FAQ

The questions I get asked the most, answered honestly in one place. Thirty of them, from where to live to what it all costs.

If your question is not here, reply below, or ask the whole coast in the Ask Anything thread.

1. Where is the best place to live on the Costa del Sol?

It depends on a lot more than just lifestyle.

Each town on the Costa del Sol has its own charm and attracts different types of people. You will find different age groups, nationalities, and ways of living depending on where you are. Some areas are more social and active, others are quieter and more residential. Amenities vary a lot, distances matter to some while others drive, and even the type of life, the views and the feel can change completely from one area to another.

Marbella is more upscale and established, with a strong international crowd and everything around it. Estepona generally gives you more for your money and has been improving quickly over the years. Mijas is more relaxed and practical, especially for everyday living. Alcaidesa is quieter but greener. Sotogrande is known for golf and can get expensive, unless you value privacy. Benalmádena offers some of the best sea views closest to the sea but is not very walkable. Málaga city is historic and full of life, but not always a great investment, and the compromises can be hard to digest.

But that is just a surface-level way of looking at it.

When I speak with someone new, it usually becomes clear quite quickly which areas would actually work for them and which ones would not. Most people start with one idea, but once they understand how the coast is laid out and how each area really feels, that often changes.

2. Is the Costa del Sol a good place to buy property?

Yes, but it depends on what you are buying and why.

The Costa del Sol has had strong demand for years, mainly driven by international buyers. Marbella, Estepona, and the areas around them continue to attract people looking for a mix of lifestyle and investment, which keeps the market active.

That said, not everything here is a good deal.

Some properties are priced well and make sense long term; others are just riding the demand and look better on paper than they actually are. Location, developer, layout, views, and even community rules all play a big role in whether something is actually a good purchase.

If you get it right, it can be a very solid place to buy. If you get it wrong, it is easy to overpay for something that will not perform the way you expect. Most people underestimate how different two properties can be even in the same area and price range.

And that is only the investment side. The cost of living, the weather and the quality of life are often more than enough reason for people to move here.

3. How much does property cost on the Costa del Sol?

It ranges massively, and it really depends on what you are looking at. New build, resale, inland, beachfront, everything plays a role. From €200k to €40 million, all within a relatively small and narrow strip of coastline.

At the very low end, you can still find older resale apartments inland from around €150k to €250k. These are usually in smaller towns, further from the coast, and often need renovation, have older layouts, or lack proper licensing.

Closer to the coast, resale apartments in decent condition typically start around €250k to €400k. If you want something modern or recently renovated, you are more realistically in the €400k to €700k range depending on the area.

New builds start higher. For a standard 2 to 3 bed apartment, you are usually looking from around €400k up to €800k or more. Better locations, views, and developments can easily push that past €1M. It also depends heavily on when you buy: the early birds get the lowest prices on the best units, and by the time a project nears completion, prices have usually risen well past the off-plan stage. Arguably, buying into a new development often gets you a more modern build at a lower price, if you can wait for it to be finished.

Penthouses and larger units in good projects range anywhere from €800k to €2M plus, depending on location, size, terraces, orientation, finishes and views.

Standalone villas are where the price range really opens up. Older resale villas inland or in less prime areas can start from around €700k to €1M: usually more traditional homes, sometimes with larger plots, but often requiring updates. Modern villas, or anything in a good location with views, typically start from around €1.5M to €2M and climb quickly with quality, design, and positioning.

Townhouses sit in between. Older resales start around €400k to €500k depending on location and condition; new or fully renovated ones usually run €500k to €900k, with the best units, locations, finishes and sizes going above that.

Then you have the top end. Places like Sierra Blanca, La Zagaleta, or beachfront on Marbella's Golden Mile, where villas go from €5M to €35M plus, and in some cases far beyond.

So there is not really one answer. You can buy something for under €200k or spend €20M plus within the same stretch of coast. It just depends how far you want to go.

4. Can foreigners buy property in Spain?

Yes. In general there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Spain.

You will need an NIE number, a Spanish bank account, and a lawyer to handle the process, which is all standard and straightforward.

That said, there is a bit more to it behind the scenes.

