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.
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...
Moving overseas for love
Josy Williams // Saturday, 11 February 2017
Perhaps you met someone abroad or you simply fell in love with a place and decided to make it your new home, but relocating with a partner or for a partner can be a tricky life decision to navigate. I...
The first ship that sailed around the world is back!
Josy Williams // Friday, 10 February 2017
The Victoria "was a Spanish carrack and the first ship to successfully circumnavigate the world". The original trip was made in 1519, starting in Seville, and returned three years later to Sanlucar de...
Spain - a great place for expats!
Josy Williams // Wednesday, 08 February 2017
The Independent recently posted an article which detailed the top 17 countries that expats live the happiest lives in. The top 10 includes Costa Rica, Thailand, New Zealand and Spain! Spain is ac...
El Caminito del Rey
Josy Williams // Saturday, 04 February 2017
El Chorro is a haven of beauty and tranquility around an hour and a half north of Málaga, perfectly accessible for those who are looking for apartments for sale in Estepona, and who enjoy climbing an...
Costa del Sol breaks records!
Josy Williams // Friday, 03 February 2017
Last year, the hotels on the Costa del Sol hosted over five million visitors, more than ever before! The number of UK nationals also grew, and it is hoped that 2017 be an even better year for the area...
The brand new beach-side walkway continues to roll out!
Josy Williams // Tuesday, 31 January 2017
For the past few years, a walkway by the beach has been under construction, that is planned to be 22 kilometers long, meaning that the whole length of the coast along Estepona will be connected by an ...
Why do us expats buy properties on the Costa del Sol?
Josy Williams // Monday, 23 January 2017
Buying a property is always a big decision, and buying a property abroad is an even bigger one. So why do so many people decide to leave their home comforts and decide to start hunting for Costa ...
Exchange rate news
Tim Williams // Thursday, 19 January 2017
Following Teresa May's comments on Tuesday, the Pound initially dipped and then recovered yesterday in one of its strongest days since 1998 against a basket of currencies. Against the Euro, t...
Beach culture in Spain
Josy Williams // Wednesday, 18 January 2017
What does a day at the beach mean to you? For many Brits, this can seem like a somewhat futile pursuit, what with the traffic, the unpredictable weather, the faff of loading all items you might possib...
Winter activities on the coast!
Josy Williams // Monday, 16 January 2017
Spain is a classic summer destination, famous for its beaches and general warm-weather activities. However, it is also a wonderful place in the winter, especially if you are in tourist-dense ar...
Stylish, comfortable and ideally placed beachfront development
Josy Williams // Friday, 13 January 2017
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Created from the development of the iconic Cinema House movie theatre in Fuengirola, these stylish, OFF PLAN apartments are located in one of the prime positions i...
Hone your language skills quickly and easily!
Josy Williams // Wednesday, 11 January 2017
If you are looking to buy Marbella real estate, be it for a holiday home, an investment or your new permanent family home, you may be looking to pick up some Spanish language skills to help you along ...
An unexpected upgrade!
Josy Williams // Thursday, 05 January 2017
Imagine... You've just had a wild night out with your friends and you wake up bleary eyed and queasy to a blaring alarm - you're going to miss the flight! You dash to the airport, hours late, discover...
Another successful sale at TSEA!
Villa with large and mature garden overlooking the beautiful and ancient village of Monda in the Sierra Blanca mountains. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScri...
Recently sold!
Spacious villa with guest apartment in a privileged position 100m from the coast. Swimming pool terrace with large covered dining area. This email address is being protected from spambots...
Another one sold! By The Spanish Estate Agent!
Luxury frontline beach penthouse with Moorish influence. Next door to renowned golf club This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. document.get...
Prices from just under €800 per square metre!
BRAND NEW SELECTION OF TOWNHOUSES. Located 5 minutes drive from Estepona's beautiful beaches, marina and town centre. With cream marble flooring, reversible air-conditioning, ensuite bedroom with jacc...
Record year for tourism!
Asset Folio // Wednesday, 12 October 2016
The summer season promises to easily break last year’s record figures for visitors. Costa del Sol tourism authorities calculate that over 6.2 million people chose Costa del Sol resorts for their hol...
Exchange rate flash!
Tim Williams, Finance Director // Tuesday, 06 September 2016
Due to the recent strength of the Pound, the exchange rate just touched (and bounced off) 1.20. This is a psychological level more than anything, and if sustained, will be in the news. ...
Classic Spanish recipes: Pickled olives
Joscelyne Williams // Friday, 02 September 2016
If you have sat in a Spanish bar and ordered drinks, you may have been offered or simply directly brought a little plate of algo para picar (something to nibble on), as is the tradition in Spain – p...
Partly cloudy!
Julie Savill // Thursday, 01 September 2016
Shocking news and images just in from Tony Reddin on the Estepona team. They get clouds down there, too. ...
Sterling on the way back!
Tim Williams, Finance Director // Thursday, 01 September 2016
The exchange rate between the Pound and the Euro has started a post-Brexit vote recovery.This morning the rate is close to 1.19, having recovered from 1.15 in the middle of August.This is due to bette...
TSEA recruitment Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol
TSEA is looking for a select band of professional sales-people who represent the very best in the industry. In return we will supply quality sales leads, pay fair commission (on time, every time), an...
What next for TSEA?
Julie Savill // Wednesday, 31 August 2016
TSEA are looking for commercially minded people to work with throughout the Costas.Experience, passion, and a genuine work ethic and desire to provide a service are not simply marketing words at TSEA....
So much has happened!
Julie Savill // Wednesday, 31 August 2016
It’s hard to believe that The Spanish Estate Agent opened its doors in Estepona just 6 months ago. Part of an established and successful european property group, TSEA has already exceeded its own a...
Low Maintenance Property – Village houses in Estepona
Chloe Williams // Wednesday, 31 August 2016
With so much property for sale on the Costa del Sol, it’s difficult to decide on a specific area, but you should certainly consider Estepona. Estepona is rightly famous for its beautiful old quarte...
Property for sale in Estepona – what's moving now!
Chloe Williams // Wednesday, 31 August 2016
In Estepona these days there is a great choice of property from traditional village houses to modern apartments overlooking the sea and pretty villas in the countryside around the town. It pays to com...
