Buying property in Costa del Sol means choosing from 150km of southern Andalusian coastline, from Nerja to Manilva. Marbella, Estepona, and Mijas form the golden triangle of international property investment. The region draws over 12 million visitors a year and hosts one of Europe's most active real estate markets, with around one in three transactions (roughly 33%) going to non-resident foreign buyers, making it one of Spain's most international markets.
Why buy here
- 320+ days of sunshine per year (over 2,900 sun hours)
- Malaga International Airport: direct flights from 100+ cities
- Established expat community of 100,000+
- Championship golf (70+ courses)
- Excellent private healthcare and international schools
- One of Spain's top foreign-buyer markets: around one in three sales
Lifestyle
Cosmopolitan and diverse. Puerto Banús offers superyacht-adjacent luxury; Nerja delivers authentic Andalusian village life. The food scene ranges from Michelin-starred dining to centuries-old tapas bars.
Investment outlook
Gross rental yields: 4–6% in most areas; 6–8% in high-demand tourist zones. Capital appreciation: 8–12% per year in prime areas (2022–2024). Non-resident income tax on rentals: 19% (EU) / 24% (non-EU).
Work out the purchase costs in Costa del Sol
Frequently asked questions
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Functional apartments start around €150,000 in Fuengirola and Torremolinos. For Marbella's Golden Mile, budget €600,000+.
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Andalusia requires a tourist licence (VFT) for short-term rentals, regulated under Decreto 31/2024. Since April 2025, a national reform of the Horizontal Property Law also lets a community of owners approve or block new tourist lets by a three-fifths vote, so we verify the licence path and community rules before you buy.
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