Buying property in the Costa del Sol can be an exciting investment, whether it's for personal use, rental income, or a holiday home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Define Your Budget & Financing Options
✅ Set a budget – Include the purchase price, taxes, fees, and potential renovation costs.
✅ Mortgage or cash purchase? – If you need financing, consult a Spanish bank or international lender for mortgage options. Prime Golf Estates can help you with this.
✅ Typical costs: Expect around 10-15% extra on top of the purchase price for taxes, notary and legal fees.
Step 2: Choose the Right Location
Costa del Sol has many attractive areas, each catering to different lifestyles:
- Marbella & Puerto Banús – Luxury properties, vibrant nightlife, and elite golf courses.
- Estepona – Growing in popularity, more affordable than Marbella but still high-end.
- Benahavís – Known for luxury villas and stunning mountain views.
- Mijas & La Cala – Ideal for golf lovers and more tranquil living.
- Fuengirola & Torremolinos – More affordable with good rental potential.
👉 Consider: Proximity to golf courses, beaches, airports, shopping centers, and restaurants.
Step 3: Work with a Real Estate Agent
A professional local agent can help you find properties that fit your criteria and budget. Look for:
✔️ Agents specializing in golf properties if you're looking for a home near or on a course.
✔️ Bilingual agents who understand the Spanish real estate market.
✔️ A well-established agency with good reviews.
Prime Golf Estates has a professional team with many years of experience and find and make the best deals for their clients.
Step 4: Visit Properties & Do Your Research
📍 If possible, visit Costa del Sol to tour properties in person.
🔎 Check the condition, views, amenities, and neighborhood.
🏌️♂️ If buying a golf property, review course membership fees and property regulations.
Step 5: Make an Offer & Negotiate
Once you find the right property:
💰 Make an offer through your agent.
📜 Ensure the seller provides all legal documents (Title deed, Energy certificate, etc.).
⚖️ Consider hiring a real estate lawyer to handle negotiations.
Step 6: Secure a Legal Representative & Due Diligence
🔹 Hire a Gestor (local property manager) or a real estate lawyer.
🔹 They will check if the property has:
✅ Clear legal ownership
✅ No outstanding debts or legal issues
✅ Proper building licenses
Step 7: Sign a Reservation Agreement & Pay Deposit
📄 This preliminary agreement removes the property from the market.
💵 Pay a deposit (5-10%) to secure the purchase.
🚫 If you pull out later, you might lose the deposit.
Step 8: Sign the Purchase Contract (Escritura) & Complete the Sale
📝 Signed at a Notary Public in Spain.
💳 Pay the remaining balance + taxes & fees.
🏠 The property is officially registered in your name.
Step 9: Register the Property & Set Up Utilities
✔️ Register ownership at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).
✔️ Set up water, electricity, internet, and community fees.
✔️ Get insurance for your new home.
Step 10: Enjoy Your New Property!
✅ Whether it's a holiday home, investment, or retirement villa, you're now a proud owner in Costa del Sol!