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00:04Today I'm house hunting around the stunning Andalusian fishing village of La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol.
00:10I'm Jean Johansson and over the last 15 years I've been buying, selling and renovating properties both in the UK
00:18and overseas.
00:19Today I'm going to be using all my skills to find the perfect place for Sue and Brian who remain
00:24cool despite the heat.
00:26I am really getting lukewarm from you two, talk to me what's going on.
00:30And I need to up my game.
00:32What are you thinking Brian?
00:33It's not doing it for me, it seems a little bit too small for what we want.
00:38I visit a luxury villa where it's all about alfresco chilling.
00:42This outside space has really got everything, a great pool, sun loungers, barbecue, it's beautiful.
00:49But at the end of the day do I find my house hunters their perfect place in the sun?
00:54It's fabulous.
00:56Yeah.
00:57I love it.
00:57Good.
00:58Yeah.
01:02Sue and Brian first discovered this village around 20 years ago when Sue's sister already had a holiday home here
01:08and they loved it so much they've been coming back at least once a year, every year.
01:13Now that they've downsized in the UK and they're both headed for retirement, Sue and Brian can't wait to find
01:18their very own holiday home where they can spend loads of time with family and friends.
01:23Sue and Brian who live in Greater Manchester have been together for more than 50 years after he impressed her
01:29with his fashion sense.
01:31We met round about 1969 at a youth club and she had this long black hair down to her waist.
01:38I was in a white denim jacket which was picked up by the fluorescent lights, obviously Sue noticed me.
01:45Well he was very attractive, he had very long dark hair which was the fashion at the time.
01:52We've been together ever since. We got married in 1972.
01:56They have a budget of £180,000 to buy a holiday home in La Cala de Mijas to enjoy with
02:03their two daughters and four grandchildren.
02:07The best way to get to La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain is to
02:12fly into Malaga which takes about three hours from loads of UK airports.
02:17Then it's less than half an hour's drive.
02:19La Cala de Mijas which was a quiet fishing village until the Spanish tourist boom of the 1960s is seen
02:26as one of the gems of the Costa del Sol.
02:28Less lively than some neighbouring resorts, it's home to a lovely sandy beach and oodles of great shops, bars and
02:35restaurants and retains its traditional Andalusian appeal despite its growth and popularity over the years.
02:41It's also home to a large British community with a mixture of full-time residents and holiday home owners.
02:48Not as built up, La Cala de Mijas has a real Spanish charm compared to some of its neighbouring towns
02:54and villages and it's the most expensive area between Malaga and Marbella.
02:58Here, a two-bedroom apartment with outside space, a short walk to the beach starts at around £220,000.
03:05But if Sue and Brian are willing to go a little bit further afield, I'm confident I can get them
03:09some good deals.
03:10Before we get going, I'm meeting up with my house hunters on the town's main beach to find out more
03:16about them and what they're after in terms of property.
03:19Sue and Brian, welcome back to La Cala de Mijas.
03:24How does it feel to be here?
03:26Brilliant.
03:26Feels fantastic.
03:27Absolutely.
03:27We love this area.
03:29Can you kind of put it into words?
03:30What is it that keeps you getting on that flight from Manchester and coming back here for 20 years?
03:35Obviously, we love the beach.
03:37Yeah.
03:38We love the boardwalk.
03:40We love the people here.
03:41They're so friendly and pleasant.
03:43That's great.
03:44I mean, you've been coming for 20 years, so what has made you two finally do it?
03:48I think just at the time in our life.
03:50I mean, you know, when our children were younger and we had grandchildren that were young and needed us and
03:55we both have worked, you know, a long time.
03:58And we sort of feel now is the time to take some time out for ourselves.
04:02Of course.
04:02So let's talk about your wish list then.
04:04What's this dream property that you want?
04:06We just like a two to three bedroom, a little house or an apartment.
04:12Or even if there was just one bedroom where we've got some space in the lounge sofa bed if there
04:17are visitors.
04:18Okay.
04:19Hopefully with a bit of outside space.
04:21If we could get a sea view, that would be fantastic.
04:24And within a 30-minute walk to the beach, that would be great.
04:28Are you up for doing a little bit of work in the property?
04:30Yes, we don't mind.
04:32If the price is right and we've got some money over, I don't want to knock walls down.
04:38But I don't mind painting, maybe a new kitchen in.
04:41Okay.
04:41I'll keep that in mind in this search.
04:43And I know that you've got £180,000 in cash.
04:46Mm-hmm.
04:47It's a decent budget.
04:48Is there some wiggle room?
04:50Yes, £20,000.
04:52£20,000.
04:52Okay, so we've got £200,000.
04:54It's going to be a challenge to get you everything you want for £200,000, but I will really try
05:00with a few compromises here and there to get you what you're after.
05:04We don't mind compromises.
05:05Oh, good.
05:06I'm going to remember he said that.
05:07Right.
05:07Let's get started.
05:09Follow me.
05:09Come on.
05:11Well, there's nothing I like more than house hunters who are happy to make compromises.
05:15And if Brian and Sue are true to their word, I've got no doubt I can find them somewhere they'll
05:20love for that maximum budget of £200,000.
05:23Before we visit property number one, we're making the short journey from the beach into the heart of town.
05:30So before we go to our first property, of course, I had to stop off at the old town square
05:34here in La Cala de Mijas.
05:36I'm guessing you two know this area.
05:38Very well.
05:39Yeah.
05:39We always come here.
05:41We normally, when we're meeting our friends, we meet them in this little place behind us.
05:45Yeah.
05:45We call it the office.
05:47The office.
05:48OK.
05:48I'm guessing it's not an office, Brian.
05:51Er...
05:51No.
05:54I love this area.
05:55I think it's really cool.
05:56I love to come and have a nice meal.
