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00:02For over 22 years, A Place in the Sun has been helping couples find their dream homes abroad.
00:07It's getting a bit of a tingly feeling, isn't it?
00:10Loving it, loving it.
00:12Creating hundreds of happy households across the world.
00:15Oh, it's gorgeous.
00:16Beautiful.
00:17Shall we do it?
00:18Look, we're all welling up here.
00:20In this series, we'll be revisiting some of them to find out what happened next.
00:25Can I get a high five?
00:26Yeah.
00:27Oh, yeah.
00:29Today, Ben Hillman is on the stunning Canary Island of Lanzarote, catching up with Nicola and Paul, who he helped
00:35find a holiday home in the resort town of Puerto del Carmen.
00:40Congratulations on a great find.
00:42Oh, really?
00:43Really?
00:43You're still loving it?
00:44Loving it, absolutely.
00:45Oh, fantastic.
00:45It's just brilliant.
00:46What it's all about, isn't it?
00:48While Leah Charles King takes a windswept walk on the Costa del Sol with Kim, who she helped buy a
00:54holiday home two years ago, along with her sister, Debbie.
00:57It's a little nippy, isn't it, Kim?
00:59It is a little nippy.
01:00It is a little nippy.
01:00I think you've brought the Swansea weather with you, haven't you?
01:04That's Debbie's fault.
01:16Well, it's amazing what you can spot just below the surface here in the waters off of Lanzarote, and it
01:23is no surprise that Paul and Nicola wanted to find their own piece of tranquility when I went house hunting
01:29with them to find their dream holiday home.
01:37One of the Canary Islands just off the coast of Africa.
01:40There's loads to explore in and away from the water here, and it's also pretty easy to get to, as
01:46there are numerous airlines jetting off from all corners of the UK to this popular holiday destination, with a flight
01:52time of around four hours.
01:55Key to the island's popularity is its location close to the equator, providing year-round holiday sunshine and, as a
02:03volcanic island, a wonderful contrast between its mountainous and fertile interior leading down to numerous sandy beaches and hidden away
02:11rocky coves.
02:13Puerto del Carmen on the southeast coast is one of its oldest and most popular resorts, offering everything from a
02:20five-mile stretch of golden sand to a host of shops, restaurants and bars, providing some great nightlife.
02:28Back in 2020, Nicola and Paul were looking for somewhere to enjoy holidays in or close to Puerto del Carmen.
02:35Working with a budget of up to £180,000, we started with a chat on the beach.
02:43Now, look, what brings us here?
02:45Well, we're looking for a property on this island.
02:47Thank goodness!
02:49Otherwise, I'd be at a loss.
02:50Well, you'd be struggling.
02:52We've been coming to this island for, we reckon, getting on for 20 years now, with the kids.
02:56There's got to be something special about this place, then.
02:58Obviously, you've got the weather, which is pretty much year-round.
03:02Beautiful surroundings, as you can see.
03:04But it is mainly for us, it's the vibe, it's the way, you know, people come back here year after
03:08year.
03:09They ideally wanted a one- or two-bedroom apartment with access to a communal pool and a nice bit
03:15of private outside space.
03:17The first option I had lined up was on the edge of town in Matagorda,
03:21an area filled with low-rise, white-washed holiday homes, including this cute one-bedroom bungalow that came with access
03:28to a pool.
03:29This is the best place in Puerto del Carmen.
03:33I love it.
03:35Sold.
03:37Do you know what? That's probably the easiest property search I've ever had.
03:42This is where we stay. We stay in Matagorda.
03:44We've stayed in so many different places in Matagorda.
03:48This is fantastic.
03:50While that was a great first impression and the pool went down a treat,
03:53the bungalow itself with its small front terrace, cosy open-plan living and kitchen space failed to impress.
04:00It was just a bit too small.
04:02Before heading to our next option, we took a small detour to one of the many cycle routes that snake
04:07the island's interior
04:09and are popular with professionals that come here to train.
04:12I do cycle. I'm not so sure that I'd tackle a mountain like this.
04:16Well, not initially, but I suppose going down would be fun.
04:19Going down would be lots of fun.
04:21Although, you could bring a bike up on the back of the car and then just explore some of this,
04:25cos it does plateau up here.
04:26Yeah.
04:27And you get these amazing vineyards.
04:29You've got a bodega just down there producing the local wine.
04:32Wow.
04:33I'm not sure if you've tried any of it.
04:34I think we will now.
04:36I think you should.
04:36I'll have the odd one.
04:37Maybe not whilst you're cycling.
04:41Back down in Puerta del Carmen, my next property was more central.
04:45In the form of this modern apartment with more space inside and out, the compromise was no communal pool.
04:53Wow.
04:55Much better.
04:56Much bigger.
04:57Much more open.
04:58Modern.
04:59I like it.
05:00I like it.
05:00I like it.
05:01Great.
05:02They also liked the space on offer in the two bedrooms, and once they'd seen it all...
05:06How did you find it?
05:08We liked it.
05:09Yay!
05:11So, is this a contender, this one?
05:13Yeah.
05:13This is in the running.
05:14Well, that's about...
05:15This is a contender.
05:15Right.
05:16So, with this absolutely in the running, where do we go from here?
05:22Yeah, maybe something with a bit more of a view.
05:24And I think for me, the pool that you showed us on the previous property was so nice that I
05:29think I'm probably gonna want one of them now.
05:32Look, if we're talking pools, views and two bedrooms, we're gonna be pushing the budget, remember?
05:36It is what it is.
05:38The budget is there.
05:40Um...
05:40So, we'd like you to use it.
05:42Let's use it.
05:43Yeah.
05:45I had just the budget buster ready to go.
05:48This apartment on the edge of town with private access to Los Poquillos Beach.
05:52We are gonna be looking at the first-floor apartment over there, only it's a two-bedroom, two-bathroom property,
05:59both of which are en suite.
06:01Oh, wow.
06:01No.
06:02Oh, yes.
06:03Oh, yes, Nicola.
06:04It first came on the market six months ago at £213,000.
06:08Wow.
06:09Has been reduced to just over £198,500, but before you go up at that price, I'm showing you, because
06:16the agent is very confident you would get this at the top of your budget, around the 180 mark.
06:21Okay.
06:22Okay.
06:22Can't wait to get in and see it.
06:24Okay.
06:24Excellent.
06:25Let's head in.
06:27Inside, it wasn't as modern as the previous properties we'd seen, but...
06:32Wow, it's like a house.
06:34Yes.
06:34Yeah, but it's exactly that.
06:36It's got that feel, hasn't it?
06:37Yeah.
06:39It's really homely, and I feel really happy.
06:42Sorry, I just can't speak for a minute, because I'm just too busy looking now.
06:45There's a lot to take in.
06:47There really is.
06:48The kitchen's just over there, but it's still in the room, but...
06:51Yeah, it's fantastic.
06:52Oh, man.
06:53However, there was a small compromise with this one.
06:56It's not the outside space we wanted, in terms of the barbecue, the sun lounges, et cetera, et cetera, et
07:03cetera, but the inside.
07:05The inside is like, oh!
07:07Oh!
07:08How'd you get the pull?
07:10I do like it.
07:11I think the compromise on the sun lounges is there.
07:14It's just right there.
07:15It's not bad.
07:15No.
07:16And once they'd seen the two ensuite bedrooms, we had ourselves another rather solid contender, although that smaller than ideal
07:24balcony was playing on their minds.
07:26So, in an attempt to offer as much outside space as possible, we headed to this apartment at what was
07:32once a shopping centre with a huge terrace, a sea view and one bedroom.
07:37But, unfortunately, Nicola and Paul weren't buying it.
07:40It's not pulled.
07:41So, what is in the running at the moment?
07:43Is it just your happy place?
07:44Is it just that one?
07:45I think it's just the happy place.
07:48Okay.
07:49That's the one to beat.
07:50It is.
07:51Let's go beat it.
07:52And I threw everything at my final chance to do just that with this modern two-bedroom apartment which had
07:59a rather large price tag but was negotiable down to the top of Nicola and Paul's budget.
08:04Welcome to, well, I'm hoping, your happy place mark two.
08:08Wow.
08:09The pool's really nice.
08:10It's a five-star pool, that isn't it?
08:12It really is.
08:12And once we got inside.
08:14Barroom on your right, main bedroom on your left.
08:18Look it up for a view.
08:19Oh, gosh, yes, the view as well.
08:21Wow, it's like a picture.
08:23I know.
08:25That is beautiful.
08:28So, we had ourselves a competition with two cracking contenders to consider.
08:33I didn't envy Nicola and Paul having to pick a winner but they did.
08:36Our apartment close to the sea or happy place mark one came out on top.
08:43We think we'd like to put an offer in on property three, Ben.
08:46Really?
08:46Yeah.
08:47Fantastic.
08:49What are you thinking about the price?
08:51We've done some crude calculations on what we think needs to be done.
08:55Bathrooms, probably retail, kitchen.
08:59That's before we start furnishing.
09:00Yeah.
09:01Which we think is going to be in the region of £10,000 to £12,000.
09:05Okay.
09:06Which does impact on what we're prepared or able to offer.
09:10It was just over £198,500.
09:12Yeah.
09:12What are you thinking in terms of an offer?
09:15We'd like to go in at 162.
09:19At 162?
09:20Yeah.
09:20Okay, you are going for a cheeky offer, aren't you?
09:23We ask ourselves.
09:24Well, why not?
09:24If you don't ask, you don't get.
09:26While I thought that was a rather cheeky offer, it paid dividends as...
09:30It's not £162,000, however, they're willing to sell the property to you for £165,000.
09:41Really?
09:42Absolutely, 100%, £165,000.
09:47And that place is yours.
09:49I don't even want to counter that.
09:53So, shall I make a call back to Kevin and say yes, please, thank you very much?
09:57Yes, please.
09:57If you don't mind, Ben.
10:03Hi, Kevin.
10:04I thought you all wouldn't be long.
10:05Yes, please, thank you very much.
10:07They would love to accept your counter offer, which is fantastic.
10:12Will do.
10:13See you later.
10:14Bye.
10:15Well, you may have gathered, you've got yourself a house in Puerto del Carmen.
10:18Woo-hoo!
10:19Congratulations, guys.
10:21Amazing.
10:22What a deal.
10:23We were all over the moon.
10:25And nearly four years later, we're back, a meeting on the seafront.
10:30Guys.
10:31Yes.
10:32Great to see you.
10:33Oh, look, why not?
10:34Oh, bring it in.
10:36Yeah.
10:37How were you keeping?
10:38Obviously, well.
10:39Well, very well, very well.
10:41Having a ball, Ben.
10:42Yeah, are you really?
10:44Congratulations on a great five.
10:45Oh, really?
10:46Really?
10:47You're still loving it?
10:48Loving it.
10:48Absolutely loving it.
10:49That's what it's all about, isn't it?
10:51It was a great property.
10:53Yeah.
10:53A little bit dated.
10:54Yeah, it was.
10:55What have you done?
10:56So homely.
10:57That's why we loved it so much.
10:58That's right.
10:59It was the potential we looked into, and you won't recognise it when you see it now.
11:03Yeah.
11:03Seriously, that's fighting talk.
11:05I'm telling you.
11:06Well, you've done a lot, have you?
11:08Can we go see it?
11:09Of course.
11:09Yeah, of course you can.
11:10Excellent.
11:10Don't forget your hat.
11:12Oh, you're looking good in that.
11:15That's two very happy holiday homeowners.
11:18I can't wait to see how they've transformed that apartment.
11:21Oh, my goodness.
11:25Seriously, guys.
11:27This is incredible.
11:28It's a bit different.
11:29It's a lot different.
11:37Today, I'm in the sunshine mecca that is Puerto del Carmen on the Canary Island of Lanzarote,
11:43catching up with Nicola and Paul, a couple who I helped find a wonderful holiday apartment
11:48for them and their family nearly four years ago.
