News and views from the Costa del Sol!
Learn about life in southern Spain
Every week we will write about living on the Costa del Sol. You'll find new stories, local and national events, comments, recipes and advice.
Topics will range from schooling your kids in Spain to tips on how to travel to the Costa del Sol, from insights on properties for sale to helpful advice on legal issues. But we also want to share events and culture, to show how wonderful life can be in the area around Estepona, Marbella and Malaga.
Home Green Home!!!
Maggie // Monday, 29 May 2023
Environmental issues seem to be the backdrop to daily life, and homebuyers increasingly look for sustainable features in a home. Renewable energy, top notch insulation, and double or triple ...
Resale Market is Number 1!!!!
Maggie // Sunday, 28 May 2023
Huge demand and lack of new-build supply have led to a shortage of available property on the Costa del Sol. Consequently, resale (pre-owned) homes have stormed to the forefront of property sales. ...
Life of Luxury!!!!
Maggie // Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Costa del Sol and luxury go hand in hand, right? Properties with price tags over €1 million are blooming all over the most desirable parts of the Costa del Sol. From the evergreen Marbella...
Another Top Attraction on the Costa Del Sol!!
Maggie // Monday, 15 May 2023
GOING UNDERGROUND The Cueva de Nerja is a cave located in Maro, a district of the Spanish municipality of Nerja (Málaga). It was discovered on January 12th, 1959 by five local boys who were lookin...
Alcazaba Malaga
Maggie // Friday, 12 May 2023
If history is your thing, this is a gem! This fortress palace, whose name in Arabic means citadel, is one of the historical monuments of the city of Malaga, and a must-visit. Dating from the Muslim...
Top Attractions on the Costa Del Sol!!
Maggie // Wednesday, 10 May 2023
MARBELLA OLD TOWN Say Marbella and what comes to mind? Glamour, fashion, style? All of those things, alongside being a key tourist destination in Europe. These glossy days are a far cry from its orig...
Making a Grand Entrance!!
Maggie // Tuesday, 09 May 2023
What does your front door say about you and your property?Think about ‘first appearances count’, step outside and take an objective look at your property. In addition to general cleaning, add the ...
Successful House Hunting Tips
Maggie // Monday, 08 May 2023
With thousands of lush properties to choose from, how do you even start the search? A wish list would be our recommendation. Consider area, your lifestyle, proximity to international travel hubs...
7 Things to do Before you put your House on the Market!!!
Maggie // Wednesday, 03 May 2023
When you’re selling your home, the first meeting that you have with a real estate agent is often referred to as a listing consultation. During the consultation, your agent will look at your property...
Flights from New York to Malaga!!!
Maggie // Wednesday, 26 April 2023
More and more Americans are now buying property on the Costa Del Sol. If you are heading our way from the US, United Airlines has now made life easier for you by adding three flights a week connecti...
The Real Estate Market is Blooming!
Maggie // Wednesday, 29 March 2023
Spring is the perfect time to do some deep cleaning and annual maintenance around your home. If you have selling on your mind, this is the first step in the process. The spring buying season is in ful...
The Real Estate Market is Blooming!!!
Maggie // Wednesday, 29 March 2023
Spring is the perfect time to do some deep cleaning and annual maintenance around your home. If you have selling on your mind, this is the first step in the process. The spring buying season is in ful...
Biznaga!
Katherine O'Neill // Tuesday, 21 March 2023
No, this is nothing to do with the Big Bang Theory. When you visit Malaga, you’ll probably notice the little bunches of white flowers that are sold in the streets. They are biznagas and they a...
How to adopt the digital nomad life
Maggie Frappola // Friday, 17 March 2023
On the Costa Del Sol on average there are 360,000 registered British residents. Fancy joining them? If you work in the digital sector and location isn’t an issue for you, this is a real opportunity....
What's not to like?
Katherine O`Neill // Monday, 13 March 2023
On a warm evening what’s not to like about a drink overlooking gently bobbing boats after a long lazy day doing not much? Estepona port is a cut above many. Enough to see and do without being...
Why Estepona?