05:57You've got the beach here as well.
05:59Lovely walk along the boardwalk.
06:00And then you've got a bit of history.
06:02Yeah.
06:02Right there.
06:03Yeah.
06:04These kind of towers date back to the late 1700s.
06:07And you see them dotted along the Costa del Sol.
06:09I think it's always nice somewhere with a bit of a history.
06:12Yeah.
06:12I didn't know actually you could go up there.
06:14Well, we don't have time right now, Brian, because I need to show you your first property.
06:18Oh, right.
06:18It'd take you about 20 minutes to get there on the bus.
06:20Yeah.
06:2010 minutes in a taxi.
06:22Yeah.
06:22How does that location work for you?
06:24Yeah?
06:25Yeah.
06:25Let's wander along.
06:27Property number one is in a place called Cala Honda, just down the coast from La Cala de Mijas.
06:32It's a very international area, popular with buyers from the UK, Scandinavia and more recently from the USA.
06:39Prices have fallen a bit in the past year, but even so I've had to dip into Sue and Brian's
06:45wiggle room here.
06:46Though there's flexibility on the price.
06:49Right, look there.
06:50I've got a third floor, one bedroom, one bathroom apartment for you.
06:55Great outside space.
06:56Kerberpail?
06:57Well, it's a bit tired.
06:59It's okay.
07:01The gardens are really nicely kept and another reason I've brought you here is the price.
07:05So this property is on the market for just over £181,000, but the agent has said that the owners
07:13are willing to listen to offers around £168,000.
07:16Right.
07:17Okay.
07:19I am really getting lukewarm from you two.
07:21Talk to me what's going on.
07:22I think we need to see it inside to make a judgement on it.
07:26Yes, you're right.
07:26You need to see inside.
07:28Follow me.
07:28Come on guys.
07:32This third floor apartment has access to a communal pool and gardens and has a spacious private balcony with sea
07:39views.
07:40Inside, there's a semi-open plan, living, dining and kitchen space, one bedroom with access to the balcony and a
07:48shower room.
07:50Come on in.
07:51Newly refurbed kitchen here.
07:54You've got bathroom, bedroom, off the living space.
07:57And then you've got sea view.
07:59Oh, the sea view is great.
08:00Yeah.
08:01That's fabulous.
08:02How's the size working for you?
08:04It's okay.
08:05It's okay.
08:06What are you thinking, Brian?
08:08It's not doing it for me.
08:10It seems a little bit too small for what we want.
08:13If we're going to bring the children out with the grandchildren, I don't think there's enough space.
08:21Good outside space here.
08:23Kind of extends your living area a bit.
08:25What do you think of this outdoor space, Brian?
08:28It's quite good actually.
08:29It's big enough.
08:31It's a shame really because this is a good sized balcony.
08:34I thought that this lounge with this outside space could be big enough.
08:38Yeah.
08:38You've made it clear it's not.
08:40Yeah.
08:40Is this property for you?
08:42I don't think so.
08:43No, I don't think so.
08:44If there was a second bedroom, then it might not be too bad.
08:48Okay.
08:49But one bedroom and a small lounge, it's not doing it.
08:54Okay.
08:54You've given me some stuff to think about.
08:56I appreciate your honesty.
08:58I always move on with positivity.
09:00Yeah?
09:00Excellent.
09:01Brilliant.
09:02After you.
09:03Absolutely.
09:04Come on.
09:06While that's not the start I was hoping for, Brian and Sue really aren't fans of this
09:11one bedroom apartment which is on the market for just over £181,000, despite its great location,
09:18lovely pool and balcony.
09:19But size wise, inside at least, it just didn't cut the mustard.
09:24And it's always useful to understand what your house hunters don't like as well as what
09:29they do.
09:30So I'm not feeling too downhearted.
09:32Now this part of the Costa del Sol is known for the boardwalk that runs along the coast.
09:36So before we take a look at property number two, I thought we'd take a bit of a stroll.
09:41How many times have you took a walk down here?
09:45Oh, countless times.
09:47Countless.
09:47Yeah.
09:48Hundreds.
09:49We walked from the hotel along the boardwalk to La Calla.
09:52Sue had one of those watches on.
09:54I had the step watch on.
09:56Get your steps in.
09:57Steps in.
09:58Yeah, good.
09:58We've got 16,000 steps.
10:00We don't do 16,000 steps back.
10:03We just jump on the bus.
10:04Oh, yeah, yeah.
10:05Only one way.
10:06Yeah, that's fine.
10:06Just a beautiful little bath, just a puffer if you get a bit tired.
10:10Well, that's the thing.
10:10This has been set up so you can have a little seat on the bench.
10:14You know, it's a nice leisurely walk.
10:16And, you know, the scenery, you know, all the way, you've got this beautiful coastline
10:20and it's fabulous.
10:22And for my next property, you can access the boardwalk in about 15 minutes.
10:25Oh, excellent.
10:26So, yeah, you can keep your exercise up with this one.
10:28That's what we need.
10:29Let's take a leisurely stroll.
10:30Come on.
10:35Coming up, if it's more space Sue and Brian are after, I can't wait to show them my next
10:39property.
10:40This beautiful two-bedroom apartment that comes with these amazing views.
10:50Today, I'm in and around the beautiful fishing village of La Cala de Mijas in southern Spain,
10:55helping Sue and Brian find the perfect holiday home where they can relax and spend time with
11:00family and friends.
11:01Now, I haven't got off to the best start, but I've got four more chances to impress
11:06them.
11:06The first place I showed my house hunters, who have a maximum budget of £200,000, didn't
11:11really do the job because even though they loved its big balcony, they felt the inside
11:16was a bit small, especially if their family was over to stay.
11:19So, I found them a place with much more space for property number two.
11:24It's in an area called Riviera del Sol, which is slightly further inland than our last property.
11:30Once again, it's an area popular with international buyers.
11:34And even though prices haven't moved much here in the last couple of years, to get a roomier
11:38option for Brian and Sue, I've had to get close to the top end of their maximum budget.
11:44Really wanted to improve on the previous property, so I have a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, top-floor
11:51apartment, right there.
11:53That's good.
11:54Excellent.
11:54The building looks well looked after.
11:56Right, let's talk numbers.
11:58This property is on the market for just under £194,000.
12:02The agent tells me that could be negotiated down to around £175,000.
12:07Wow.
12:08Yes, I said the same.
12:09This area, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, close to the beach.
12:14£175,000 is sounding pretty good.
12:16It does.
12:17Yeah.
12:17How do you feel about top-floor apartment?
12:19This is the three storeys.
12:20Typically, in Spain, if it's three storeys, there's no lift.
12:23Three storeys, can that work for you without a lift?
12:26Erm, yeah, it can.
12:29We're OK, we're getting older now, but it can.
12:34Have a look at this lovely pool.
12:37Oh, yeah, it's nice.
12:38Nice size, really nice size as well.
12:41Beautiful kept gardens.
12:43Yeah.
12:43I love the greenery here, erm, the trees.
12:47Yeah, I'm glad that we're getting off to a better start with this one.
12:50You're liking the location.
12:51Yeah.
12:51You like the area around the pool.
12:53Beautiful.
12:54Let me show you the property then.
12:55Oh, great.
12:59As well as access to the communal pool, this third and top-floor apartment
13:03has a balcony with views towards the sea.
13:06Inside, there's a large, light and bright living and dining room,
13:10a separate modern kitchen with adjoining utility room,
13:13the main bedroom with an ensuite bathroom,
13:16a second bedroom with a Juliet balcony,
13:19plus a shower room.
13:22Much bigger kitchen.
13:24Two bedrooms, two bathrooms of this living area
13:27and another great view.
13:29What do you think?
13:31It's lovely.
13:32Yeah?
13:33Very nice.
13:34It's a nice size as well.
13:36Phew!
13:37I can't breathe.
13:37I'm glad that I've got you a property that, you know,
13:40it's just giving you some better vibes than the previous one.
13:42Yeah.
13:43Yeah.
13:43How did you find the walk-up?
13:45You said that it needs to be comfortable.
13:46Was that comfortable for you?
13:48Erm, it was okay.
13:51Three flights up is okay.
13:55I was a little bit breathless when I got up here.
13:58Okay.
13:58I mean, it's such a big thing.
14:00It is.
14:00Yeah.
14:01You know, you must take it into consideration.
14:03Yeah.
14:05Oh, and Sweet here.
14:07And what do you think of the size of the bedroom?
14:10Oh, the size is, the size is okay.
14:13Yeah?
14:13It's a good size.
14:14Happy with this one, Brian?
14:16You like it?
14:16Yes, yes.
14:17Erm, I think it's got what we need, everything we need.
14:20The only thing I'm sort of worried about is, erm,
14:24Sue, she's not really good downstairs.
14:26We're not getting any younger.
14:28We're getting older.
14:28Oh, you're a pair of young things.
14:30Don't worry about that.
14:31I get it.
14:31You do have to think about it.
14:33Look, look around the rest of this property on your own.
14:35Go out and see the lovely views.
14:37And consider whether you could live with those stairs or not.
14:40We'll meet up and I'll see what your thoughts are.
14:43Yes.
14:43Okay.
14:43Okay.
14:44Have a good look around.
14:46Okay.
14:48Oh, it's a shame because I think they really like this property,
14:52but the stairs are a huge consideration.
14:58Oh, it's about the same size as the other bedroom, isn't it?
15:01Nice and bright, isn't it?
15:03Adequate.
15:03Adequate for what we want.
15:04Nice views.
15:05Looks nice looking out.
15:07Junior balcony.
15:12Oh, gosh, that's a great view.
15:14You can see the sea.
15:15I didn't expect a sea view, but that's lovely.
15:18It's quite small on the balcony.
15:20It's not a big terrace, is it?
15:22If we had the family out there and there's quite a few of them,
15:26it'd be a bit of a squeeze.
15:28Well, I think once we made it up to this top floor apartment,
15:31which is on the market for a negotiable just under £194,000,
15:36it went down pretty well all in all.
15:38But will those stairs mean Sue and Brian are stepping up or stepping away?
15:44So you had a good look round on your own, you too?
15:47Yes, we did.
15:47What do you think of the property?
15:49We like it.
15:50We like the lounge and the bedrooms are fine.
15:54Two bathrooms is good.
15:55It's a plus.
15:56A little bit concerned about the stairs because there isn't a lift.
16:00Mm-hm.
16:01The balcony's a little bit smaller than we would have liked,
16:05but the views are fantastic.
16:07So, yeah, we are considering it.
16:10Yeah.
16:10I think there's more to talk about.
16:11Brian, what do you think?
16:13I quite like the property.
16:14My only concern is it's the stairs for the both of us.
16:18Do the stairs rule this property out?
16:21I don't think at this stage they rule it out,
16:23but I think it is a big consideration.
16:25Let's see if we can improve on that for the next one, yeah?
16:28Let's go.
16:31Brian and Sue didn't rule that place out,
16:33but those stairs mean you couldn't really say it's a super strong contender.
16:37Now, even though they know this part of Spain pretty well,
16:40having holidayed here for 20 years,
16:42I thought it would be a good idea to hit the beach
16:44and get some top tips from someone who lives here all year round.
16:49Hi, Andrew.
16:50Hi, Jean.
16:51Good to see you.
16:51I really wanted you to meet Brian and Sue.
16:54Hi, Brian and Sue.
16:55How are you?
