose where to live

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.

Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

Welcome back to Map Your Move to the Costa del Sol 3 Part Series

In Part 2, we get into the less glamorous but absolutely essential side of making your move work: realistic timelines, visa and residency considerations, schools and healthcare.

We also unpack the difference between buying a property for investment or future retirement and relocating properly to live in Spain, why working with the right professionals matters, and why Benalmádena keeps standing out.

What you’ll hear ⬇️

✔️Why many buyers start the process 6 months too late

✔️The difference between buying for investment/holiday use and relocating to live in Spain

✔️ Why your timeline, goals and eligibility all need to match

✔️ Why we advise against relying on random Facebook group advice

✔️ What families should think about first when it comes to schools and healthcare

✔️Why Benalmádena keeps coming up for serious relocators

Videos mentioned:

👉 Watch our Visa & Residency Tips for UK Buyers video: Ultimate Guide to Moving to Spain After Brexit | Visa & Residency Tips | WL Costa Properties: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnmooFEQXOY

👉 Watch our Schools Life on the Costa del Sol video: School Life on the Costa del Sol: Real Talk on Family, Carpool & Community | WL Costa Properties: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2CA9xBYSl0&t=3s

👉 Watch our Healthcare in Benalmádena / Costa del Sol video: Healthcare in Spain: What Expats Need to Know on the Costa del Sol | WL Costa Properties: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVXC7xsKwHo&t=2s

Free resources:

📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more):
 https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap

📩 Email our team: [email protected]

📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28

📍 Visit our office:
 Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga
 Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment

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 Episode

[3 PART SERIES] Map Your Move to The Costa Del Sol Step 1/3: how to choose where to live

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.

Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz

Most people start their Costa del Sol move the wrong way round.

They browse listings, fall in love with a town on holiday… and only later realise it doesn’t fit real life. 

In our brand new series Map Your Move to The Costa Del Sol Part 1, we share the fail-proof process that we use with serious international buyers to get location + mindset clarity before property viewings.

What you’ll hear ⬇️

✔️ The #1 reason relocations don’t work (and how to avoid making this mistake)

✔️ Why your dream needs a process and the right order

✔️ The key location questions (airport, schools, train line, community, lifestyle fit) that will make or break your move

✔️ Why a decision date beats a move date 

✔️ The practical method for choosing the right location for you

✔️ Mindset shift: Choosing for YOU not for visiting family

If you’re a UK/Irish, US, or international buyer planning a move to the Costa Del Sol, Spain, this crucial step saves you time, stress, and the risk of picking the wrong town.

Resources:

📘 Download our Buyer’s Guide (costs, legal checks, timelines & more):
 https://wlcostaproperties.net/our-comprehensive-digital-course/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=buyers_roadmap

📩 Email our team: [email protected]

📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28

📍 Visit our office:
 Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga
 Walk-ins: 10am–2pm | After 2pm by appointment

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 Episode

#1 A Big Dream: Our Journey To Spain And Our Biggest Piece Of Advice When Buying Property On The Costa Del Sol In 2024

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.

Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz: 👉 Find out which part of the Costa del Sol is actually right for you in just 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz