Costa del Sol is one of the most stunning places in Europe. Its climate, rhythm of life, gastronomy, impressive beaches, and above all, people are more than enough reasons to choose and move to this piece of paradise.
Let's consider some of the best areas in Costa del Sol to buy property. We will also explore how to choose an area, find an apartment and finalize your purchase in Costa del Sol.
CONTENT:
- Reason for purchase: investment, vacation, or permanent residence
- Characteristics of Costa del Sol areas
- How can a foreigner buy an apartment in Costa del Sol?
- Is it worth buying property in Costa del Sol?
- The best areas to stay in Costa del Sol
- We will help you buy an apartment in Costa del Sol
REASON FOR PURCHASE: INVESTMENT, VACATION, OR PERMANENT RESIDENCE
The reason why you are buying real estate defines the type of property you choose.
Real estate in Spain in the city center or closer to the sea is most suitable for investment.
For rent, the best option would be real estate in areas popular with tourists.
For a permanent residence, it is necessary to consider the infrastructure of an area.
CHARACTERISTICS OF COSTA DEL SOL areas
Prices in different areas depend on the location, attractions, infrastructure, availability of parking spaces, and property condition.
Let us consider which areas are best to buy an apartment in Costa del Sol in more detail.
1. Malaga
Location
Malaga is a city in Andalusia. The area is 395 km2, and the population is 570,000.
Infrastructure
Cultural institutions: cinemas, including alternative ones, Center for Contemporary Art, 30 museums (Pompidou, Picasso, thermal museum, Russian art, fine arts, etc.), concert halls with a grant program, gourmet restaurants with varied menus, galleries, urban art, various shops, and many talented artists.
Transport infrastructure: international airport with competitive prices, well-developed transport links, and excellent road quality.
Education: State University of Malaga (UMA), colleges El Romeral, Aloha, Sierra Blanca, and international and language schools.
Healthcare: health centers Nueva Málaga, Miraflores de los ángeles, Limonar, El Palo, La Roca, Victoria Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Hospital Dr. Galvez, and Psychiatric Hospital San Francisco de Asis.
Development and type of property
The real estate market has apartments, flats, houses, villas, townhouses, bungalows, and penthouses.
Average price per square meter
| Purchase | Rent |
|---|---|
| Average price per m2 - 2426 € / m2 | Average price per m2 - 10 € / m2 |
| Average property price - 251 300 € | Average property value - 913 € |
| Price per m2 for the number of rooms: | Price per m2 for the number of rooms: |
| Price for a studio or 1 room - 2904 € / m2 | Price for a studio or 1 room - 651 € / m2 |
| Price for 2 rooms - 2604 € / m2 | Price for 2 rooms - 833 € / m2 |
| Price for 3 rooms - 2203 € / m2 | Price for 3 rooms - 950 € / m2 |
| Price for 4 rooms - 2307 € / m2 | Price for 4 rooms - 1003 € / m2 |
| Price per m2 for services: | Price per m2 for services: |
| With a terrace - 2533 € / m2 | With a terrace - 979 € / m2 |
| Furnished property - 2413 € / m2 | Furnished property - 859 € / m2 |
| With an elevator - 2505 € / m2 | With an elevator - 951 € / m2 |
| For a parking space - 2916 € / m2 | For a parking space - 1116 € / m2 |
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros: favorable climate, friendly residents, affordable prices, and an overall lively city with a wide range of events.
2. Estepona
Location
Estepona is a municipality in Spain within the autonomous community of Andalusia. The area is 137 km2 , and the population is 66,150.
Infrastructure
Cultural institutions: deposit of dolmens of Kominas, ethnographic and archaeological museums, an open-air museum of urban art, and the Botanical Orchid Park.
Architecture: Town Hall, Church of Santa Maria de los Remedios, Roman Tower, Old Castle of San Luis, Clock Tower, and Plaza de las Flores.
Beaches: Galera, Bella, Atalaya, Casasola, El Padron, El Saladillo, El Velerin, Guadalmansa, De la Plata, Punta Pinillos, and El Castor.
Education: San José College, Juan XXIII College, International Private School, and the Costa del Sol Equestrian School.
Transport interchange: motorway AP-7.
Healthcare: public and private hospitals such as Hospiten.
Development and property type
All housing types are offered, such as apartments, townhouses, and residential complexes.
Most of the new developments in Estepona are luxury properties and both multi-family and single-family. New housing offers range from 1- to 4-bedroom apartments, penthouses, and duplexes (starting at € 132,000) to single-family houses starting at € 225,000 (in this case, townhouses).
Average price per square meter
| Purchase | Rent |
|---|---|
| Average price per m2 - 2640 € / m2 | Average price per m2 - 10 € / m2 |
| Average property price - 337 428 € | Average property price - 1224 € |
| Price per m2 for the number of rooms: | Price per m2 for the number of rooms: |
| Price for a studio or 1 room - 2280 € / m2 | Price for a studio or 1 room - 757 € / m2 |
| Price for 2 rooms - 2546 € / m2 | Price for 2 rooms - 962 € / m2 |
| Price for 3 rooms - 2705 € / m2 | Price for 3 rooms - 1455 € / m2 |
| Price for 4 rooms - 2752 € / m2 | Price for 4 rooms - 1485 € / m2 |
| Price per m2 for services: | Price per m2 for services: |
| With a terrace - 2662 € / m2 | With a terrace - 1230 € / m2 |
| Furnished property –2618 € / m2 | Furnished property - 1247 € / m2 |
| With an elevator - 2666 € / m2 | With an elevator - 1315 € / m2 |
| For a parking space - 2967 € / m2 | For a parking space - 1469 € / m2 |
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros: High quality of life, developed infrastructure, and exclusive new buildings.
Disadvantages include high housing prices and a large number of tourists.
3. Manilva
Location
Manilva is a city and municipality in Spain within the autonomous community of Andalusia. It covers an area of 35 km2, and the population is 14,000. Manilva is a 2-hour drive from the inner Andalusian capital cities like Seville, Cordoba, Jaén, or Granada, and halfway between the 2 most beautiful provinces of the Andalusian coastline, Cadiz and Malaga.
Infrastructure
Cultural institutions: St. Anne’s Church, the Duchess’s Castle, and the Archaeological Museum.
Transport infrastructure: AP-7 motorway. Manilva is about an hour drive from Malaga Airport, 1 hour 24 minutes from Jerez, and 40 minutes from Gibraltar, where the world’s leading airlines operate.
Education: Public schools such as Escuela Infantil Manilva, Maicandil colleges, and sports schools such as the Happy Horse Riding Academy.
Healthcare: health centers such as Consultorio Local Manilva, Centro Salud Manilva, and Centro de Salud San Luis de Sabinillas, and hospitals like the Hospital Centro Equino Manilva.
Attractions: Guadalmina Dam, La Concepcion Reservoir, Malaga Picassina, the most prestigious golf courses (Cortesina Estate), equestrian centers, and theme parks.
Beaches: Chullera, Los Toros, and El Negro are ecological reserves (since 2012).
Development and property type
The city is one of the cheapest on the Malaga coast to buy a new house. Most available real estate is concentrated in the coastal area (Chullera, San Luis de Sabinillas, El Castillo, Alcorrin, and La Duquesa).
The new houses for sale are 1- to 3-bedroom apartments, duplexes, and penthouses at prices ranging from € 100,000 to € 300,000. You can also find townhouses and villas on the outskirts of the municipality.
New buildings in the real estate market account for 20% of all proposals.