11:51It sounds like they're really happy with the place and have made loads of changes, and I
11:56can't wait to find out more.
12:00I've got to say, this is bringing back some happy memories.
12:03Oh, yeah.
12:03Isn't it?
12:04I'm loving the pool.
12:05Are you loving the pool?
12:06We're down most days, to be honest.
12:08Yeah.
12:08We kind of, most days at the pool, we sometimes go down to the beach, because we've got our
12:12own private access, as you know.
12:13Oh!
12:14You're showing off now, Paul.
12:16How lovely, though.
12:17Have the boys been out enjoying this as well?
12:19Yeah.
12:20So, as you know, we've got three boys and soon-to-be grandparents.
12:24Oh!
12:24Yeah!
12:24Which is also going to be a boy.
12:26Is it?
12:27Yeah.
12:28Imagine just being born and having your own holiday home in Lanzarote like that.
12:32Yeah.
12:32We're the best men and grandad.
12:34It's not a bad start, is it?
12:35You've been my men and grandad.
12:38That's pushing it, sorry.
12:40Yeah.
12:40Look, I know you've done oodles of work up there.
12:43Yeah.
12:43I can't wait to see it, if we can.
12:45Yeah, let's go.
12:46Yeah.
12:53Very stylish out here.
12:54Like, oh my goodness!
12:58Seriously, guys, this is incredible!
13:01It's a bit different.
13:02It's a lot different.
13:03I mean, I get it, it's the same, like, the layout's the same, which is what you loved,
13:08but apart from that, my goodness, it's a completely new property, isn't it?
13:11Yeah.
13:11Paul, that is your domain over there.
13:13How is that panning out?
13:14Yeah, it's perfect.
13:15There's plenty of space in there.
13:16Mmm.
13:17We have many of our home-cooked meal in here.
13:20Yeah.
13:21It's working really well for us.
13:22It's fully fitted, as you can see, so...
13:25It's not lacking anything.
13:26No, we've got everything.
13:27How easy is this to achieve?
13:29When you don't know a builder here...
13:31Yeah.
13:32...you don't know how much things cost...
13:33Yeah.
13:34...you don't know necessarily where to get everything from.
13:37How was that?
13:39Recommendations for the fantastic builder who'd done work in the complex.
13:43We went shopping with him to, like, the big major stores here
13:47to buy the kitchen, the bathrooms, the tiles.
13:50And you felt comfortable.
13:51You were back in the UK while most of it's being done.
13:54I was having a lovely time, because he was sending me pictures of, like,
13:56holes in the floor and holes in the walls and just derelict, and I was...
14:01Love that.
14:01There was no part of you that thought, oh, goodness!
14:05There was a massive part of it that thought that.
14:06Me, I didn't like any of that business.
14:08I am.
14:08And I'll never forget that.
14:10That moment, the flight back the first time.
14:12Yeah.
14:12To see it done.
14:14It was such an exciting flight, and then, you know, the key in the door again.
14:18Now we don't know what to say, you know...
14:20It's a surprise.
14:20It's a surprise element.
14:22And it could go either way.
14:25But, after all that heartache, Paul.
14:27Oh, I know.
14:27Is it worth it?
14:28Oh, come on.
14:29Yeah, absolutely.
14:29Yeah.
14:30This is two good-sized doubles.
14:32With en-suites.
14:33Both of them.
14:34With en-suites, yeah.
14:34They were both with en-suites.
14:35Yeah.
14:36I'll deceive you.
14:37Come on, let's go and see it.
14:44Yeah.
14:44I had forgotten how good these rooms are, size-wise.
14:47They're fantastic, aren't they?
14:48Absolutely enormous.
14:50It is.
14:50It's amazing.
14:51And, of course, yeah, just like the rest of the flat.
14:53Gorgeous.
14:54Thanks.
14:54Well done.
14:55I'm seeing that bedroom back there as well.
14:57That's got its en-suite.
14:58Yeah.
14:58This, obviously, was the larger of the two.
15:00Yeah.
15:01Wasn't it?
15:01Yeah.
15:01It looks really great.
15:02I'm getting some ideas for myself.
15:04Yeah.
15:04Aww.
15:05Now, actually, yeah.
15:06Aim to please?
15:07Yeah, no, wow, it's a very pleasing property, isn't it?
15:10Yeah.
15:10Maybe we should go and have a look at the balcony.
15:12I think we should definitely go and do that.
15:19So nice just to step out here.
15:21You've got your pool.
15:22And, of course, the sea view as well.
15:24Yeah.
15:24Which is fantastic, but I know I do recall at the time
15:27a little hesitation over the size of this terrace.
15:30Yeah, because it was so...
15:32We felt like it was really narrow.
15:34Mm.
15:34My main aim was sunbeds, wasn't it?
15:36Yes.
15:37And then you sold me those sunbeds down there.
15:39It's a lovely seating area.
15:40All fits in nicely.
15:42Yeah.
15:42A little seating area there where you can eat at.
15:45Yeah.
15:45What more do you need?
15:46So, no regrets on this space or...?
15:48No, this is our favourite space.
15:50We spend most of our time out here.
15:52Yeah.
15:52It's so good.
15:54Yeah.
15:54Yeah.
15:55Well, I feel privileged to be invited back and to see it.
15:59It's really nice.
16:00Thank you very much.
16:00Well, we've got a little surprise for Ben, haven't we?
16:03Oh, yeah.
16:03Hang on, before you tell me what it is, is it a little box with a key inside?
16:08We haven't quite stretched to that, no, but I can probably knock you up a nice little
16:12bit of lunch if you...
16:13I would love that.
16:14Yeah, definitely.
16:15Sit down at that lovely little table there.
16:17Yeah.
16:17Absolutely.
16:17Enjoy the view.
16:18Let's do it.
16:19Absolutely.
16:19Let's do it.
16:19All right.
16:23If I'm honest, I was expecting a bit of tapas, maybe a paella, but Paul's speciality is
16:29Jamaican curry.
