Property for Sale in Costa del Sol, Spain: A Handy Guide for Foreigners
With its brilliant coastline, lively lifestyle, and mild Mediterranean climate, Costa del Sol offers a great opportunity to secure a residence in one of the most enviable areas of Europe.
Despite ups and downs in the Spanish real estate market, Costa del Sol still attracts foreign investments.
From knowing the market to managing property taxes, this guide explains everything for those interested in buying a house in Costa del Sol.
Why Invest in Property in Costa del Sol?
See what makes the Costa del Sol property market so attractive:
Acquiring property in Costa del Sol with a value of at least €500,000 will grant you qualification for Spain’s Golden Visa program, which means long-term residency and easy travel across the Schengen Area.
Properties here can assure their owners of good regular rental income, with millions visiting Costa del Sol each year for their holidays, particularly within the hotspots of Marbella, Estepona, and Málaga.
Can British people buy property in Costa del Sol?
Yes, Brits, like all other foreigners, are not restricted from buying property in Costa Del Sol. The Spanish government highly encourages foreign investments. One of the lucrative visa options to acquire residency status is the Golden Visa.
Buying property on Costa del Sol is not particularly complicated for foreigners. Real estate is pretty well-structured in the region, and plenty of agencies are prepared to provide help for expats.
While there are no particular legal obstacles to foreigners, a number of issues may come up including Spanish mortgage requirements. Most require large deposits to gain financing and access to a local mortgage may not be available without a Spanish bank account. With careful planning and expert advice, however, these can be overcome.
Finding a House in Costa del Sol

The elaborate infrastructure that supports real estate in this region makes the task of searching and acquiring property in Costa del Sol easy. A number of prestigious agencies deal in listing new developments, resale homes, and even luxury properties.
Popular platforms to start your search include:
For foreign buyers, it helps to work with bilingual real estate agents who understand both the local market trends and what is particularly important for expats. Online listings are an excellent starting point, but nothing beats actually going to see properties as the best way to determine value and suitability.
From Marbella down to Fuengirola, on to Nerja, those coastal towns are in high demand because of their proximity to beaches, amenities, and entertainment, while Ronda and Mijas are inland towns that are peaceful, allowing breathtaking landscapes, giving them a more leisurely pace of life.