Costa del Sol - Beyond compare

If you are looking for the perfect place to relocate in Europe, the Costa del Sol ticks all the right boxes. One of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain, with millions visiting from all over the world, towns such as Marbella, Estepona and Mijas are also seeing increasing numbers of people deciding to settle all year round. The enviable lifestyle, modern infrastructure and superb climate, as well as recent initiatives such as the Golden Visa and Digital Nomad schemes have resulted in a boom in the foreign resident population.

The recent pandemic and increasing trend of working remotely also contributed to people reappraising their priorities. As a proven and mature market that has seen a post pandemic boom, property on the Costa del Sol has experienced a unprecedented surge, with demand outstripping supply.

So why should you buy a property on the Costa del Sol?

The Costa del Sol may make the headlines for its millionaires’ mansions – with celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Novak Djokovic and Erling Haaland all having brought properties recently – but the market still remains outstanding value. If you compare prices with a city such as London, well frankly there is no comparison. While 350,000 euros will get you a scruffy two bedroom apartment in need of renovation on the Kilburn High Road (now referred to as “North Kensington”), the same amount will get you a detached villa with gardens and a pool on the coast. It is, as they say, a “no brainer”.

Climate

The clue is in the name. It is called the Costa del Sol for a good reason. While northern Europe shivers through most of the year, the coast enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and marvellously mild Mediterranean temperatures.

Low taxation

The climate is not the only thing that is mild in Spain. Andalusia’s regional government (the Junta de Andalucia) has introduced a range of attractive tax incentives for buying a property, slashing Property Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty, as well as the lowest rates in Spain on Inheritance and Gift tax. Buy to let property is subject to a landlord tax relief that can mitigate your tax bill by 70% or more. On long-term rentals, you can expect a net annual yield of 5%, on tourist rentals you can expect a net yield of 10%.

Lifestyle

Dr Samuel Johnson may well have written “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”, but he never visited the Costa del Sol. Often referred to as the California of Europe, the coast spoils you for choice with a huge range of activities to enjoy. From flat out (jet skiing, quad biking, karting) to laid back (beach yoga, meditation retreats, spa days) with every sport that you can imagine, a vibrant social scene and some of the best restaurants in Spain, one thing is for certain. You are unlikely to be bored! And if you want to unwind and get back to nature, the Costa del Sol is framed by stunning mountains and unspoilt country walks.

Infrastructure

The most impressive advancements made in Malaga over the past two decades have been in infrastructure. Malaga’s international airport now offers direct flights to major European cities as well as to the United States, while modern train links can whisk you to the centre of Madrid in under three hours. The cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada are easily and effortlessly accessible by road and Malaga’s upgraded port also offers transport options.

Digital infrastructure on the coast is also superb and Malaga is quickly establishing itself as a desirable destination for many international hi-tech companies.

Healthcare

Malaga has a modern healthcare system with several state-of-the-art public hospitals. In addition to these are several private clinics and residential facilities. These offer everything from fertility to cryogenics, anti-aging and cosmetic surgery to ensure you look and feel your best!

Culture

The cultural scene on the coast is booming. Malaga alone boasts the world-renowned Picasso Museum, Pompidou Museum and Carmen Thyssen Museum, while the trendy Soho district is home to many independent galleries. The Cervantes Theatre stages classical concerts and theatre performances, while the Malaga Film Festival is internationally recognised. The summer music season on the Costa del Sol attracts some of the biggest names, with Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Bob Dylan, Seal and Jennifer Lopez all playing in recent years.