16:30I love a bit of spice, so I can't wait to try it.
16:34So, what's in here then, Paul?
16:35Is it goat?
16:36Er, no.
16:37I have done it with goat, but you struggle to find goat on the island.
16:40I believe you can somewhere, but this has been done with lamb.
16:43Yeah.
16:43That's easier to get hold of, and it's not quite the same, but it's as close as we'll
16:47get.
16:47It'll do for me.
16:48I'm going to give it a go.
16:49Get stuck in.
16:54How nice, though.
16:55Oh, how nice, actually.
16:57Mmm.
16:58Isn't it?
16:59That's lovely, Paul.
17:00The lamb just melts, doesn't it?
17:01Well done, Paul.
17:02It does, yeah.
17:03Well done, thank you.
17:04It's so nice to sit here and enjoy it.
17:06It's a perfect spot.
17:07In the sun with this lovely hot curry.
17:09Yeah.
17:11So, guys, since I last saw you four years ago, how was the process?
17:16Because I just zoomed off, didn't I?
17:19Yeah.
17:19Left you to it.
17:20Yeah.
17:21From that point on, how did you find everything?
17:24The solicitor we had was amazing.
17:25They basically hold your hand the whole way.
17:27Yeah.
17:27And it's just one step after the other until completion.
17:31Perfect.
17:32And you bought this place for £165,000.
17:35It was four years ago now.
17:37How much have you spent on it, would you say?
17:39So, we reckon the building costs with the plumbing, rewire, the kitchens, the bathrooms,
17:46£20,000.
17:48So, all in all, £185,000?
17:51Yeah.
17:52That's it.
17:52Well, I think it's money well spent, isn't it?
17:54I think it's absolutely money well spent.
17:55Yeah.
17:56I think we got our money's worth with the property because you got us a really good deal.
17:59Mm-hmm.
18:00When we see the prices of the properties now, we wouldn't be able to live here.
18:05Do you know what this would be worth now?
18:08So, there's a property on the complex that's on the market for £325,000.
18:12And is that the same size?
18:14Yeah, same size.
18:15Yeah.
18:15But it doesn't face the pool like we face the pool.
18:18So, I think we did really well.
18:20I think you've done very, very well there.
18:22There's, you know, there's potential that you've made £100,000 on it in four years.
18:26I think, yeah.
18:27Thereabouts.
18:27Yeah, absolutely.
18:28And I know it's not about, you know, an investment to make money on and flip.
18:32But it's nice to know, you know, you've done the right thing and your money's in a safe place.
18:38Well, it is.
18:38Yeah.
18:39And ultimately, the plan is, as long as the kids keep using it, ultimately, they'll end up owning it.
18:45Yeah.
18:46Because we won't be around forever.
18:47Have you said that out loud yet?
18:48I have just now on television.
18:50Yeah, you've really committed yourself there, Paul.
18:52So, you're getting up in the morning, you're burning off the calories.
18:55Get up in the morning, get your exercise done, when it's nice and calm and quiet, before the heat really
18:59kicks in.
19:00Yeah.
19:01We're normally both back here, late morning, up towards lunchtime.
19:05Yeah.
19:06Nice bite to eat, and then the days, you know, the days you're on.
19:09Yeah.
19:09You know, what we're doing today, pool, beach.
19:11Yeah.
19:11Go for a walk, go for a drink.
19:12It sounds like quite regimented.
19:13Oh, it has to be, otherwise you would just...
19:16No.
19:17We just couldn't not do our exercise, could we?
19:19Well, I feel like we should burn off a bit of this lovely curry that you've made us.
19:24I think so.
19:25Absolutely.
19:26How about a bike ride?
19:27I would love a bike ride.
19:28Have you got three bikes?
19:29We have.
19:29We have, actually, yes.
19:31A bike ride it is.
19:32Let's do it.
19:35Lanzarote is a popular destination for cyclists and triathletes looking for a warm winter training location.
19:41While the professionals head to the hills where there are some great climbs around the island's still active volcano, don't
19:48worry.
19:49The last eruption was in 1703.
19:51For people like myself, there are some slower pace and flat routes around Puerto del Carmen.
19:56Perfect.
19:58Well, this is absolutely spot on.
20:01I know it's more your thing, Paul.
20:02Yeah, yeah.
20:02This is what I get up to.
20:04Every morning, is this?
20:05Pretty much every morning.
20:06Pretty much every morning, yeah, yeah.
20:08I can see why as well.
20:09Perfect bike lanes.
20:10Yeah.
20:10Beautiful scenery.
20:11But I'm glad to see you've got a bike too.
20:13Yeah, and I've got a little bell on my bike as well.
20:15Give it a ting.
20:15Let's listen.
20:17Beautiful.
20:17Beautiful.
20:18I know this is more of a shopping bike.
20:21This is where I go to the supermarket and put all my fresh vegetables in.
20:25Of course.
20:26For the week.
20:27Yeah.
20:27Well, look, should we pedal on?
20:29Yeah.
20:29And enjoy this promenade.
20:31All right.
20:31Let's go.
20:35There's a great coastal cycle lane here that lets you avoid the traffic and runs from Puerto
20:39del Carmen to Arrecife and Costa Teguizé.
20:44Fantastic bars and restaurants.
20:45Have you tried them all?
20:47Most of them.
20:48Over the years, most of them, yeah.
20:50Speaking of refreshments, should we stop off for a drink?
20:52Sounds like a great idea.
20:59I can see, though, why you go out for a bike ride nice and early, because it is getting
21:03hot now, isn't it?
21:04It really is.
21:06When you look back on our search and think of the places we saw and the one you've bought
21:12and you've renovated, which is amazing.
21:16Once the dust has settled, have you ever sort of been tempted to look at what else is out
21:20there, or do you feel like you've got the best apartment on the island?
21:25I've done my walking in the back streets along the strip. I walk for hours and hours and I don't
21:30think there's anything that can beat what we've bought.
21:32Yeah.
21:32Not a chance now.
