COSTA DEL SOL PROPERTY MARKET: TOP BUYING LOCATIONS BASED ON 2025 SALES DATA

The Costa del Sol property market continues to attract strong national and international demand. Based on the latest 2025 sales data, some locations clearly stand out as the most active areas for property purchases. This ranking reveals where buyers are choosing to invest and why these areas remain among the most desirable in Southern Spain.

Where International Buyers Are Actually Buying

The Costa del Sol has evolved into one of the most international real estate markets in Europe.

In many areas, foreign buyers now represent the majority of property purchases (a trend confirmed by recent notary data across the region).

For buyers, investors and sellers, understanding where international demand is concentrated is essential.

As a broker working daily with international clients in Marbella and surrounding areas, these patterns are visible long before they appear in statistics.

Here is what the numbers reveal and why these locations continue to attract global buyers.

1. Benahavís – 84.4% Foreign Buyers

Benahavís leads the ranking by a significant margin, and for anyone working in luxury real estate, this comes as no surprise.

The municipality has positioned itself as one of the most exclusive residential areas in southern Europe.

Neighbourhoods such as:

• La Zagaleta

• El Madroñal

• La Quinta

• Los Flamingos

offer privacy, security and panoramic views that are increasingly difficult to find closer to the coast.

Most buyers here are high-net-worth individuals from Northern Europe, the UK, the Middle East and increasingly the United States.

Large villas, gated communities and proximity to Marbella make Benahavís one of the most resilient luxury markets in Spain.

2. Estepona – 70.8%

Estepona has undergone one of the most impressive transformations on the Costa del Sol.

Over the last decade the town has invested heavily in infrastructure, urban planning and beachfront developments, attracting a new wave of international buyers.

Demand is driven by:

• Modern residential projects

• Beachfront apartments

• Lifestyle developments

• Competitive prices compared to Marbella

For many international buyers, Estepona represents a balance between lifestyle and investment potential.

3. Casares – 70.4%

Casares has gained global visibility thanks largely to the success of luxury resorts such as Finca Cortesin.

International buyers are drawn by:

• Ultra-private environments

• Luxury golf resorts

• Contemporary developments

• Sea views and natural surroundings

The area appeals particularly to buyers looking for exclusivity without the density of more established destinations.

Supply remains limited, which has strengthened long-term value.

4. Mijas – 64.7%

Mijas continues to attract a strong international community, particularly in areas such as La Cala de Mijas and Mijas Costa.

The location offers:

• A wide variety of villas and apartments

• Established international residents

• Proximity to Málaga airport

• Competitive pricing compared to Marbella

For many buyers relocating permanently to Spain, Mijas offers accessibility and lifestyle.

5. Marbella – 62%

Although Marbella ranks fifth in percentage terms, it remains the center of the luxury property market on the Costa del Sol.

The reason the percentage is lower is simple: Marbella attracts both international and Spanish buyers.

International demand remains extremely strong thanks to:

• Global brand recognition

• Golden Mile and beachfront living

• Puerto Banús lifestyle

• International schools and services

• High-end developments

From Nueva Andalucía to Sierra Blanca and Los Monteros, Marbella continues to lead the premium sector.

For many buyers, owning property in Marbella is not just a purchase: it is a lifestyle decision.

6. Sotogrande – 57.4%

Sotogrande offers a different proposition compared to Marbella.

It is known for its structured community and international atmosphere built around golf, polo and the marina.

Key drivers include:

• Sotogrande International School

• Golf courses and polo clubs

• Marina lifestyle

• Spacious villas and plots

Many international families choose Sotogrande when relocating to Spain.

7. Benalmádena – 46.6%

Benalmádena benefits from its proximity to Málaga city and the airport.

The area attracts foreign buyers looking for:

• Sea-view apartments

• Accessibility

• Rental investment opportunities

• Vibrant coastal lifestyle

It remains particularly popular with Scandinavian buyers.

8. Manilva – 40.2%

Manilva is increasingly appearing on the radar of international investors.

The area offers:

• Lower entry prices

• New developments

• Proximity to Sotogrande

• Investment potential

As prices rise across the Costa del Sol, emerging areas such as Manilva are gaining attention.

9. Torremolinos – 32.7%

Torremolinos has experienced a strong revival in recent years.

Once known primarily as a tourist destination, it is now attracting buyers looking for urban coastal living close to Málaga.

Key factors include:

• Regeneration of beachfront areas

• Connectivity to Málaga city

• Rental potential

• Accessible pricing

What These Numbers Really Mean

Statistics alone never tell the full story.

Behind every purchase is a buyer searching for lifestyle, security, investment potential or a combination of all three.

What the data clearly confirms is that the Costa del Sol has become an international real estate hub.

For sellers, this means global marketing is essential.

For buyers, it means working with someone who understands both the local market and international demand.

Because in markets like Marbella, the right property is rarely just “on the portals”.

Conclusion

International demand is not slowing down.

If anything, the Costa del Sol continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s most desirable places to live and invest.

Understanding where buyers are focusing is the key to making the right real estate decisions.

At NB Estates Spain, we work closely with international buyers and investors across Marbella and the Costa del Sol.

If you are considering buying, selling or investing in the region, feel free to reach out for a private consultation.

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