Average price per square meter
| Purchase | Rent |
|---|---|
| Average price per m2 - 1690 € / m2 | Average price per m2 - 8 € / m2 |
| Average property price - 174 893 € | Average property value - 744 € |
| Price per m2 for the number of rooms: | Price per m2 for the number of rooms: |
| Price for a studio or 1 room - 1717 € / m2 | Price for a studio or 1 room - 550 € / m2 |
| Price for 2 rooms - 1643 € / m2 | Price for 2 rooms - 684 € / m2 |
| Price for 3 rooms - 1790 € / m2 | Price for 3 rooms - 1150 € / m2 |
| Price for 4 rooms - 1784 € / m2 | Price for 4 rooms - 1150 € / m2 |
| Price per m2 for services: | Price per m2 for services: |
| With a terrace - 1699 € / m2 | With a terrace - 780 € / m2 |
| Furnished property - 1664 € / m2 | Furnished property - 757 € / m2 |
| With an elevator - 1718 € / m2 | With an elevator - 752 € / m2 |
| For a parking space - 1761 € / m2 | For a parking space - 749 € / m2 |
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros: favorable climate, beautiful, comfortable beaches (no large hotels on the beach), convenient location, and seafood cuisine.
Disadvantages include underdeveloped transport infrastructure as well as minimal employment opportunities.
4. Torrox
Location
Torrox is a municipality in Spain within the autonomous community of Andalusia. It covers an area of 51 km2. The population is 17,303. Torrox is divided into 2 large interconnected areas; Torrox Pueblo, located by the river, with a historical center, but without direct access to the sea. Torrox Costa has small areas such as Morche in the West, an old fishing area, and a cliff in the east. It is 30 minutes from the center of Malaga and 60 km from the airport.
Infrastructure
Cultural institutions: Lighthouse Museum, Customs House, Hermitage of San Roque, Picasso Gardens, and Constitution Square.
Sightseeing: Roman villa, ancient necropolises, thermal baths, fish salting factory, Kalasite watchtower, and the ruins of an Arab fortress.
Transport infrastructure: a motorway passes through Torrox, connecting the city with other areas in the country. Malaga airport is located 60 km from the city.
Beaches: El Morche, Plata de Ferrara, and Playa Chica.
Architecture: Our Lady and Santiago El mayor's churches and the Town Hall.
Development and property type
New houses for sale in Torrox are 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments and 2-bedroom penthouses. Prices range from 99,500 to 370,000 euros.
The penthouses have a parking space and storage room included in the price and an enclosed area with common areas (swimming pools and a shared garden).
Average price per square meter
| Purchase | Rent |
|---|---|
| Average price per m2 - 2199 € / m2 | Average price per m2 - 8 € / m2 |
| Average property price - 186 223 € | Average property price - 567 € |
| Price per m2 for the number of rooms: | Price per m2 for the number of rooms: |
| Price for a studio or 1 room - 2236 € / m2 | Price for a studio or 1 room - 474 € / m2 |
| Price for 2 rooms - 2338 € / m2 | Price for 2 rooms - 645 € / m2 |
| Price for 3 rooms - 1911 € / m2 | Price for 3 rooms - 550 € / m2 |
| Price for 4 rooms - 1885 € / m2 | Price for 4 rooms - 550 € / m2 |
| Price per m2 for services: | Price per m2 for services: |
| With a terrace - 2193 € / m2 | With a terrace - 587 € / m2 |
| Furnished property - 2101 € / m2 | Furnished property - 579 € / m2 |
| With an elevator - 2208 € / m2 | With an elevator - 568 € / m2 |
| For a parking space - 2324 € / m2 | For a parking space - 586 € / m2 |
Advantages and disadvantages
The best climate in Europe has a high level of security and is close to the sea.
5. Fuengirola
Location
Fuengirola is a city in Spain on the Mediterranean coast and part of the province of Malaga. The area is 10.37 km2, and the population is 82,000.
Infrastructure
Transport links: AP-7 motorway, city and intercity bus lines, and a suburban train.
Sightseeing: Sohail Castle, Torreblanca Thermal Resort, Acevedo Farm, Biopark, and River Park.
Beaches: Carvajal, Boliches, Fuengirola and Castillo.
Educational institutions: bilingual public and private schools like Centro Privado de Enseñanza San Manuel, St. Anthony's College, and Escuela Filandesa.
Shopping centers: Miramar, 3 municipal markets, and 2 traditional weekly markets.
