January 14, 2026

Costa del Sol 2026: a market that begins the year with positive prospects

January is always a good time to take stock and look ahead. And when it comes to the Costa del Sol property market, the message is clear: 2026 begins with stability, strong demand, and a very attractive environment for both buyers and sellers.

Following a particularly strong 2025, the market shows no signs of cooling. On the contrary, it is consolidating and entering a more mature and predictable phase.

2025 in figures: rising prices and sales activity

During 2025, the province of Málaga once again ranked among the most dynamic real estate markets in Spain. The average property price closed the year at around €3,800 per square metre, representing an approximate 13–14% year-on-year increase and a cumulative rise of over 30% since 2023.

This growth has been especially evident along the Costa del Sol, where municipalities such as Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Mijas Costa, Estepona and Marbella have continued to experience strong demand, particularly for well-located, move-in-ready properties.

In terms of activity, the number of property transactions continued to increase. The province of Málaga closed 2025 with approximately 43,000 sales, clearly exceeding previous years and performing well above the national average. In several months of the year, year-on-year growth in sales exceeded 20%, driven largely by international buyers.

A more mature and balanced market

Compared to previous years, the market is now more balanced. Buyers remain active but are analysing each decision more carefully, while sellers need to be more precise in terms of pricing and presentation.

In established areas of the Costa del Sol, demand continues to exceed supply, keeping prices firm. At the same time, the gap between asking prices and final sale prices has narrowed, generally ranging between 4% and 7%, particularly for properties that are correctly priced from the outset.

What are buyers looking for in 2026?

The buyer profile remains highly international. Families, couples and lifestyle buyers increasingly prioritise:

• Good locations and transport connections
• Well-maintained and energy-efficient homes
• Outdoor spaces and natural light

Purchasing is no longer a “just in case” decision, but rather one based on well-informed choices and a long-term perspective. In this context, local expertise and professional guidance make a clear difference.

2026: a good year to sell (if done properly)

For property owners considering selling, 2026 presents very favourable conditions. Prices remain high, but buyers are more selective and compare options more carefully.

As a result, correct pricing, strong presentation and a clear marketing strategy are essential. Well-positioned properties continue to sell within reasonable timeframes, while those brought to market without proper preparation may fall behind.

Looking ahead

The Costa del Sol continues to be supported by very solid fundamentals: quality of life, infrastructure, international appeal and a strong tourism sector. All indicators point towards more sustainable and less speculative growth, providing greater stability in the medium and long term.

In summary, 2026 is not a year for improvisation, but it is an excellent time to make well-informed decisions, whether buying or selling a property.

If you are considering buying or selling on the Costa del Sol this year, we would be delighted to help you review your situation and guide you through every step of the process.

Price figures are based on average asking prices published by property portals such as Idealista. Sales volume and activity data are sourced from the College of Property Registrars, the National Statistics Institute (INE) and the Ministry of Housing. Figures are provided as market references and may vary depending on property type and location.