- 5 days ago
A Place In The Sun - Season 2026 Episode 3 - Costa Blanca, Spain
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00:00Today I'm in South East Spain, house hunting around the beautiful towns and beaches of southern Costa Blanca.
00:10I'm Jean Johansson and over the last 15 years I've been buying, selling and renovating properties both in the UK and overseas.
00:18Today I'll be using all my knowledge to find the perfect place for Joe and Denzel and this is a classic search with some real highs.
00:27Do I hear gasps of excitement? Wow, definitely.
00:32And lows. Let me know what you think. No.
00:38I slip away to a rather posh end of town. I feel as if we're in an exclusive neighbourhood here, am I right?
00:45Exactly.
00:46But at the end of the day, do I find my house hunters their perfect place in the sun?
00:51I've ticked every box and I haven't got one negative thing to say about it.
00:55Oh, that makes me so happy!
01:00Joe and Denzel love to travel and have holidayed all over the world together since they first met 20 years ago.
01:06Now that Joe's mum has recently moved to Spain, they've decided to follow in her footsteps
01:11and fulfil a long-held dream of buying a holiday home close by where they can enjoy plenty of quality family time.
01:18Joe, originally from Liverpool, lives with husband Denzel in his hometown of Manchester.
01:25They've been together for 20 years and married for 13.
01:29We met, didn't we, at a family party.
01:33Joanne's mum was with my friend's dad when it was his 50th, so we met there.
01:38Joanne chatted me up. The rest is history.
01:42No, Denzel chatted me up.
01:44No, we have this argument. It's definitely you.
01:47And with Joe's mum having been out in Spain for three years now, this holiday-loving couple are keen to get their own place to enjoy family holidays with their two children.
01:57Working with a budget of £110,000.
02:00Running from Alicante City down to Murcia, this part of the Costa Blanca is pretty easy to get to, with Alicante Airport receiving plenty of flights from across the UK all year round.
02:17The array of resorts, urbanisations, coastal towns and, of course, beaches along this stretch are extremely popular with holidaymakers and permanent residents.
02:26Gran Alicante is one that attracts loads of holiday home buyers with great access to the coast.
02:32While stepping a short distance inland, there are also some less well-known options that are growing in popularity.
02:39Like Quesada, with its lively strip of music venues, and Algorfa, a more traditional spot.
02:46The southern Costa Blanca offers great value for money, but in some areas more than others.
02:51In the popular resorts, prices for a three-bedroom house with access to a pool start at over £120,000.
02:58But in less well-known towns, similar properties start at £100,000.
03:03So, if Joe and Denzel are flexible on location, I should be able to find them a bargain.
03:09But before we can get started, I need to gather a little more info.
03:12So, we're meeting on Playa del Carabasi, not far from Gran Alicante, for a chat.
03:18Joe and Denzel, welcome back to the Costa Blanca.
03:22How does it feel to be stood here with this view?
03:25Amazing.
03:26Absolutely beautiful.
03:27You come here quite often, don't you?
03:29We try and get here as often as we can.
03:31Joanne's mum lives here, so, yeah, as much as we possibly can.
03:34She's in retirement heaven.
03:36Oh, lovely.
03:37And I guess that's rubbed off a bit on you too, then, since you've been coming over to visit her.
03:41Definitely.
03:42Yeah.
03:43We want a little bit of what she's got.
03:44I'm following her.
03:45Some of that lifestyle.
03:46Bring it here.
03:47Yeah.
03:48What do you want from this property?
03:49So, we'd like a house, wouldn't we?
03:51Preferably one.
03:52Two, three bedrooms.
03:53Communal pool.
03:54That's really important, isn't it?
03:56Yeah, it's got to have a pool for the kids and communal pools.
03:58Yeah.
03:59Or even space outside, even if it was to eventually build a pool.
04:03Right.
04:04But the outside space is really important to us, isn't it?
04:07Yeah, definitely.
04:08We want outdoor living, don't we?
04:09Yeah, outdoor living and inviting friends and neighbours around, sort of things.
04:14Wine and dine.
04:15Is that your wish list?
04:16Yeah, really, isn't it?
04:17Yeah.
04:18Yeah.
04:19They're the main things, yeah.
04:20Local.
04:21We want a bit of an expat community going on.
04:22Okay.
04:23So, you've got Daniel and Abigail, I'm guessing they're going to be pretty keen to come and
04:27visit mum and dad once you've got a place here.
04:28Yeah.
04:29Abigail's already said she wants to come out of your school holidays, doesn't she?
04:32Definitely.
04:33Nice.
04:34Daniel, he's a bit older, Daniel, he's 23, but he's in the Navy, so whenever he gets
04:39a bit of leave, I'm sure he'll come over, won't he, and spend some time with us.
04:43What a lovely place to come and relax.
04:45You've got it all worked out, you know what you want?
04:47Let's talk money.
04:48You've got £110,000 to spend.
04:49We have.
04:50Any wiggle room on that?
04:51We've got about £3,000 wiggle room, I'd say, yeah.
04:52Okay.
04:53So, not too much, but a little.
04:54Right, okay, you give me a little bit of extra cash.
04:55Know what you're after, we're going to do our best together.
04:56It's going to be fun.
04:57You ready?
04:58Yes, let's do this.
04:59Let's go.
05:00It sounds like plenty of outside space for family and parties is the priority here.
05:18Before heading to our first place, I want to start the tour of local holiday hotspots
05:23with a stop in Santa Pola, a popular coastal town with loads of character and a 16th century
05:29castle.
05:30What do you think?
05:31Very nice, yeah.
05:32A lovely little square.
05:33Isn't it?
05:34Yeah.
05:35When you turn up in a new area, what do you tend to do?
05:37Sit.
05:38We get a nice coffee, bit of a cake and people watch.
05:40Yeah, watch people and give them a story.
05:42Oh, this is a spot to do.
05:43And what's lovely about Santa Pola as well, we've got a bit of history right here on the
05:48square as well.
05:49This is the castle of Santa Pola.
05:50It's got a bit of everything going on, isn't it?
05:52A bit of everything going on, yeah, I like that.
05:54And my first property is about a 30-minute drive from here, so jump in the car, have a day
05:58come on in, follow me.