Katherine O`Neill // Monday, 13 March 2023
Estepona, with its beautiful old town and pretty port, is a real success story for the Costa del Sol. The town has really grown rapidly, but maintained its quintessential, traditional, Spanish roots...
Live the digital nomad life
Maggie Frappola // Tuesday, 07 March 2023
In the depths of winter the lure of a life in the warmth of southern Europe might be stronger than ever. Anyone who can work online has the freedom to roam and find a new lifestyle in a more wel...
7 things to do before you put your house on the market
Maggie Frappola // Monday, 27 February 2023
When you’re selling your home, the first meeting that you have with a real estate agent is often referred to as a listing consultation. During the visit, your agent will look at your property and le...
The Andalusian White Villages
Julie Savill // Monday, 06 February 2023
Those who are familiar with the province of Andalucia will most certainly have heard of its iconic white villages. These are villages that sit high in the mountains and stick out from their natural en...
The Best Colors to use when you are trying to Sale Your Home!!!
Maggie Frappola // Wednesday, 01 February 2023
Looking to Sell? The Spanish Estate Agent suggests suggests you think twice before choosing these shades. Colour is wonderful - when you’ve picked it out yourself. But estate agents in general, adv...
Films to take you there...
Julie Savill // Sunday, 01 January 2023
Sit back, relax and soak up some Spanish action Spain is a regular favourite with filmmakers, attracted by the architecture, the rugged inland countryside and, of course, the stunning coast.These are...
To integrate or not? Balancing local and expat culture.
Josy Williams // Monday, 24 October 2022
Congratulations! You’re moving to Spain. You must be very excited! And so you ought to be. You’re about to discover a whole new culture, language, way of doing things and general attitude towards ...
Top Reasons to Move to the Costa del Sol
Julie Savill // Tuesday, 27 September 2022
Ever dreamed of quitting the daily grind and escaping to somewhere with sunshine, golden sand and stunning sea views? You only have to step on the golden beaches and feel the sun on your skin to under...
Ajoblanco - the "white gazpacho"
Katherine O`Neill // Wednesday, 20 July 2022
If you've had your fill of 'regular' gazpacho - cold tomato soup - it's time to try this refreshing alternative made from garlic and almonds. This Andalusian specialty is a summer favourite an...
A day trip to El Chorro
Josy Williams // Wednesday, 13 July 2022
Climbing enthusiasts will be most acquainted with El Chorro, a village in the province of Malaga, around an hour or so north of the eponymous capital city. With world-renowned climbing walls as well a...
A day trip to Ronda
Josy Williams // Monday, 27 June 2022
An hour and a half from the hustle and bustle of city life in the provincial capital of Malaga, Ronda is an architectural gem hidden in the mountains inland. Set between two national parks - Parque Na...
Agents: much more than selling property
Katherine O`Neill // Wednesday, 11 May 2022
The best estate agents in Spain are like gold dust, while the unsavoury ones – which thankfully these days are few and far between – could turn your dream into a nightmare. The bad eggs are usual...
Easy Guide to Buying a Property in Spain
Chloe Williams // Sunday, 09 January 2022
Whether you are looking to buy a large villa with a swimming pool, or a stylish apartment overlooking the beach, once you have found your dream property in Spain, you will need to think about the proc...
Travelling to Spain
Julie Savill // Monday, 10 May 2021
The good news is that travel to Spain is possible right now for the purpose of buying or selling a property. How it works: Go to this website, fill in the form and you’ll receive a QR code that ...
Buying off plan - 6 things you need to know
Julie Savill // Thursday, 27 August 2020
Get in early on a development and there are lots of advantages, from having the pick of the locations to some of the best prices available. Here’s our 8-step quick guide to off-plan. If you want to ...
Spain is back on the move!
Julie Savill // Thursday, 07 May 2020
After several long weeks of lockdown, we are delighted to see the easing of some restrictions. We can now make individual APPOINTMENTS with clients to view properties (making sure we follow the social...
A taste of Andalucia
Julie Savill // Thursday, 07 May 2020
Hang on in there - as restrictions lift it will be possible to visit your favourite part of Spain again. In the meantime, rustle up a typically Spanish dish, pour a glass of sangria and get your...
