The Costa Property Podcast

Hosted by Warner and Sandra Laurie - Costa Del Sol, Spain

Business Investing

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117

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

The Costa Property Podcast is your first step to making your dream home in Spain, on the Costa Del Sol a reality! We are Warner and Sandra, founders of WL Costa Properties. Ten years ago, we relocated from Ireland to Benalmádena, chasing our dream of owning a home in the sun and living an outdoor Mediterranean lifestyle with our family. Our business was born from our own relocation journey, inspired by the advice, services, and support we wished had been available to us. Now, through this podcast, we’re here to help you turn your dream into reality. Join us each week as we share expert insights from life in spain, property lawyers, real estate agents, and relocation specialists, alongside practical advice and personal stories (with a dash of mindset along the way!) From navigating Spanish property laws and securing financing to choosing the right location and building your ideal expat lifestyle, we cover it all! Including the highs and lows. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, a retiree, a digital nomad, or a family seeking a new adventure, this podcast will empower you to confidently make your move to the Costa del Sol. Click ‘Follow’ now to start and keep up to date!

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August 18, 2026Episode 11526 min

115: Fell in Love With the Costa del Sol this Summer & Want to Make the Move? [Start here]

Ten years ago this month we packed up our house in Ireland, put two small children in the car and moved to the Costa del So from Ireland. Since then we have helped hundreds of international buyers make the same move and find their dream property from our base in Benalmadena. So if you were here this summer and you had that moment, the one on the last evening where you looked around you and thought, what if we did not have to go home, this episode is for you. You’ll hear: ✔ The exact moment we decided to move from Ireland to Spain ✔ How to tell the difference between holiday blues and the real thing ✔ Where to start, and how to work out which town actually suits the life you are moving into ✔ The questions a good agent should be asking you, and the red flag that means you are with the wrong one ✔ Our experience and advice on finding work here and the mistake we made ourselves in the first year ✔ Rent first or buy first, and why our answer has changed since we did it ✔ Language, community, and the honest truth about fitting in If you take one thing from this episode, take the Location Quiz. It is under 60 seconds and it sends a personalised location profile straight to your inbox. 👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz. It takes 30 seconds, it's free, and we'll send your personal location profile straight over:https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=quiz 📞 Want to talk it through with us? Book one of our complimentary consultation calls: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=consult_call 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.

August 4, 2026Episode 11422 min

114: Fuengirola vs Benalmadena: Where Should You Buy on The Costa del Sol in 2026?

With 10 years living in Benalmadena and hundreds of international buyers guided through this exact decision, Sandra and Warner know the Fuengirola vs Benalmadena question better than almost anyone on this patch. In this episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra walks you through the exact 5 questions we ask every buyer who's torn between Fuengirola and Benalmadena, the two Costa del Sol towns getting the most interest right now. They're 10 minutes apart on the same train line, but they'll give you two very different lives. Answer them honestly and, by the end, you'll know which one is yours. Here's what you'll hear: ✔ Question 1: are you buying a holiday home, or a home for good? ✔ Question 2: do you want to walk everywhere, or drive? ✔ Question 3: who is your property really for? ✔ Question 4: what your budget actually gets you in each town ✔ Question 5: what do you want within a 5 minute walk of your front door? ✔ The expensive mistake we watched one couple almost make and how to dodge it ✔ Why the life outside your four walls matters more than the property itself ✔ Our golden rule we share with all buyers Still not sure which town is right for you? 👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz. It takes 30 seconds, it's free, and we'll send your personal location profile straight over:https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=quiz Want to talk it through with us? 📞 Book one of our complimentary consultation calls: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=consult_call 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.

July 21, 2026Episode 11321 min

113: Why We Chose Benalmádena - The Most Underrated Town on the Costa del Sol [Listener Favourite]

Everyone thinks of Benalmádena as a holiday town. We call it home. In this listener-favourite episode - back by popular demand because you keep asking us - Sandra and Warner go behind the scenes of daily life in Benalmádena and explain why they chose it over Marbella and Málaga to be their forever home on the Costa del Sol. From the marina to Arroyo de la Miel to the whitewashed Pueblo, we break down the three sides of the town, a real day in the life, the food scene, and exactly who Benalmádena suits best, from families to part-year investors who want walkability and a 30-minute train from the airport. You’ll hear: Busting the myth that Benalmádena is “just for tourists” The three sides of town: the Marina, Arroyo de la Miel & Benalmádena Pueblo A real day in the life: coffee, school drop, beach walk, client calls Raising a family here: international schools, sport & cultural immersion Where to eat & drink: Sandra's and Warner's favourite spots Why it's underrated: Málaga on your doorstep without Marbella prices The train line, the airport run, and the walkability factor Take the location quiz! Not sure if Benalmádena is right for you? Take our quick FREE location quiz . https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz Enjoyed this one? Share it with someone who's been dreaming about their big move to Spain. Work with WL Costa Properties 📞 Book a complimentary property consultation: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=consult_call 📧 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, Málaga — by appointment only. Book here