16:55Andrew just got a place here and these guys are house hunting,
16:58so, you know, Andrew's a great person to ask any questions.
17:00Yeah.
17:01Social life.
17:03Is there plenty of social life?
17:04Ah, well, we chose Mijas because, you know,
17:07Benel and Fungarola and Marbella on the other side,
17:10all a bit busy.
17:11We like it here, it's quiet.
17:12There are bars and everything,
17:13but there's no kind of full-on nightclubs or anything,
17:17so it suits us on a lifestyle.
17:19It's easy enough to meet people, I thought.
17:21Very easy.
17:22You just said when you're here more and more,
17:23you realise how many English people there are to kind of befriend.
17:28Yeah.
17:28What about, you know, the whole process of actually buy-in
17:31and the solicitors and all the legal bits?
17:34Was that straightforward enough?
17:36Yeah, fairly.
17:36I think as long as you do a bit of research,
17:38the process was no more stressful than at home in the UK,
17:43so fairly straightforward.
17:44Thank you so much for chatting to us, Andrew.
17:46Thank you, Jean.
17:46Thanks, guys.
17:48Happy to hear you.
17:49Bye.
17:53Coming up, I'm hoping Sue and Brian
17:55are going to love my next property,
17:56a traditional two-bedroom apartment
17:58in a great location that comes with good outside space.
18:07Today, I'm helping Sue and Brian find their perfect holiday home
18:11around the beautiful Costa del Sol in Spain.
18:14And so far, it's been a bit of an uphill battle.
18:17My house hunters, who have a maximum budget of £200,000,
18:21weren't keen on my first place as they felt it was too small.
18:24And even though they didn't rule out my second one,
18:27the three flights of stairs leading up to it were a bit of a concern.
18:31So I'm going for somewhere that's a bit easier to access
18:33with property number three.
18:36We're staying in the same area, Riviera del Sol,
18:39as Brian and Sue liked it so much.
18:42But this time, we're even closer to the beach.
18:44Less than a ten-minute walk, in fact.
18:46And there's another bonus in terms of price,
18:49as this place comes in a little bit below budget.
18:53I love this location.
18:54But what do you think about this neighbourhood?
18:56It's lovely.
18:57I like the neighbourhood, yeah.
18:58Yeah, it looks good.
18:59Well, it's a two-bedroom, second-floor apartment,
19:02one-bathroom, good outside space.
19:04You're big on outside appearance and kerby appeal, Brian,
19:06so what do you think?
19:07I think it's got a good kerby feel.
19:09Yeah.
19:09It looks very clean, tidy.
19:11It feels like a holiday home.
19:13A bit more traditional here.
19:15What do you think about the style?
19:16Yeah, the style, yeah, it's sort of Andalusian.
19:19It looks good, yeah.
19:20Now, there are multiple entrances to this block.
19:23Actually, if you enter round the back where the pool is...
19:26The communal pool.
19:27..you only need to walk up one flight of stairs.
19:29OK.
19:30So, hopefully, you know, that's going to be a lot easier for you.
19:33Yeah, a lot easier.
19:34It's on the market for just over £171,500.
19:39Looking good?
19:40Yeah, it's looking good, yeah.
19:41Let's get in.
19:43This second-floor apartment has access to a communal pool
19:47and gardens, as well as a private balcony with great views.
19:51Inside, there's a light and Aries semi-open-plan living,
19:54dining and kitchen space, the main bedroom,
19:57which has a Juliet balcony, a second similar-sized bedroom
20:00and a shower room.
20:04Kitchen.
20:05Through the archway.
20:07Shall we say traditional decor?
20:10Mm-hm.
20:10I think it's got potential.
20:13Erm, it's not the way we would have it.
20:16We'd, you know, plaster the walls, we'd paint them,
20:21maybe change the floor.
20:23Erm, so, yeah, there's quite a bit of work to do.
20:26Brian, how is this space for you?
20:29Well, the space is fine.
20:30And I like the open-plan kitchen.
20:34Come on in, what do you think of this?
20:37It's...
20:37It's OK.
20:38It's not a bad size.
20:39It looks a decent size, yeah.
20:41It's good that there's storage.
20:43Mm-hm.
20:44Nice big window.
20:45Is that a patio?
20:46Or...
20:46Juliet balcony there.
20:47Juliet balcony, OK.
20:49Yeah, I think, with a little bit of work, it could work.
20:55It's a nice afternoon sun here.
20:58Outside space.
20:59Bit tiny.
21:01Yeah, it's a bit tight.
21:03I can see the cogs turning.
21:05I can see I'm giving you loads to think about.
21:07Yeah.
21:07So this is a good time for you to look round the rest of property.
21:10We'll meet up and see if this one could be a contender.
21:14Yeah.
21:14OK, yeah.
21:19So, yeah, it's about the same size as the other bedroom, isn't it?
21:23Nice view from the window, the gardens.
21:26Yeah, it's all right.
21:26It's OK.
21:30Kitchen's a bit small.
21:32It's a bit on the small side.
21:34Erm, I think we need new cupboards.
21:37I think this would have to be modernised.
21:38It's all right.
21:40I think it needs a bit of work, but...
21:41It does need modernising.
21:43Yeah.
21:43Well, I had high hopes for this apartment,
21:46which is on the market for just over £171,500,
21:50as I think it gives Brian and Sue loads of space
21:53in an area I know they really like.
21:55But while they've made some semi-positive noises,
21:58I don't think it's massively impressed them.
22:02Hello.
22:03Hi.
22:04We're really interested to hear your thoughts on this one.
22:06Yeah, there's some really good points about it.
22:09Yeah, tell me those first.
22:11OK.
22:12Erm, like the area,
22:14there's only one slight of steps to go up, which is great.
22:17Nice little pool area.
22:19Erm, you can do the...
22:22..cons.