Spain has strict anti-money-laundering checks, so your funds need to be fully traceable. Banks and lawyers will ask for documentation showing where the money comes from, and this can be more or less strict depending on your situation.

If you are buying from certain countries or using banks considered higher risk, the process can take longer or involve more checks. In some cases, specific banks or transfers can be rejected and you may need to route funds differently.

For most buyers from Europe, the UK, or the US, it is usually smooth. If your setup is more complex, your lawyer and bank will guide you through it early on.

5. What are the costs of buying property in Spain?

As a general rule, expect around 10 to 13 percent on top of the purchase price, but it is worth understanding what actually makes up that number.

If you are buying a resale property in Andalusia, the main cost is the transfer tax, currently 7 percent. On top of that come legal fees, notary, land registry, and small administrative costs, which usually bring the total to around 9.5 to 10 percent.

If you are buying a new build, the structure is different. Instead of transfer tax you pay 10 percent VAT plus 1.2 percent stamp duty. Add lawyer, notary, and registry, and the total typically lands closer to 12 to 13 percent.

Most people focus only on the purchase price and underestimate the upfront costs.

I have broken everything down properly here, including real examples and what to expect after buying:
The real costs of buying and owning property in Costa del Sol

6. Is Marbella better than Estepona?

It is not really about one being better than the other; they offer very different lifestyles.

Marbella is more established. It has been the center of the Costa del Sol for decades, so everything is already there: restaurants, nightlife, an international crowd, beach clubs, infrastructure. It feels more alive year round and has a stronger scene to it. You also have very defined prime areas like the Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca and Nueva Andalucía, which carry a certain status and pricing.

Estepona is different. It has improved massively over the last years and is still developing. It is cleaner, more organised, and generally gives you more for your money. You will find newer developments, a better price per square meter, and a more relaxed day-to-day feel. It does not have the same level of nightlife or international buzz as Marbella, but that is also exactly why many people prefer it.

The people are slightly different too. Marbella tends to attract a more international, lifestyle-driven crowd. Estepona is more mixed, locals and expats together, and often feels less on show.

In reality, most people come in thinking they want Marbella. Some stay with that, but a lot end up choosing Estepona once they understand the difference in value, space, and pace of life.

It comes down to whether you want something more established and lively, or something newer, calmer, and better value.

7. What are the best areas in Marbella?

It depends what you are looking for, because Marbella is not one area. It is a collection of very different pockets, each with its own feel, price level, and type of buyer.

The Golden Mile is probably the most recognised. You are between Marbella town and Puerto Banús, close to everything, walking distance to the beach, and surrounded by established luxury. It is convenient, central, and holds value well, but you pay for it.

Nueva Andalucía sits just above Puerto Banús and is one of the most popular areas for both living and renting. It is built around golf courses, has a big international community, and offers a mix of apartments, townhouses, and villas. You are close to everything without being in the busiest spots, which makes it very practical.

Sierra Blanca is higher up, more private, and more residential. Better views, larger plots, and a quieter environment. It is about space, security, and high-end living rather than being in the middle of things.

Then you have the areas people often overlook.

San Pedro de Alcántara is more local, flatter, and easier for day-to-day living. It is growing quickly and becoming more attractive, especially for families.

East Marbella, like Elviria or Los Monteros, offers some of the best beaches in the area, more greenery, and a slightly calmer feel, while still being within reach of Marbella center.

The main thing is that best does not mean the same for everyone. Some want to walk everywhere, some want privacy and views, some want rental potential. That is why two people with the same budget can end up in completely different parts of Marbella, and both be right.

8. Is Estepona a good place to live?

Yes, and I say that as someone who actually lives here.

Estepona has a very different feel compared to the rest of the coast. It is more balanced. You still have everything you need, but it is not as intense or overbuilt as Marbella.

What stands out is how much it has improved. The town is clean and well maintained, and there has been a lot of investment in infrastructure, public spaces, and new developments. The old town is one of the nicest on the coast, and the promenade is long and actually usable day to day.

At the same time, it has not lost its character. It still feels more Spanish, more local, less like a constant showcase. There is a mix of locals and internationals without one crowd dominating.

Practically it also makes sense: you generally get more for your money than in Marbella, in both space and newer properties. That is one of the main reasons people end up choosing Estepona after initially looking elsewhere.