Bringing Spain to you
Julie Savill // Tuesday, 07 April 2020
Bring a deckchair indoors, grab a nice cold drink, sit back and read! As we can't make it to the beach right now, treat yourself to a little taste of Andalucia in the form of one of these books. ...
Settling happily in Spain
Julie Savill // Wednesday, 08 January 2020
When you are moving to Spain, you need to learn to navigate your new environment – especially as you try and keep in touch with your old life. When you are preparing to move, you'll have any number ...
The heat is off
Julie Savill // Tuesday, 05 November 2019
In the heat of the summer the beach beckons but November is a fine time to explore some of the grand cities of Andalucia. We started close to home with Malaga. The most accessible city in Andalu...
Mind your manners!
Julie Savill // Tuesday, 29 October 2019
It pays to know how a few things work if you want to fit in with local culture. Here are our top tips on getting off on the right foot! Tipping The Spanish are not like the Americans when it comes t...
Naughty but oh so nice!
Julie Savill // Tuesday, 22 October 2019
Missing a little taste of Spain while you wait for your next trip? Rustle up some candied almonds - perfect with a movie on a dull Sunday! Ingredients:- 200 g almonds, toasted with skin - 250 ...
It pays to invest
Julie Savill // Tuesday, 22 October 2019
Need an income from your Spanish property? Buy wisely and there are great returns on offer. We network all the developers offering good investment opportunities for those looking for a ren...
It's still your move
Katherine O'Neill // Tuesday, 03 September 2019
The latest is that the government has been forced to scrap plans for a law that would’ve ended the freedom of movement - a heavily criticised proposal by the home secretary, Priti Patel. The new law...
Fly high in Malaga this weekend!
Katherine O`Neill // Thursday, 11 July 2019
It is the famous Torre Del Mar Airshow this weekend 12th-14th July! Head down to the beach where there will be thousands of spectators and a real festival atmosphere. Great music, great food and bes...
Brexit Update - Healthcare in Spain
Chloe Williams // Friday, 15 March 2019
Brit's access to Healthcare and Pensions in Spain Now Guaranteed until December 2020 Spain recently announced a royal decree to limit the impact of a no-deal Brexit on British expats that own propert...
Holiday from the coast to the slopes
Katherine O`Neill // Friday, 08 February 2019
Agent Shirin Sharifi has been taking a well earned holiday to Sierra Nevada. To be fair, she only has to go a mere 2 hours from home to hit the slopes and have a break from the coast (can you imagine ...
Spanish PM reassures Brits in Spain
Katherine O`Neill // Thursday, 03 January 2019
The Spanish PM, Pedro Sánchez, has recently reassured Britons living in Spain that their rights will remain unchanged even if Britain leaves the EU with no deal. Mr Sanchez aims to have an outline of...
Exclusive golf courses on the Costa del Sol
Katherine O`Neill // Friday, 14 December 2018
The Spanish Estate Agent's Shirin Shirifi is lucky enough to play golf on the exclusive La Zagaleta course. It's still t-shirt weather on the course where she snapped these over the weekend. Golf is...
A view to a purchase
Chloe Williams // Thursday, 13 December 2018
The very first step on your journey to buying property in Spain is putting pen to paper! Start to think about exactly where you want to go and what you're looking for... and if you don't know, start r...
Costa del Sol coastal paths
Julie Savill // Wednesday, 05 December 2018
Once finished, the coastal path along Spain’s eastern Costa’s (the Senda Litoral de Malaga) will join up with other coastal paths to extend from just north of Gibraltar in the south, to Barcelona ...
Sunbeds in November...it must be Spain!
Katherine O`Neill // Monday, 12 November 2018
November 2019, and the staff at the Ducquesa Chirungito (beach bar) between Sotogrande and Estepona set out sun beds in a pleasantly warm 20 degrees.Send us your photos of similar events on a UK beach...
November 5th Spain Style
Katherine O`Neill // Monday, 05 November 2018
The bonfire-shaped piles of driftwood on the beach near Manilva, Costa Del Sol, reminded us of ‘home’...briefly.This is mostly bamboo washed ashore in a recent storm. It’s hard to imagine that i...
