San Sebastián has long been considered one of Spain's most beautiful places to live, celebrated for its Michelin-starred dining, beautiful beaches, elegant architecture, and exceptional quality of life. But what does it actually take to buy, renovate, and build a life in this highly sought-after Basque city?
In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I sit down with Berna and Patrick, local real estate experts who specialize in helping international buyers navigate San Sebastián's unique property market. Together, we discuss what makes the city so special, how to approach buying and renovating older homes, and why having the right local team can save you both time and costly mistakes.
You'll also get an inside look at one of their renovation projects, with before-and-after transformations that showcase what's possible when you combine vision with local expertise.
Whether you're searching for a permanent home, a vacation property, or an investment in northern Spain, this conversation offers practical advice and local insights to help you make informed decisions.
Contact Berna & Patrick:
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Need help choosing the right country or city?
Book a Move Abroad Consultation → https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/move-abroad-consult
Learn about our upcoming scouting trips → https://www.expatsigo.com/scouting-trips/spain/?ref=solenaliving
Want to be matched with a trusted real estate expert abroad?
Complete our Buyer/Renter Matching Questionnaire → https://form.jotform.com/VanessaRosenblum/buyer-matching-questionnaire
About Solena Global Living
Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you're dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.
👉 Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving
Or visit: https://www.solenagloballiving.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:16 Meet Berna & Patrick
02:00 How They Found Their Way to San Sebastián
08:02 Building a Design & Renovation Business
10:35 What International Buyers Should Know Before Renovating
13:02 Budgeting & Hidden Renovation Costs
16:02 Where to Buy Property in San Sebastián
18:02 How Long Does a Renovation Take?
21:01 Common Renovation Challenges in Historic Homes
24:02 Is Renovating Worth the Investment?
24:57 Building the Right Team for Your Project
30:01 The Mindset of an International Buyer
32:00 A Real Before & After Renovation Story
36:00 Why Location Matters for Long-Term Value
37:00 Living in San Sebastián & the Basque Lifestyle
39:02 Should You Learn Spanish or Basque?
40:03 Final Advice for International Buyers
41:01 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps
