#78 Brexit, Visas & Red Tape: Is It Still Easy for Brits to Relocate to Spain?
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 rulesHow to time your visa application and property purchaseWho should consider the Digital Nomad Visa, Golden Visa, or Self-Employed Visa and what each actually involvesThe truth about Spanish “red tape”Common mistakes Brits make when applying for a visa alone and how to avoid themHow EU spouses can support non-EU partners to gain residency rightsIf 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 & LinksMy Lawyer in Spain: Book a consultation with Melanie and her teamLooking to buy on the Costa del Sol?Download WL Costa Properties’ free Buyer’s GuideReady 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 SpainRelated 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 YouEnjoying 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.
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#77 How to Get a Mortgage in Spain as a Foreigner: Everything You Need to Know
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 applicationThe cash you really need upfront (including hidden costs and taxes)The difference between fixed, variable, and mixed mortgages in SpainWhy working with an independent mortgage broker can save you time, stress, and moneyCommon mistakes and how to avoid themThis 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+PropertiesLooking to buy on the Costa del Sol?Download WL Costa Properties’ free Buyer’s GuideWant 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 SpainRelated 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 SpainEnjoying 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.
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#76 Exposed: The Wild West of Costa del Sol Real Estate and How to Buy Safely
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 buyersThe red flags to watch for when choosing an agentThe difference between opportunistic agents vs. true professionalsWhy working with an area specialist mattersHow to buy safely and avoid costly mistakes in the processPlanning 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 SpainRelated 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.
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#75 A Spanish Lawyer Explains: What 2025’s New Rental Laws Mean for Buyers
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 upfrontYou will learn:The real differences between short-term and long-term rentals in SpainWhat the April 2025 legislation means for holiday letsWhat to do if your community doesn’t allow tourist licencesThe legal checks every investor should do before buyingWhat to consider if your short-term rental plans get blockedPatricia’s expert advice for buyers who feel uncertain or overwhelmed by recent law changesGuest: Patricia RuizPatricia 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.comPlanning 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 SpainRelated 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 MartínEnjoying 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.
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#74 Is It Too Late to Start Over? Emma Thorne Lees on Finding a New Direction in Midlife
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 RicaWhy midlife often brings a call for reinvention (and how to tune into it)The powerful question to ask before any big life changeThe mindset traps that keep women stuck and how to move through them with self-compassionEmma’s 4-phase coaching process and how the Japanese concept of konenki reframes midlife as a time of renewalWhether 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmabreakthroughcoachFacebook: www.facebook.com/EmmaThorneLeesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmathorneleesBlog 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 SpainRelated 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 ExperienceEnjoying 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.
Welcome to the Costa Property Podcast!Your first step to making your dream home in Spain a reality.We are Warner and Sandra, founders of WL Costa Properties. Eight 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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