NEWS

People often ask me why we’re moving to Spain.

The simple answer is that we fell in love with the Costa del Sol.

But the reality is that our journey started long before we ever reserved a property.

Like many people from Northern Ireland, we’d spent years holidaying in Spain. Every trip left us asking the same question on the flight home:

“What if we didn’t have to leave?”

At first, it was just a dream. Something we talked about occasionally. One day. Maybe when we retired.

But over time, that dream started to feel more achievable.

The more we visited the Costa del Sol, the more we realised it offered something we couldn’t find at home. Not just the sunshine, although that certainly helps, but a different pace of life.

Mornings spent on a terrace. Outdoor dining nearly all year round. World-class golf courses. Beautiful beaches. Mountain views. A healthier, more active lifestyle.

Most importantly, we discovered a community of people who had already made the move and never looked back.

The Search Begins

Once we started seriously considering a move, we spent countless hours researching different areas.

Marbella was beautiful but busy.

Fuengirola had fantastic amenities.

Benalmádena offered great value.

Estepona had incredible charm.

But we kept finding ourselves drawn back to one area in particular: La Cala de Mijas.

La Cala felt different.

It still had the character of a traditional Spanish town while offering everything we needed nearby. Great restaurants, beautiful beaches, golf courses, shops, healthcare, and easy access to Málaga Airport.

Every visit reinforced the feeling that this was where we belonged.

Discovering La Cala Golf

As our search continued, we discovered La Cala Golf.

The setting immediately stood out.

Surrounded by mountains and golf courses, yet only a short drive from the coast, it offered something unique. Peace and privacy without feeling isolated.

The views were spectacular.

The quality of the developments impressed us.

And the lifestyle was exactly what we had been looking for.

Then we found The Meadows.

Finding Our Future Home

The moment we saw The Meadows, we knew it was special.

Modern townhouses.

Stunning views.

Contemporary design.

A location that balanced tranquillity with convenience.

After many discussions, spreadsheets, calculations, and probably far too many conversations about floor plans, we made the decision to reserve our home.

It was both exciting and terrifying.

Anyone who has purchased property abroad will understand the mixture of emotions.

Excitement for what lies ahead.

Nervousness about such a significant decision.

And endless questions about whether you’re doing the right thing.

The Reality of Moving Abroad

Since reserving our property, we’ve learned a huge amount.

NIE numbers.

Spanish banking.

Lawyers.

Residency considerations.

Utilities.

Furniture.

Healthcare.

Tax implications.

The list seems endless at times.

But every step has brought us closer to the life we’re building in Spain.

Why I’m Sharing This Journey

I’m not a traditional estate agent.

I’m someone who is going through the same process many buyers are considering right now.

I’ve spent countless hours researching developments, visiting locations, speaking with lawyers, understanding the buying process, and learning what life on the Costa del Sol is really like.

This website exists because I wanted to document that journey and share what I’ve learned along the way.

If you’re considering buying property on the Costa del Sol, whether as a holiday home, investment, or permanent residence, I hope the information here helps make your own journey a little easier.

And who knows?

Perhaps one day you’ll be sitting on your own terrace in the Spanish sunshine wondering why you didn’t make the move sooner.

Welcome to Costa del Sol With Paul.

The journey is just beginning.