05:59What do you think of those views?
06:00Beautiful.
06:01Stunning aren't they?
06:02Yeah.
06:03And you can see the properties are nicely kept.
06:04Oh, yeah, I like it already.
06:05I like it.
06:06Yeah, I do.
06:07You mentioned you wanted outside space and I mean, this has got so much potential.
06:08It's...
06:09It's...
06:10It's just the right size isn't it?
06:11It's not too big.
06:12Not too big to maintain.
06:13Not too small.
06:14Okay.
06:15Let's look at the property.
06:16Ta-da!
06:17Two-bedroom.
06:18Two-bedroom.
06:19Two-bedroom.
06:20Two-bedroom.
06:21Two-bedroom.
06:22Two-bedroom.
06:23Two-bedroom.
06:24Two-bedroom.
06:25Yeah.
06:26And you can see the properties are nicely kept.
06:29Oh, yeah, I like it already.
06:30I like it.
06:31Yeah, I do.
06:32You mentioned you wanted outside space and I mean, this has got so much potential.
06:36It's...
06:37It's just the right size, isn't it?
06:39It's not too big.
06:40Not too big.
06:41Not too small.
06:42Let's look at the property.
06:43Ta-da!
06:44Ha-ha!
06:45Two-bedroom.
06:46Two-bathroom townhouse.
06:48Good amount of space inside.
06:50I think you could put your own stamp on it.
06:53There's a real treat because it comes with a roof terrace.
06:55Yeah.
06:56It takes a lot of boxes.
06:57Should we get inside and see it?
06:58Yes, let's do it.
06:59Lead the way, go on.
07:03I'll put that down as a pretty good start and the communal pool should work for all the family.
07:08But of course, there's that front garden area and the roof terrace I mentioned, the perfect spot for soaking in those views.
07:15Inside, an entrance hall leads through the dining and living room to the kitchen at the back with a small utility space.
07:23There's also a shower room down here.
07:26And then upstairs, both bedrooms are similar sized doubles.
07:30And there's a bathroom.
07:32Right, so dining space here.
07:35Living.
07:36Oh, your face.
07:39You've just walked in.
07:41What are you thinking?
07:43It's a bit too small, isn't it?
07:45You have to try and imagine it with some of your stuff in it.
07:48Yeah.
07:49We could make it cosy.
07:50I bet you could.
07:51Yeah.
07:52I think once you've seen a few more properties, you'll compare what size of places you get for your budget.
07:56Why don't I take you upstairs?
07:58There's a great bedroom with a view.
07:59OK.
08:00Yeah, let's go.
08:01Up here.
08:02There's a bathroom just down the hall.
08:06And this bedroom has a great view.
08:09Oh, it does.
08:10That's a nice view, isn't it?
08:12Better than home.
08:13Yeah.
08:14A bit different, isn't it?
08:15Yeah.
08:16Oh, it is a nice...
08:17Seed view.
08:18Can't beat that.
08:19It needs a little bit of work, doesn't it?
08:20It needs a little bit of tweaking.
08:21Yeah, there's nothing wrong with the size.
08:22No pressure, no.
08:23Size, but it's OK.
08:24The roof terrace.
08:25I could see you getting excited about that.
08:27Shall we head up?
08:28Definitely.
08:29After you.
08:32Step into the sun.
08:36How's this for a roof terrace, Denzil?
08:38Yes.
08:39Lovely.
08:40And then four lanes view as well.
08:41Wow.
08:42I mean, to be that close to the sea is just gorgeous, I think.
08:46Think about how many times you're going to be sat in your front room.
08:49I know.
08:50I'll leave that thought with you.
08:51Head off, look round the property, just the two of you, chat amongst yourselves, then
08:55come back and report everything to me.
08:57OK?
08:58OK.
09:01Oh, I really hope this property grows on them because it's a great location and these
09:06views are stunning.
09:09See?
09:10Now this is a good size, isn't it, for a second bedroom?
09:12For the kids and stuff like that, yeah.
09:14You could get a double bed as well if you wanted to, I suppose, couldn't you?
09:17Yeah, it's a good size.
09:18Yeah.
09:19Oh.
09:20Too small.
09:21It's very small, isn't it?
09:23There's no workspace.
09:24We could do something with it, but that's the thing with the house being so close to
09:29our budget.
09:30This townhouse in Grand Ilecant has two bedrooms and a price tag just within Wiggle Room of
09:37a little over £112,500.
09:40Well, how did that go?
09:41Yeah, it's good.
09:42Yeah?
09:43Yeah, it's good.
09:44Yeah?
09:45Yeah.
09:46What did you like about it?
09:47I love the view, I love the outdoor space that we've got here and up on the top of the
09:51roof.
09:52You did mention when we chatted on the beach that outside space was important to you, so
09:55I think you've got some great outside spaces with this one, so I'm glad you like that.
09:59The inside, I feel like it's just a little bit too small and I think if it wasn't at the
10:04top of our budget, we'd have a bit of money to do things.
10:09Do you stop on it?
10:10It's a little bit too much to do.
10:12Do I have a contender or...?
10:14I think...
10:15With these views, it's definitely a contender.
10:16Yeah.
10:17Well, that's a contender.
10:18I'm glad you said that because you should consider how much space you are really going
10:22to need inside for a holiday home and I think you'll work that out over the search,
10:25so that's fine.
10:26This is at the top end of your budget, so moving on, how about I show you something
10:30that would give you a little bit to spend should you need to spruce it up a bit.
10:33Yeah.
10:34Is that good?
10:35Yeah, definitely, yeah.
10:36And a property with a little bit more space.
10:38Yeah.
10:39Preferably.
10:40Ready?
10:41Let's go.
10:42Let's go.
10:43While that's down as a contender, something's telling me I can definitely do better.
10:47We're heading south for our next option to another town, a short drive in from the coast.
10:52But first, they said they both love the beach, so let's head there.
10:56Now we had those lovely mountainous views at the previous property, so I wanted to bring
11:00you to the beach and this is one of my favourites.
11:03This is Gwadimar Beach.
11:04What do you think of it?
11:05That is gorgeous, isn't it?
