Key Takeaways
- ✓ Andalusia’s ITP (transfer tax) is just 7% vs 10% in Valencia — saving €6,000+ on a €200K property.
- ✓ Fuengirola is the most popular town for international buyers, with 63+ listings through OceanHome.
- ✓ Mijas Costa offers new-build developments and golf at lower prices than Marbella.
- ✓ Málaga airport is 20–30 minutes from Fuengirola with extensive European connections.
- ✓ Prices average €3,000–€5,000/m² — higher than Costa Blanca but with lower transfer tax.
Why the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol stretches along the southern coast of Málaga province and is one of Europe’s most established holiday and expat destinations. It combines a mature tourism infrastructure, excellent transport links (Málaga-Costa del Sol airport handles over 20 million passengers annually), and a year-round international community. For property buyers, the key financial advantage is Andalusia’s lower transfer tax: just 7% ITP on resale properties, compared to 10% in the Valencia Community (Costa Blanca). On a €300,000 purchase, that’s a €9,000 saving.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is a vibrant coastal town of 80,000+ residents with a 7 km beach promenade, a historic Moorish castle, and a thriving international community. It has international schools (including the Finnish School, Sisu International), a wide range of restaurants, and excellent public transport (the Cercanías commuter train connects to Málaga in 35 minutes). OceanHome has its Costa del Sol office here. Property prices range from €250,000 for a two-bedroom apartment to €600,000+ for penthouses with sea views.
€387,950Sea View 3-Bed Apartment in El Tejar
Fuengirola · El Tejar
€390,9503-Bedroom Apartment in El Tejar
Fuengirola · El Tejar
Mijas Costa
Mijas Costa sits in the hills above Fuengirola and along the coast towards Marbella. It is popular for new-build developments, golf communities, and buyers seeking more space than central Fuengirola allows. Multiple new developments offer modern two and three-bedroom apartments from around €240,000, with communal pools and gardens. The area has several golf courses and is well connected to the AP-7 motorway.
Tax Comparison: Costa del Sol vs Costa Blanca
| Tax | Andalusia (CdS) | Valencia (CB) |
|---|---|---|
| ITP (resale) | 7% | 10% |
| IVA + AJD (new build) | 10% + 1.5% | 10% + 1.5% |
| Notary, registry, legal | ~2% | ~2% |
| Total (resale) | ~9% | ~12% |
The 3-percentage-point ITP difference means you save €3,000 on a €100,000 property and €9,000 on a €300,000 property. For the full buying process (applicable to both regions), see our complete guide to buying property in Spain. For area comparisons on the Costa Blanca, see our best areas guide.