Property for sale on the Costa del Sol

What kind of coast it is

The Costa del Sol runs along the whole of Málaga province, westwards almost to Gibraltar. The mountains come close to the sea, so many new developments are built on the slopes with sea views, with golf courses and urbanisations between the towns.

It helps to know where the building is happening. There are relatively few new builds in Málaga city itself. Most new homes are in the west: Estepona, Mijas, Marbella, Fuengirola and Casares. Our own catalogue shows the same picture.

Getting there

Málaga airport is the gateway, with flights from across the UK. The C-1 local train runs from the airport along the coast through Torremolinos and Benalmádena to Fuengirola, every twenty minutes. Further west, the coastal motorway takes over.

Buying from the UK

Buying does not give you residency. Spain's golden visa for property investors was abolished in April 2025. Anyone can still buy without restriction, but without a visa a UK passport holder can stay up to 90 days in any 180.

Taxes — Andalusian rates. New build: 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty. Resale: a flat 7% transfer tax. Notary, land registry and paperwork usually add 0.5–1% of the price.

NIE and a Spanish bank account. You need an NIE, the foreigner's identification number, and we handle it for you. For a new build you do not need a Spanish bank account: you can pay the developer from your UK account. For a resale property it is not a legal requirement, but in practice you will want one: the seller is paid at the notary with a Spanish banker's draft, and a transfer from abroad has to leave several days before completion.

Mortgages. Spanish banks usually lend non-residents up to 70% of the valuation, against 80% for residents.

Off-plan. By law, every payment you make to the developer before completion must be covered by a bank guarantee. Check it before you sign.