22:23I think there's a lot of work to be done.
22:26Mm-hm.
22:27Definitely needs a new kitchen.
22:28Yeah.
22:29Er, needs redecorating, needs painting.
22:33The balcony's a bit tiny.
22:35OK.
22:36You've got £200,000 to spend.
22:38This is on the market for just over £171,000,
22:40so you've got the money to do it up.
22:42Mm-hm.
22:42I guess the question is, do you want to do the work?
22:47I think that's a conversation we need to have.
22:50I think it's...
22:51Er, I'm not ruling it out, certainly,
22:53because I do like the location.
22:54Right, OK.
22:55Erm, but I think we need to think a bit more about that.
22:58If you need time to discuss that, no problem.
23:01Yes.
23:02Where to go next with you two?
23:05Erm, I've got a bit of a wildcard property.
23:08Are you up for that?
23:09I love wildcard.
23:10Oh, yeah.
23:10Have you got wild side, probably?
23:12You are.
23:13Come on, then.
23:16So it's another property Sue and Brian aren't ruling out,
23:20but, of course, I'm aiming a lot higher than that,
23:23and, being honest,
23:24I haven't quite delivered them the goods so far.
23:26I'm hoping I will with my next place
23:29after a quick detour to the town of Miraflores
23:32to visit somewhere very social
23:33and a lot of fun as well.
23:37So I wanted to bring you to Miraflores Bowling Club.
23:40What do you think of this?
23:42Excellent.
23:43Great, yeah.
23:44Looks good.
23:44Everyone looks like they're enjoying themselves.
23:46I know.
23:47Having fun.
23:48Membership costs around £250.
23:50That takes you from April to November,
23:52and then they've got discounts during the summer months.
23:55They've got tournaments as well,
23:56so I think that could be fun,
23:57and it probably gets quite competitive on there.
24:00Yeah.
24:00It looks like it.
24:00What do you think?
24:02A lot of the members here are British,
24:04so that's nice as well,
24:05but they're Swedes and Germans.
24:06They're people from all over Europe,
24:08and I think this is a bit of a hub,
24:09just for people that want to do something
24:11and make friends as well.
24:13Yeah, I think it would be a great place
24:14to meet people and make friends.
24:16I'm glad you two like this.
24:17Yes.
24:18My next property's about a 10-minute walk from here,
24:20so this could be your local.
24:21Excellent.
24:22Excellent.
24:22Let's get off to the next property.
24:24Come on.
24:25That 10-minute walk takes us back to Riviera del Sol,
24:28where we saw our previous two properties,
24:30but this one's really close to the beach,
24:33in an urbanisation where around 80% of residents
24:36are from the UK.
24:37For the first time on this search,
24:39we're seeing a townhouse rather than an apartment,
24:41so I've had to go a bit over Sue and Brian's maximum budget,
24:45but I'm told there is room for manoeuvre.
24:48You really like the location of my previous property,
24:52so I've kept you in the area.
24:53What do you think of the pool?
24:55It's fabulous.
24:57Yeah, I love it.
24:58Good.
24:58Yeah.
24:59The pool is actually beautiful.
25:01I think it's one of the nicest pools we've seen, I think.
25:04The grandkids would enjoy this as well.
25:06Oh, yeah, they'd love it.
25:06Look over here.
25:07I've got your townhouse.
25:09Oh.
25:10Two floors with this one.
25:11Garden.
25:12Very nicely done inside.
25:14Brian is smiling.
25:15How's that sounding for you?
25:17Well, it sounds pretty good.
25:18It's on the market for just over £215,000,
25:22but the agent will listen to offers around the top end of your budget.
25:26This is a big property and I think it fulfils all your needs
25:29and it's in a great location,
25:31so I'm going to let you walk around it on your own.
25:34OK.
25:34Have a good nosey, get a feel for it
25:36and then come and find me and tell me what you think.
25:39Well done.
25:39OK, Jane.
25:40Enjoy looking round this one.
25:44This search has been tricky
25:45and I haven't really had a property that's made them say wow.
25:49I think this could be the one.
25:52As well as access to the communal pool and gardens,
25:56this townhouse has a private back garden and a balcony out front.
26:00Inside there's a light, bright and white semi-open plant living,
26:04dining and kitchen area as well as a downstairs toilet.
26:08Upstairs there's the main bedroom which has a balcony,
26:10a second bedroom and a shower room.
26:17Oh.
26:20Oh, this is a nice room.
26:21Yeah.
26:23It's a decent size, isn't it?
26:26Yeah.
26:27I like the tiles.
26:28Tiles are fine.
26:30Fireplace.
26:30Yeah.
26:32Good start, isn't it?
26:33It is.
26:37It's quite...
26:37Not that size.
26:39Yeah, it's on the small side but...
26:41It's workable.
26:42It's workable.
26:43But it's nice and bright.
26:44There's a nice view from the sink which is good.
26:47And I do like this where you can see into the lounge.
26:50You can see into the lounge.
26:50That's a nice feature.
26:52It's lovely.
26:54Oh, gosh, look at that view.
26:56That's a fantastic sea view.
26:59Imagine waking up to that in the morning.
27:03That's great.
27:04It's a nice sized bedroom, to be honest.
27:06And it's a nice entrance coming up the whole spiral staircase.
27:08The spiral staircase is nice.
27:10That's good.
27:10It's a good feature, isn't it?
27:12Yeah, it's lovely.
27:15So...
27:17This garden's fabulous, isn't it?
27:19Yeah, beautiful.
27:20Absolutely gorgeous.
27:21The only thing I've noticed is the traffic noise.
27:25I'm right next to the motorway.
27:27And that is a problem.
27:29It is very loud.
27:31Yeah.
27:32It's a shame because...
27:33It's a shame because it's so lovely.
27:35Yeah.