11:06Yeah, it's beautiful, isn't it?
11:07It's definitely very long for a nice walk and all.
11:10Nice and big, yeah?
11:11This is seven miles long, a great promenade.
11:13And what about the water itself?
11:15Do you like to get in?
11:16A jet ski, paddle board, that kind of thing?
11:18Not me.
11:19You do, don't you?
11:20I do definitely like to paddle board and jet ski.
11:22And Joe, while he's in the water being action man, what do you like to do at the beach?
11:25Oh, I just like to, you know, lie down, sunbathe, cocktail.
11:29Read me books, yeah.
11:31I do like reading.
11:32Well, this is the perfect set up for you right here.
11:35And my next property is about a 15 minute drive from here.
11:38You're big fans of Quesada?
11:39We are.
11:40Yes, we are.
11:41Let's do it.
11:42Let's go.
11:43Coming up, if Joe and Denzel want something a little lower in budget with more room inside,
11:49I'm hoping they're going to love this two bedroom townhouse
11:52that comes with this lovely pool right on their doorstep.
12:02Today I'm in South East Spain helping Joe and Denzel find their dream holiday home
12:05around the beautiful towns and beaches of the southern Costa Blanca.
12:09I got off to a good start, they loved the views at my first property, but they were 50-50.
12:16As this townhouse in Gran Alicante was a bit too small for them inside
12:20and as it's listed just within their maximum £113,000 budget,
12:25they'd have very little left over to make any changes.
12:28So the search continues.
12:32Our next place is in Ciudad Quesada, an area very popular with expats.
12:37Like Joe's mum who moved here three years ago.
12:40Three bed properties here generally sell for a few grand over our budget,
12:44so I've opted for what I think is a pretty special two bed.
12:49So you familiar with this neighbourhood?
12:51Yeah.
12:52Yeah.
12:53We are in Quesada.
12:54How far is mum from here do you think?
12:56She's about a 20 minute walk isn't she?
12:59Yeah, say something like that.
13:0020 minute.
13:01Look across the road there.
13:02Yeah.
13:03I've got a two bedroom townhouse for you.
13:05It's got a bathroom and a WC.
13:07Nice outside space.
13:09What do you think of the kerb appeal?
13:11It's quite cute actually isn't it?
13:12It is, yeah.
13:13Yeah.
13:14It is cute.
13:15There's a nice little area for you to sit out the front and then out the back.
13:18Well I think I'm going to keep that.
13:19For the surprise.
13:20A wee surprise.
13:21This property is on the market for just under £112,000 but the agent tells me it's a bit negotiable.
13:28But it's OK.
13:29I think there's a greater feeling of space when you walk into this one but I can't wait to hear what you think of it.
13:35OK.
13:36Shall we get him?
13:37Let's go.
13:40Similar to our last property, this one has a nice front garden but with a raised seating area this time.
13:46There's also a roof terrace and then out back with direct access from the property is the communal pool.
13:53Inside there's a living room that leads to an eat-in kitchen.
13:57There's also a toilet on the ground floor and then upstairs the main bedroom has a small balcony.
14:04While the second has a similar set up with access to the roof terrace that has a storage room.
14:10There's also a bathroom.
14:12How's this layout for you Joe?
14:14A lot better.
14:15Oh, good.
14:17Yeah.
14:18I like the layout.
14:19It's more streamlined, isn't it?
14:21Yeah.
14:22All goes into one, doesn't it?
14:23It flows.
14:24It flows.
14:25And what about the kitchen?
14:26Just so much better that, isn't it?
14:28Yeah, a lot better than the other one.
14:29It's much more work space for me to cook on, so definitely.
14:33And we could come in and just start using them.
14:35Straight away.
14:36It's not something that you'd need to do straight away.
14:38Great.
14:39I'm glad that kitchen works for you.
14:41You can see that door at the back there.
14:43We can.
14:44Let's have a look what's on the other side.
14:45Ooh.
14:50Do I hear gasps of excitement?
14:52Wow.
14:53Yeah, definitely.
14:54It is wow.
14:55To come out of your back door and have this.
14:58It's amazing.
14:59Oh, my God.
15:00I show a lot of properties in Quesada and it is very rare to be this close to the pool.
15:06It is a communal pool, which is shared, but I reckon you'd have times like now where there's no one else there and you just have it to yourself.
15:12It feels like a private pool.
15:13Yeah.
15:14It does take a lot of boxes.
15:15It really does.
15:16Yeah.
15:17I love to hear that.
15:18Love to hear it.
15:19Ticking all the boxes so far.
15:20Let's try and get another box ticked.
15:22I'll take you up to one of the bedrooms.
15:24Brilliant.
15:25Thanks.
15:26Come and see this.
15:30Oh, what?
15:31Wow.
15:32It's a lovely view to wake up to sat in bed with a cup of tea.
15:37Yeah.
15:38Yeah.
15:39Definitely.
15:40I could see myself doing that.
15:41It's quite a good size as well.
15:42A good size room, yeah.
15:43Good wardrobe space as well, so.
15:45Yeah.
15:46So, at this point, go and check out the second bedroom.
15:49Go and have a look at the roof terrace and then I'll see what you think of this one.
15:54Amazing.
15:55Yeah?
15:57Cheers.
15:58Let's go.
15:59This is great.
16:00Let's see the lakes out there.
16:01Pull out the back.
16:02I think I might have another contender.
16:06Wow.
16:07That's a nice, decent size room.
16:08Oh, this is a good room too.
16:09Yeah.
16:10Decent size room for the kids.
16:12Plenty of wardrobe space.
16:13Yeah.
16:14Yeah.
16:15Yeah, of course.
16:16This is good too, yeah.
16:23Storage room.
16:24Yeah.
16:25Lots of room in there.
16:26This is nice, isn't it?
16:27All the kids in there.
16:28It's a nice view as well, isn't it?
16:29Perfect size room, isn't it?
16:30Yeah.
16:31Table and chairs on there.
16:32Could dine and dine.
16:33Yeah.
16:34This more spacious townhouse with two bedrooms is on the market for just under £112,000.
16:40Let's get straight to it.
16:42Is this property a contender?
16:43Definitely.
16:44It is, yeah?