And it is still growing. New developments, improving infrastructure, and rising demand have pushed it from the quieter alternative to one of the main areas people actively choose.

It is not as lively as Marbella, especially for nightlife and that constant buzz, but for a lot of people that is exactly the point. If you want something more relaxed, cleaner, and still moving in the right direction, Estepona is a very solid place to live.

I have broken it down properly here, based on actually living here:
Estepona, the garden of the Costa del Sol

9. What is the cost of living on the Costa del Sol?

Lower than Northern Europe, but not cheap in the way people sometimes expect.

From my own experience living here, and what I see with clients, the cost of living is very lifestyle-driven.

In my case in Estepona: community fees are around €300 per month for a development with security, gym, pools and maintenance. Electricity sits around €120 per month and goes up in summer with air conditioning. Water is usually €20 to €30, and things like alarm systems add another €30 to €40 monthly.

Groceries for two people range quite a bit, usually somewhere between €100 and €300 per week depending on how you shop.

Eating out is the same story. A good meal can be €40 to €70 for two, or you can easily spend €100 per person and more in the higher-end areas.

Cars: leasing or owning can easily be €400 to €800 per month depending on what you go for.

That is why there is not one number that makes sense. Two people living in the same town can have completely different monthly costs. You can live well here without overspending, but you can also spend a lot very quickly if you lean into the lifestyle.

I have broken everything down with real numbers and examples here:
Living costs in Costa del Sol, the real breakdown

10. Is the Costa del Sol safe?

Yes, overall it is a safe place to live, and that is one of the main reasons so many people choose to be here.

But it is important to understand what safe actually means in reality.

Most of what happens on the Costa del Sol is non-violent. You are not dealing with random crime on the streets. Day-to-day life, walking around, going out, raising a family: all of that feels very normal and secure.

Where people do get caught out is with smaller things. Opportunistic theft, break-ins, things left unattended, especially in summer or in busy areas. A lot of it comes down to people letting their guard down because the lifestyle feels relaxed.

There is also a layer in the background most people never see. Because it is an international hotspot, organised crime is present, particularly around Marbella. It does not affect normal daily life unless you go looking for it.

The honest way to look at it: it is safe to live here, but not something you take for granted. Basic awareness goes a long way. Lock your doors, do not leave valuables visible, and you avoid most of the issues people run into.

I have broken it down properly, including crime, natural risks and what people actually experience living here:
Costa del Sol safety, the honest guide

11. What is the weather like on the Costa del Sol?

It is one of the main reasons people end up here.

You get a lot of sun, very mild winters, and long summers. Winter does not really feel like winter: you are still outside, having lunch in the sun, going for walks, living normally. Summer is hot, but along the coast it is usually more comfortable than people expect.

Where it gets more interesting is that it is not the same everywhere. Even short distances change things. Estepona, Marbella, Mijas and Benahavís all feel slightly different. Some areas are more protected, some get more wind, some are cooler in the evenings, others hold the heat more.

So when people say the weather is perfect, they are not wrong, but it depends on where you are and what you like.

If you want to see how it actually behaves day to day:
Marbella weather

And a proper breakdown of how it changes across the coast:
Climate and microclimates in Costa del Sol

12. Do you need a car on the Costa del Sol?

In most cases, yes.

Not because it is impossible without one, but because the coast is not built around public transport the way people expect. It is built around driving.

Everything is spread out. You are not just going from A to B; you are going between towns, urbanisations, supermarkets, gyms, beaches, appointments. A lot of those are not within walking distance, even if they look close on a map.

There are parts where you can manage without a car. Málaga and the train line down to Fuengirola are the main ones. If you live very centrally and structure your life around that, it works.

Outside of that, in places like Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís or Mijas, you can live without a car, but it quickly becomes inconvenient. You start relying on taxis, Ubers, or planning your day around buses, which most people do not want to do long term.

The simple way to look at it: you can live here without a car, but you will not experience the coast properly without one. Most people who try without end up getting one anyway.

I have broken it down properly, including what actually works and what does not:
Getting around Costa del Sol, your simple guide to transport

13. Are there good international schools?

Yes, there are.