10 golf courses.
Development and property type
New housing (apartments, duplexes, and townhouses) is located mainly near the beaches.
Average price per square meter
| Purchase | Rent |
|---|---|
| Average price per m2 - 2783 € / m2 | Average price per m2 - 10 € / m2 |
| Average property price - 285 536 € | Average property value - 867 € |
| Price per m2 for the number of rooms: | Price per m2 for the number of rooms: |
| Price for a studio or 1 room - 2836 € / m2 | Price for a studio or 1 room - 705 € / m2 |
| Price for 2 rooms - 2822 € / m2 | Price for 2 rooms - 802 € / m2 |
| Price for 3 rooms - 2728 € / m2 | Price for 3 rooms - 959 € / m2 |
| Price for 4 rooms - 2739 € / m2 | Price for 4 rooms - 1006 € / m2 |
| Price per m2 for services: | Price per m2 for services: |
| With a terrace - 2844 € / m2 | With a terrace - 917 € / m2 |
| Furnished property - 2688 € / m2 | Furnished property - 863 € / m2 |
| With an elevator - 2876 € / m2 | With an elevator - 863 € / m2 |
| For a parking space - 3071 € / m2 | For a parking space - 928 € / m2 |
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros: nice weather all year round, high quality of life, and convenient location (between Benalmadena and Mijas, 30 km from Malaga).
The disadvantages include many foreigners (42%, 82,000 residents are from abroad) and tourists.
HOW can a foreigner buy AN APARTMENT IN COSTA DEL SOL?
Buying real estate in Spain includes:
- An assessment of financial capabilities. In addition to the down payment and cost of housing, the buyer bears additional costs (property registration, notary and surveyor services, furniture, and utilities).
- Appraisal of housing through various sources with the help of a real estate agency in Spain.
- A trip to Costa del Sol to search and inspect real estate. You can study the websites of real estate agencies which contain detailed information about the property, purchase price, location, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, characteristics, and contact information for additional inquiries or to organize a visit.
- Selection of a lawyer with experience in real estate in Spain. Lawyers are responsible for the transaction purity and can also help apply for an NIE, which will be needed to open a bank account to pay taxes.
- Deposit payment after choosing an apartment or villa. At this stage, the lawyer draws up a contract.
- Ownership certificate issuance and registration of documents in the property owner's name.
IS IT WORTH BUYING PROPERTY IN COSTA DEL SOL?
Reasons for buying a house in Costa del Sol:
- Affordable property prices in Costa del Sol attract buyers and investors looking to increase their capital.
- Costa del Sol is a global travel brand and ideal for those looking for a rental property.
- Over 300 days of sunshine a year plus stunning beaches and outdoor activities.
- Municipalities are constantly updating and improving their infrastructure.
- A year-round flight program to many countries worldwide allows you to quickly and easily get to Sunny Beach.
- Gastronomic and entertainment variety, rich culture and traditions.
Foreign real estate buyers in Costa del Sol are dominated by Germans, Scandinavians, British, French, and Dutch.
THE BEST AREAS TO STAY IN COSTA DEL SOL
So, where is the best place to buy an apartment in Costa del Sol?
When choosing Costa del Sol to buy and rent real estate, it is necessary to consider your preferences, lifestyle, and budget.
Recommendations for choosing a residential apartment in Spain will depend on the buyer's personal needs.
Suitable areas for students and young people are those close to the city center or universities like Malaga and Manilva.
Torrox is an area best for Russians and pensioners to live in.
Green areas with developed infrastructure and relatively low housing prices are suitable for families with children, like Torrox.
Areas you should buy an apartment for rent and investment are Malaga and Fuengirola.
Fuengirola is the best place to buy property by the sea.
It is better to live long-term in Torrox.
We hope that our guide to Costa del Sol for different buyers will help you choose a property.
WE WILL HELP YOU BUY PROPERTY IN COSTA DEL SOL
Spain-Real.Estate will help you choose the best deal in Costa del Sol and correctly arrange a purchase. Contact us, and you will find your dream house!