16:45Yeah.
16:46I thought it might be because, Jo, you seem as if you love it.
16:48Oh, I am.
16:49It takes every box for me.
16:50It's absolutely perfect and the pool's just the complete winner.
16:53It's a nice treat, yeah.
16:54Yeah.
16:55Great news.
16:56I've got this as a contender.
16:57Do I have two previous properties still in the running?
17:00I'm more leaning to this property.
17:02Yeah.
17:03Who's property?
17:04So...
17:05Property number one's, I think, gonna for me.
17:06Is it?
17:07I still don't mind, but I prefer this one if I'm gonna be on it.
17:11It's gonna be tricky for me to improve on this with the next property.
17:15What would you like to see?
17:16Can I improve on it?
17:17I mean, these are like a townhouse, maybe a semi-detached or something like that.
17:21Oh, jeez, you two don't ask for that, Jane.
17:23No.
17:24Right, okay, I hear you.
17:25I'll keep you on your toes.
17:26You're keeping me on my toes, all right.
17:28I'll see what I can do.
17:31On to the next, come on.
17:32Let's go.
17:33Well, things are starting to heat up, but I actually feel it might be time to throw
17:39a bit of a spanner in the works here with my next place in a very different kind of location.
17:44But first, it's time to meet up with someone who, like Jo's mum, is already living the dream.
17:50Hiya, Steve.
17:51Hello.
17:52Good to see you.
17:53Are you okay?
17:54It's Denzil and Jo.
17:55I thought it'd be great for them to meet you, because, Steve, you've been here about
17:58seven years, haven't you?
17:59Just short of seven years now, yeah, permanently.
18:01Yeah.
18:02How's that going?
18:03That is lovely.
18:04We're living the dream.
18:05Yeah, you're looking very healthy and happy there, I must say.
18:07And you live in Quesada, Steve, so does Jo's mum.
18:10Really?
18:11Oh, no.
18:12I bet you know her.
18:13You've got to know her, Brenda.
18:14John and Brenda know them very well.
18:16Very well.
18:17And your auntie and uncle, Keith and Marie.
18:19Yeah.
18:20Small world, isn't it?
18:22They're characters.
18:23It's brilliant.
18:24I mean, wherever you go, you bump into somebody who you know.
18:27We all get on together.
18:28It's good.
18:29It's a really, really nice place to live.
18:31I love that.
18:32Oh, yeah.
18:33Right, you two, you've got another property to see.
18:34We'll see you around, Steve.
18:35Maybe come for a drink.
18:36See you later.
18:38Aw, imagine that he knows your mum.
18:40I know.
18:41Coming up, could my next property, this two-bedroom detached house with loads of outside space, be just what Jo and Denzel are looking for?
18:48Today, I'm on the southern Costa Blanca in Southeast Spain, helping Jo and Denzel find the perfect holiday home.
19:01And they loved my two-bedroom in Quesada.
19:03It's close to Jo's mum and there's a swimming pool right at the back door.
19:08And it's also on the market just within their maximum budget of £113,000.
19:14Jo and Denzel could imagine plenty of family holidays there with their two children in an area they've got to know pretty well since Jo's mum moved out here three years ago.
19:24So, with that contender secured, I'm going to try somewhere in a very different location.
19:30Algorfa, a more traditional village on an urbanisation situated a 20-minute drive from the coast and ten from Quesada.
19:38While average property prices here are similar, you tend to get a bit more space for your money, something I think will suit Jo and Denzel.
19:47So, we're in a good location here. Two-bedroom. What do you think of that outside space?
19:53So much better. All good. A lot more space than the previous one.
19:57There's also potential for a third bedroom here.
19:59Also a bit more space. We've came a bit inland, so you're getting a bit more for your money because this property's on the market for just over £105,000.
20:07OK. And it's negotiable. Oh, even better.
20:11I think you like a glow up, Jo. I'm going to be honest with you, this property's going to need it, but you'll have the money within budget to do that.
20:18OK, that sounds good. I like the look of it so far.
20:20Good. Right. Let's get yous in. Come on.
20:22Let's go.
20:24That's a promising start, and it's good to hear they're up for giving this one a polish.
20:30There's a communal pool that's currently being upgraded.
20:34The private outside space wraps around the property with room for socialising front and back, as well as a roof terrace.
20:43Inside the living room is at the front and leads to the kitchen at the back.
20:49Upstairs are the two bedrooms, as well as a storage space that was once a balcony that could become that third bedroom on their wish list.
20:58And finally, there's a bathroom.
21:03Now, there's a lot of furniture in here, Jo. Don't panic.
21:06Just imagine it without all of this stuff.
21:09I can try and see past all that.
21:11You just need to get your own furniture in here, open it up, paint walls.
21:14You'd be amazed what you can do with even lighter tiles, brightening everything up.
21:19I can see this isn't blowing you away, Joanne, but should we head up and have a look at one of the bedrooms?
21:23See what you think?
21:24Yeah, definitely.
21:25Let's go.
21:27Let me know what you think.
21:32No.
21:34There's no balcony.
21:35Yeah.
21:36No view.
21:37There's no views.
21:38You're not feeling this?
21:39No, it's just...
21:40Can't see past it.
21:41I'm trying.
21:42Right.
21:44I will try and carry on trying, but...
21:46Yeah.
21:47I'm glad that you're going to carry on trying.
21:48Mm-hm.
21:49I'm going to let you two do that on your own.
21:50Nip upstairs.
21:51See the roof terrace.
21:52OK.
21:53Check out that potential third bedroom.
21:55Then come and meet me and tell me what you think.
21:58OK?
21:59Yes.
22:00Keep an open mind, Jo.
22:01I will, I will.
22:02Off you go.
22:06That is so frustrating that Jo can't see you past the clutter because this is a great property for them and the whole family.
22:12It's in.
22:13It's a nice side balcony, but still not the side of views, is it?
22:19Just...
22:20No.
22:21It's just overlocked, isn't it?
22:23Yeah.
22:24It's a bit like home, isn't it?
22:25Yeah, we've got someone there.
22:26Someone at the front, someone at the back, someone at the side.
22:28It's just...