21:33I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see how well it's worked out for the both of
21:38you and how things have changed since I last saw you.
21:39You know, the baby on the way and so much to look forward to still.
21:43Yeah.
21:43Absolutely.
21:44It is amazing.
21:45It's wonderful.
21:46And I know you've got loads of happy holidays lined up ahead of you.
21:49Absolutely.
21:50And it's all thanks to you.
21:51Oh, wow.
21:52A little bit.
21:53A little bit.
21:53But look at that place.
21:55Yeah.
21:55What you've done to it is all down to you guys and it's tremendous.
21:58It really is.
21:59Thanks, Ben.
21:59And a real joy to come and see.
22:00Keep in touch and let me know how you get on.
22:02We will do.
22:03Thanks again.
22:03Have a big hug.
22:04I'm going to ride off into the distance.
22:06Group hug.
22:06Group hug.
22:07Indeed.
22:08Thank you, Ben.
22:09Take care, guys.
22:10Thanks, Ben.
22:10Cheers, buddy.
22:14When I last left Nicola and Paul and they purchased that apartment, I had no idea that that was just
22:22half the story and that there was a radical transformation just around the corner.
22:28They have worked wonders with that place and they are an inspiration to anybody that's thinking of doing the same
22:36thing.
22:36They have now created the most beautiful home, not only for them, but for future generations.
22:44Coming up, Leah Charles King is on the Costa del Sol with Kim, who she helped find a holiday home
22:50two years ago, along with her sister, Debbie.
22:53Your whole dream was to have a beachfront property.
22:56Not for a minute imagined.
22:58I'd have the sea right there.
23:00This property is all down to you because I would never have found it on my own.
23:04I would never have found it.
23:16Sailing on the ocean never fails to mesmerise me.
23:19In fact, it was the Mediterranean Sea that beckoned Kim and along with the help of her sister, Debbie, we
23:25went house hunting to find the perfect family bolt hole right by the beach.
23:30Our property search took place on the eastern end of the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
23:36You get there by flying into Malaga, which takes about three hours from many UK airports and everywhere we looked
23:42at was four to five minutes drive or less from there.
23:45This part of the Sunshine Coast is a bit quieter than some of the resorts the other side of Malaga.
23:51But there's more than enough to keep the most active holiday maker busy here.
23:55And it's also one of Spain's top surfing spots.
23:59Property prices were on the rise when I was last here with Kim and Debbie, and they've been riding that
24:03wave ever since.
24:07It was back in 2022 when social worker Kim asked us to find her a holiday home on the Costa
24:13del Sol for her maximum budget of £140,000.
24:17And she brought along her sister, semi-retired nurse Debbie, to help.
24:22She's the kindest person I've ever known.
24:25Just looks after absolutely everybody.
24:27She's just her kind heart.
24:29Yeah, me could be running.
24:31I first met the ladies on Buriana Beach in the town of Neha to find out what Kim was after
24:37in terms of property.
24:39So I'm looking for something that would suit my mother, who's 83, and my youngest grandchild, who's five.
24:46A property that's walking distance from the beach, probably two bedrooms, and got to have some outside space,
24:53because my idea is the indoor-outdoor living.
24:56Sure.
24:56My first property was in the coastal town of Torre del Mar.
25:00I've found Kim, a two-bedroom apartment with its own private courtyard.
25:04And while its interior impressed...
25:06Look at this.
25:08Wow.
25:10I think it's a great space.
25:14Oh.
25:15Oh, this is not a bad size.
25:17The exterior didn't.
25:19When we come out onto the balcony, you're literally looking at a wall.
25:22And then the courtyard as well, the only bit of open space is when you're looking up at the sky.
25:27This meant I wasn't looking at a contender, and we moved on to property number two.
25:31A two-bedroom, ground-floor apartment just along the coast in Caleta de Velez.
25:36And while it didn't do the job for Kim to start off with...
25:39From outside it looks beautiful, but coming in, it's quite dark inside.
25:45She saw the light after she looked around the whole place.
25:48It's grown on me.
25:50I think it's got what you need.
25:52It needs update and it's a little bit tired.
25:55So, moving forward, how can I improve on this property?
25:59Sea view.
26:01So, I got my first contender, but I didn't feel that place was perfect for Kim.
26:06So, we headed 20 minutes west to Beniharafe to see property number three after a quick stop on the beach.
26:12What is it about being so close to the sea that's so important for you?
26:16I grew up near the ocean like this.
26:18It always brings me back to a feeling of wellness, being by the sea.
26:22I could sit and watch the sea all day, every day.
26:24The waves lapping, all this fresh air.
26:27So, what if I told you then that I'm taking you to see a property across the road?
26:35I can't believe it.
26:37I'm serious.
26:37I'm so excited.
26:38That excitement continued outside the property itself, a two-bedroom apartment with that all-important sea view.
26:45It had recently come down in price by more than £20,000, but was still a touch over budget.
26:51Wow.
26:52Aw.
26:53That's beautiful, man.
26:54I'm amazed.
26:56I'm a bit speechless.
26:57And the inside didn't disappoint either.
27:00My eyes are drawn straight, obviously, to the sea that looks like it's at the end of my balcony.
27:05At my balcony.
27:07She's saying it.
27:08Yeah.
27:09The balcony was a big success.
27:11It's amazing.
27:12It takes your breath away, isn't it?
27:14Yeah.
27:14It's definitely big enough.
27:16I mean, it's not about this space.
27:18It's about that, isn't it?
27:19It's about that.
27:20That's on your doorstep.
27:21That's like your garden.
27:23Kim and Debbie then had to look around the rest of the apartment.
27:26Okay.
27:27It's small.
27:28It's functional.
27:30Yeah.
27:30It's got everything.
27:31It's got everything that you need.
27:33Ooh.
27:34It's bigger than I expected.
27:37Yeah.
27:37Look at the view.
27:38Look at that.
27:38You'd be lying in bed looking at that.
27:40You wouldn't ever want to sleep.
27:43Before giving me good news.
27:46I never expected to find somewhere like this.
