Spainfully Honest

Spainfully Honest
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The Spainfully Honest podcast is your friendly guide to moving to Spain, living in Spain, and actually feeling at home once you arrive. We talk openly about Spanish visas, paperwork, working in Spain, relationships, and everyday life in Spain. No hype, no horror stories for clicks, just real conversations, honest advice, and the things we wish we’d known earlier. Hosted by two friends and long-term residents of Spain, Catherine and Paul, the podcast is based on their real experience of relocating to Spain, settling in, and building a life here.

  1. 1 day ago

    Episode 56: Spain's Property Market in 2026

    Buying a property in Spain is a big decision, and with prices continuing to rise in many parts of the country, it's never been more important to understand what's happening in the market before taking the plunge. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we're joined by Fiona James from Murcia Villas, who gives us an honest look (like this might be the most Spainfully Honest episode yet!!) at Spain's property market in 2026. We talk about why prices in Murcia have climbed by around 7% in the last six months, whether buyers should act now or wait, and what the outlook is for the months ahead. We also look at the practical side of buying a home in Spain, from mortgages and deposits for non-residents to taxes, legal costs and the hidden expenses that can catch buyers out. Fiona explains why no two regions are the same and why taking the time to research where you want to live can be just as important as choosing the property itself. Whether you're looking for a holiday home, planning a permanent move or considering an investment, this episode is packed with straightforward advice to help you make informed decisions. We cover: Why property prices are continuing to rise in Murcia and other parts of Spain.Whether now is the right time to buy.New builds versus resale properties.The differences between Murcia, the Costa Blanca, the Costa del Sol and other popular regions.Mortgages for non-residents and how much deposit you'll usually need.Purchase taxes and the additional costs buyers should budget for.Common mistakes buyers make and how to avoid them.What life in Spain is really like, including some of the cultural differences that often surprise newcomers. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:08 – Murcia's property market and rising prices 02:31 – Buy now or wait? 03:35 – Viewing properties in Spain 04:43 – New builds versus resale homes 07:05 – Which areas offer the best value? 08:21 – Airports, travel and location 14:15 – Mortgages for non-residents 16:33 – Deposits and buying costs 19:57 – Taxes and legal fees 26:47 – Where to start your property search 30:24 – The Spanish lifestyle and the siesta 33:33 – Fiona's top tips for buyers If you've been thinking about buying in Spain, this is an episode well worth listening to. Fiona shares plenty of practical advice based on years of experience, and it's a great starting point if you're trying to get your head around the Spanish property market. If you enjoy the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review and share the episode with anyone who's thinking about making the move to Spain. Here is Fiona's previous episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/79fA8kbSwoF4aUGMkOPgHE?si=jhMzuw93QMSZ9muerEv0jQ (It was an early one and getting used to podcasting : ) ) And some other episodes you might like: Episode 53: Top 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving to Spain Episode 51: Interview-Moving from Colorado to the Costa Blanca Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time on Spainfully Honest.

  2. 14 Jul

    Episode 55: Heatwaves in Spain: Everyday Life in Intense Heat

    Spain's summers have always been hot, but in recent years the heat has become more intense, lasting longer and affecting everyday life in ways many people don't expect. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul talk about what it's really like living through a Spanish heatwave. They share the routines they've adopted over the years, from keeping the house cool and sleeping on hot, humid nights to knowing when it's safe to head outside and why many Spanish people completely change their daily schedule during periods of extreme heat. The conversation also discusses how different parts of Spain experience the heat and whether air conditioning is always the answer. In this episode How daily life changes during a heatwaveKeeping your home cool without relying on air conditioningMaking the most of shutters, fans and natural ventilationCoping with hot, humid nightsChoosing the best times of day to be outdoorsWhy Spanish summers revolve around avoiding the midday heatPractical tips for driving and travelling in extreme temperaturesThe difference between inland and coastal heatHow Spain's summers are changing Editor's note: During the episode, we mention temperatures of around 52°C. This refers to land surface temperature measured by satellite, not the official air temperature. Land surfaces such as roads, rocks and rooftops can become much hotter than the surrounding air. The highest official air temperature recorded during the late June 2026 heatwave was 42.9°C, measured in Lleida on 22 June 2026, according to Spain's meteorological agency, AEMET. Here are links to some of the episodes we mentioned: Episode 16: Unmissable Spanish Property & Furniture Tips: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bMmv1FZWV4HOznYExpT4N?si=mvEX71MDQeOl3obaFrep6w Episode 49: What Summer in Spain Is Really Like: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FVZrpjdcRZq7V6NUSl7f8?si=V7yIjoqbSUmJCJ7QMiNcDw Here is a link to the PAPS end of summer ball event so you can support them! (9) If in the area why not join us - Support Abandoned Dogs/PAPS in Spain | Facebook As always thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you want to keep the conversation going, come and join our Discord community here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh⁠⁠⁠⁠ — it’s where we all hang out, swap stories, and chat all things Spain. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@spainfullyhonest.com Connect With Us Website: ⁠⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠

  3. 7 Jul

    Episode 54: Pets in Spain

    Thinking about bringing a pet to Spain, or already sharing your Spanish adventure with a furry friend? In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul take a practical look at Spain's animal welfare laws and what they mean for pet owners. From the legal requirements for transporting pets to Spain to everyday responsibilities such as identification, safety, and healthcare, they break down the rules in plain English. The conversation also explores how attitudes towards animal welfare have changed in Spain in recent years and why pet owners need to stay informed to avoid costly fines. The pair discuss important safety considerations for Spain's climate, including the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles, protecting animals during periods of extreme heat, and ensuring dogs and cats remain safe both at home and outdoors. They also cover regulations surrounding potentially dangerous dog breeds, pet insurance, veterinary care, and adoption. Whether you're relocating to Spain with a pet, considering adopting an animal, or just want to understand your legal responsibilities as an owner, this episode offers practical advice to help keep both you and your pet on the right side of the law! If you've enjoyed the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends or family who are interested in life in Spain. Connect With Us Website: ⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠Spainfully Honest⁠⁠ Thank you for being part of our first year. Here's to many more honest conversations about life in Spain.

  4. 30 Jun

    Episode 53: Top 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving to Spain

    Thinking about moving to Spain? Before you start browsing property websites, booking flights, or dreaming about life in the sunshine, there are some important questions worth asking yourself. In this week's episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul look at five key questions that can help you decide whether moving to Spain is the right move for you. From choosing the right town or city to understanding language barriers, schools, transport links and employment opportunities, this episode discusses some of the practical realities that can have a big impact on your experience once you arrive. The episode looks at why managing expectations is so important and why taking the time to research an area properly can save a lot of stress further down the line. Whether you're planning a move in the near future or are weighing up your options, this episode offers practical insights to help you decide whether a particular area – and life in Spain itself – is the right fit for you. Here is the link to the episode we mentioned - the interview with Carol and Patrick from Colorado who moved to the Costa Blanca: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5L3B58D8hZx06Op7UEUbjn?si=_84a5tobRQ-bcmYpK1QNtA If you've enjoyed the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends or family who are interested in life in Spain. Connect With Us Website: ⁠Spainfully Honest⁠ Facebook: ⁠Spainfully Honest⁠ Instagram: ⁠Spainfully Honest⁠ Thank you for being part of our first year. Here's to many more honest conversations about life in Spain.

  5. 23 Jun

    Episode 52: Celebrating One Year of Spainfully Honest

    This week, Catherine and Paul celebrate a full year of the Spainfully Honest podcast. Over the past 12 months, they've shared honest conversations about the realities of moving to Spain, buying property, the education system, and settling into a new life abroad. Along the way, they've discussed Spanish culture, traditions, local events, and the everyday experiences that make life in Spain both rewarding and occasionally challenging. In this special anniversary episode, they look back at some of their favourite moments, discuss lessons learned from a year behind the microphone, and reflect on the topics that have resonated most with listeners. Whether you're planning a move to Spain, already living here, or simply curious about Spanish life, this episode offers a look back at the conversations that have helped build a growing community of listeners from around the world. If you've enjoyed the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends or family who are interested in life in Spain. Connect With UsWebsite: Spainfully HonestFacebook: Spainfully HonestInstagram: Spainfully Honest Thank you for being part of our first year. Here's to many more honest conversations about life in Spain.