22:29I feel like I'm in a bit of a goldfish bowl.
22:32This semi-detached house in need of a little TLC has two bedrooms, potential for a third and below-budget price tag of just over £105,000.
22:45What's the verdict?
22:47Not for us, no.
22:49So, no.
22:50Oh.
22:51The outdoor space is good, isn't it?
22:53Yeah, it is.
22:54It just needs so much money putting into it.
22:57And...
22:58Well, you have got that money.
22:59Yeah.
23:00The main one, isn't it, we feel too overlooked from every single area.
23:06Okay.
23:07Front, back, side, roof.
23:09We're just too overlooked.
23:10If that's how it makes you feel, then this property's not for you.
23:14Well, listen, I've got a bit of a wild card.
23:16Ooh.
23:17Ooh!
23:18That's the response I wanted.
23:20It's a bit of a wild card.
23:21It's in a good area where you get more for your money and it's on for a good price.
23:25Okay.
23:26Shall we move on to that one?
23:27Yeah.
23:28Definitely.
23:29Let's do a stop off on the way.
23:30Come on.
23:31Hmm.
23:32I clearly took the wrong fork in the road with that one.
23:38To get back on track, we're heading to another more traditional location where, like I said,
23:43you get more for your money.
23:45But first, I think it's time to reset and soak in a little of the region's wonderful countryside,
23:50with a stop at the starting point for one of its many hiking trails.
23:55You two have been talking about views when we've been in our properties.
23:59How's this for a view?
24:00There's some view.
24:01See, for miles.
24:03This region of Spain has so many surprises.
24:06You know, you often think of the Costa Blanca just being beaches, but look at this.
24:10Yeah.
24:11We like to go for walks and stuff with the dog and stuff like that.
24:13It'd be somewhere nice to come wintertime and stuff like that maybe.
24:16Yeah.
24:17And it's a bit cooler, because obviously, imagine walking in August around here, but yeah.
24:21Yeah.
24:22Choose your time of view correctly, get your hiking boots on, and you can just take in the
24:25beautiful Albaterra Mountains in the background and really plan a nice hike.
24:30Definitely different from the beach, but beautiful.
24:33Oh, I'm so glad you two like it.
24:35Time for another property.
24:36Going to take you to an area called Catral.
24:38Heard of it?
24:39Yeah.
24:40Yes, we have, actually.
24:41Oh, good.
24:42It's about a 20-minute drive from here.
24:44Let's hike a little bit of the way.
24:46Come on.
24:47Just a wee bit.
24:49I think Catral could be a great location for these two.
24:53A little further from the coast and Quesada than our last, but still home to a strong
24:58expat community.
24:59Something I know Joe and Denzil are looking for.
25:02Brought you to this complex with a lovely townhouse.
25:06Good kerb appeal?
25:07Yeah.
25:08So far, so good.
25:09Yeah.
25:10Well, this is a three-bedroom townhouse.
25:12Plenty of room for all of you.
25:14You want that feeling that you couldn't get in from the airport, drop your cases and start
25:17living in it.
25:18This is done to a really nice spec.
25:20It's on the market for just under £102,000 and that's negotiable.
25:24You came here with £113,000 to spend, so I reckon you have a bit of money in your pocket,
25:30which is always good.
25:31Always.
25:32Try and can go shopping now, can't you?
25:34I'll find somewhere to spend.
25:35Yeah, it's just somewhere.
25:36I guess what makes this a wild card is the area.
25:38It's not established as some areas that you like, but I think Catral could really grow
25:41on you if you give it a chance.
25:43What are you both thinking?
25:45All sound good.
25:46It ticks every bucks all in, the price.
25:48Looking from outside, the number of bedrooms, close to the airport.
25:52Yep.
25:53Good.
25:54Yeah.
25:55Things are looking up.
25:56I'm going to let you two go in and look round this yourself and then come back and just
26:00report back to me what you're thinking.
26:02Nice.
26:03Yeah?
26:04No problem.
26:05Take your time.
26:06Cheers, thank you.
26:07Let's round the whole property.
26:08I'm pleasantly surprised.
26:09They're open-minded, which is a great decision because this is a really great property.
26:14There's also an attractive communal pool here in generous sized landscape grounds and the
26:20property itself has a great top floor terrace with plenty of room for socialising.
26:25Inside, it's in much better condition than the last with a large living room open to the
26:31dining and kitchen space.
26:33There's a huge bedroom downstairs.
26:36As well as two more doubles upstairs.
26:40And finally, there's a bathroom.
26:44Ooh.
26:45It's a lot nicer, isn't it?
26:49Oh, nicer.
26:51Nice and bright.
26:52Nice and bright.
26:53A lot bigger.
26:54Yeah.
26:55Space-wise.
26:56Definitely a lot better.
26:57Wow.
26:58This is really big, isn't it?
27:00Wow.
27:01Wasn't expecting that.
27:02I wasn't expecting it to be this big.
27:04It's a really good room.
27:05This is a really good room.
27:06Lots of potential in this room.
27:09Yeah.
27:10Like an extra bedroom or somewhere for the kids to all come and play.
27:14Definitely.
27:15Or maybe.
27:16Sending it into where I can watch a football, a man cave.
27:18Football room, yeah.
27:19Stuff like that, maybe.
27:20Yeah, yeah.
27:21Were you on that now?
27:22OK, yeah.
27:23It looks, like I say, it's big, it's bright, it's cool down here.
27:27Ooh.
27:28Ooh.
27:29It's a nice space as well, isn't it?
27:33This is gorgeous, isn't it?
27:35Got some beautiful views there.
27:37They're still there, aren't they?
27:39Got room for a hot tub, tables and chairs to entertain people.
27:42Growing on you?
27:43Yeah.
27:44Yeah, it is, you man.
27:45Shall we go see this pool?
27:46Yeah, let's go to our pool.
27:47Let's go.
27:48This townhouse in Catrall has three bedrooms and a price tag well within budget of just under £102,000.
27:58Wow.
27:59Some of the pool went in.
28:00That is so new.
28:01And this area is absolutely beautiful.
28:02Yeah.
28:03Barbecue area, pool, shade for me, sun for you.
28:07Kids would love that pool, wouldn't they?