The Costa del Sol has a strong selection of international schools, especially around Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona and Sotogrande. You will find British, IB and other international systems, with solid facilities and a very international student mix.

For most families moving here, schooling is not an issue. There are enough good options across the coast. What matters more is choosing the right one for where you live and your day to day, but in terms of availability and quality, there are good schools here.

I have explained how it works and what to be aware of here:
Choosing the right school on Costa del Sol

14. How is healthcare on the Costa del Sol?

Very good, and honestly one of the things that surprises people the most once they are here.

Spain has a public and a private system working side by side. If you are a resident paying into the system, you get access to public healthcare, which is free and covers everything you need.

But what most people end up doing is using private healthcare.

It is fast, efficient, and much cheaper than people expect. Full insurance from around €50 per month, quick doctor appointments, specialists within days instead of months, and scans and tests without delays.

The difference really shows when something actually happens. Instead of waiting months, things move within days or weeks: appointments, diagnostics, treatment. The level of service in private hospitals is also very high, often with a much more comfortable experience overall.

Most people end up using a mix: public as a backup, private for speed and convenience. That is why expats like it so much. It is not just that it works; it is accessible, affordable, and efficient in a way many are not used to.

I have explained exactly how it works, with real examples and how to set it up:
How healthcare works in Costa del Sol

15. Is the Costa del Sol good for families?

Yes, it is. And I have just stepped into dad life, so I am experiencing it first hand.

There are plenty of areas that work well for families, with schools, parks, sports, and outdoor space all around you. The weather plays a big role too: kids are outside a lot more, which changes daily life completely.

What really stands out, though, is how children are treated here.

They are part of everyday life. It is normal to see kids out late with their parents, at restaurants, in the streets, in plazas. Even in nicer or more upscale places, it is completely accepted. You are not constantly separating adult places and kid places; it is more integrated.

That makes things easier. You do not feel restricted in the same way, and life flows better as a family.

16. Can you rent out property on the Costa del Sol?

Yes, you can. But how you rent it, and whether it actually works well, depends on a few key things.

Short-term rentals are what most people are drawn to. In the right property and location they can perform very well. But you need a tourist licence, and more importantly, the community must allow it. That is where a lot of people get caught out.

Long-term rentals are simpler in terms of rules, but returns are lower and you are more locked in with tenants.

What matters most is choosing the right property from the start. Not every property suits short-term rental, even if it looks like it should. Community rules, layout, location, and demand all play a role. There is also seasonality: summer performs very well, while the rest of the year depends on the type of property and area.

So yes, you can rent out property here. But the results vary a lot depending on what you buy and how you set it up.

I have broken it down properly here, including yields, risks, and what actually works:
Costa del Sol rental guide: yields, risks and reality

17. Is short-term rental profitable on the Costa del Sol?

Yes, it can work very well.

In the right property and location it works amazingly well. Good areas, close to the beach, modern homes with terraces and views: those get booked and perform strongly, especially in peak season. That is why so many people are doing it.

But it is not the same for every property. Some do great, some just do okay, and some do not work the way people expect. Seasonality plays a role, and so does the setup: pricing, management, presentation, all of it matters.

The biggest difference always comes back to what you bought in the first place. If the property fits short-term rental, it can perform very strongly. If it does not, no amount of effort really fixes that.

I have broken it down properly here:
Costa del Sol rental guide: yields, risks and reality

18. What are community fees in Spain?

Community fees are the monthly cost of maintaining the shared parts of a development.

If you buy an apartment or townhouse, you are part of a community and you split the cost of things like pools, gardens, security, lifts, cleaning, lighting and general upkeep.

The range is quite wide. From what I see in real cases, simpler communities can be around €100 to €200 per month. In newer or higher-end developments with security, gyms and more facilities, €250 to €400 or higher is very normal depending on the level.

In my own case in Estepona, community fees are around €300 per month for a development with security, gym, pools, spa and maintenance.

It is not just maintenance; it is the lifestyle of the development you are buying into.

It can also change over time. If the community increases its budget or needs larger works, fees can go up or there can be one-off payments. But services and contractors can also be voted out, and fees can go down.

