30.01.2026
The Costa del Sol is one of the most attractive regions in Spain for property buyers – offering beautiful beaches, prestigious locations, well-developed infrastructure, and a pleasant climate. If you dream of owning a home or apartment in this area, it’s worth understanding the entire purchasing process to avoid surprises and additional costs.
The first step is to determine how much you want to spend on the property. Remember to include taxes, notary fees, and registration costs in addition to the purchase price. Popular locations on the Costa del Sol include Marbella, Estepona, Benalmádena, Mijas, and Fuengirola – each with its own character and varying property prices.
On the Costa del Sol, you can find apartments, townhouses, and villas. Decide whether the property is for personal use or if you also plan short-term rentals, as this will influence both the location and the standard of finish.
A professional agent will help you find a property that meets your expectations and guide you through all the formalities. The Costa del Sol has many agencies experienced in working with international clients.
Before signing any agreement, make sure the property is free of charges or debts. In Spain, this can be verified through the “Nota Simple” from the Property Registry. It’s also advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in Spanish property law.
Once you’ve found the right property, you typically sign a reservation agreement and pay a deposit. This amount is often refundable under certain conditions and secures the property from other buyers.
The next step is signing the preliminary contract. At this stage, you usually pay around 10% of the property value. The contract outlines the terms of the final transaction and the date of signing the title deed.
This is the moment you officially become the property owner. The signing takes place before a notary, followed by registration in the Property Registry. At this stage, you also pay the applicable taxes:
After the purchase, remember about ongoing expenses:
Once all formalities and taxes are settled, the keys are handed over. It’s advisable to immediately check the condition of the property to ensure everything complies with the agreement.
Buying property in Spain is a unique experience – offering a beautiful location, a stable investment, and the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful climate all year round.
Co-founder
The Costa del Sol real estate market is entering 2026 in a phase of stable, yet still clearly positive growth. The pace of growth is slower, but the fundamentals remain very strong – high demand, limited supply, and a significant share of international investors.
Just a few years ago, Dubai was a symbol of a modern real estate market. Today, more and more attention is shifting toward a new destination for premium capital in Europe: the Costa del Sol.
Just a few years ago, real estate on the Costa del Sol was mainly associated with British retirees and Scandinavian investors. Today, however, another language is increasingly heard on the streets of Marbella, Estepona, and Málaga – Polish.