Why are the Costa del Sol property prices so diverse?

End of August, the summer holidays sadly come to an end for some of you who may have enjoyed your stay on the Costa del Sol.

Those of you who have come to get to know a particular area a little better – whether it be the beach, the city or the tranquillity of the inland areas of the Costa del Sol – or simply to visit new areas and have discovered that perfect place,  where you would consider moving to live, to have your holiday home or where you have seen an investment opportunity.

If you came and are considering the idea of buying a property on the Costa del Sol or if you don't know the Costa del Sol very well and want to get an idea of the Costa del Sol property prices, this article may be of interest to you.

Remind you that you have more information about the Costa del Sol in our guides and our YouTube Channel.

Diversity of Costa del Sol property prices

We could talk about the characteristics of the properties that define their value like orientation, facilities, built size, views, rooms... but with this post we want to answer one of the questions that many of our clients ask us: 

Why is there so much disparity in the prices of properties on the Costa del Sol? 

One of the most important reasons is location, location, location. As you will discover below, you will see very small houses as expensive as large houses in other areas because of this decisive factor.

The following is a brief summary of this factor that largely determines price differences in coastal areas.

Estepona

The approach to Estepona from the east is all dramatic twisty roads, luxurious hotels and sumptuous beach clubs, while its backdrop is highlighted by one of the coast’s tallest and most striking mountains. Fronting a wide, sweeping beach that stretches the length of the town, Estepona's charming boulevards, beautiful plazas and inescapably Spanish atmosphere act as a breath of fresh air. More fashionable than a few years ago, the whole town has undergone a transformation that has given it the name of the "garden of the Costa del Sol". A large international community resides in Estepona due to its quality of life, beautiful beaches and great gastronomy. It is noted for its international schools, as well as its proximity to renowned golf courses, health centres and international schools. It has easy access to the A7 motorway, the main artery that connects all the towns on the Costa del Sol.

Take a look at the property prices in Estepona, taking into consideration the above mentioned. Now in fashion thanks to the "New Golden Mile" where many New Homes are being built.

Marbella

The charm of a cosmopolitan small town, with its Andalusian old town, its blue flag beaches, mixing sophistication, luxury and diversity of leisure activities and restaurants. Bustling and tranquil, loved by celebrities and high net worth individuals. 
Exclusive shops, renowned international schools, fashionable beach clubs and an important gastronomic variety are the main attractions. Will you get bored? Of course not!

The locals live side by side with foreigners of all nationalities: English, German, French, American, Dutch and Scandinavian, etc, but the Swedes who have been the main visitors in Spring/Summer 2021 have surpassed all other nationalities and have been the main country buying properties in Marbella, especially in the high-end market.

Due to this international and luxury attraction, the average price of property in Marbella is one of the highest on the Costa del Sol, finding very exclusive homes in well known nearby areas such as Benahavís, Guadalmina, Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara, Elviria, Puerto Banús, Sierra Blanca and Marbella itself, boasting properties for sale with plenty of potential, luxurious villas, although there are new and exclusive developments to discover in the most sought after locations.

Do you like it? Then you'll have to pay for it, but you won't regret it...

Mijas & Mijas Costa

The most extensive area of the coast, comprising villages with fishing origins, residential areas – by the sea and inland – the mountains, where locals and foreigners from all parts of Europe live together in perfect harmony. It is especially known for the number of beaches and the golf courses, which has given it the name of the "Costa del Golf" and where one of the most known Golf Resorts in Europe is located. Known for Mijas Pueblo, La Cala, Calahonda, Riviera del Sol or Miraflores.

Fuengirola

Fuengirola is located between Benalmádena and Mijas, next to one of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol. With a population of different nationalities, it has a large British and Nordic community. There is also a Finish international college. Lots of fun and places to discover: many themed and international restaurants and a historic old town with lots of day and night life.

Prices for homes in Fuengirola range widely, you could find nice properties for sale in Fuengirola that increase in price as you get closer to the beach. In recent years many new construction projects are flourishing where you can find luxury residential complexes both in quiet locations and close to the centre of the city.

Benalmádena

Famous for its beautiful promenade and the typical Andalusian town in the mountain with fabulous scenery and sea views. During the day there is a wide variety of activities related to the sea mixed with lots of nightlife with trendy clubs and international restaurants in the coastal area but full of tradition and tranquillity in Benalmádena Pueblo. Good health facilities, international schools and good access to the motorway to the airport and other towns along the coast.

Check the property prices in Benalmádena. There are many well-maintained houses near the beach and in the mountain, luxury villas with superb sea views and lately, in the last few years, some new developments are being built with a variety of prices.

Torremolinos and Málaga

Torremolinos by the 1980s, was most certainly one of the liveliest resorts in Europe, but the proliferation of low air fares and more air routes opened up a greater range of choice for the consumer, and it soon fell out of favour with the average holidaymaker seeking fun in the sun. The promenade, with its numerous restaurants and beach bars, is a great place to enjoy a sunbath in the morning or to party on Summer nights. 

Property prices in Torremolinos are also very high due to its international reputation and its proximity to Malaga airport. Such is their exclusivity, that many famous Spanish sportsmen and women have invested in areas such as Los Álamos, on the beachfront. Also La Carihuela area where there is a large Dutch community. 

Check the properties for sale in Torremolinos to see the prices. As in other towns, and due to the booming growth of the city, new residential projects are being built next to the fantastic beach and with unbeatable views of the sea.

Malaga

The city's location in south-western Spain ensures its weather is pleasantly warm all year round. Internationally known, it is not a holiday destination like Marbella or Torremolinos, but as a capital city it has everything you would expect from a big city. Malaga has grown enormously in the last 10 years, thanks to great communication infrastructures, such as the incorporation of the AVE (high speed train), a huge investment in the airport which has made it one of the busiest in the world, internal communications as well as an immense internal beautification project which has given a new international life to the port where millions of visitors come every year on luxury cruise ships.

Due to the international visitors, Malaga invested as well in big shopping centres and exclusive brands and high fashion. On its promenade you won't find English pubs, but you can enjoy the Andalusian gastronomy in one of its beach bars and restaurants. You can enjoy the charm of its streets, its amenities and its people which now became very international and Malaga never stands still. It is a very busy ambience and nightlife all year round. Also now trendy due to its great cultural development, it is home to numerous museums such as the Thiessen, Picasso and Pompidou Centre.

Take a look at the property prices in Malaga and see all the properties for sale we have available on our website. As elsewhere, there are new projects under construction, resulting from the demolition of old buildings in very good locations or in areas far from the centre.

We hope that now it is easier for you to understand the property prices on the Costa del Sol and the reasons why you should value the area where you plan to buy your future home.

Any comments? Was interesting? Any thoughts? Please tell us below.