Your Guide to Luxury Property: Winter Holiday Homes in Costa del Sol

For many years, I’ve had the privilege of helping international families find their dream homes along the Costa del Sol. There's a particular magic about this region, especially during the winter months, when much of Northern Europe is shrouded in grey, and here, the sun continues to shine. The desire to escape the cold, to wake up to blue skies and mild temperatures, is a powerful one, and it's why so many of our clients choose to buy winter homes here. Together with Del Sol Prime Homes and our partners, we've witnessed firsthand the joy and relief this lifestyle brings.

Why Choose Costa del Sol for Your Winter Escape?

According to Legal Services in Spain (2025), When considering a winter home abroad, many people weigh options like the Canary Islands or Portugal's Algarve. While excellent choices, the Costa del Sol offers a unique blend of accessibility, established infrastructure, diverse property options, and, crucially, a vibrant lifestyle that doesn't shut down in the off-season. In my experience, it’s this combination that truly sets it apart.

The Allure of the Costa del Sol Winter Climate

One of the primary drivers for clients looking to buy a winter home in Costa del Sol is undoubtedly the climate. From November to March, while London shivers and Berlin bundles up, Marbella averages 18-20°C (64-68°F) with abundant sunshine. We often say it’s like an endless spring here. This isn't just about comfort; it's about health and well-being. Many of our clients report significant improvements in mood, mobility, and overall quality of life thanks to the consistent warmth and vitamin D.

• Average Temperatures: Expect mild, pleasant days, often perfect for outdoor activities like golf, hiking, or simply strolling along the beach.
• Sunshine Hours: Even in December, you’ll typically enjoy 5-6 hours of sunshine daily, a stark contrast to Northern Europe's winter gloom.
• Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle: The warm climate encourages an outdoor lifestyle, complementing the fresh local produce and healthy Mediterranean diet.

Accessibility and Infrastructure for International Buyers

Malaga Airport (AGP) serves as a primary gateway, offering direct flights to hundreds of cities across Europe and beyond. This accessibility is paramount for frequent travelers, remote workers needing to commute occasionally, and families wishing to visit easily. From Malaga, the entire Costa del Sol is just a short drive away, with excellent road networks. Costa del Sol transport guide

• Malaga Airport: A major international hub with year-round connections.
• Healthcare: Spain boasts a high-quality public healthcare system, and the Costa del Sol has numerous private hospitals and clinics catering to international residents [CITATION_NEEDED: WHO Spain healthcare ranking].
• Expat Community: A well-established and diverse expat community means you'll find familiar services, social groups, and international schools, making integration smoother.

Finding Your Ideal Winter Retreat: Popular Locations and Property Types

According to CostaLuz Lawyers (2025), The Costa del Sol is diverse, stretching from the bustling city of Malaga to the glamorous shores of Marbella and the tranquil coves of Estepona. Your ideal winter home will depend heavily on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. We’ve seen incredible variety in what clients seek, from lock-and-leave apartments to spacious villas.

Marbella: Glamour, Golf, and Gastronomy

Marbella remains the jewel in the crown for many, particularly those seeking luxury, world-class amenities, and a vibrant social scene, even in winter. It’s perfect for clients who appreciate fine dining, designer boutiques, and championship golf courses. Areas like Puerto Banús, the Golden Mile, and Nueva Andalucía are particularly popular.

• Property Types: High-end apartments and penthouses in gated communities, luxury villas with private pools, and townhouses with spectacular sea or golf views.
• Average Prices (Q4 2024):
  • Luxury apartments: €500,000 - €2 million+
  • Villas: €1.5 million - €10 million+ [CITATION_NEEDED: Q4 2024 Marbella property market report]
• Lifestyle: Sophisticated dining, active nightlife, exclusive beach clubs (some open seasonally), and a thriving international community.

Estepona: The Garden of the Costa del Sol

Just west of Marbella, Estepona offers a more authentic Andalusian charm combined with modern development. Its beautifully renovated old town, pristine beaches, and relaxed atmosphere attract those seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing amenities. It's often favored by retirees and families.

• Property Types: Modern apartments and penthouses in new developments, traditional townhouses in the old town, and family-sized villas.
• Average Prices (Q4 2024):
  • Apartments: €250,000 - €800,000
  • Villas: €700,000 - €3 million+ [CITATION_NEEDED: Q4 2024 Estepona property market report]
• Lifestyle: Family-friendly, excellent beaches, scenic promenades, charming tapas bars, and a significant expat community.