Learning the language - we can all do it!
Katherine O`Neill // Wednesday, 24 October 2018
If you are considering moving to Spain, you may have idly wondered how much Spanish you really need to speak to live here and be happy. The answer, of course, is personal and subjective! Some British...
Buy now, Brex-it later
Chloe Williams // Thursday, 18 October 2018
So it’s all still up in the air regarding the final outcome of the Brexit debacle.The point-scoring rumbles on. If you are a potential buyer, reading this, we sincerely hope you will NOT wait for t...
Calling all shopaholics!
It's a fact that shopping on the Costa del Sol (and in Spain in general) can be a cheap treat! Prices compare favourably on the whole with those in the UK and the CdelS has some great malls wher...
Satisfied customers!
John Jenkins // Friday, 28 September 2018
At TSEA we have something for everyone. With a variety of characters all offering sound local knowledge and professionalism, the team at TSEA are well equipped to find your dream on the Costa del Sol...
The perfect time of year
Katherine O`Neill // Friday, 07 September 2018
The towel count is falling on the beaches of the Costa del Sol and that, coupled with an average September daytime temperature of 28°c makes this, for me, the perfect time to visit. This is THE best...
Still time to catch the cycle race!
Katherine O'Neill // Monday, 27 August 2018
The peloton of the Vuelta a España will wind its way across 280 kilometres taking in the Costa del Sol and inland areas during the first four stages of the tourThe 'Vuelta' never forgets Malaga. In f...
8 days and nights of Málaga Fair!
Katherine O'Neill // Wednesday, 08 August 2018
Coming up this weekend! MALAGA FAIR! Not to be missed! Starting this Friday 10th August with a firework display at the port, it is party time for a full 8 days and nights! The fair is a huge event an...
New development news!
We've launched a brand new section on our website where you will find over 200 new developments of apartments, townhouses and villas all along the Costa del Sol from the elegant city centre of Malaga ...
It's festival time today in Estepona!
FERIA DE SAN ISIDRO LABRADORAndalucia is extremely proud of its history and traditions and this is easily seen with various festivities happening throughout the calendar year. On the 15th May Estepona...
Star Wars on the Costa del Sol!
The Legion 501 disembarks in Malaga! The Imperial troops of the 501st Legion arrive on the streets of the centre of Malaga on Saturday, May 5, starting at 5 pm. Departure from Muelle Uno (Pier One), ...
The best-trained team on the Costa del Sol
New regulations are about to come into play regarding how we gather and use our clients' data. We take client security seriously and our whole Spain team sat down this afternoon to take part in an on...
Encouraging currency update
Tim Williams // Monday, 16 April 2018
The exchange rate between the pound and the euro broke through the 1.15 level last week for the first time in nearly a year.Since the end of May 2017, the rate has been remarkably steady around the 1....
A sight worth seeing
'Semana Santa' (Holy Week), is a week-long festival of events. from 25 March to 1st April 2018 Here's what not to miss: Palm SundayThe first parades day. It passes the 'Tribune of the Poo...
Easter treats all round!
So, if you are heading to Spain over this Easter break, what specialities might you expect to eat? Lots of deliciousness awaits but you might want to pack some loose clothes - low-calorie this is not...
Satisfaction from anti-Brexit groups...
Katherine O`Neill // Thursday, 15 March 2018
...Votes for Life Bill goes to committee stage Maglaga. Bremain in Spain has said that it "welcomes the progress made with the second reading of the "Overseas Electors Bill" which aims to give Brits...
Spain on the up!
The Spanish economy grew 3.1% in 2017 thanks to an increase in consumer spending and a higher rate of investment, data released recently by the government has confirmed. The nation GDP figure showed ...
Your Overseas Home: Property Exhibition
Katherine O`Neill // Tuesday, 06 March 2018
Our intrepid team of property consultants descended on the Hammersmith Novotel to represent Affordable France, The Spanish Estate Agent and Beaux Villages Immobilier at the Your Overseas Home Property...
Sold by The Spanish Estate Agent!