28:09Definitely would, definitely would.
28:10Nieces and nephews.
28:11I'm hearing good noises.
28:13Hello.
28:14I'm hearing positive things.
28:15This is a great area, isn't it?
28:17It is.
28:18It is lovely.
28:19I'm just saying that.
28:20What did you think of the property?
28:21Yeah?
28:22It was nice.
28:23It was surprising.
28:24It was nice.
28:25Yeah, it was.
28:26It was gorgeous, you know, inside.
28:28It was lovely dawn.
28:29Yep.
28:30The third bedroom did really help as well and it was a really good size as well.
28:33Yeah.
28:34So, lovely view from the roof as well.
28:35Yeah.
28:36Got to admit, it was better than I thought it was going to be.
28:40Good.
28:41Is this property a contender?
28:43Yeah.
28:44This one and Casaro, I'd say, definitely the contenders.
28:45Yeah.
28:46That's great.
28:47That is brilliant.
28:48We need to check out the area a little bit.
28:50Okay.
28:51Yeah.
28:52See what it's got to offer but, yeah, the house itself was stunning.
28:54I'm delighted.
28:56Moving on then.
28:57Last property, can you believe it?
28:58Yeah.
28:59Mmm.
29:00One last roll of the dice for me to get it right.
29:03Spent a bit of time with you now, thinking of what you're after.
29:06Okay.
29:07Yeah.
29:08Come on.
29:09Let's do it.
29:10Last one.
29:11Coming up, I go all out with my final place, not far from Jo's mum.
29:16Casada's over there.
29:17She'll be able to text mum to see her on her way over.
29:20Give her away.
29:21Hi.
29:22Hi.
29:23You said it, not me.
29:24Today I'm helping Jo and Denzel find their dream holiday home around the beautiful beaches
29:36of the southern Costa Blanca.
29:38And it's going really well.
29:39They love my two-bedroom house in Casada, plus the bargain property I found them in Catrall,
29:44but I think I can top it with my next one.
29:47The key to this search has been finding them somewhere perfect for family holidays
29:51within reach of Jo's mum, who moved out here three years ago to live the good life in
29:56the sun.
29:57Our two contenders working with their max budget of £113,000 hit both those points.
30:03My finale may be maxing out their budget, but it's what I'd call perfection.
30:10But before I get the chance to show it to Jo and Denzel, I'm taking a break from the
30:14search to check out a slice of multi-million pound luxury.
30:18In the form of this rather contemporary pad, estate agent Olga is going to show me around.
30:25Wow.
30:29It's a long walk to get down here.
30:32It's amazing.
30:33The living space on the ground floor made sort of like a loft space.
30:38So you have a kitchen going slowly to dining room and then slowly to the living room.
30:44Yeah, it flows really, really nicely and it feels new.
30:47When was this built?
30:48Just two years old.
30:49When I see an elevator in the background, that says luxury.
30:53I love these floor to ceiling windows and that's a pool I can spot out there.
30:59Lovely.
31:00Exactly.
31:01They have a heated pool with salty water and actually it's also electric automatic cover.
31:08I have to see it.
31:09Let's go.
31:12This pool with this property is just perfect.
31:16The pool actually is heated whole year round so you can enjoy to swim any time of the year.
31:22I feel as if we're in an exclusive neighbourhood here, am I right?
31:26Exactly.
31:27So you have like 15 minutes away by car to Alicante City Centre and then you have five minutes by foot to the beach of San Juan Playa.
31:37And this is really nice residential area so all the people live full time here.
31:42It's not a vacational area and it's really, really great sea views around.
31:48Great location, close to the beach and Alicante City. How much is this property on the market for?
31:55It's roughly around £2.6 million.
31:58Well, the next owner is going to be very lucky. Thank you so much for showing me around.
32:03Thank you for coming. Let me show you how.
32:07My final place for Joe and Denzil is on an urbanisation called La Errada, just west of Ciudad Casada where Joe's mum lives.
32:15But before heading there, I want to stop off somewhere I've spent plenty of time myself.
32:21So I wanted to end at one of my favourite beaches, we're in Torrevieca and I'm sure you've heard of it.
32:26This is La Mata Beach. Look how far that goes on.
32:30Oh, another lovely beach.
32:32Yeah, another lovely beach. Yeah, you're in the Costa Blanca.
32:35This is a great one if you want to get active, Denzil.
32:37You know, you did mention you don't mind a jet ski or a paddle board.
32:40Definitely don't, no.
32:41What's your favourite thing to do when you're out on the sea?
32:43I would definitely say jet skiing is my favourite thing.
32:46Yeah.
32:47Well, I do like paddle boarding first thing in the morning would be lovely.
32:49Yeah.
32:50You know, just get out there.
32:51It's final property time, how are you feeling?
32:53Excited, you know.
32:54Yeah.
32:55See what this one brings.
32:56Yeah, definitely.
32:57Last one.
32:58Yeah, last one.
32:59See where it throws up.
33:00It's about 20 minutes from here, so this could be one of your local beaches.
33:04OK, yeah.
33:05Shall we walk up?
33:06Yeah, let's go.
33:07I love how we're all barefoot.
33:10This area just west of Quesada has been developed recently and is still very much growing.
33:16Property prices are currently a little lower than in Quesada itself, but I don't think
33:21that will be the case for much longer.
33:24What do you think of it?
33:25What do you think of the properties driving in?
33:26They look so nice.
33:27Yeah, they look nice.
33:28They really do.
33:29I think that's important because you want to live in a nice neighbourhood.
33:32Yeah.
33:33In a room with Cattrall you had.
33:34Ooh, you weren't keen on the drive in.
33:35No.
33:36But compare this pool area to the one in Cattrall.
33:40Which one?
33:41Definitely this.
33:42Really?
33:43What about that pool?
33:44Amazing.
33:45Yeah, it's a lovely pool.
33:46Good size.
33:47I can see myself swimming in there, definitely.
33:48Yeah.
33:49It's good, isn't it?
33:50Yeah, kids would love that.
33:51Under a five-minute drive to a supermarket, restaurant and bar.
33:54So in ten minutes you've got that whole strip and everything that has to offer.