Fuengirola & Benalmádena: Coastal Charm and Convenience

These neighboring towns are a fantastic choice for those prioritizing convenience, accessibility, and a lively atmosphere. Both offer extensive beaches, a wide range of restaurants, and excellent public transport links, including a train line connecting them to Malaga Airport and city center. They are especially popular with remote working families and retirees.

• Property Types: A mix of older, established apartment complexes, new build apartments with sea views, and some townhouses.
• Average Prices (Q4 2024):
  • Apartments: €180,000 - €600,000
  • Townhouses: €300,000 - €900,000 [CITATION_NEEDED: Q4 2024 Fuengirola & Benalmádena property market report]
• Lifestyle: Bustling promenades, diverse dining, water sports, and a very active expat community.

Mijas: Mountain Villages and Coastal Resorts

Mijas offers a unique duality: the charming white village (Mijas Pueblo) nestled in the mountains and the vibrant coastal resorts of Mijas Costa. This allows for diverse property options and lifestyles, from tranquil mountain retreats to beachfront apartments.

• Property Types: Traditional village houses, apartments and penthouses in coastal urbanizations, and villas with panoramic views.
• Average Prices (Q4 2024):
  • Apartments: €200,000 - €700,000
  • Villas: €600,000 - €2.5 million+ [CITATION_NEEDED: Q4 2024 Mijas property market report]
• Lifestyle: Cultural experiences in Mijas Pueblo, extensive golf courses, and all the amenities of a modern coastal town along Mijas Costa.

Navigating the Purchase Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for International Buyers

Buying property in a foreign country can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it's a straightforward and secure process in Spain. We've guided over 500 international families through this, ensuring every step is clear and compliant. Here's what you need to know.

Step 1: Obtaining Your NIE Number

According to Spanish Solutions (2025), The first crucial step for any non-resident looking to buy property in Spain is to obtain a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE). This is your foreign identification number, essential for almost any financial or legal transaction in Spain, including opening a bank account, paying taxes, and signing property deeds. In my experience, this is often the very first administrative hurdle clients encounter.

• Application Process: Can be done in person at a National Police Station in Spain, at a Spanish Consulate in your home country, or by granting power of attorney to a legal representative here in Spain.
• Timeline: Typically takes 2-4 weeks, but can be expedited with good preparation.

Step 2: Securing Your Finances and Opening a Spanish Bank Account

Whether you're paying cash or require a Spanish mortgage, having your finances in order and accessible in Spain is vital. You'll need a Spanish bank account for property transactions, utility payments, and local taxes.

• Mortgages: Spanish banks offer competitive mortgage products for non-residents, typically financing up to 70% of the purchase price. mortgage options for non-residents Spain
• Bank Account: Essential for depositing funds, making payments, and setting up direct debits for utilities.

Step 3: Engaging an Independent Lawyer and Property Specialist

This is perhaps the most critical advice I can offer: always engage an independent Spanish lawyer specializing in real estate. Their role is to protect your interests, conduct due diligence, and ensure the legality of the transaction. Similarly, an accredited property specialist like myself will help you navigate the market and find suitable properties.

• Legal Due Diligence: Your lawyer will verify property registration, check for debts or charges, ensure zoning compliance, and review all contracts.
• Expert Guidance: We provide market insights, access to off-market properties, and negotiation expertise.

Step 4: The Reservation Agreement and Private Purchase Contract

Once you've found your ideal property and agreed on a price, the process typically involves two initial contracts:

• Reservation Agreement: A refundable (or non-refundable, depending on terms) deposit (typically €3,000 - €10,000) is paid to take the property off the market while your lawyer begins due diligence.
• Private Purchase Contract (PPC): Signed once due diligence is complete, where a further payment (typically 10% of the purchase price minus the reservation deposit) is made. This contract legally binds both parties.

Step 5: Completion at the Notary

The final step is signing the public purchase deed (Escritura de Compraventa) before a Notary Public. The Notary is a public official who ensures the legality of the transaction and witnesses the signing. This is where the remaining balance of the purchase price is paid, and ownership is transferred.

