Buying a home in the Costa del Sol: everything you need to know

Buying a home in the Costa del Sol is one of the options that generates the most interest within the real estate market in Andalusia. It is a well-known coastal area for its warm climate, beaches and relaxed lifestyle, where primary residences and second homes coexist.

Before making a decision, it is important to clearly understand where it is located, what daily life is like, how much property costs and which municipalities stand out. At Fotocasa, we analyse what you need to know if you are considering buying a home in the Costa del Sol.

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Where is the Costa del Sol located and what defines it?

Costa del Sol map

The Costa del Sol is located in the province of Málaga, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is a stretch of coastline in southern Spain, known for its beaches and its mild climate for much of the year.

It is an area with significant residential and tourism activity. It includes municipalities with year-round activity and others where the population increases during certain seasons.

In addition, it is a destination that attracts both national and international buyers, which influences the dynamics of the real estate market.

Which airport is closest to the Costa del Sol?

The main reference airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport.

Its connections to different national and international destinations make travel easier, especially for those who travel frequently or use the property as a second home.

Connectivity is a key factor when choosing a municipality within the Costa del Sol. With the Fotocasa Life commute search tool, we can find properties based on their distance from the airport.

What is life like in the Costa del Sol?

Life in the Costa del Sol is often associated with a coastal setting, warm climate and a slower pace compared to large cities.

A warm climate for most of the year

One of the most distinctive elements of the area is its climate, as Málaga enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Mild temperatures, averaging around 18–19ºC, allow for outdoor activities throughout much of the year, which directly influences the lifestyle.

Natural surroundings and outdoor activities

Beaches, promenades and natural spaces are part of the everyday landscape. This means many people choose this area for its direct connection with the sea and the outdoors.

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Services and year-round activity

The experience of living in the Costa del Sol varies depending on the municipality and the type of area we choose. Although there is significant tourism activity, many municipalities have well-established services: shops, restaurants, educational centres and healthcare facilities.

In larger towns and cities, such as Málaga city or Marbella, activity remains constant throughout the year. In other municipalities, activity may be more concentrated in certain seasons.

How much does it cost to buy a home in the Costa del Sol?

Property prices mainly depend on the municipality and, in many cases, on the specific area within each town.

In January 2026, the average purchase price in the province of Málaga is €4,444/m².

This means that a typical 80 m² property would have an approximate value of €355,555.

If we compare Málaga with the 10 provinces with the highest prices, the ranking of average prices per square metre is as follows:

• Illes Balears: €5,293/m²
• Madrid: €5,225/m²
• Málaga: €4,444/m²
• Gipuzkoa: €4,390/m²
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife: €3,664/m²
• Barcelona: €3,554/m²
• Bizkaia: €3,461/m²
• Girona: €3,030/m²
• Alicante: €2,947/m²
• Araba – Álava: €2,907/m²

However, property prices vary significantly depending on the municipality we choose. Marbella has the highest price per square metre, at €5,538/m², while in other municipalities such as Ronda we can find properties for €1,616/m².

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How much does it cost to rent a property in the Costa del Sol?

In January 2026, the average price of renting a properrty in Malaga was 16,03 €/m².

For a typical 80 m² property, this represents an approximate cost of €1,282.40 per month.

As with buying, prices vary significantly depending on the municipality where we are trying to rent. Below, we show the cost per square metre and the approximate amount for an 80 m² property:

What are the main municipalities to buy a home in the Costa del Sol?

Within the Costa del Sol, we find municipalities with very different profiles. Not all offer the same environment or the same type of housing.

Choosing a municipality is not just a matter of price, but also of lifestyle.

What is it like to buy a home in Marbella?

Marbella is one of the best-known municipalities on the Costa del Sol. It combines well-established residential areas, zones close to the sea and significant tourism activity.

It has very distinct neighbourhoods, from the old town to developments by the coast or more exclusive areas. This variety means that the type of property and surroundings change depending on the area chosen.

The average purchase price in Marbella stands at €5,538/m², placing it among the municipalities with the highest values in the province of Málaga.

The town has shops, restaurants, educational and healthcare centres, as well as a wide range of leisure and tourism-related offerings.

The Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is located approximately 50–55 kilometres away. The drive via the AP-7 or A-7 motorway usually takes between 35 and 45 minutes. This connection facilitates both national and international travel and is one of the factors influencing its residential appeal.

What is it like to buy a home in Estepona?

Estepona is a coastal municipality located between Marbella and the Campo de Gibraltar. It combines residential areas by the sea with quieter inland zones.

In recent years, it has consolidated a residential image, with distinct neighbourhoods and an offering that includes both homes in the urban centre and developments closer to the coast.

The average purchase price in Estepona stands at €4,846/m², below Marbella or Benahavís, but within the higher range of the province of Málaga.

Estepona combines coastal surroundings, differentiated residential areas and proximity to several airports.

It has services, shops and activity throughout the year, as well as a promenade and renovated urban areas.

The nearest airport is Gibraltar (GIB), located 35.4 km away. In addition, Estepona is also close to other airports such as Málaga (64.7 km) or Jerez (89.5 km). The proximity to several airports expands national and international connection options.

What is it like to buy a home in Fuengirola?

Fuengirola is a coastal municipality located between Málaga city and Marbella. It combines urban life, proximity to the sea and a wide range of services throughout the year.

It has different areas within the municipality, from more central zones near the promenade to more residential neighbourhoods. This variety makes it possible to find different types of property depending on the surroundings sought.

The average purchase price in Fuengirola stands at €4,941/m², placing it in a mid-to-high range within the province of Málaga.

Fuengirola combines a strategic location, established services and direct connection to Málaga city.

It is a municipality with constant activity, shops, restaurants and facilities, making it an option both for a primary residence and a second home.

The distance between Fuengirola and the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is approximately 19 to 25 km. In addition to travelling by car, a train connects Fuengirola with the airport in just 33 minutes.

What is it like to buy a home in Mijas?

Mijas is a municipality located between the coast and inland areas, allowing it to combine zones near the sea with more traditional areas in the upper part. This duality means that the type of property and surroundings change depending on the area chosen.

Within the municipality, we find coastal areas such as La Cala de Mijas and other quieter, more residential inland zones. This allows for both homes near the sea and settings further away from the tourist hub.

The average purchase price in Mijas stands at €4,347/m², placing it below Marbella or Fuengirola, but within the higher range of the province of Málaga.

It has services, shops and activity throughout the year, although the atmosphere may vary depending on the area.

Mijas is located approximately 25–30 kilometres from the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). The drive usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes via the A-7 motorway, making it an accessible location within the Costa del Sol.

What is it like to buy a home in Málaga city?

Málaga city combines urban life, established services and proximity to the sea. It is a city with year-round activity and a wide cultural, commercial and gastronomic offering, and is one of the best alternatives to major capitals.

Unlike other more residential municipalities, Málaga offers a more dynamic environment. It has very different neighbourhoods, from central areas with higher population density to quieter zones by the coast.

The average purchase price in Málaga stands at €4,262/m², placing it below municipalities such as Marbella or Benahavís, but above other towns in the province.

The Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is located approximately 8–10 kilometres from the city centre.

The journey usually takes between 12 and 20 minutes, depending on the mode of transport.

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What is it like to buy a home in Benahavís?

Benahavís is a municipality located inland within the Costa del Sol, very close to Marbella and Estepona, but with a quieter and more residential profile. It combines the traditional Andalusian village centre with private developments surrounded by nature.

Its surroundings are one of its main attractions. It is surrounded by mountains and green spaces, providing a greater sense of privacy and lower urban density compared to other more coastal areas.

The average purchase price in Benahavís stands at €5,504/m², placing it among the municipalities with the highest values within the province of Málaga.

In terms of connectivity, the main airport is the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). It is located around 70–75 km away, which means approximately 50–60 minutes by car via the AP-7 or A-7.

Its proximity to Marbella makes it easy to access a wider range of services, shops and leisure options.

What should we consider before buying a home in the Costa del Sol?

Before making a decision, it is advisable to consider:

• Whether the property will be a primary residence or a second home.

• The level of activity in the municipality throughout the year.

• The price differences between areas.

• The connectivity and access routes.

Each municipality has its own characteristics. Therefore, carefully analysing the surroundings, the price per square metre and the predominant type of property can help us make an informed decision.

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