Louie Gray // Monday, 05 March 2018
SOLD : Estepona town centre, 3-bed, 2-bath apartment, 185,000€ - step out of your door and onto the beach-front promenadeFor more properties like this, email This email address is being protected fr...
Another sale by The Spanish Estate Agent!
Louie Gray // Monday, 19 February 2018
Imagine waking up in your own 3-bed apartment on Europe's only freshwater lagoon development.For more properties like this, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScri...
It's Carnival Time in Cádiz!
Katherine O`Neill // Wednesday, 07 February 2018
Everyone should experience the weekend madness, when people arrive on Saturday, from all over Andalucia and further afield (mostly by train and bus), dressed up and armed with liquid refreshment, to j...
Sold by The Spanish Estate Agent!
Louie Gray // Monday, 05 February 2018
A lucky golfer has just taken ownership of this brand new apartment on the only links golf course on the Costa del Sol.For more golf development properties, email This email address is being protected...
Brexit: Theresa May to fight EU transition residency plan
The news that the UK prime minister is seeking to make a distinction between the time between now and March 2019 and the so-called ‘transition period’ will not come as any great surprise to follow...
Sun up!
Imagine this as your personal view to complement your morning coffee.This sunrise was snapped at 0815 last week. Winter isn’t so bad!Stop dreaming and book a viewing trip.Picture by Tony Reddin, pro...
Time for a sundowner?
Sunset over Duquesa, Costa del Sol, taken by leading property consultant at The Spanish Estste Agent and long time local resident Tony Reddin.For a list of properties available to buy with a magical s...
Love lentils?
Then the Malaga area has something special in store for you. Although temperatures are not what Brits know as cold, the thermometer has dipped and thought turn from salads to something a bit mor...
Prices rising!
It’s official - Spanish property prices are rising. EU data to the end of September confirms this.There are always regional differences with this type of analysis, however the overall trend is the ...
No rental property left on Costa del Sol - become a landlord!
Chloe Williams // Friday, 17 November 2017
Stock is at an all time low which means that rental properties that do become available are snapped up in an instant. In 2017, the Costa del Sol had its highest number of tourist visitors - ever! Tha...
Where in the Costa del Sol suits you?
Deyanira Eneko // Tuesday, 31 October 2017
What can it be that makes the Costa del Sol so loved by so many visitors and home buyers? Is it the year-round good weather? Well, yes, and much more besides. Many people come here for the fantastic...
Townhouse near 'pueblo blanco' Casares
This beautiful townhouse property was recently sold by The Spanish Estate Agent. It is located just outside the pueblo blanco of Casares, sitting in the hills above the Costa del Sol, but...
Come on in! The water's lovely...
Chloe Williams // Thursday, 12 October 2017
Are you the outdoor type? Is the sea a magnet for you? Come and see us on the Costa del Sol – we’ve got treats in store! With our long stretches of beautiful sandy beaches on the Mediterranean Se...
Wildcard Winner!
Chloe Williams // Monday, 02 October 2017
After a day viewing property in and around sunny Estepona, Tony Reddin called in at the TSEA office at 4pm to collect the keys to view a late addition to the schedule - a 'wildcard' selection by him o...
Oh, I do!!
Are you considering getting married in Spain, or more specifically on the Costa del Sol? Then keep reading... The wedding tourism industry is constantly growing and there are many factors to take int...
A mortgage in Spain?
Tim Williams // Wednesday, 19 July 2017
If you are buying a property in Spain, whether it be a holiday home or a new, permanent residence, you will face many of the same decisions that you face with any other property purchase. One of the ...
Testimonial for John Ashfield
I have just bought an apartment in Estepona using The Spanish Estate Agent and found their care and attention to detail wonderful. They believe in giving a personalised service and the highest standar...
Another TSEA Sale!
How about this view from our client's balcony in their new apartment, near Marbella and the beach. We have more of the same - tempted? ...
Spanish consumer prices among lowest!
If you needed any further persuasion to head to Spain,there's great news about the cost of living. According to the Spain Buying Guide, Eurostat, the EU statistics agency, has reported that Spain’s...
Stretch your legs on the coastal path!
