Costa del Sol Property Prices 2026: Complete Price Guide by Area
The Costa del Sol property market hit record highs in 2025, with average prices exceeding €4,000/m² across the region. Málaga province closed around 37,800 transactions in 2024, with 39% of buyers coming from abroad - the highest foreign buyer share in Spain. Understanding current prices by area helps you budget accurately and spot opportunities.
Property Prices by Area (2025-2026)
| Municipality | Price (€/m²) | YoY Change | Investment Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marbella | €5,258 | +12.3% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Benahavís | €5,205 | +14.1% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fuengirola | €4,300 | +18.8% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Benalmádena | €3,903 | +18.6% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ojén | €3,863 | +25.6% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torremolinos | €3,740 | +17.3% | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nerja | €3,734 | +8.7% | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Algarrobo-Costa | €3,614 | +27.6% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Estepona | €3,500-5,000 | +15-17% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Market Context
Costa del Sol prices have doubled the national average. The growth is structural - driven by limited housing supply, steady international investment, and the region's reputation as a global luxury lifestyle destination.
Premium Areas: What Luxury Costs
At the top end, Marbella's Golden Mile averages €8,300/m², with properties rarely selling below €3 million. Puerto Banús commands €6,000-8,000/m² for marina-view apartments. Nueva Andalucía's Golf Valley ranges €4,500-6,500/m² depending on proximity to courses. Benahavís, particularly La Zagaleta, can exceed €10,000/m² for the most exclusive villas.
What Your Budget Buys
| Budget | Marbella | Estepona | Fuengirola |
|---|---|---|---|
| €200,000-300,000 | 1-bed apartment, older building | 2-bed apartment, good location | 2-bed apartment, near beach |
| €300,000-500,000 | 2-bed apartment, decent area | 3-bed apartment or townhouse | Townhouse or large apartment |
| €500,000-800,000 | 3-bed apartment, good area | Villa or luxury apartment | Detached house |
| €800,000-1.5M | Townhouse or small villa | Quality villa with pool | Large villa, prime location |
| €1.5M+ | Villa in residential area | Luxury frontline villa | Exceptional property |
Emerging Value Areas
Smart buyers are looking beyond the established hotspots. Ojén (+25.6% YoY) is the white village above Marbella with mountain views and authentic charm. Algarrobo-Costa (+27.6% YoY) on the eastern coast offers beachfront at a fraction of western Costa del Sol prices. These secondary markets benefit from improved infrastructure and overflow demand from the Golden Triangle.
New Build vs Resale
New developments command a 15-25% premium over resale properties but offer modern specifications, energy efficiency, and often payment plans during construction. Resale properties in prime locations can offer better value, especially older villas on large plots with renovation potential. The "reformed" market - fully renovated resale properties - sits between the two.
Rental Yield Potential
Holiday rentals in prime locations can generate 5-8% gross yields. Estepona's New Golden Mile apartments rent for €1,200-3,000/month, while villas command €3,000-10,000/month in peak season. Long-term rentals offer steadier income at 3-5% yields.
2026 Price Outlook
Analysts project property prices to rise 5-8% in established areas like Marbella, Puerto Banús, and Estepona. Limited new supply, continued international demand, and improved air connectivity to Málaga airport support the bullish outlook. Secondary markets may see higher percentage gains as buyers seek value.
Key Market Drivers
- 39% of buyers are foreign - highest share in Spain, ensuring diverse demand
- Northern European, British, and increasingly American buyers driving luxury segment
- Málaga airport expansion improving accessibility
- Limited land for new development constrains supply
- Remote work trend bringing longer-stay residents
- Strong rental market supports investment case
Key Takeaways
- Average Costa del Sol prices exceed €4,000/m² - double the Spanish national average
- Marbella and Benahavís lead at €5,200+/m² with continued luxury demand
- Estepona offers the best growth potential with 15-17% annual increases
- Secondary markets (Ojén, Algarrobo-Costa) showing 25%+ growth for value seekers
- Budget 10-15% above property price for taxes and fees