Located in southern Spain, 
luxury destination Costa del Sol stands as a shining jewel at the heart of Europe’s property scene. Luxury properties in Costa del Sol are celebrated for the region’s blend of sun-soaked coastline, vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle, and world-class amenities. Year after year, both remote work and luxury housing demand Costa del Sol offers increase thanks to its cosmopolitan atmosphere. The reason behind this is that today’s high-earning professionals are looking for spacious and well-designed luxury houses in Costa del Sol that offer easy access to the beach and great weather.
Why is Costa del Sol Popular with Foreign Buyers?
International luxury housing demand Spain has, especially for Costa del Sol real estate, remains at an all-time high. The region’s Mediterranean charm is matched by fast and direct flight connections. Also, options for luxury homes Costa del Sol offers sophisticated healthcare, top-tier international schools, and a luxury hospitality scene that’s the envy of Europe. At the same time, Spain’s stable legal system gives foreign buyers peace of mind, while its residency framework supports long-term relocation and lifestyle planning.
In addition to legal stability, luxury villas for sale in Costa del Sol also offer several financial advantages that make it particularly appealing to retirees and international residents. For instance, property taxes tend to be lower than in many Northern European countries, and some regions provide tax incentives for pensioners.
The country has double taxation agreements in place, helping residents avoid paying income tax both at home and abroad. When combined with the relatively low cost of the high quality of life Spain offers, along with the excellent public healthcare, luxury apartments Costa del Sol options stands out as a financially sound and comfortable destination for expats and high-net-worth individuals alike.
Buyer Demographics for Luxury Real Estate in Costa del Sol: Top Foreign Buyers in Spain
As the region has evolved, so too has the profile of foreign investment in Costa del Sol property, particularly in the luxury segment. But what are the leading nationalities in Costa del Sol real estate? While British buyers once led the high-end segment, the landscape now includes strong interest from Dutch, German, Scandinavian, and Polish investors.
Many buyers share common motivations for Costa del Sol luxury property investment. These include the region’s mild climate, outdoor lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and well-established expat infrastructure. However, each nationality brings its own preferences and priorities, too.
In 2025, Dutch buyers are at the forefront, driven by strong finances and a clear preference for high-q
uality coastal homes featuring spacious terraces and sea views. If you are asking “Where do Dutch people buy homes in Spain’s Costa del Sol?”, areas like Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís, are among their top choices. Because these locations offer both lifestyle appeal and strong potential for long-term value appreciation.
British buyers, though no longer dominant, remain steady participants, often experienced second-home owners or retirees. These buyers tend to appreciate established golf resorts, gated communities, and charming villages such as Mijas and Estepona.
On the other hand, Scandinavian buyers tend to prioritize quality of life, energy efficiency, and wellness, frequently seeking modern and sustainable Costa del Sol luxury apartments with open-plan interiors and proximity to the sea. Therefore, areas like Fuengirola, Benalmádena, and Marbella’s New Golden Mile are particularly popular for them.
Meanwhile, the recent surge of Polish buyers for Spain’s property market is driven by Costa del Sol’s more affordable prices compared to Western Europe and the opportunity to embrace a sunnier lifestyle. Many view their properties as both holiday homes and future retirement residences, while professionals who can work remotely consider the region an ideal base.
Overall, with the Costa del Sol remote work property boom, the buyer demographic is broadening, with the 45–59 age group especially active alongside a growing number of younger remote-working professionals. Notably, around 90% of high-end property sales are completed in cash by international buyers, contributing to smoother transactions and reinforcing market stability.
The next question is: where are these buyers establishing themselves? Let’s explore the key locations to buy a luxury property in Costa del Sol in the following section!
Top Luxury Locations to Make a Property Investment in Costa del Sol
While Marbella continues to lead with its prestige and international appeal, the wider Costa del Sol offers a variety of luxury living experiences. Here are some of the most popular areas for luxury homebuyers and the best places for digital nomads in Spain:
1. Marbella: 
This city is the center of luxury living on the Costa del Sol. Living as a foreigner in Marbella offers access to stylish villas, smart-home technology, and top-quality lifestyle services that cater to an international clientele.
Areas like the Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, La Zagaleta, and Cascada de Camoján are widely recognized as some of the best neighborhoods in Marbella for luxury homes. These exclusive communities set the standard for high-end living, with properties offering total privacy, advanced security systems, and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces. Property prices in these areas often exceed €10 million, and many homes feature private gyms, spas, concierge services, and designer interiors.
When it comes to the question “What attracts luxury buyers to Marbella?” The presence of branded residences by renowned names like Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi adds exclusive appeal, making Marbella a preferred destination for discerning high-end buyers.