27:48It's small, but I think this apartment is all about the view.
27:52Is it a contender?
27:53I'm going to let Debbie answer for me.
27:55Yes, definitely.
27:57The seafront apartment was such a strong contender, it knocked my earlier one out of the running.
28:03And my concern with two properties to go was whether I'd be able to find somewhere to rival it.
28:08But I got off to a pretty good start with property number four.
28:12This two bedroom townhouse in near her.
28:15You're not looking at an apartment.
28:16This is a townhouse.
28:18It's your fault.
28:19A whole house.
28:21Are you throwing me a curve ball?
28:23I was hoping that curve ball would turn into a home run once Kim and Debbie went inside.
28:31It isn't what I expected from outside.
28:33Full of charm it is.
28:34It is full of charm.
28:36It's nice it's got the open plan kitchen.
28:38Yeah.
28:38But it's not light and airy.
28:40No.
28:41Is it?
28:42But after the sisters had seen the whole property, we ended up pretty much with a strikeout.
28:47The house, I just didn't feel it.
28:49I didn't feel that it was for me.
28:51I felt it was a little bit dark and the outside space doesn't work for me.
28:55So I only had one contender in the bag as we approached my fifth and final property.
29:00This corner apartment in Torex Costa, right next to its communal swimming pool.
29:05This is a great space and there's plenty of room here from what I can see.
29:10The inside also made a bit of a splash.
29:13How does this work for you?
29:15Yeah, it's a lovely room.
29:17It's quite like dark in here, but I can see the sun's going to move and then you're going to
29:22get the light flooding through.
29:24Also flooding through were loads of positive vibes as the sisters continued their tour.
29:29This is a lovely room.
29:30That's really nice.
29:31Yeah.
29:32This bedroom is just lovely.
29:34It's a lovely size.
29:36The ensuite is perfect.
29:39Ooh.
29:40Oh, not bad, Deb.
29:42No, it's small, but it's a lot more.
29:43Small, but yeah, it's got everything you need.
29:47And I got the result I was hoping for.
29:50Lovely.
29:51It was really lovely.
29:52So is this place a contender for you, Debbie?
29:55It is for me.
29:56Ah, what about you, Kim?
29:57Yeah, it's a contender.
29:59So we ended up with two properties in the running, but it was the seafront apartment that won out.
30:04So that apartment was on the market for just over £141,000.
30:11Going to offer £131,000.
30:16Okay.
30:16But recently having lowered the price, the vendor wasn't playing ball.
30:21Well, if he's not willing to budget, it's pointless going back with a counter offer.
30:26What I'm going to do is leave my offer on the table.
30:29Okay.
30:29I'm not walking away from it.
30:31Okay, good.
30:32You've really found a jewel in the crown, do you?
30:35Yeah.
30:36So I left Kim and Debbie and the Costa del Sol feeling pretty disappointed.
30:40But a week later, that disappointment turned to delight as I found out Kim had offered the full asking price,
30:47which was accepted.
30:48She finally got her dream holiday home.
30:53Now I'm really excited to be back on the beach in Bene Harafe to see Kim and Debbie again.
30:58It's only been two years, but it feels like ages.
31:01I can't wait to catch up with them and find out what's been happening.
31:04Hi.
31:05This is your sister.
31:06Oh, my God.
31:08Hi.
31:08How are you?
31:10Oh, I'm so well.
31:11Are you looking fun?
31:12Look wicked.
31:13Look at you.
31:14You're looking lovely.
31:15Oh, hey.
31:17Oh, I love your dress.
31:19Do you remember when we were stood here and I said, well, the next property I'll take a seat is
31:24across the road.
31:25I know.
31:25And you went, yeah, right.
31:26Really?
31:27So, since you got the property, you've been coming here all the time, obviously.
31:32I've been here loads of times.
31:34It's been so well used.
31:35A few people in the family have got quite unwell.
31:38And it's been like a really healing place to come.
31:43Oh, you did us proudly, I'm telling you.
31:45Did I?
31:45Yeah, absolutely.
31:47It's incredible.
31:48Look at that.
31:48The sea here, the beach, and your apartment, just a stone's throw away.
31:52I think it's 250 steps.
31:55Shall we count them?
31:55Yeah.
31:56One.
31:58What?
32:01Coming up, I take a look at what Kim has done to the apartment and find out one of the
32:05benefits of beachfront living.
32:08And what's really great is that if people are on the beach, we can just wave them.
32:12It can work, yeah.
32:13It can be like, lunchtime!
32:15Get out the sea!
32:16You can, yeah.
32:17You can.
32:24Today, I'm on the Costa del Sol with Kim and Sister Debbie.
32:28Two years ago, I helped Kim find this two-bedroom apartment overlooking the sea, and now I can't wait to
32:34take a look at what she's done to it.
32:35As well as finding out how having a holiday home here has made a difference to her and her family's
32:41lives.
32:42There it is.
32:42It's that one, isn't it?
32:44It's that one, yeah.
32:44It's all typically Spanish and pretty.
32:47No matter what time I'm yearning, I've done the balconies.
32:50Yeah.
32:50I remember your whole dream was to have a beachfront property, but you did not think that would be possible,
32:57did you?
32:58Well, not for a minute.
33:00I imagined.
33:01I'd have the sea right there.
33:02I'm literally front line.
33:04This property is all down to you, because I would never have found it on my own.
33:08I'd never have found it.
33:09Shall we get up then?
33:09Yeah.
33:10Come on, let's go.
33:16Well, welcome to our beach house, Leah.
33:19Thank you so much.
33:22You've done an amazing job in here.
33:24Because all I remember were these big sofas that actually got in the way of the flow.
33:30Yeah.
33:30Well, actually, Leah, trick of the eye, because I've kept two of them big sofas.
33:36Did you?
33:36Yeah.
33:37Oh, there's one there?
33:38Yeah, there's one there, and one out on the balcony.
33:41So it's looking really bright and fresh, although it was a nice apartment in the first place, but have you
33:45painted it?
