Costa del Sol Property Prices in 2026: What UK Buyers Actually Pay

The Real Numbers Behind Costa del Sol Property

If you've been browsing property portals, you've probably noticed the price range on the Costa del Sol is enormous — from €150,000 studios in Torremolinos to €30 million estates in La Zagaleta. That's not particularly helpful when you're trying to work out what a two-bedroom apartment with a sea view actually costs.

This guide cuts through the noise. We've compiled realistic 2026 price data across ten Costa del Sol towns, broken down by property type, so you can see exactly what your budget buys in each location. All prices are in euros; for a quick sterling conversion, divide by roughly 1.17 at current rates.

Marbella: The Prestige Premium

Marbella remains the Costa del Sol's flagship market. The name carries global recognition, which keeps prices elevated — but also supports strong resale values and rental yields.

Where the value is: Marbella East (Elviria, Las Chapas) offers 15–20% lower prices than central Marbella for equivalent properties, with excellent beaches and the Nikki Beach club nearby. San Pedro de Alcántara, technically within Marbella municipality, feels like its own town and offers better value still.

Estepona: The Smart Money Choice

Estepona has transformed from a quiet fishing town into one of the Costa del Sol's most desirable addresses. The pedestrianised old town, new marina, and the stunning Orchid House have made it a destination in its own right.

The trend: Estepona prices have grown 8–10% annually over the past three years, outpacing Marbella. Still roughly 25% cheaper than equivalent Marbella properties, but the gap is narrowing. Buyers looking for long-term appreciation should pay attention here.

Benahavís: Space and Privacy

Benahavís is Spain's third-largest municipality by area but one of the least densely populated. If you want a villa with land, golf on your doorstep, and mountain views, this is where to look.

Why it matters: Benahavís offers 15–20% better value than equivalent Marbella properties, with significantly more space. The trade-off is that you're 15–20 minutes from the beach by car.

Fuengirola: Family Value

Fuengirola is the Costa del Sol's most practical town for year-round living. It has a real Spanish-and-international community rather than feeling like a resort, with excellent public transport, schools, and amenities.

The appeal: Some of the lowest entry prices on the western Costa del Sol, combined with year-round rental demand from the large international community. The Cercanías train connects Fuengirola to Málaga in 35 minutes.

Mijas: Two Markets in One

Mijas splits into two distinct areas: Mijas Pueblo, the white-washed hill village with stunning views, and Mijas Costa, the beachfront strip between Fuengirola and Marbella.

Best value: La Cala de Mijas is a particular sweet spot — a pretty beachside village with its own identity, good restaurants, and prices 30–40% below Marbella. It's increasingly popular with British families.

Benalmádena: Resort Living

Benalmádena offers three distinct zones: the hilltop Pueblo, the beachfront Costa, and the marina at Puerto Marina. It's well-connected by train to Málaga and has a lively international atmosphere.

Nerja: The Authentic Choice

Nerja sits at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol, 50 minutes from Málaga. It's the town that expats who've lived all over Spain consistently name as their favourite — dramatic cliffs, the Balcón de Europa, and a genuine year-round community.

Worth knowing: Nerja's supply is genuinely limited — the town is surrounded by protected natural park, so there's almost no new construction. Prices have crept up steadily, and good properties sell fast.

Torremolinos, Manilva & Nueva Andalucía

Torremolinos offers the lowest entry prices on the Costa del Sol for beachfront living, from €150,000 for a studio to €350,000 for a solid two-bed. It's popular with budget-conscious buyers and investors targeting holiday rentals, with the train to Málaga centre taking just 20 minutes.

Manilva is the western frontier of the Costa del Sol, bordering Cadiz province. Entry-level two-bed apartments start around €150,000–€250,000 in Duquesa port and San Luis de Sabinillas. It's the most affordable coastal option but also the most isolated.

Nueva Andalucía is Marbella's golf valley — home to Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, and Aloha courses. Two-bed golf apartments start around €350,000, villas from €800,000. It's one of the strongest rental markets on the Costa del Sol thanks to year-round golf tourism.

Price per Square Metre: The Real Comparison

The most honest way to compare Costa del Sol towns is price per square metre of built area:

What Your Budget Gets You

To make this practical, here's what UK buyers at common budget levels can realistically expect:

£200,000 (≈€235,000 including costs): A renovated two-bed apartment in Torremolinos, Fuengirola town centre, or Manilva. Possibly a one-bed in Benalmádena Costa. Good holiday let potential but limited resale growth.

£350,000 (≈€410,000 including costs): A quality two-bed apartment with sea or golf views in most towns, or a three-bed townhouse in Fuengirola or Mijas. In Nerja, a well-located two-bed with character. This is the sweet spot for most UK buyers.

£500,000 (≈€585,000 including costs): A three-bed penthouse in Estepona, a townhouse in Marbella East, or a golf apartment in Nueva Andalucía. In the villages (Mijas Pueblo, Benahavís Pueblo), a renovated villa with views.

£750,000+ (≈€880,000+ including costs): Detached villas with pools in Estepona, Mijas, or Benahavís. In Marbella, a quality townhouse or apartment in a prime location. Serious investment territory with strong rental and appreciation potential.

Don't Forget the Extra Costs

The prices above are asking prices. Remember to add 10–13% for taxes, legal fees, and other purchase costs. Our buying costs calculator gives you an instant total for any property price, and our costs and taxes guide explains every line item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Costa del Sol prices still rising?
Yes. The market has seen 5–8% annual growth across most areas, with Estepona and Marbella at the higher end. Limited coastal supply and strong international demand support continued appreciation.

Is now a good time to buy, or should I wait?
Nobody can time the market perfectly. What we know: supply on the coast is finite, demand from Northern European buyers shows no sign of slowing, and the pound has recovered from its post-Brexit lows. Waiting for a "crash" has cost many UK buyers who watched prices rise 30–40% over the past five years.

Which area offers the best rental yield?
Short-term holiday lets perform best in Marbella, Nerja, and Estepona (6–10% gross yields). Long-term rentals work well in Fuengirola and Benalmádena where there's year-round demand (4–6% gross).

Should I buy resale or new-build?
Resale is typically cheaper, may be in a more established location, and is available immediately. New-builds offer modern specifications, builder warranties, and potentially lower maintenance — but at a 10–20% premium and with 12–24 months to wait for completion.

Explore all ten locations in detail on our UK buyers hub, or check our property glossary for any Spanish terms you're unsure about.

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