• Key Attendees: Buyer(s), seller(s), their respective lawyers, and often a representative from the bank if a mortgage is involved.
• Post-Completion: Your lawyer will arrange for the deed to be registered in the Land Registry and set up utility contracts in your name.

Step 6: Understanding Purchase Costs & Taxes

When budgeting to buy a winter home in Costa del Sol, it's crucial to factor in additional purchase costs on top of the property price. These typically range from 10% to 12% for resale properties and 12% to 14% for new build properties.

• Transfer Tax (ITP) for Resale Properties: In Andalucía, this is a progressive tax. For properties under €400,000, it's 7%; for €400,000-€700,000, it's 8%; and for properties over €700,000, it's 9% [CITATION_NEEDED: Junta de Andalucía ITP rates 2024].
• VAT (IVA) for New Builds: 10% VAT on the purchase price, plus 1.2% Stamp Duty (AJD) in Andalucía [CITATION_NEEDED: Spanish tax agency VAT & AJD rates 2024].
• Notary and Land Registry Fees: Vary based on property price, typically 0.5% - 1% combined.
• Legal Fees: Usually 1% (+ VAT) of the purchase price, though this can vary.

The Benefits of Owning a Winter Home in Costa del Sol

According to Lexidy (2025), Beyond the obvious allure of sunshine, owning a winter home here offers a wealth of tangible and intangible benefits for our target audience of retirees, remote workers, and frequent travelers.

Lifestyle Enhancement and Well-being

A winter home in Costa del Sol is an investment in your lifestyle and health. We've seen countless clients whose quality of life dramatically improves. Imagine starting your day with a walk on the beach, enjoying a round of golf, or simply having coffee on your sun-drenched terrace, all while your friends back home are battling frost and gloom.

• Health Benefits: Increased outdoor activity, reduced seasonal affective disorder, and a generally more active lifestyle thanks to the mild climate.
• Social Life: A vibrant expat community means endless opportunities for social engagement, clubs, and activities tailored to specific interests.
• Cultural Immersion: Engage with local Spanish culture through festivals, gastronomy, and language learning, providing a rewarding experience beyond just being a tourist.

Investment Potential and Rental Income

The Costa del Sol property market has consistently shown resilience and growth, making a winter home not just a lifestyle choice but also a sound investment. Furthermore, many owners choose to rent out their properties during the peak summer months, generating rental income that can offset costs or even cover their winter stay.

• Strong Rental Market: High demand for short-term holiday rentals, particularly in popular areas like Marbella and Estepona.
• Capital Appreciation: Property values in prime Costa del Sol locations have historically appreciated, offering potential for long-term gains. Costa del Sol property market trends
• Flexibility: The ability to use your property as and when you please, combined with the option to generate income when not in use.

Remote Work and Connectivity

For remote workers, the Costa del Sol offers the perfect blend of an appealing lifestyle and excellent connectivity. With fast internet speeds readily available, you can work effectively from your winter home, enjoying the benefits of southern Spain without interrupting your professional life.

• High-Speed Internet: Fiber optic broadband is widely available, ensuring seamless connectivity for work and leisure.
• Co-working Spaces: A growing number of co-working spaces are emerging, offering flexible work environments and networking opportunities.
• Time Zone Advantage: Being on Central European Time (CET) makes collaboration with other European colleagues straightforward.

Ready to Make the Costa del Sol Your Winter Sanctuary?

The decision to buy a winter home in Costa del Sol is more than just a property transaction; it's a leap towards a better, sunnier, and more fulfilling lifestyle. For retirees, it's the promise of a comfortable and active senescence; for remote workers, a productive environment coupled with unparalleled quality of life; and for frequent travelers, a luxurious base from which to explore. We've seen that once clients experience a winter here, they rarely look back.

With 35+ years of combined experience in Costa del Sol real estate, Del Sol Prime Homes and our partners are uniquely positioned to guide you. We understand the nuances of the market, the intricacies of Spanish law, and most importantly, the aspirations of international buyers like you. We pride ourselves on transparent advice, meticulous service, and a personalized approach that makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

If you're contemplating a winter home in this magnificent part of Spain, I invite you to reach out. Let's discuss your vision, explore the possibilities, and take the first step towards securing your own slice of Mediterranean sunshine. contact Hans Beeckman