I have broken it down with real numbers and examples here:
The real costs of buying and owning property in Costa del Sol

19. Which areas are up and coming on the Costa del Sol?

Estepona, the New Golden Mile, and parts of Mijas Costa are still some of the main ones.

Estepona has been growing for years and is still moving forward. More development, better infrastructure, a cleaner town, and strong demand. It is no longer the alternative; it is a main choice now.

The New Golden Mile benefits from sitting between Marbella and Estepona. Newer projects, better value than central Marbella, and still close to everything. That is why more people are looking there.

Mijas Costa is also gaining traction. Well positioned, more central, and still better priced than Marbella while improving in quality.

But the bigger shift is not just specific areas anymore. The entire coast is growing. Málaga has become a serious hub with companies and international demand coming in, and that does not stay in the city; it pushes outward across the coast.

So yes, some areas are ahead of others. But overall the whole Costa del Sol is moving in the same direction, just at different speeds.

20. Is it better to buy new build or resale?

It depends on what you value, and whether it is for living or investment. They are very different products.

New builds are cleaner and more modern, with better layouts, bigger terraces, and usually payment plans during construction. You also get warranties, energy efficiency, and less immediate work. That is why most international buyers lean towards them, and they sometimes appreciate more.

Resales are more about location, charm, or renovation potential. If you want to be frontline beach, walking distance to everything, or in very established areas, that is often resale. You can sometimes get more space or better positioning for the price, but you may need to renovate or accept an older layout.

From what I see, most people start thinking resale because of location, then move towards new builds once they see the quality, the design, the ease of the process, and the lower pricing with some customisation options.

But it is not one or the other. Some of the best decisions come from weighing both: understand what matters most to you first, then choose accordingly.

If you care about modern living and simplicity, new build usually wins. If you care about exact location and character, resale can make more sense.

21. How long does it take to buy property in Spain?

For resales, it is usually quite quick. Once you have found the property and agreed a price, you are typically looking at around 4 to 8 weeks to complete. Faster or slower depending on paperwork, financing, and how prepared everyone is.

New builds are different, and the timing depends on when you enter. Buy early and you reserve, sign the contract, and then wait for construction, which can be around 1.5 to 3 years. But you can also buy during construction or close to completion; then the timeline is much shorter, sometimes just a few months, similar to a resale.

So it is not simply new build equals long wait. Resale is a fixed timeline; new build is flexible depending on the stage of the project when you buy.

I have broken the full process down step by step here:
The buying process for new developments in Costa del Sol

22. Do I need to be in Spain to complete a purchase?

No, you do not.

You can complete the entire purchase remotely by giving power of attorney to your lawyer. They can sign on your behalf, handle the notary, and take care of the whole process without you being physically present.

This is very common, especially for international buyers. Most people come out to view properties and make their decision, but when it comes to completion, they often do not return.

Once the power of attorney is set up properly, your lawyer handles everything: signing the purchase, managing payments, taxes, and registering the property.

I have explained exactly how it works and what happens at the notary here:
Power of attorney and the notary's office in Spain

23. What are the best areas for expats?

It is not just a few areas; it is the entire coast.

Expats are spread all the way from Sotogrande to Nerja. Every town has an international presence, just in different ways.

What changes is the mix. Certain nationalities naturally group in different areas: Nueva Andalucía has a strong Swedish presence, parts of Fuengirola are more Finnish, La Cala and Sotogrande tend to have more British residents, and other areas are a mix of everything.

Marbella is very international overall. Estepona is more mixed and still growing. Benahavís is quieter and more residential. Málaga is more city-focused.

So there is no single best area for expats. It is about which mix of people and lifestyle you feel comfortable with.

24. Are there jobs on the Costa del Sol?

Yes, there are jobs, but it depends what you are expecting.

You will find work in tourism, hospitality, real estate, sales, and services. That is a big part of the local economy, especially along the coast. But local salaries are generally lower than people expect, which is why a lot of people here either work remotely, run their own business, or arrive with income already sorted.

What has changed in recent years is Málaga. It is becoming a proper hub for tech and international companies, and that is starting to influence the rest of the coast: more remote workers, more flexible setups, more opportunities not tied to local salaries.

