Real Estate Market on the Costa del Sol in 2025: What’s Really Driving It Today

I’ve been working around real estate here on the Costa del Sol for 25 years, and I see every day how this market is evolving, growing, and attracting new types of buyers from all over the world. Today, I help clients from various countries choose properties that fit their lifestyle, needs, and investment goals — whether it's families looking for a safe and high-quality place to live or entrepreneurs wanting to combine work with a setting that makes sense.

In fact, I've been involved in this environment since the era when the primary investors were British and Germans. Back then, online commerce and client outreach were still novel ideas. Remote work was not new to me even then, and I already had a feeling that the online world and flexible work would eventually drive this market's resurgence with the arrival of a new generation of remote investors. Today, I see it clearly: individuals are emerging who operate businesses from a laptop, manage startups, and even global enterprises, seeking to live in places that offer more meaningful lifestyle.

This article is for anyone considering buying a property in Marbella, Mijas or the surrounding areas and who wants a real, honest overview without empty phrases.

Let’s start with the most common question: are prices still going up? Yes - and not because of artificial inflation. According to official statistics, property prices in the province of Málaga rose by 13% in 2024, while the national average was only around 4.4%. In Marbella, prices have already reached €15,000/m² in the most exclusive locations. But we’re also seeing growth in La Cala de Mijas (over €3,260/m²) and around Mijas Golf and those are areas where opportunities with strong long-term potential still exist.

I often hear concerns like: “Will it get overcrowded?” “Will there be enough water?” “Won’t the charm disappear?” I understand these questions, but let me be clear — this region is no accident. Andalusia is ready for growth. New infrastructure is being built: water treatment plants, solar power, schools, and hospitals. Towns like Mijas, Estepona, or Casares are investing in public services because they know the future is happening right here.

Interest in real estate on the Costa del Sol is booming and just keeps climbing. This lively spot, famous for its gorgeous beaches, great weather, and rich culture, is pulling in a wide range of buyers. People are coming from all over Europe, like the UK, Germany and France, as well as the US, the Middle East, Scandinavia, and even Poland and the Czech Republic. It's not just a seasonal thing; there's a real shift in who's looking to buy property here.

It's not just tourists or retirees looking for a beach getaway anymore. The market's opened up to all sorts of people and families:

• Young families wanting a great place for their kids

• Entrepreneurs drawn by the creative vibe

• IT pros attracted by the growing tech scene

• Couples looking for a chill, relaxed lifestyle

There are a few big reasons why these buyers are picking this spot:

• They want a safe, comfy place, especially with all the global uncertainties

• Access to top-notch healthcare is a big deal, with many after modern medical services

• International schools are a huge draw for families seeking great education for their kids

Plus, the Costa del Sol’s steady climate, with mild winters and warm summers, is perfect for anyone wanting to skip harsher weather. The lifestyle here is super appealing, offering a laid-back vibe with tons of activities, amazing food, and cultural events. With stunning beaches, charming towns, and lively nightlife, it's ideal for those wanting to kick back and enjoy life.

In the end, the real estate scene on the Costa del Sol is changing fast, driven by a mix of buyers looking for more than just a house; they want a lifestyle that matches their values and dreams. As this trend keeps growing, the Costa del Sol will only get more attractive, drawing even more global interest.

It’s fascinating to watch how many different life stories are playing out here. I have clients who left the hectic pace of UK or Prague to work remotely, raise their children in a calmer setting, and live just minutes from the beach. Others come for health reasons because the local climate genuinely improves their quality of life. And then there are those looking for change, new impulses, a new beginning.

A client of mine from New York recently shared that she chose to relocate to Mijas after her children enrolled in an international school in Marbella. In the US, she began experiencing the strain of social tension and worries about the future. Here, she has rented a house with a sea view, works from home, enjoys excellent private and affordable healthcare, and family-run cafes and daily markets offering fresh fruits and vegetables. She describes her life as "a refreshing change that finally makes sense."

And then there’s another group of people relocating here due to political instability in their home countries, looking for a calm, stable place where they can live freely and without fear. For them, the Costa del Sol is not just a destination, it’s a sanctuary.

Life on the Costa del Sol isn’t just about holiday vibes. It’s about a new lifestyle. About slowing down, finding balance between work and personal time. About being able to take a morning walk on the beach and be in a coworking space or golf resort half an hour later. And that’s exactly why I believe this region is not facing a crisis — but rather the next phase of growth.

Recent news about short-term rental regulations in some cities, including Málaga, caused some nervousness among investors. For example, Málaga has already imposed restrictions on new short-term rental licenses in the historic center and other saturated areas. But let’s be honest: short-term rentals haven’t been the primary driver of this market for some time. Yes, tourism is important, but today’s demand is mainly coming from people who actually want to live here. They work remotely, their children attend school here, they pay taxes, start businesses. These people don’t need an “Airbnb license,” because they’re not looking for an investment for three summer weeks. They’re looking for life stability, quality housing, and long-term value.

That’s why I believe that the end of unregulated short-term rentals will not harm the market, on the contrary, it will stabilise it. There will be more pressure on quality, sustainability, and genuine housing. And that is precisely the direction in which the Costa del Sol is heading.

There’s no point worrying about who bought what, how many bedrooms the neighbor has, or how many tourists will come to Costa del Sol this Year. What matters is that if you have the chance to invest in a quality property in a location with growing demand, you’re making a wise decision. Mijas, Casares, or western Estepona are offering exactly what investors and future residents are looking for today: balance, tranquility, good infrastructure, and strong value growth potential.

I always tell my clients: look for real value, not just price. A home or apartment you buy today could be worth 20% more in a few years and that’s not just my opinion. According to the Idealista property portal, experts predict year-on-year price growth of 3–5% for the Costa del Sol in 2025, and even higher in some key locations. If we look at the past five years, property values in places like Estepona, Mijas, or Casares have already increased by more than 25%.

More importantly, you're purchasing a place you'll enjoy coming back to. It might even be a place where you'll choose to stay, whether for two weeks a year or for the rest of your life.

If you’d like advice or just want to discuss your options, feel free to get in touch. I’d be happy to show you what truly makes sense, without pressure, without empty sales talk. Because I know that the right property, bought at the right time, can change your life for the better.

©️Photo Eva Brown Marbella Club