🌞 Your Journey to a Dream Home in Costa del Sol
Welcome to Buy Home Costa del Sol, your trusted guide to finding, financing, and buying the perfect property in Spain’s most sought-after coastal region.
What You’ll Get Inside
- Step-by-Step Homebuying Guides
Understand the Spanish property process without confusion or surprises. - Local Area Spotlights
Discover where to buy from luxury in Marbella to family-friendly Estepona. - Smart Financing & Legal Tips
Learn how to secure a mortgage, avoid common tax pitfalls, and buy with confidence. - Exclusive Listings & Investment Picks
Hand-selected homes and high-potential properties you won’t find everywhere. - Real Buyer Stories
Hear how other international buyers made their dream move.
Grab Your FREE Welcome Pack
Download our Ultimate Costa del Sol Homebuyer Checklist
Perfect if you’re planning a move or second home purchase.
👇 Fill the form below and download your free Homebuyer Checklist!
How To Buy a Home in Costa del Sol
Discover why Costa del Sol is the best place in Spain to buy a holiday home
Why Costa del Sol Deserves Your Attention
Costa del Sol, stretching along Spain’s southern coast, has evolved into a prime destination for international property buyers seeking both luxury and lifestyle. With over 320 days of sunshine annually, vibrant local culture, world-class golf courses, and excellent healthcare and infrastructure, it’s no surprise that Costa del Sol is frequently considered the best place in Spain to buy a holiday home.
Beyond lifestyle appeal, the region’s real estate market is thriving. In 2025, luxury property investments in Costa del Sol surpassed €3.2 billion, with Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís – known as the “Golden Triangle”- leading the way. Whether you’re seeking a second home, a remote work base, or a high-yield rental property, Costa del Sol offers a compelling mix of opportunity, accessibility, and long-term value.
This guide will walk you through key considerations, legal steps, and strategic locations to help you make an informed, confident decision when buying your dream home in this Mediterranean paradise.
1. Is Costa del Sol a Good Investment?
Yes, by multiple measures, Costa del Sol ranks as one of the strongest property investment zones in Europe.
Key Investment Highlights:
- Rising Property Values: A 20% increase in luxury real estate values was recorded in 2024 alone (Source: SER Málaga).
- Limited Housing Supply: Only 22% of municipalities are meeting new housing demands, increasing scarcity and long-term price growth (Source: SER Málaga).
- Tourism and Rental Demand: Up to 50% of housing in the area is used as vacation rentals, driving consistent rental income potential (Source: Bank of Spain).
- Infrastructure and Connectivity: Málaga Airport serves over 100 destinations and the region is well-connected by high-speed trains and modern roads.
- Digital Nomad & Residency Incentives: New visa options like Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa make long-term stays accessible for non-EU citizens.
Whether you’re an investor, retiree, or remote worker, Costa del Sol offers a unique mix of return potential and lifestyle advantages, especially in high-demand areas like Marbella and Estepona.
2. How to Buy a Home in Spain: Step-by-Step
Buying a home in Spain as a foreigner is straightforward but requires compliance with Spanish legal and tax systems. Below is a simplified roadmap.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Get Your NIE (Foreigner ID Number)
Required for all financial transactions in Spain, including property purchase and opening a bank account. - Hire a Local Real Estate Lawyer
Essential for conducting due diligence, reviewing contracts, and ensuring compliance with Spanish law. - Open a Spanish Bank Account
Needed to process payments, utilities, and property-related taxes. - Secure Financing (if needed)
Spanish banks offer mortgages to foreigners, generally covering up to 70% of the property value. - Sign the Preliminary Purchase Agreement (Contrato de Arras)
A deposit (typically 10%) is paid, securing the property and formalizing the offer. - Notary Signing and Property Registration
Final contract signing occurs in front of a notary. The deed is then registered with the Land Registry. - Pay Taxes and Fees
Expect to budget an additional 10–15% of the purchase price to cover transfer tax, notary, legal, and registration fees.
Understanding each of these steps, with legal support, minimizes risk and accelerates the journey to homeownership.
3. Where Do Most Expats Live in Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol is home to a diverse international community, with well-established expat enclaves suited to different lifestyles and budgets.
Top Expat-Friendly Areas:
- Marbella
Known for its upscale lifestyle, international schools, Michelin-starred dining, and year-round events. Popular with entrepreneurs and affluent retirees. - Estepona
Offers a more relaxed coastal lifestyle, while still boasting modern amenities and excellent beaches. A rising star in real estate. - Benahavís
An inland gem offering panoramic views, luxury golf resorts, and some of the most exclusive gated communities in Spain. - Fuengirola & Mijas
Affordable and family-friendly with strong expat networks, especially among British and Scandinavian buyers. - Nerja & Torrox
Ideal for those seeking a quieter, more traditional Andalusian feel, with lower property prices and authentic charm.
Where you choose to live will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans—whether that’s full-time residency, rental income, or seasonal use.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Whether you’re a digital nomad, early retiree, or global investor, Costa del Sol continues to prove itself as the best place in Spain to buy a holiday home. From strong capital appreciation and rental returns to high quality of life, the region ticks every box for savvy international buyers.
Key Takeaways:
- Costa del Sol remains one of the hottest European markets for luxury and investment properties.
- The buying process is well-structured but requires legal support, NIE registration, and proper due diligence.
- The “Golden Triangle” (Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís) is ideal for high-end buyers; towns like Fuengirola offer affordability.
- Non-EU buyers have viable visa pathways through Spain’s Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative Visa programs.
- Sustainable living and modern amenities are top priorities for today’s buyer profile.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Visit Buy Home Costa del Sol for curated listings, local expert advice, and step-by-step buying support tailored to international buyers. From investment-grade villas to turn-key holiday homes, we help you find your dream property in the best place in Spain to buy a holiday home.