33:46Yeah, when we first came out, we just gave it a look of paint through, yeah.
33:50You've still got a red kitchen?
33:52I've still got a red kitchen.
33:54That's the only thing, right?
33:56Red, yeah.
33:56We were like, oh, red kitchen, and then we saw the view and we were like, okay, we'll keep the
34:00red kitchen.
34:01And I thought, oh, I'll knock down walls and things like that, but I've just got used to it.
34:06In terms of the interior design, you have made subtle changes, but I think they're really strong changes.
34:12Yeah.
34:12This chandelier is stunning.
34:13That wasn't here when we came to see this place.
34:16Yeah, that came in a suitcase with me.
34:18Is it?
34:18It came in a suitcase.
34:20Leah, you wouldn't believe the things I've brought.
34:23I've got the most random suitcase items, no clothes, just more or less everything you see here.
34:29I mean, all jokes aside, I think that's very thrifty and very resourceful.
34:33She's had us to bring things out in our suitcase.
34:36What, even the family brings to bring us stuff out?
34:38Yeah.
34:38My worry when I bought it was it wouldn't get used, and it's been more or less every month there's
34:44somebody out, yeah.
34:45Really?
34:46Yeah.
34:46So the place is hardly empty?
34:48All of my friends have been out individually with their families.
34:52Oh, lovely.
34:52Have you been present or you've just...
34:54I have to look at the calendar now to find a spot.
34:57So, Leah, this is the main bedroom.
35:01So you've freshened it up in here, a lick of paint again?
35:04Yeah.
35:04I'm trying to keep a beach vibe, so I'm trying to keep most things in here like white or blue
35:10really.
35:10Do you ever get bored of literally waking up to those incredible beautiful views?
35:15You can never get bored.
35:16No.
35:16Sunsets are beautiful and they are the sunrises.
35:19Yeah.
35:19And you get the wild ocean when it's a cloudy day or you get as calm as a mill pond.
35:26So it's just something that's constantly changing.
35:29So, I know that outside as well you've done some bits and bobs.
35:33Yes.
35:34I mean, do you want to come and walk outside?
35:36Yeah.
35:37Yeah?
35:39Oh, lovely job out here.
35:42This furniture I brought from the UK.
35:44I just got a man with a van actually.
35:47That drove from the UK with a few things that you couldn't bring in a suitcase.
35:51Yeah.
35:52And then the table and chairs.
35:54Really nice.
35:55I brought them online.
35:56But it did turn up all in flat pack and my daughter's partner Brett put it together in the morning
36:04when they came out.
36:06Yeah.
36:06I'm really shocked that you've managed to get all this furniture out here.
36:09It's amazing what you can fit up to.
36:10Yeah.
36:11Without it feeling cramped.
36:12Even the old seti all covered up.
36:14So that's the other seti that was here before.
36:17Yeah.
36:17But we spend a lot of time out here on the balcony.
36:20We have most of the meals we eat outside.
36:24And what's really great is that if people are on the beach, we can just wave them.
36:29Yeah.
36:29Be like, lunch time!
36:31Get out the sea!
36:33Yeah.
36:33You can, yeah.
36:34You can.
36:34Well, it sounds like you've created a really nice lifestyle for yourselves here.
36:38Yeah.
36:38It's been really lovely.
36:39And so you can experience a bit of our life here.
36:42We're going to have a little bit of Spanish-style lunch.
36:44I'm just going to go and get into my little kitchen and bring it out if you'd like.
36:48To make yourself comfortable.
36:50Oh, thank you so much.
36:51Oh, so lovely.
36:53I'll just be here then.
36:54When you're ready.
36:56Ah, this is my life.
36:58This apartment didn't need a lot doing to it, in fairness.
37:01But it's nice to see how Kim's made it her own with some small details.
37:05Now, of course, when I was here with them two years ago, we didn't seal the deal on the property.
37:10So I'm really keen to find out what happened after the cameras stopped rolling.
37:15I remember it was on the market for £141,000.
37:18Yeah.
37:19And we were just short, weren't we, when I left you?
37:22Well, that was the very top of my budget, the absolute top of my budget.
37:26It was.
37:26And it was your life savings, right?
37:27And £1,000 over, my life savings.
37:29But I said I would leave my offer on the table because I was coming back in a week and
37:33my sons were coming out to have another viewing.
37:36And they loved it.
37:38So I was really happy then just to go ahead and straight away put in the offer on the asking
37:43price.
37:44But since I've had some good news.
37:46Right.
37:47Because I've kept in touch with the agent that sold me the property, Doris.
37:51And she's told me that the property's probably gone up by about 40,000 euros.
37:59That's about £35,000.
38:01Yeah.
38:02That's a lot in two years.
38:04Yeah.
38:04I know you love it here.
38:06I know it's a holiday home.
38:08Would you ever sell it?
38:10No, Leah, I'm not looking to sell this property.
38:13I bought it as a family home.
38:15I'm looking down the generations now.
38:16The grandchildren, then their children.
38:19And it's just something that we have, you know, in the family.
38:22We've got our beach house on the Costa del Sol.
38:26So, no, it's not always a holiday of lying on the beach and going to the restaurants.
38:31It's home from home.
38:32There's always things that need doing.
38:34Getting the internet sorted out.
38:36Getting the water put in your name.
38:37Getting the electric put in your name.
38:39Community charges, putting all that in your name.
38:41Opening bank accounts.
38:43There's all these things that need to be done.
38:45How easy was it to arrange all of that?
38:49Because obviously it's all in Spanish.
38:50Doris, again, she was like my gardening angel.
38:53She took me to the notaries, to the council, to the county hall.
38:58In terms of advice to anybody who's thinking of tapping into a lifestyle like this,
39:03getting a holiday home.
39:04One of the important things, I think, to think when you are buying a place,
39:08in Spain, you need to factor in a contingency fund.
39:12Okay.
39:13So there's taxes, there's notaries to be paid, city council halls, fees to be paid.
39:20So it's quite a lot.
39:21It cost me about over £20,000 in the fees.
