Buying a property in Málaga or the Costa del Sol — whether to live in, to rent out, or as an investment — is an important decision that deserves real information, not just the photos on a listings portal. This guide summarises the steps and the points that genuinely make a difference.
1. Define your objective before you start searching
Searching for a year-round home, an occasional-use second residence, or a property meant for renting out (vacation, long-term or room-by-room) are three very different searches. Your objective shapes the area, the type of property, and even the size you should be looking at — the ideal property to live in isn't always the most profitable one to rent out.
2. Research the area beyond the price per square metre
The Costa del Sol isn't uniform: demand, buyer profile and the type of property vary a lot between Mijas Costa, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Málaga city, Rincón de la Victoria, Vélez-Málaga or Nerja. Before focusing only on price, look at transport links, proximity to services, whether it's a second-home area or a year-round residential one, and how the neighbourhood has evolved in recent years.
3. Check the paperwork before committing
Before signing any deposit agreement, it's worth checking the Land Registry extract (nota simple), confirming the property is free of charges, that the habitability certificate and energy performance certificate are in order, and that the cadastral data matches the property's actual condition. If the property has been renovated or extended, verify that the changes are properly registered.
4. Budget for costs beyond the purchase price
On top of the property's price, you need to add taxes (transfer tax on resale properties, or VAT on new builds), notary, registry, administrative agency fees and, where applicable, the agency's commission. It's a common mistake to budget only for the sale price and get caught out at closing.
5. Negotiate and close with professional support
A good negotiation isn't just about the price — it also covers timelines and delivery conditions, and what's included in the sale (furniture, appliances). Working with someone who knows the local market helps avoid overpaying and spot when a price is realistic and when it isn't.
How we support you at Sunstay Real Estate
We value your deal with real market criteria, define a strategy, manage viewings and negotiation, and support you all the way to signing, coordinating with the notary and the administrative agency. And if you're buying to rent out, we stay with you for the management of the property through Sunstay Rentals or Sunstay Living.