From golden beaches to hillside villages and a buzzing cultural capital, Málaga has everything you need for a life well lived in southern Spain. It’s a place where you can enjoy year-round sunshine, tap into a thriving rental market and choose from city flats, coastal homes or countryside escapes. Here’s how to make it yours.
Málaga offers not one, but two distinct ways to buy into the Spanish lifestyle. There’s the vibrant city of Málaga, a cultural hub with a working port, urban beaches, historic buildings and a year-round buzz. Then there’s the province of Málaga, stretching along the sun-soaked Costa del Sol and inland into whitewashed villages, rolling hills and market towns. Together, they offer an incredible range of property options – from seaside apartments in Marbella to countryside cortijos near Ronda, to chic city flats just minutes from the beach. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about where and how to buy property in Málaga.
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Contents
- Why buy property in Málaga?
- Top places to buy in Málaga city
- Top places to buy in Málaga province
- What can you get for your budget?
- Is buying in Málaga a good investment?
- How to buy property in Málaga
Why buy property in Málaga?
The city of Málaga was ranked the number one best city for international buyers by Forbes in 2023 – and it’s easy to see why. The weather is enviable, the culture is rich and the infrastructure is world-class. There’s no shortage of reasons to buy here:
- Over 300 sunny days per year
- 14 kilometres of beaches just minutes from the city centre
- A thriving food, music and arts scene (this is Picasso’s birthplace, after all)
- Excellent connections: direct UK flights, a high-speed train to Madrid and regional rail links
- A vibrant year-round rental market, fuelled by tourism and digital nomads
If you’re looking for the sweet spot between Mediterranean charm and everyday convenience, Málaga is the place to be.
Top places to buy in Málaga city
Málaga city is made up of varied districts with their own character and appeal. Whether you prefer local buzz, seaside calm or family-friendly greenery, here are some neighbourhoods worth considering:
El Palo
El Palo is a former fishing village, just 20 minutes from the city centre (image: nito via Shutterstock)
Once a fishing village, El Palo retains its laid-back character while welcoming a new generation of buyers. It’s just 20 minutes east of the centre, and properties here – many with sea views – tend to be low-rise and full of local flavour. It’s a great option for buyers seeking a traditional lifestyle with proximity to the city.
La Malagueta
This seafront district sits right by the historic centre, making it one of the most sought-after locations. The wide, clean beach, palm-lined promenades and proximity to restaurants and cultural sites make it ideal for both holiday homes and rentals.
El Limonar
Quiet, green and family-friendly, El Limonar is one of Málaga’s more upmarket areas. You’ll find large villas, leafy streets and easy access to Playa de la Caleta. It feels residential but is still walkable to the city centre.
Centro Histórico
If you’re drawn to characterful apartments, cobbled streets and a buzzing tapas culture, the old town is for you. Many buildings here date back to the 19th and early 20th century. This area is popular with both tourists and long-term residents.
Paseo Marítimo de Oeste
Further west along the coast, this area feels more like a traditional holiday resort. With its sandy beach, shops, bars and restaurants all within walking distance, it’s a popular spot for rental properties and second homes.
Cerrado de Calderón
Tucked into the hills east of the city, Cerrado de Calderón offers a peaceful, green setting with panoramic views. It’s just a ten-minute drive from the beach but feels a world away from the city bustle.
Top places to buy in Málaga province
If you’re open to looking beyond the city, Málaga province stretches across the Costa del Sol and inland into dramatic Andalusian countryside. You’ll find beach resorts, whitewashed villages and cultural hotspots dotted throughout.
East of Málaga
Rincón de la Victoria, Torre del Mar and Vélez-Málaga are traditional, relaxed spots with local charm and lower prices than the Costa del Sol’s western resorts. Further east, Nerja, with its whitewashed streets and sea views, offers classic Andalusian atmosphere with a cosmopolitan edge.
Inland Málaga
Looking for a slower pace and traditional charm? Head inland to areas like Ronda, Antequera or the Guadalhorce Valley. These areas are packed with history, nature and property bargains – including homes from €20,000 that need restoration.
West of Málaga
The western stretch of the Costa del Sol is the glitziest. You’ll find high-end hotspots like Marbella, Puerto Banús, Estepona and Benahavís. More accessible favourites include Benalmádena, Los Boliches and Fuengirola. The train line from Málaga makes access simple and fast.
Browse Málaga property listings
What can you get for your money in Málaga?
Whether you’re buying in the heart of the city or exploring further afield, Málaga offers excellent value compared to other major Spanish markets like Madrid or Barcelona. Property prices vary depending on location, condition and size, but here’s an idea of what your budget might get you.
Málaga city
In the city itself, you’ll find a growing choice of modern apartments, refurbished homes in historic buildings and a limited number of larger houses in residential neighbourhoods.
- €130,000-€200,000: one- or two-bedroom flats in up-and-coming areas or historic city-centre buildings (some with balconies, few with lifts)
- €200,000-€350,000: refurbished apartments in central districts like La Malagueta or Centro Histórico, often within walking distance of the beach
- €350,000-€600,000: family-sized homes in areas like El Limonar or Cerrado de Calderón, new-builds with amenities, or flats with sea views
- €600,000+: luxury penthouses in prime locations, modern villas in the city’s leafier suburbs or high-spec new-builds with pools and gyms
Málaga province
Looking beyond the city, the wider province of Málaga offers more variety – from budget-friendly rural homes to glamorous coastal properties.
- €50,000-€150,000: renovation projects in inland white villages, small flats in Torremolinos or Vélez-Málaga
- €150,000-€300,000: ready-to-move-in holiday apartments near the beach in areas like Fuengirola, Estepona or Rincón de la Victoria
- €300,000-€600,000: modern villas, country homes or family-sized properties with outdoor space, often in Marbella or the Guadalhorce Valley
- €600,000+: high-end villas with sea views, gated communities near golf courses, or waterfront properties in Puerto Banús
Is buying in Málaga a good investment?
With year-round sunshine, a 12-month tourism season and a growing digital nomad population, Málaga offers solid rental returns. The city’s popularity continues to grow and international buyers aren’t restricted from short-term lets.
In 2024, Andalusia gave local councils new powers to regulate holiday rentals. You’ll need to register your property and comply with new rules on maintenance and inspections but owning a successful Airbnb-style property is still very achievable.
From a tax perspective, Andalusia is among Spain’s most buyer-friendly regions:
- Transfer tax (ITP) on resale homes: 7%
- VAT on new builds: 10%
- No wealth tax
How to buy property in Málaga
Ready to start your property journey? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Search online – use the Your Overseas Home portal to explore what’s available and shortlist properties that fit your goals.
- Build your team – contact a trusted estate agent, an English-speaking lawyer, and a currency specialist like Smart Currency Exchange.
- Plan a viewing trip – head to Málaga to see your shortlist in person. Ask questions about rental history, renovation potential and licensing.
- Make an offer – if your offer is accepted, you’ll sign a reservation contract and pay a fee (usually €3,000-€6,000).
- Pay the deposit – typically 10% of the purchase price, and lock in your exchange rate to avoid currency losses.
- Sign and complete – final contracts are signed at the notary. You’ll pay taxes, fees and receive your keys!
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