27:36This house, which is on the market for a negotiable just over £215,000,
27:41is definitely the biggest place I've shown Sue and Brian so far,
27:45in an area I know they like.
27:46So I'm interested to hear where they're at now that they've had a good look around.
27:50So, what's the verdict on this one?
27:54Stunning.
27:55Oh, I'm so glad you like it.
27:58It's a great property.
27:59Yeah.
28:00The only downside is that there's a motorway and it's noisy outside.
28:06And that's a big consideration for us.
28:09We're so close to the beach here and, you know, that's the underpass to the beach.
28:14If you sit out here now, I feel like the traffic's not such an issue.
28:18Well...
28:18I will admit it's a bit more prominent out the front.
28:21How did you find it, Brian?
28:22Yeah, it's a bit on the low side.
28:25To be honest, with it being a motorway, you're going to get it day and night.
28:28So the question is, because you both love the property, can you live with the noise?
28:35I think we need a good think about it.
28:39Oh, right.
28:39And I think we need to discuss it and see, can we make it work for us?
28:44Yeah.
28:45And what's this property done to the other two apartments that you like?
28:48So we had a lovely traditional apartment with one bathroom,
28:52then you had the two-bed, two-bath.
28:54Are they both still in your mind?
28:55Yes, they are. They're both there.
28:58Erm, I think, to be honest, this one beats those, but except for the noise.
29:04Yeah, OK, so you've got three properties that you're still thinking about.
29:08Let me try and get it together for the last one.
29:11OK.
29:11What can I do to try and get myself a real good contender?
29:15Something like this, but without the road noise.
29:18Right.
29:18That's perfect.
29:20Right, let's go and see the last property.
29:25Coming up, I hope to finally bag myself a strong contender
29:29with this duplex apartment on a fantastic development.
29:33What do you think of this?
29:35Flover.
29:35Yeah, it looks really nice, but I'm pleasantly surprised.
29:44Today I'm house hunting around the stunning fishing village of La Cala de Mijas in Spain,
29:49helping Sue and Brian find the perfect holiday home that can work for the whole family.
29:53OK.
29:54And my house hunters, who have a maximum budget of £200,000, currently have three properties in the mix.
30:00This top floor apartment, this traditional Andalusian-style apartment, and this townhouse with a big garden.
30:07Though none of them feel quite like the one for Brian and Sue.
30:11So I'm hoping my fifth and final property will seal the deal.
30:17But before we go there, I'm heading just outside the town of Mijas Pueblo to check out this stunning five
30:24-bedroom, three-bathroom villa set in a third of an acre of land.
30:28Priced at a touch over £800,000, I'm meeting the agent for a tour.
30:34Hi, Iris.
30:35Nice to see you.
30:36Oh, wow.
30:37I mean, look at this.
30:39It's beautiful.
30:40It is.
30:40This outside space has really got everything.
30:43A great pool, sun loungers, barbecue.
30:46Exactly.
30:46It's surrounded by a garden.
30:48It has a big terrace.
30:50Absolutely stunning.
30:50I can't wait to get inside.
30:52Shall we?
30:52Let's go.
30:52Yeah.
30:55Oh, Iris, this is a great room.
30:57Nice and long.
30:58I like the flow in here.
30:59Very nice.
31:00Yes, they created it to have an open space connected with the living room and the terrace.
31:07So it gives a bit of an open feeling.
31:09And I love the floor.
31:10Is this marble?
31:11It is marble, yes.
31:14Just a perfect size for a main bedroom.
31:17And I love, they've kept the theme of the arches, the Andalithian arch going through.
31:21It's very nice.
31:22This is the main bedroom.
31:23It has a walk-in wardrobe and a Jack and Jill en suite bathroom.
31:29Oh, perfect.
31:30Love that double entrance bathroom.
31:31That view out there is just stunning.
31:33Can we have a closer look?
31:34Yes, of course.
31:38Oh, wow.
31:39I mean, this must be the selling point of the house.
31:43It's amazing.
31:44Exactly.
31:44On a clear day, you can see Morocco.
31:46And it's private.
31:48It is.
31:48It's very private.
31:50That's what the owners wanted as well, to have a private space, not overlooked by anybody.
31:55This property has absolutely everything.
31:58Thank you so much for showing me around.
32:00You're welcome.
32:00I'll show you up.
32:04Well, I could definitely have spent a bit more time there taking in that view.
32:09But now I need to keep my eyes on the prize, which is finding Sue and Brian their dream property.
32:15My fifth and final place is back in Calahonda, where we started this search.
32:20And we're making a quick stop off at its nearest beach before I reveal my final option.
32:27I wanted to end on one of Calahonda's many beautiful beaches.
32:31I like this one because it's nice and chill.
32:33But yeah, you've got a restaurant, bar down here, and it's just generally not as busy.
32:37Are you fans of the beach?
32:39Do you go a lot when you visit me, Hass?
32:41Yes, we like the beach.
32:42We like to people watch.
32:45Sometimes we like to go into the sea.
32:48Yeah, and we like a good walk along the beach and the boardwalk.
32:52You've been visiting this area for over 20 years.
32:55How does it feel to be searching for your own place now to finally be doing it?
32:59It feels fabulous.
33:01It feels sort of like a dream come true that we're actually doing it now.
33:06Do you feel a wee bit closer, Brian?
33:09Yeah, I mean, it'd be lovely to have a place here.
33:13And for our children to come over and our grandchildren, they'd absolutely love it.
33:19Are you ready to see the final one?
33:21We are, yes.
33:21It's about a ten minute walk from this lovely beach.
33:23Oh, thank you.
33:24Come on, let's stroll all.
33:27That short stroll takes us to property number five and my last chance to impress Brian and Sue.
33:33I've really pushed the boat out here with what I think is a cracking property.