So yes, there are jobs here. But most people who move here long term either bring their income with them or build something here, rather than relying purely on the local job market.

I have broken it down properly, including what you can earn and how people actually make it work:
Working in Costa del Sol: finding a job and what you'll earn

25. What is life like in winter?

Quieter than summer, but still very much active.

You lose the crowds, traffic drops, everything feels easier. Restaurants are calmer, beaches are empty, and you are not fighting for space anywhere.

But it is not a shutdown. The Costa del Sol stays alive year round: gyms, restaurants, cafés, daily routines all continue. Some towns slow down a bit more, but people live here full time, so life does not stop.

The biggest difference is the pace. It goes from busy and social to relaxed and normal. For a lot of people, this is actually the best time of year.

And the weather is what makes it work. You are still outside most days, sitting in the sun, walking, training, doing everything as usual, just without the chaos of summer.

If you want to understand how the weather actually behaves in winter:
Climate and microclimates in Costa del Sol

26. How busy is the Costa del Sol in summer?

Busy, particularly in July and August. Málaga airport registered 10 million passengers between June and August 2025 alone.

27. Are the beaches good?

Yes, but it really depends where you are.

Some are genuinely very nice: clean, wide, good sand, beach clubs, easy to spend the whole day there. Others are more average, with darker sand, some rocks, water not that clear.

It is not the Maldives.

The coast is long and it changes a lot from one area to another, which is why opinions are so mixed. If beaches matter to you, look at specific spots, not just the coast in general.

28. Is the Costa del Sol good for investment?

Yes.

There is constant demand from international buyers, which keeps the market active. People are not just coming for holidays anymore; they are buying, relocating, investing, and staying.

You also have ongoing development across the coast: new projects, improving infrastructure, and Málaga growing as a business and tech hub. That brings more people in and pushes demand outward.

Some properties perform very well, especially new builds in strong areas or good resales in prime locations. Others just follow the market without much growth. The difference usually comes down to location, quality, layout, and how desirable the property actually is for resale or rental.

Overall, it is a market with a lot of activity and long-term demand behind it.

29. What are the pros and cons of living here?

From actually living here, the biggest pro is how easy life feels.

You are outside a lot more. The weather helps, but it is also the pace. Things do not feel as rushed. You go for a coffee, sit longer, train, walk, eat out, and it becomes part of your routine without planning it.

There is also a strong mix of people. Different nationalities, different backgrounds, and it is normal. You are not stuck in one type of environment.

And honestly, the accessibility. Within 10 to 20 minutes you can be in a completely different setting: beach, mountains, golf, town. It is all close.

On the downside, summer changes things. Traffic becomes noticeable, especially around Marbella. Places get crowded, reservations become a thing, and the calm feeling shifts for a couple of months.

The other one is the car. You end up using it more than you think. The coast looks simple on a map, but day-to-day life is spread out.

And then the small things: admin can be slow, finding reliable people for work takes time, and not everything runs as efficiently as in Northern Europe.

But overall, if you structure your life well here, the positives outweigh the negatives quite clearly.

30. Why are so many people moving to the Costa del Sol?

Because it ticks a lot of boxes at the same time.

You have the climate and lifestyle, which is the obvious part. But beyond that, it has become a very easy place to base yourself.

Málaga Airport is a big reason. You can get almost anywhere in Europe quickly, with direct connections far beyond that. People use it as a hub: you live here, but you are not isolated.

Then there is what has been happening globally. Wars, uncertainty, economic pressure in different countries. People are looking for stability, better weather, and a better day-to-day life, and Spain, especially this coast, ends up being a natural choice.

Remote work has also changed everything. You do not need to live where you work anymore, so people choose where they actually want to live instead.

On top of that, the property market makes sense to many: buy something you use yourself, rent it out when you are not here, and have a base in Europe that cashflows while it appreciates. Healthcare, safety and low natural-disaster risk are all things people weigh, and Spain wins on those too.

And it is not just one type of person moving here. Some come for a second home. Some relocate full time. Some split their time between countries. Some are here purely for lifestyle.

It all adds up. So it is not just the weather anymore. It is flexibility, access, and the fact that life here feels easier than in a lot of other places.

If your question is not here, just ask below.

nice