2. Benahavís:
Just a short drive inland from Marbella, Benahavís is all about peace and space. This area, known for its green hills and natural beauty, attracts buyers looking for privacy and exclusivity. Large estates on expansive plots with panoramic views are common, and homes in gated communities often average around €7 million. As a sought-after destination for luxury property Costa del Sol options, Benahavís appeals to those who want nature, golf, and relaxation without giving up elegance and comfort.
3. Estepona:
Once considered quieter than Marbella, Estepona is now emerging as a new luxury hub. New developments here often feature rooftop pools, coworking areas, and landscaped gardens, combining peaceful surroundings with modern design. With a growing number of luxury apartments for sale in Costa del Sol found in Estepona, the area has become particularly appealing to families and younger buyers looking for a balance between value and lifestyle.
4. Casares:
Casares is perfect for those who want privacy and golf estate living. Costa del Sol luxury real estate here is set in green surroundings, often next to well-known golf courses. That explains why it is ideal for buyers looking for a more secluded and sophisticated setting.
5. Fuengirola and East of Málaga: 
These locations are also seeing increased international demand for Costa del Sol luxury homes. They offer the advantage of being close to Málaga’s city amenities while providing access to stylish, well-designed properties. Homes here often come at more accessible price points, attracting a new wave of international buyers looking for both convenience and comfort.
Culture, Wellness, and Sustainability in the Costa del Sol
For those looking to buy luxury property Costa del Sol offers, the appeal of the region goes far beyond its beautiful homes. This region offers a lively lifestyle that mixes relaxation, culture, and well-being. Residents can enjoy world-class golf courses, exclusive marinas, peaceful beach clubs, and luxury spas, all designed to make everyday life better. With a busy calendar full of festivals, art galleries, boutique shops, and great dining options, the area combines Mediterranean charm with modern style.
Wellness is also a big part of life here. There are many chances to enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s hiking in natural parks, cycling along the coast, or practicing yoga in calm spots. Many alternatives for a new luxury property for sale in Costa del Sol focus on health and sustainability, using green building methods, energy-saving technology, and eco-friendly materials to meet the needs of buyers who care about the environment.
At the same time, security and privacy are top priorities. Many gated communities and private estates offer advanced safety features, creating peaceful and secure places to live. This complete approach to luxury living makes Costa del Sol not just a place to buy a home, but a place to truly enjoy life.
Luxury Market Growth and Future Prospects for Costa del Sol Properties
Despite global economic challenges in 2025, with the opportunity to work from home Costa del Sol luxury market is thriving now. In 2024, investment across all major segments rose by over 20%, and the region recorded more than €3.2 billion in luxury property transactions. Around 90% of this came from international investors. Simply put, the Costa del Sol has secured its place as a leading destination for wealthy buyers looking for lifestyle and stable investment opportunities.
The "Golden Triangle" of Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís is now the core of the market of the Costa del Sol luxury villas for sale. These areas show steady annual price growth of 5–8%, and in some parts of Marbella, prices have increased by nearly 10% year-on-year. There’s also a shortage of ready-to-move-in luxury homes, especially in iconic areas like the Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía, and La Zagaleta. This has increased competition among buyers and led to even stronger price growth. 
Importantly, luxury in the Costa del Sol is no longer just defined by size or high-end finishes; it’s increasingly about lifestyle and functionality. With more professionals choosing to work from home, buyers now prioritize features like private offices, wellness spaces, and smart technologies. In other words, the impact of remote work on the luxury property market has reshaped buyer expectations, leading developers to design homes that support both productivity and relaxation. And this shift has helped sustain strong demand and attracted a more diverse group of international buyers to the region.
Looking forward, the Costa del Sol real estate market outlook remains positive, with steady growth expected in the coming years. Strict urban planning regulations help prevent overdevelopment, which safeguards property values and ensures long-term quality. Meanwhile, the expanding hospitality sector, along with ongoing public and private infrastructure investments, continues to enhance the region’s overall appeal and livability.
Smart Investment in a Dream Destination: Luxury Homes in Costa del Sol
If you are asking “Is Costa del Sol still a good place to invest in?” The answer is: yes! From Marbella’s glamour to Estepona’s modern vibe, Casares’s seclusion to Fuengirola’s balance of value and convenience; each city has its own unique appeal. But all share the same high standards, safety, and potential for value appreciation.
Whether you’re a family searching for a permanent residence, a remote worker wanting sun and luxury, or an investor looking for strong returns, Costa del Sol might be the ideal choice for you.
If you’re thinking of investing in one of the world’s top luxury real estate markets, Spain Homes ® is here to guide you with expert advice and exclusive listings. Contact us today to become part of a thriving international community!
EUR
