Buying property sur la Costa Del Sol with a dedicated expert

The Costa del Sol stretches approximately 150 km from Nerja in the east to Manilva in the west, encompassing a wide range of micro-markets with distinct buyer profiles and purchase price levels.

• Marbella — Golden Mile: The most prestigious address on the Costa del Sol. Average purchase prices around €6,422 EUR/m² (source: Cima Real Estate, Q1 2025), with the Golden Mile historically quoted at approximately €6,329 EUR/m² (source: luxury real estate analysis, September 2024). Attracts high-net-worth international buyers from Northern Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Predominantly luxury villas, frontline golf properties, and high-end apartments.
• Marbella — Nueva Andalucía: Averaging approximately €5,578 EUR/m² (+6.1% year-on-year, source: Cima Real Estate, 2025). Popular with golf enthusiasts and families seeking proximity to Marbella's amenities at a relative discount to the Golden Mile.
• Benahavís: Consistently among the most expensive municipalities in Spain, averaging around €4,203 EUR/m² (source: Costa del Sol property price data). Exclusive residential urbanisations, strong demand from privacy-conscious buyers.
• Estepona: Reached its highest-ever average purchase price of €3,582 EUR/m² in September 2024, an 11.6% increase year-on-year (source: luxury real estate market analysis, 2024). Attracts buyers priced out of central Marbella; strong new-build pipeline with 77% of 2024 sales being new builds.
• Torremolinos: Average purchase price approximately €3,095 EUR/m² (source: Málaga province property data, 2024). More accessible entry point; popular with both lifestyle buyers and investors.
• Benalmádena: Around €2,919 EUR/m² (source: Málaga province property data, 2024). Mix of apartments and townhouses; strong tourism infrastructure.
• Fuengirola: Approximately €2,470 EUR/m² (+9.5% year-on-year, source: coastal housing data, 2024). Lively town with a large international community; good value relative to western Costa del Sol.
• Manilva: Around €1,826 EUR/m² (+13.1% year-on-year, source: coastal housing data, 2024). One of the most affordable coastal municipalities; highest percentage price growth recorded in 2024, attracting value-oriented buyers.

1. Obtain your NIE number: Apply at a Spanish police station or consulate abroad. This identification number is required before signing any purchase contract.
2. Open a Spanish bank account: Required to process all payments related to the purchase.
3. Appoint an independent lawyer (abogado): Engage a lawyer who is independent of the seller or developer to protect your interests throughout the process.
4. Property search and viewings: Identify suitable properties across the Costa del Sol's micro-markets (Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Málaga city, etc.).
5. Make an offer: Submit a written offer through the agent or directly to the seller. Negotiation typically results in a discount of 5% to 8% below the asking price in current market conditions.
6. Reservation agreement and deposit: A small reservation fee (typically €3,000 EUR to €10,000 EUR) is paid to take the property off the market while due diligence is conducted.
7. Legal due diligence: Your lawyer orders the Nota Simple, checks planning permissions, building licences, outstanding debts, and the certificate of habitability.
8. Contrato de Arras (private purchase contract): Both parties sign this binding contract. The buyer pays a deposit — typically 10% of the purchase price. If the buyer withdraws, the deposit is forfeited; if the seller withdraws, they must repay double the deposit.
9. Mortgage arrangement (if applicable): The bank carries out a valuation and issues a formal mortgage offer.
10. Escritura de Compraventa (title deed) before a notary: The final deed is signed before a Spanish notary. The buyer pays the remaining balance; the notary verifies identities, funds, and legal compliance.
11. Payment of taxes and fees: ITP or IVA, AJD, notary fees, and legal fees are settled.
12. Land Registry registration: The property is registered in the buyer's name at the Registro de la Propiedad, completing the acquisition. The full process typically takes six to twelve weeks.

Non-resident buyers can access mortgage financing from Spanish banks to purchase property on the Costa del Sol, though conditions differ from those offered to residents.

• Loan-to-Value (LTV): Spanish banks typically lend 60% to 70% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is lower) to non-residents. A minimum down payment of 30% to 40% of the property value is therefore required (source: Spanish mortgage specialists, 2025).
• Example: For a €500,000 EUR purchase, a non-resident may borrow up to €350,000 EUR and must provide at least €150,000 EUR as a deposit, plus all acquisition costs.
• Mortgage rates (2024–2025): Fixed rates are broadly in the 3% to 4% range for mainstream cases; variable rates are typically quoted as Euribor plus a margin of approximately 1% to 1.5%, varying by bank and borrower profile (source: Spanish mortgage market data, 2025).
• Loan term: Non-resident mortgages are generally offered for up to 20 to 25 years.
• Debt-to-income ratio: Banks typically require that total debt repayments do not exceed 35% of gross monthly income.
• Required documents: Passport, NIE, proof of income (payslips or tax returns), bank statements, proof of employment or business activity, and a property valuation report commissioned by the lender.
• Remote process: The entire purchase, including mortgage application, can be completed remotely via a notarised power of attorney granted to the buyer's lawyer.
• Note: The Spanish Golden Visa route (requiring a minimum property investment of €500,000 EUR) was closed to new applicants in April 2024.

Understanding the fees involved in a Costa del Sol property purchase helps buyers plan their budget accurately and select the right professionals.

• Estate agent commission: On the Costa del Sol, agency fees are typically paid by the seller, not the buyer. Buyers generally do not pay a direct brokerage fee, though this should always be confirmed in writing before proceeding.
• Independent lawyer (abogado): Fees typically range from 1% to 1.5% of the purchase price, plus 21% VAT (IVA). For a €500,000 EUR property, expect €5,000 EUR to €7,500 EUR plus VAT. Some lawyers charge a fixed fee for lower-value transactions. The lawyer's scope of work covers: due diligence (Nota Simple, planning checks, debt verification), contract review and negotiation, NIE assistance, coordination with the notary, tax filings, and Land Registry registration.
• Notary fees: Approximately €1,750 EUR on average, paid by the buyer, varying with the complexity and value of the transaction.
• Land Registry registration fees: Scaled to the declared purchase value; typically a few hundred euros.
• Mortgage arrangement fees (if applicable): Banks may charge an arrangement or opening fee; confirm with the lender before signing.
• Property valuation (tasación): Required by the bank for mortgage purposes; cost varies by property size and location.

Always engage an independent lawyer — one not recommended by the vendor or developer — to ensure your interests are fully protected throughout the acquisition.