Katherine O`Neill // Monday, 26 June 2017
Estepona town hall has approved plans to develop land near El Cristo beach where there is currently a natural vantage point with a wooden fence. The project includes creating a wider open space in the...
Sold! By The Spanish Estate Agent
Louie Gray // Tuesday, 20 June 2017
Fancy a room with a view? Recent clients are waking up in this new apartment, purchased via The Spanish Estate Agent.Contact us for more amazing properties in the Marbella area. ...
The Tuna Route
Thirza Visser // Monday, 22 May 2017
This month it is all about the Atún Rojo de Almadraba (Red Tuna of Almadraba) in Andalusia. During this month different villages, Barbarate, Zahara de los Atunes, Conil and Tarifa, host a Tuna Route....
The beauty of Malaga!
Thirza Visser // Wednesday, 17 May 2017
Malaga was nominated the the best city to live in Spain in 2014 and in 2016 it was the only Spanish city in the list of the ten European cities with better quality of life. So this is the right city f...
Things you need to know before moving to Spain
Thirza Visser // Monday, 08 May 2017
Are you thinking about moving to Spain? This will mean a lot of changes. Here are some things that are useful to know when you are moving to Spain. First of all, Spain is the most tourist-friendly co...
Experience the adventure in the Costa del Sol
Thirza Visser // Wednesday, 03 May 2017
We share the view that Spain is the most tourist friendly country in the world. The Costa del Sol has a lot to offer, just think of the long coastline with its beautiful beaches, the traditional Andal...
Good news for buyers in the Costa del Sol!
Thirza Visser // Wednesday, 26 April 2017
The increase of the price of the properties is good news for property buyers in the coastal areas in Spain. The market has turned around, with a growth of 6,4% annually, as explained in this article i...
Properties in Marbella or properties in Estepona?
Josy Williams // Thursday, 30 March 2017
On your search for a new home in the south of Spain, it can sometimes be tricky figuring out which area is going to fit you and your family's lifestyle best. A little self-reflection is essential when...
Harnessing Social Media: 8 Ways Facebook Can Help You Start Your New Life On the Costa del Sol
Josy Williams // Thursday, 09 March 2017
Social media is becoming more and more intricately linked with our personal and professional lives, and at The Spanish Estate Agent we are acutely aware of this. If you found us via our Facebook page,...
Good News For Spanish Property Buyers: Spain received more UK visitors in January than the previous year!
Josy Williams // Monday, 06 March 2017
As Spain continues to regain its financial feet after the devastating crisis, the tourist sector is one that has enjoyed growth for the past few years and new figures show that this is also the case i...
How Can I Take My Pet With Me to My New Apartment on the Costa del Sol?
Josy Williams // Tuesday, 28 February 2017
On the long list of things to consider and sort out before your big move abroad may be your precious pup or cute kitten. How can you legally and safely transport your pet? What do you need to arrange ...
Obtain EU Residency Through Buying A Spanish Villa on the Costa del Sol - The Golden Visa
Josy Williams // Saturday, 25 February 2017
Last year's Brexit referendum result brought a lot of uncertainty to the idea of moving assets abroad, and the actual consequences are still being sorted out. We still do not know to what extent this ...
The Benefits of Buying Property on the Costa del Sol: Beauty - it's good for you!
Josy Williams // Thursday, 23 February 2017
One of the top draws for tourists and expats looking for Costa del Sol homes for sale is beauty. Of course the natural beauty of the countryside is the first thing that one thinks of, but the local tr...
Sign Spotted in Puerto Banus
Josy Williams // Tuesday, 21 February 2017
Spotted outside Marbella, near Puerto Banus last week! Beware all irritating husbands, this could be your fate ;) ...
Have You Stopped to Think About Healthcare?
Josy Williams // Friday, 17 February 2017
How is your search for Costa del Sol properties for sale going? Moving to Spain is exciting, fun, scary and overwhelming at times! It can feel like you're forgetting something important, and thankfull...
Spanish timetable: Even the Spaniards think it's a waste of time!
Josy Williams // Tuesday, 14 February 2017
Us expats often bemoan the strange timetable that Spain follows, though one does adapt and come to understand it over time. Starting the day later, taking the afternoon easy and being more active in t...