33:37But to do that, I've had to go quite a bit over budget.
33:41However, the agent has said that the vendors are keen to sell and are very open to offers.
33:46I think I've pulled everything together for this final property.
33:50You've got two pools here, beautiful gardens, 66 properties, all lovely and whitewashed.
33:57You've got gated area for your parking, 24-hour security.
34:02What do you think of this area out here?
34:04I think it's lovely.
34:05Lovely kept gardens.
34:07Yeah, it looks really nice but I'm pleasantly surprised, yeah.
34:10Look over there, you see at the top, right on the corner is a duplex apartment taking in all the
34:16sun right now.
34:17How's the care repeal there Brian?
34:19It looks good.
34:20This property, it's two bedrooms, one bathroom.
34:23It's had a recent renovation.
34:25It's on the market for just over £214,500 but the agent has said they'll listen to offers around £195
34:33,000.
34:34What are you thinking so far, you two?
34:36Well, I'm excited to see it.
34:38Yeah.
34:39Let's do that then.
34:40Come on.
34:43As well as access to those communal pools and gardens, this duplex apartment has a big balcony
34:49on its lower floor and a smaller one off the main bedroom on the upper floor.
34:53Inside there's a light and airy open plan, living, dining and kitchen space downstairs.
34:59And upstairs there's the main bedroom with that balcony.
35:02A second slightly smaller bedroom and a very funky shower room.
35:08Lovely tiles on the stairway that brings you up to your kitchen.
35:11Dining, living and another good outside space.
35:15This is a nice size, it's a lovely shaped room.
35:19That's great.
35:20And Brian, how does this size work for you?
35:22I think it's a great size.
35:23It's got a working fireplace back looks about.
35:25Yeah, excellent.
35:29This is a nice room.
35:30Yeah, it's a good size.
35:32Nice and bright.
35:33Nice view of the pool.
35:36And you can see the sea through the trees.
35:39Yeah, it's good.
35:40And you've got outside space off your bedroom.
35:42I mean, what a treat.
35:44Yeah, yeah, excellent.
35:45That's great, yeah.
35:46Yeah.
35:46Beautiful.
35:50Quite substantial outside space.
35:52What do you reckon, Brian?
35:53This is a good sized balcony.
35:55You could do a lot with this.
35:56I like the awning.
35:59You know, if it gets a little bit too hot.
36:01What do you think of the views, Sue?
36:03Yes, I like it.
36:04There's lots of greenery here.
36:06Lovely views of the pool.
36:08Now, noise-wise, how does it feel up here?
36:10You can hear the road.
36:12A little bit.
36:13A little bit.
36:13Not as much as the last proper surface.
36:15Nothing like the last room.
36:15Nothing like that.
36:16You haven't even seen all of this yet, so go and do that.
36:19Great, thank you.
36:20We'll have a look around.
36:25Sue and Brian look really happy, and that makes me happy.
36:28I think their dream of getting a holiday home here is a little bit closer.
36:35The kitchen, it's very compact, but it seems to have everything we need.
36:41It's modern.
36:42It's bright.
36:43It's got its own little patio window.
36:46Yeah, it's all right.
36:47Yeah.
36:47It's workable.
36:50Well, this is a smaller bedroom, isn't it?
36:53It is, yeah.
36:54A smaller bedroom.
36:55Quite compact.
36:56Would it fit two singles in, or maybe a double?
36:59I don't know.
37:00I suppose you could always put a sofa bed in.
37:03Yeah, that could work.
37:05Yep.
37:05Well, I was hoping to end this house hunt on a high note, and I think I've done that with
37:10this duplex apartment, which is on the market for a negotiable just over £214,500.
37:17Brian and Sue seem really keen on it, both inside and out, so fingers crossed.
37:22Come on out and tell me.
37:25How did that go, having a good look round?
37:28Yeah.
37:28Yeah.
37:29Really good.
37:30We enjoyed it.
37:31We think the property is very nice, and we do like it.
37:36So, yeah, I think we've got a contender here.
37:39Oh, yes!
37:39I've got a contender!
37:41Yeah.
37:41Happy to hear that.
37:42Do you feel the same, Brian?
37:43Well, I do.
37:44Yeah.
37:45But for me, I did like property four as well, so I think it's going to be a little bit
37:50of a battle.
37:51That's okay.
37:52It's a good battle.
37:53I'll look forward to seeing which one wins.
37:55There are some other properties that you were thinking about.
37:58The one with three flights of stairs, two bed, two bath.
38:01Is that still in the running?
38:02You were concerned about the stairs?
38:04No, I think the stairs was a bit of a deal breaker for us.
38:08Then there was the two bedroom, one bathroom, sort of traditional Andalusian, you called it.
38:13Is that still in the running?
38:15I don't think so.
38:16Why not?
38:18I think you've upped the game now, and I think the last two, the best two,
38:24you've saved the best till last.
38:26I wouldn't like to be in your position, they're two great properties.
38:29No, there's not going to be much sleeping tonight, I don't think.
38:32You've got all night to talk about it, think about it, and we'll meet tomorrow and see
38:37if you've made any decisions.
38:38Great.
38:39Thanks, Jane.
38:47If you'd like more information about any of the properties featured on today's show,
38:50go to a placeinthesun.com forward slash programme.
38:55We've now shown Sue and Brian all five properties in and around La Cala de Mijas in Spain,
39:00for their budget of £180,000 with an additional £20,000 wiggle room.
39:05And after quite a tricky search, we've ended up with two contenders,
39:09this spacious townhouse and this duplex apartment.
39:12They've had the evening to talk things through, so what do they want to do next?
39:19Hello you two.
39:20Hi.
39:21How are you?
39:22Fine.
39:23Not too bad.
39:24Good.
39:24Good.
39:24So I know that I sent you awkward lots and lots to think about.