33:57You're not too far away from them, but ten minutes.
34:00So that's good.
34:01Well, is it good?
34:02He can have his plus points.
34:04She's a ten-minute drive away.
34:06Just need to show you the property.
34:08It's a short walk from here.
34:09Stone's throw, come on.
34:10OK, let's go.
34:14Mind your step there.
34:17Wow.
34:19That's the reaction I wanted.
34:20It's amazing.
34:21All of it?
34:23I knew you would, Jo, because I think you want to be out here with a book, sunbathing with
34:28Abby.
34:29Oh, you look as if you're getting emotional.
34:30No.
34:31It's all right.
34:32I'm glad that you love it because when you see a place like that, you just start visualising
34:37yourself and the family here and that is emotional.
34:40This is a semi-detached villa with three bedrooms.
34:43It's got this great outside space.
34:45It's got a really great roof terrace and I think it's got plenty of room for all of you.
34:49It sounds perfect.
34:51I love it.
34:52Already, you've not even seen inside.
34:54There's lots to love and this is on the market for just under £116,000.
34:59The agent tells me that the owners will listen to offers around the top end of your budget,
35:04£113,000.
35:05OK.
35:06I'm excited to see you inside now.
35:08Me too.
35:09I'm excited.
35:10You're excited.
35:11Go ahead.
35:12Come on.
35:13Let's go.
35:14It's hard not to be impressed with the outside space at this villa that includes a raised seating
35:20area at the front, first floor balcony and a terrace on the roof complete with views.
35:28Inside the snug living room leads to a dining area and then onto the galley kitchen and a ground-floor
35:35bedroom at the back.
35:38Upstairs is another double and the main which has access to that balcony.
35:44There's also a bathroom up here.
35:48It's a good size.
35:49Oh, good.
35:50Yeah, I'm glad you said that.
35:51A couple of times you've walked into properties on this search and you've been doing this with
35:55your hands because you feel hemmed in.
35:57How's this working?
35:58This is gorgeous.
35:59Yeah, it's a good size.
36:00Beautiful.
36:01It's still unusual.
36:02A little bit unusual but I like it.
36:03Just looking at Joanna, I think she loves this one so far.
36:06Yeah.
36:07So, I can just tell by her reaction.
36:08I think this knocked Cattrall off for me.
36:11All right.
36:12That happens.
36:13Yeah.
36:14Cattrall is out.
36:15Cassada's still in the running but I feel like I am leaning more towards this one.
36:21Yeah.
36:22Got a bit of a front running coming.
36:23Yeah.
36:24Just the size of it.
36:25I love it when that happens.
36:26That's all right.
36:27This is a huge property for this price.
36:30I'll show you one of the three bedrooms.
36:32Let's go.
36:33Let's go.
36:39Wow.
36:40Yeah.
36:41Wow.
36:42That balcony.
36:43That view.
36:44That's amazing.
36:45It's just a treat to have that outside space off your bedroom and it's big.
36:49It's huge.
36:50It is huge, yeah.
36:51Definitely.
36:52I'm happy to hear you saying this is going pretty perfect so far.
36:55I think it gets better.
36:57How?
36:58Let's see.
36:59Let me take you upstairs, yeah.
37:00Yes.
37:01And this is a roof terrace.
37:05Wow.
37:06Beautiful.
37:07Absolutely stunning.
37:08Gorgeous.
37:09So peaceful.
37:10Entertaining.
37:11Sunbathing.
37:12It's nice and open here.
37:13Casada's over there.
37:14She'll be able to text mum.
37:15See her on her way over.
37:16Give her away.
37:17Hide.
37:18Hide.
37:19Yeah, you said it, not me.
37:20This is a great property, you two.
37:21You can see that.
37:22But you know the drill.
37:23Go and look round it on your own.
37:24Chat amongst each other.
37:25And then come back and tell me where your heads are at.
37:26Okay.
37:28See you soon.
37:29See you in a bit.
37:30What can I say?
37:31Joe and Denzel have said it.
37:32This property is perfect.
37:33Ooh.
37:34Beautiful.
37:35Stunning views.
37:36Look at that.
37:37Gorgeous, isn't it?
37:38Just seeing myself in the evening.
37:39Nice glass of wine eh?
37:40Yeah, a lot of cold beer.
37:41Chilling out on her.
37:42Yeah, chilling out on her.
37:43Yeah.
37:44Yeah.
37:45Let's see you in a bit.
37:46Let's see you in a bit.
37:47Let's see you in a bit.
37:48Ooh.
37:49Ooh.
37:50Beautiful.
37:51Stunning views.
37:52Look at that.
37:53Gorgeous, isn't it?
37:54Amazing.
37:55Just seeing myself in the evening.
37:56Nice glass of wine eh?
37:57Yep, a lot of cold beer.
37:58Yeah.
37:59Chilling out watching all the lights twinkle away.
38:02Oh, this is a cute little room, isn't it?
38:05It's a nice size third bedroom really.
38:07I think we'd have plenty of friends and family wanting to come over to stay here now.
38:10Yeah, definitely.
38:11Can we show them this?
38:12Definitely.
38:13Definitely.
38:14Definitely.
38:15Definitely would.
38:16It's stunning.
38:17This semi-detached villa seems to have gone down pretty well with its three bedrooms and
38:25while it's on the market for over budget at just under £116,000, there is room for
38:32negotiation here.
38:33Did you enjoy that?
38:34Definitely.
38:35Yeah.
38:36Gorgeous.
38:37You walked round the whole thing.
38:39What do you think?
38:40It's ticked every box and I haven't got one negative thing to say about it.
38:44Oh, that makes me so happy.
38:46No, that's great.
38:47Do you feel the same, Denza?
38:48Yeah, it ticks a lot of boxes, definitely.
38:50I love everything about it really.
38:52Stunning.
38:53Music to my ears.
38:54So you've got this property.
38:56I'm assuming it's a contender.
38:58Definitely.
38:59Definitely a contender.
39:00Yeah, definitely.
39:01And then the house in Kasada that you really loved.
39:03You know, with the pool at the back of the garden.
39:05Yeah.
39:06That's still in the running, isn't it?
39:07Still in the running.
39:08Yeah.
