March 16, 2026

A few weeks ago, I had an interesting conversation with an elderly German woman who was viewing properties on the Costa del Sol. She told me: 'I checked the prices two years ago. Don't offer me overpriced properties.' The truth is that property prices in many parts of Spain have changed significantly over the past two years. In some cities on the Costa del Sol, such as Fuengirola, prices have risen by...

If you're wondering where to play golf in Spain, the Costa del Sol is often called the Costa del Golf for good reason. This region boasts over 70 golf courses and some of Europe's most prestigious clubs. So, I went to Google Maps and read all the negative and positive reviews. I also checked the locations and status of each club before curating this list of the top ten rated golf courses on the Costa...

The first step to choosing the right real estate agent in Spain is to establish their market knowledge. Do some research yourself first, then ask the agent for the relevant figures. Prices, trends, areas and demand all tell a story. Numbers rarely lie. If their information matches that of reliable sources, it’s a good sign that they truly understand the local market. However, knowledge alone is not...

Yes, you have to pay tax when you buy property in Spain. The exact tax depends on the type of property. For resale properties, buyers usually pay property transfer tax (impuesto sobre transmisiones patrimoniales, or ITP), which is currently 7% in Andalusia, the region that includes the Costa del Sol. If you buy a new property from a developer, the taxes are different. Typically, buyers pay VAT (IVA)...

When exploring Costa del Sol real estate, many American buyers ask the same question: Can Americans buy property in Spain? The short answer is yes. Spain imposes no restrictions on U.S. citizens looking to purchase real estate. In fact, many Americans choose the Costa del Sol as a location for a second home, for retirement or for investment purposes. However, there are a few additional documents and...

Many international buyers ask me the same question: how easy is it to buy property in Spain? From my experience of working with clients on the Costa del Sol, I can tell you that the process is actually very straightforward if you have the right team supporting you. Spain has a clear legal system for purchasing property, and once you understand the steps involved, buying property here can be...

If you are researching non-resident property tax in Spain, you may initially feel confused. I often see this with clients. The term itself is misleading. In reality, there is no separate 'property tax' for non-residents. Instead, there is an annual income tax levied on property ownership in Spain. Let me explain in simple, practical terms. What Is the Non-Resident Income Tax in Spain? Let's start...

Although Spain has many beautiful places to buy property, not all regions offer the same lifestyle, climate or long-term investment potential. From my experience of working with international buyers on the Costa del Sol over the years, I have noticed that many people initially consider several areas before eventually focusing on one that best aligns with their priorities. When we first came to Spain,...

I drive clients along this road almost every week and I always enjoy the views on the way to Estepona. It's about an 80 km (49 miles) journey, and it usually takes between 55 minutes and an hour and 15 minutes, depending on which route you take and the traffic conditions. You can either take the paid AP-7 motorway or the free A7 road, as well as the free section of the AP-7. Both routes follow the...