  6. 16 Jun

    Episode 51: Interview-Moving from Colorado to the Costa Blanca

    What is it like to retire, pack up your life in Colorado, and move to the Alicante Province during a pandemic? This week in Spainfully Honest, we talk with Patrick and Carol, an American couple who did exactly that four years ago. Now living in Finestrat, they share what it has really been like to adapt to life on the Costa Blanca. They talk about the practical side of their move, from the difficulties of getting a Spanish driving license to how the healthcare system compares to the US. They also share what they have learned about everyday life here, including how local pharmacies work, Spanish banking hours, and how they built a community. If you are planning a move to Spain, Patrick and Carol offer great practical advice from their last four years here. As always thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you want to keep the conversation going, come and join our Discord community here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — it’s where we all hang out, swap stories, and chat all things Spain. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@spainfullyhonest.com⁠⁠

  7. 9 Jun

    Episode 50: Why Spain? Expats Share Their Honest Answers

    Over the past few months, we've been asking expats/immigrants across Spain a range of questions about their lives here, from why they decided to move and where they chose to settle, to what they miss most about home. In this special episode of Spainfully Honest, we're sharing their answers. We hear from people living in different parts of Spain, all with their own reasons for making the move. Of course, we couldn't resist asking a few fun questions too. From favourite tapas and Spanish dishes to the wines they keep coming back to, our listeners share some of the things they love most about living here. The result is an honest and interesting snapshot of expat life in Spain today, told by the people living it every day. Whether you've already made the move, are planning your own Spanish adventure, or simply enjoy hearing other people's stories, there's plenty to discover in this episode. Some episodes we discussed during this one: Cartagena: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xmHizlj6R82drqQ5kYOnY?si=ylG9Qee3R9iTrBpn2c-ovg Santander: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Bri6YKiwkI6o0vvuOMYsE?si=6iaPBQhGQE--SC04a8T0wg Zaragoza https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ffnfobK7MObgmBLwJ01R2?si=mdxDN-4jR0-eqIPXQFN_pg Barcelona: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iAjMuVeANkLcYq1LzUqbk?si=T_HfDsBqSquhctscImR1bA Malaga https://open.spotify.com/episode/1w9T7oEgCYOZZmGWfHuNFi?si=qmhtldk4TRCU9sd2qegWkA As always thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you want to keep the conversation going, come and join our Discord community here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh⁠⁠⁠⁠ — it’s where we all hang out, swap stories, and chat all things Spain. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@spainfullyhonest.com⁠

  8. 2 Jun

    Episode 49: What Summer in Spain Is Really Like

    Summer in Spain is often pictured as endless sunshine, beach days and long, relaxed evenings — but what’s it actually like when you live here day to day? In this episode of Spainfully Honest, hosts Paul and Catherine take a practical and personal look at Spanish summer life, from school routines and changing daily schedules to beach culture, food, and how people adapt to the intense heat. This is an honest conversation about the realities behind the postcard version of summer in Spain — what works beautifully, what takes some getting used to, and the small differences that shape everyday life during the hottest months of the year. In this episode, we cover: How school schedules change from June to September (including early finish times)What summer holidays look like in Spain and how routines shiftBeach life, chiringuitos, and coastal livingTraditional Spanish summer food and light dishes for hot weatherHow restaurants, meal times and daily habits adapt to the heatWhat it’s really like dining out in summerLife at the beach: setups, culture and social habitsDrinks and refreshment culture (including Catherine's favourites like clara con limón)How people adapt homes and daily routines to extreme heatCooling techniques and coping strategies during heatwavesThe challenges of sleeping and living comfortably in high temperaturesPersonal reflections on loving (and sometimes struggling with) Spanish summers As always thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, make sure you hit subscribe and follow us on socials so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you want to keep the conversation going, come and join our Discord community here: ⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/wTGrjpVQh⁠⁠⁠ — it’s where we all hang out, swap stories, and chat all things Spain. Or if you’ve got a story to share, a guest suggestion, or just want to say hi, you can always email us at ⁠⁠⁠hello@spainfullyhonest.com

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About

The Spainfully Honest podcast is your friendly guide to moving to Spain, living in Spain, and actually feeling at home once you arrive. We talk openly about Spanish visas, paperwork, working in Spain, relationships, and everyday life in Spain. No hype, no horror stories for clicks, just real conversations, honest advice, and the things we wish we’d known earlier. Hosted by two friends and long-term residents of Spain, Catherine and Paul, the podcast is based on their real experience of relocating to Spain, settling in, and building a life here.

Information

  • Creator
    Spainfully Honest
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Spainfully Honest
  • Show Website
    Spainfully Honest

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