39:27How was your evening?
39:29Er, we didn't sleep much.
39:31No, we didn't.
39:33We spent a lot of time looking at the pros and cons of both properties.
39:38Yeah, that's good.
39:39You loved the townhouse, Sue, and I knew you would.
39:41Could you talk about wanting a little garden?
39:43And the townhouse had the beautiful area at the front and then the garden at the back.
39:47Yes, it did.
39:48Yes, I really liked it.
39:50Yeah.
39:50It's just a shame about the noise.
39:52It backed onto the motorway and it's just a bit too noisy for us.
39:58Has that noise ruled that property out?
40:01I think so, yeah.
40:02OK.
40:03We still have the lovely duplex that you both kind of fell in love with.
40:07Yeah.
40:08You're right, we both liked that one, so there wasn't that much argument.
40:13Well, that's good.
40:14You're still married.
40:15Yeah, we're still married.
40:17We like the nice balcony, the corner position, so yeah, we did like it.
40:24So have you made a decision then?
40:27Well, yes, we have, Jean.
40:29We'd like to put an offer in on Property 5.
40:33Fantastic news, that's great.
40:35That property was on the market for just over £214,500.
40:39The agent said that she would listen to offers around £195,000.
40:45So what offer would you like me to take forward?
40:47Well, it's a cheeky offer.
40:49Oh, here we go!
40:51So we'd like to start an offer of £175,000.
40:55Let's start there, yeah?
40:57Yes.
40:57I'll give the agent a call.
41:00Hello, Les.
41:01It's Jean from A Place in the Sun.
41:03Sue and Brian would like to put an offer in on your lovely duplex apartment.
41:07So they would like to put an offer in of £175,000.
41:12Fantastic.
41:12Look forward to hearing from you.
41:15Bye.
41:17Well, no indication that she thought that offer was crazy.
41:20Really?
41:21Not really.
41:22So let's see what happens.
41:24Yeah.
41:24How are you feeling, you two?
41:25Oh, she's very excited now.
41:27Yeah.
41:27Really?
41:27I mean, I think he should have said to you straight away, no.
41:31But if she's thinking about it, then who knows?
41:36There's the agent.
41:38Hi, Liz.
41:41All right, I'm going to take that back to the couple.
41:47Okay.
41:48So the agent called the owners.
41:50They have came back with a counter offer of £195,000
41:55with all the furniture included.
41:58No.
41:59It's too much, isn't it?
42:01Yeah.
42:02Would you like me to go back with another offer?
42:04Yes.
42:05I think we'll go back with 181, and that'll have to be our final offer.
42:10That's your highest and final offer.
42:12Yes.
42:12I'll tell her that now.
42:15It's Jean.
42:18So, Brian and Sue have a last and final offer.
42:22They cannot meet the figure of £195,000,
42:26but they would like to offer £181,000.
42:31Bye.
42:34Oh!
42:35Yeah, there's a big gap between what you want to spend
42:38and what they want for the property.
42:41Let's see.
42:42How are you feeling?
42:42You seem a bit disappointed, Sue.
42:45Erm...
42:46Yeah, I am a bit.
42:47Yeah.
42:48Yeah.
42:48I think if we got it for 181...
42:50Oh, if you get it for 181, drinks are on me.
42:53With all the furniture.
42:54That would be...
42:55Yeah.
42:55That would be great.
42:58PHONE RINGS
42:59Hello.
43:01Right.
43:02I'm gonna...
43:03I'm gonna keep you on the line there, Liz.
43:05Can you hold the line for a sec?
43:07The sellers are not gonna go beneath £195,000.
43:11So you either have to go to £195,000
43:14or leave the 181 on the table?
43:17No, I don't think so.
43:19We'll leave the money on the table.
43:20We'll leave the money on the table.
43:21Liz, Sue and Brian have decided £181,000 is the top offer they can make
43:27and they'd like to leave it on the table.
43:30Bye.
43:32So sorry, you guys.
43:34Well, it's disappointing, but...
43:36OK, well, thank you very much for trying for...
43:39Oh, you're so...
43:40I can feel your disappointment.
43:43Yeah.
43:43It's OK, I know.
43:44You love that property.
43:45Yeah.
43:45Where do you go from here?
43:48PHONE RINGS
43:49It's the agent.
43:51Hello?
43:53OK.
43:56Liz, I love you.
43:59Goodbye.
44:00They've accepted £181,000.
44:05Unbelievable.
44:09Thank you, thank you.
44:11I can't believe it.
44:15Happy Sears.
44:16Oh, yeah.
44:17Yeah, happy Sears.
44:19And I said drinks are on me.
44:21Yeah.
44:22Oh.
44:23Fantastic.
44:24Absolutely.
44:25I am so, so happy for you.
44:27Yes, that's yours.
44:28It's a great property for an amazing price.
44:31And it couldn't happen to a better couple.
44:33Cheers.
44:34Thank you so much.
44:34To your new property.
44:36You're so welcome.
44:37Cheers.
44:40Cheers.
44:41Well, I didn't see that coming.
44:43How exciting.
44:45After years of Sue and Brian visiting Cala de Mijas,
44:47they finally have a place of their own.
44:49And I couldn't be happier for them.
44:51And yes, drinks are on me.
44:54If you'd like to be on a place in the sun to find your own dream home,
44:58go to channel4.com forward slash take part.
45:17And that's all right.
45:17We hope that you create a home here.
45:18Thank you, Julie.
45:23With the newest new membership agent.
45:24Have you enjoyed複合 if you wanted to get cry in the amount of time?
45:24Perhaps you would like to enjoy levels of information in the pie.
45:24We'll be there for you.
45:26Maybe it's Derekariah the TP.
45:26I've got a fun совсем problem here.
45:26Just a little bit, faulked.
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