39:09OK.
39:10Oh, I tell you, I would not want to be in your position because there's
39:13two great properties and there's not much in it budget-wise either.
39:16How do you think you'll make a decision?
39:18Over a glass of wine.
39:20I wish I could join you on that.
39:23This is over to you two to make that decision, but I'm going to give
39:26you plenty of time because this is a difficult one.
39:29I'll give you the evening.
39:30We'll meet tomorrow and we'll see if you've made any decisions.
39:33Yeah.
39:34OK.
39:35Brilliant.
39:36Yes, thank you.
39:39If you'd like more information about any of the properties featured
39:42on today's show, go to a placeinthesun.com forward slash
39:46programme.
39:47We've come to the end of a rather entertaining search along the
39:50southern Costa Blanca with Joe and Denzil.
39:53Looking for a spacious family home with plenty of room for
39:56entertaining, working with their budget of up to £113,000.
40:01I can sense an offer coming my way, but couldn't tell you which
40:06of the two great contenders they're going to want to buy.
40:09After a night of discussion over a few glasses of wine, I've got
40:13my fingers and toes crossed that they've been able to make the
40:16decision.
40:17Good morning.
40:18Good morning.
40:19Good morning, Jane.
40:20How are you?
40:21Yeah, we're good.
40:22We're good, we're good, yeah.
40:23Yeah.
40:24Nervous but good, yeah.
40:26Nervous laughs going on there, you two.
40:29Did you have a good night's sleep?
40:30Not really.
40:31No.
40:32We tried.
40:33It was all right, wasn't it?
40:34We've had a lot to think about.
40:35Oh, yeah, definitely.
40:36A lot going on.
40:37Two properties that are right for you and the family.
40:40Did one come out in front?
40:42Yeah, one came out in front at the end.
40:44After a lot of discussion and stuff and to-ing and fro-ing,
40:47we've definitely decided on one property.
40:49Well, tell me!
40:51We've decided to go for property number five.
40:54Yes.
40:55Brilliant choice.
40:56You've got that third bedroom.
40:58So, the property is on the market for £116,000.
41:02The agent said that the owners would listen to offers around £113,000.
41:06What have you decided to do?
41:08Yes, we'd like to make an offer, please.
41:11Fantastic!
41:12OK.
41:13So, what would you like me to go in with to the agent?
41:17We're going to say £100,000.
41:19OK.
41:20And see what happens.
41:22Yeah.
41:23See it.
41:24See where that lies.
41:25Look, let's start with £100,000 and then see what the agent comes back with, OK?
41:28OK.
41:29OK.
41:30My fingers are closed for you.
41:31Let's do it.
41:32Let's do it.
41:33Good morning, Aroa.
41:34It's Jean from A Place in the Sun.
41:36Good news, I have an offer from my couple.
41:40OK, the offer they would like you to take forward to the owners is £100,000.
41:47Will you speak to the owners and let me know what they say?
41:51OK.
41:53Look forward to hearing from you.
41:55Now, I'm going to be completely honest with you.
41:58She just said, it's too low.
42:01And you heard what I said to her, take it to the owners and see what they say.
42:05OK?
42:06We just thought we'd just try that.
42:07Oh, did you?
42:08Just to see where it lies and then go from there.
42:11Why not?
42:12Oh.
42:13It's the agent.
42:17Hello?
42:21OK.
42:23I will speak to the couple and get back to you.
42:25Thanks.
42:26Bye.
42:28OK, so, the owners are not happy with the offer you put in.
42:31They've come back with a counteroffer of just under £111,500.
42:38Oh!
42:40Do you reckon we could maybe ask them for £110?
42:45Shall we do £110?
42:47Because that is literally our budget less the wiggle room, isn't it?
42:51Yeah, less the wiggle room.
42:52We said £110.
42:53I thought we'd come out and was happy to pay, so...
42:55I mean, it's a good counteroffer, so...
42:57But we'll try £110, please.
43:01OK, I'll take it forward.
43:04It's Jean again.
43:06So, I've spoken to Denzel and Joe
43:09and they feel they really can't go any higher than £110,000.
43:15OK, I'll look forward to your call.
43:22See, every penny counts, I get it.
43:24Yes.
43:25Oh, I really want you to get this.
43:27I don't know if I'm warm up, it's the sauce.
43:29Bit of both.
43:30Nervous, sun, excitement.
43:31So nervous.
43:32Yeah, that is rough.
43:33Everything.
43:34Jump off.
43:36What are you going to do?
43:37Here she is.
43:39Hola!
43:40Hello!
43:43OK, thank you for that news.
43:48You'd better phone your mum, Joe,
43:49because we've got a place in Spain!
43:53Oh, buzzing!
43:55I'm so pleased for you.
43:57I'm so pleased for you, sweetheart.
43:58Oh, yeah.
43:59Oh, my gosh!
44:00That's amazing.
44:01You did it, guys.
44:02Oh, we're all tearing up!
44:04How are you feeling?
44:06Can't believe it.
44:07Aw, come on.
44:09I said I wasn't going to cry!
44:11Let it out.
44:12This is lovely.
44:14Oh, and even that property as well.
44:15Denzel, I can see a little tear.
44:17I know.
44:18Sorry, it's just the sun in my eyes.
44:19All right, yes.
44:20Well done!
44:21110 grand for three bedrooms and an amazing property.
44:24You did it and you deserve it.
44:26I have had so much fun on this search.
44:29How have you found it?
44:30Oh, it's just been the best experience.
44:32The best experience, yes.
44:33Good luck.
44:34And can I come and see you?
44:35Oh, my God!
44:36You better that!
44:37I will!
44:38I will!
44:39Cheers!
44:40I'm over the moon for Joe and Denzel.
44:49They've wanted to get a place in Spain for years.
44:51They came out here and they did it.
44:53It's like Joe says, dreams do come true and I couldn't be happier for them.
44:58If you'd like to be on A Place in the Sun to find your dream home,
45:01go to channel4.com forward slash take part.
45:10We'll see you next time!
45:12Bye.
45:13Bye.
45:14Bye.
45:24Bye.
45:26Bye.
45:27Bye.
45:28Bye.
45:29Bye.
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