39:26And that was just sort of one off?
39:28That was a one off, yeah.
39:28Right, once you've done that, what would you say your monthly contingency is roughly?
39:33About £200 a month.
39:35Things like your electric, your internet, your water charges, your community charges,
39:40any cleaning fees if you have that.
39:42Yeah.
39:43So maintenance fees.
39:44Maintenance fees.
39:44House insurance, which is quite expensive over here.
39:48The banks charge as well.
39:50So the banks don't give you free bank accounts, you pay for your bank account monthly.
39:54When you compare that to our cost of living back home, £200 a month is like a little drop in
40:01the ocean.
40:01But that can go up, can't it?
40:04So if people are out here quite a lot, say in the summer, and they're running the air conditioning,
40:08all the fans, things like that, so it fluctuates how much, you know, how many people have been out
40:13and what season is being used, yeah, so it fluctuates.
40:18Since I've been here, they've made a promenade.
40:20They've planted all trees across the whole of the promenade here.
40:24We do, like, a lot of flat walk.
40:26Oh, what about coastal walks?
40:28Coastal walks, a lovely, er...
40:29So do you fancy a walk?
40:30I'd love to take you to a very special place, I think, for a walk.
40:35And it's quite nearby.
40:36Nice.
40:37Breathtaking views.
40:38Oh, that sounds right up my street.
40:40I'm pleased to hear how much enjoyment Kim and her family are getting from having a place here.
40:45And the next day, we met up for what looked like being quite a windy coastal walk.
40:51This is gorgeous.
40:53Beautiful scenery.
40:54Yeah.
40:55We're in a little town called Rincon Della Victoria.
40:58It's between Benaharafi, where my apartment is, and Malaga.
41:04Malaga Council is trying to make a coastal path all along its coastline, so it just stretches.
41:10You can just keep walking.
41:11It's absolutely beautiful.
41:13Debbie, have you done this walk before?
41:14Yeah.
41:15I've been once before.
41:16Oh, you have?
41:17Okay, okay.
41:18Well, then it's new for me.
41:19So, yeah.
41:20Shall we get walking?
41:21Yeah, let's go.
41:22All right, cool.
41:23Bye.
41:24I mean, it's a beautiful day, but when it's a bit windy like this, it's a little nippy, isn't it,
41:29Kim?
41:29It is a little nippy.
41:30Maybe we shouldn't have come on the coastal walk today.
41:34I think you brought the Swansea weather with you.
41:38That's Debbie's fault.
41:39Is that you, Debbie?
41:40Well, and although we grew up near the coast, we didn't have sea views.
41:45Right.
41:45But all our holidays, all school summer holidays, that's all we did is go to the beach.
41:51So, what are some of your plans for the future, then?
41:54I'd like to join a yoga class.
41:55That would be lovely.
41:56On the beach?
41:57On the beach, yeah.
41:59And the other thing I want to do is to learn fluent Spanish.
42:02That would be lovely.
42:03Yeah.
42:04It's very Spanish out here, and most people don't speak English, and I'm in their country,
42:10so I want to...
42:11It's a lovely language.
42:12You want to be part of it?
42:13I want to be part of it, yeah.
42:14Yeah, exactly.
42:15I try my best, but I need to, you know, learn the grammar.
42:20You'll get there.
42:21Before we got blown off the pathway, we decided to end our coastal stroll and head to a cafe
42:27to sample one of my favourite Spanish hot drinks, which mixes condensed milk and espresso.
42:33Well, ladies, it's nice to have a bit of a stop, isn't it?
42:35It is.
42:36We can warm ourself on our coffee.
42:38Yeah!
42:38I love a cafe bonbon.
42:40Well, first time, we're really trying cafe bonbons.
42:43Really?
42:43Yes.
42:44So, you mix it all up and tuck in.
42:48So, this is the life, isn't it?
42:50It's that slower pace of life.
42:52Yeah.
42:52Enjoying the moment and not constantly on the treadmill rushing around.
42:57Exactly.
42:58So, here's to us and our cafe bonbons.
43:01Cheers.
43:03Cheers.
43:04Mmm.
43:06Mmm.
43:07That's good, isn't it?
43:08A little sweet.
43:09Yes.
43:10It's definitely a pick-me-up, isn't it, Debbie?
43:12What do you think of it?
43:13Definitely.
43:14It's just what we needed.
43:15Yeah.
43:16End of our walk.
43:17What advice would you give someone who is thinking of taking the plunge like you, buying
43:23a property abroad?
43:24There'd be lots of reasons to hesitate, yeah?
43:26But if you're in a position and thinking about doing it, I think you've just got to do it.
43:32Because it is a big leap of faith.
43:35And I've got no regrets.
43:37And most people I've spoken to have no regrets about doing it.
43:42And my philosophy, if not now, when?
43:45When, exactly.
43:46What do you think, Debbie?
43:48Do you think you'd follow suit and get yourself a place over here?
43:51Maybe next door to Kim?
43:52Yeah, never know.
43:54I'm watching the state agency, then you're coming up.
43:57Well, on that note, ladies, I'm going to have to leave you.
44:00Oh.
44:00I know.
44:01I've had such a lovely time.
44:03Honestly, it's been so great catching up with you both.
44:06I'm so happy to see how you're enjoying the apartment.
44:10It's a family home.
44:11It's our family place in the sun.
44:13Oh, thank you so much.
44:17Lovely to see you again.
44:18Lovely to see you.
44:19Bye.
44:20Yes.
44:21So good to see you.
44:23Take care of yourself.
44:24Bye.
44:25Bye.
44:25Don't get up to anything I wouldn't.
44:27Bye.
44:28See ya.
44:33I was so lovely catching up with Kim and Debbie again.
44:36It was always Kim's dream all along to own a holiday home by the beach to share with the
44:42family.
44:42And it's great to see that she's doing just that.
44:45I wish them all the very best in making more wonderful memories together.
44:51If you'd like to be on a place in the sun to find your own dream home, go to channel4
44:55.com
44:56forward slash tape heart.
44:58group
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