Over the past few years, the Costa del Sol property market has continued to show remarkable strength. Even with economic uncertainty in parts of the world, international demand for homes in southern Spain remains strong.
Lifestyle relocation, remote working and the limited supply of quality homes in prime locations continue to support buyer demand.
For many homeowners in areas such as Marbella, Mijas Costa and Estepona, the question in 2026 is simple: is now a good time to sell?
Based on current market data and what we are seeing locally, conditions remain favourable for many property owners considering selling.
Before decidint to sell, it´s important to understand the full process and costs involved.
Property Sales Remain Strong
Málaga province — which includes the Costa del Sol — continues to record high levels of property transactions.
According to data from the Spanish Land Registry (Registradores de España) and the National Statistics Institute (INE), there were approximately 35,600 property sales in Málaga province in 2025.
Of these transactions, around 15,000 properties were purchased by foreign buyers, representing roughly 43% of the market.
This is significantly higher than the Spanish national average and highlights how international the Costa del Sol property market has become.
For sellers, this wide international buyer pool can make a real difference when marketing a property.
Foreign Buyers Play a Major Role
International demand remains one of the key drivers of the Costa del Sol property market.
According to research from property portal Idealista, foreign buyers purchased more than 71,000 homes across Spain during the first half of 2025, accounting for around 19% of all property transactions nationwide.
In Málaga province, however, the proportion of international buyers is even higher, often reaching 38–43% of total purchases.
This strong international interest creates a much broader audience for properties compared with many other parts of Spain.
Which Nationalities Are Buying Property?
The Costa del Sol continues to attract buyers from across Europe and increasingly from outside the continent.
Based on data from Spanish notaries, property portals and market reports, the most active international buyers currently include those from:
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Germany
- Sweden and other Scandinavian countries
- France
- Belgium
- Italy
In recent years there has also been growing interest from buyers from the United States and Central Europe.
Many of these purchasers are looking for second homes, relocation properties or investment opportunities along the Costa del Sol.
British buyers remain one of the largest groups of international purchasers, representing roughly 14–15% of foreign property purchases in Spain, followed by Dutch and German buyers..
Property Prices Continue to Rise
Another factor supporting sellers in 2026 is continued price growth.
In Málaga province, average property prices reached around €3,842 per square metre in 2025, representing an annual increase of approximately 13.8%.
Some areas of the Costa del Sol have recorded even stronger growth, with price increases reaching 19–20% year-on-year in certain locations.
Across Spain overall, property prices increased by around 10–13% during 2025, making it one of the strongest periods of growth in the past decade.
Several factors continue to support prices:
- limited supply of new housing in prime coastal areas
- strong international demand
- rising construction costs
- ongoing lifestyle migration to southern Spain
For property owners, this has meant that property values in many areas have risen significantly in recent years. years.
Spain’s Property Market in an International Context
The strength of the Costa del Sol market is closely linked to wider trends in the Spanish property sector.
Across Spain, foreign buyers purchased approximately 97,300 homes in 2025, representing around 13.8% of all property transactions nationwide.
Mediterranean coastal regions — particularly Málaga province — attract a large share of these international buyers thanks to climate, lifestyle and well-developed infrastructure.
The region also benefits from excellent connectivity. Málaga Airport is one of Spain’s busiest international airports and provides direct links to major European cities.
This accessibility plays an important role in maintaining strong international buyer demand.
How Long Does It Take to Sell Property?
One of the questions homeowners ask most often is how long it typically takes to sell a property.
In Spain overall, the average selling time is usually estimated at between two and six months, depending on location, price and market conditions.
On the Costa del Sol, properties that are priced correctly and marketed internationally often sell within approximately 120 to 150 days.
However, homes that are particularly well presented and competitively priced can sometimes sell more quickly.
In practice, pricing strategy and presentation remain two of the most important factors influencing selling time.
→ Read more about how long does it take to sell property on the Costa del Sol.
Why International Buyers Continue Choosing the Costa del Sol
Several global trends are helping sustain buyer demand in the region.
Lifestyle relocation
More buyers are choosing to relocate permanently or semi-permanently to southern Europe in search of a better quality of life.
Remote working
The growth of remote work allows many professionals to live abroad while continuing to work for companies in other countries.
Climate and lifestyle
The Costa del Sol enjoys over 320 days of sunshine per year, along with excellent healthcare, international schools and a well-developed expatriate community.
Investment and Rental Demand
Many buyers are also attracted by strong rental demand for holiday homes and long-term rentals.
What This Means for Property Sellers
For homeowners considering selling in 2026, several factors continue to support the market:
- strong international buyer demand
- rising property values
- limited supply of quality homes in prime areas
- increasing lifestyle migration to southern Spain
Properties that are realistically priced and well presented tend to attract serious buyer interest quite quickly.
What Sellers Should Know in 2026
Even in a strong market, successful property sales still depend on several important factors.
Realistic pricing remains essential. Buyers today are well informed and often compare multiple properties before making decisions.
Presentation also plays an important role. Most buyers begin their property search online, making professional photography and clear property descriptions increasingly important.
Because such a high proportion of buyers come from abroad, international marketing exposure is also key to reaching the right audience.
What does it Cost to Sell Property on the Costa del Sol?
Selling costs in Spain are one of the most important factors for property owners.
These typically include estate agent fees, capital gain tax, plus valia tax and legal costs – all of which can significantly affect your final net result.
→ Read our full breakdown of selling costs in Costa del Sol; Selling Property on Costa del Sol: Process, Costs & What Owners Should Expect
Thinking of Selling Property on the Costa del Sol?
For homeowners considering selling property in Marbella, Mijas Costa, La Cala de Mijas, Riviera del Sol or surrounding areas, current market conditions remain encouraging.
Strong international demand, rising property values and limited supply mean many sellers are achieving favourable results when properties are positioned correctly in the market.
Before making a decision, many property owners want to understand:
· current market value
· selling costs and taxes
· realistic timeframes
→ Request a Property Consultation or simply get in touch for an informal conversation about your property and the current market.
Sources & Market Data
• INE – Spanish National Statistics Institute
• Registradores de España – Land Registry statistics
• Idealista market reports
• Sur in English property reports
• Spanish Notaries (Consejo General del Notariado)