July 7, 2026Episode 11230 min

112: How We Moved from Ireland and Built a Life for Our Family on The Costa del Sol [Our Story 10 Years On]

Ten years ago we sold our house in Ireland, packed up the car with two babies in tow and moved to the Costa del Sol in Spain. Everyone thought we were mad… In this very personal episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner sit down for an honest, behind the scenes look back on ten years of relocating to the Costa del Sol. The fears nobody tells you about, how they actually survived, and what life really looks like a decade on. You'll hear ⬇️ ✔️ Why we left Ireland in 2016 and the moment on the beach we decided to go ✔️ The breaking point: childcare costs, long hours and a little boy whose health was suffering ✔️ How we actually survived financially and why you must know your number before you go ✔️ Why Spain is not cheap if you try to live like you are on holiday every day ✔️ The job hunt nobody believed in and building WL Costa Properties from scratch ✔️ The language struggle nobody warns you about ✔️ How our kids went from not a word of Spanish to dreaming in it ✔️ Why you get to choose your hard Enjoying the podcast? 🎧 Hit follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. It is free, it tells the algorithm to show this to more people just like you, and it is the only thing we ask. Still dreaming about a move one day? 👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz and find out which part of the coast might suit you in 30 seconds. No obligation: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/) 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. Work with WL Costa Properties 📘 Take the FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz, find your perfect location: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=quiz 📞 Book a complimentary property consultation: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=consult_call 📧 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 Call / WhatsApp: +34 602 42 89 28 📍 Visit our office: Avenida Bonanza Local 21, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena, Malaga by appointment. Click here: https://wlcosta-bookings.netlify.app/ Note: Our story reflects our own experience of relocating in 2016. Everyone's move and personal situation is different, so always do your own research before making a decision.

June 23, 2026Episode 11120 min

The Costa del Sol Q2 Market Update 2026: What Other Agencies Aren't Telling You

The Costa del Sol property market has changed in 2026 and almost no other agency on this coast is willing to say it out loud. In this Q2 2026 Market Update episode of The Costa Property Podcast, Sandra and Warner sit down for an honest, no-spin breakdown of what has actually happened on the Costa del Sol in the first half of 2026, and the buyer-profile shift every international buyer needs to understand before they take their next step. You'll hear ⬇️ ✔️ The Costa del Sol Q2 2026 market shift agencies are leaving out of their content ✔️ The fundamental buyer-profile change: investors down, relocators up ✔️ Why if you were competing with 10 buyers in 2025, you're now competing with 3 to 5 ✔️ The €1.2 million cash-villa we closed last week and what it tells you about leverage in 2026 ✔️ Why prices are NOT crashing despite the world feeling uncertain ✔️ What the lower transaction volume actually means (and why the average price is up) ✔️ Warner's specific advice for international buyers planning to act on the Costa del Sol in 2026 ✔️ The €100 million Tivoli World investment and Málaga Airport expansion driving Benalmádena demand Ready to speak to a human about your move? 📞 Book one of our complimentary discovery calls with our team. We offer a limited number of slots each month and they fill quickly: https://calendly.com/wlcostaproperties/property-consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=consult_call Still figuring out which part of the Costa del Sol is right for you? 👉 Take our FREE Costa del Sol Location Quiz and find out in 30 seconds: https://wlcostaproperties-quiz.netlify.app/ Contact Us 📧 Email our team: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 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 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.

June 9, 2026Episode 11015 min

#110 How to Plan a Successful Costa del Sol Buying Trip (Avoid the #1 Mistake That Catches Buyers Out)

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: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 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.

May 26, 2026Episode 10925 min

#109 Is the Costa del Sol Market Crashing in 2026? Buy Now or Wait? The Honest Truth

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: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 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)

May 12, 2026Episode 10818 min

#108 Why Benalmádena? The Costa del Sol Town You're Wrong About in 2026

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: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 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.

April 28, 2026Episode 10717 min

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

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: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 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

April 14, 2026Episode 10622 min

#106 Should you trust AI with your property search in Spain? An AI educator shares the honest truth

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: info@wlcostaproperties.net 📱 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.