Is now a good time to sell property?

Author: Kaira Kivi, Partner and Real Estate Sales Advisor
I help you find the right buyer for your home or business property here on the Costa del Sol.
Got a question? Get in touch. – tel +34 602 654 676 or Whatsapp
If you’ve been thinking about selling your property on the Costa del Sol, you’re probably asking yourself: is now a good time to sell?
To answer that, look at three things: demand, supply, and buyer profiles across different areas. Market conditions aren’t the same in Marbella, Estepona, and Fuengirola — each area has its own rhythm and audience.
Market snapshot at the end of 2025
The Costa del Sol market remains solid, but growth has slowed. The biggest shifts: buyers are more selective and financing is stricter than during the post-pandemic boom.
Prices aren’t falling, but sales take longer. Well-prepared, fairly priced, and professionally presented homes still move quickly. Overpriced or poorly presented properties can sit on the market for months.
Foreign buyers still drive demand — roughly 40–45% of all transactions involve international purchasers, mainly Brits, Scandinavians, Dutch, French, and Belgians. At the same time, the share of Spanish buyers is rising, especially in Estepona and Mijas, where locals are looking for primary homes.
Marbella – strong luxury segment and limited supply

Marbella remains the Costa del Sol’s most international and prestigious market.
Here the tone is set by British, Scandinavian, and Middle Eastern buyers who prioritise location, security, and architectural quality.
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Average price: €4,000–€6,000/m²; luxury villas up to €10,000/m² and beyond.
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Typical buyer: international, purchasing for holidays or investment.
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Supply: limited, especially in high-quality, newer developments.
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Time to sell: with realistic pricing, properties move in 2–4 months.
Trend: buyers — especially Scandinavians and younger Brits — no longer pay just for a famous address; they’re seeking contemporary architecture, energy efficiency, and functional design, even if the location is less “blue-chip”.
What this means for sellers: your marketing must highlight build quality, design, and clean documentation, because buyers compare details.
Estepona – the most dynamic new-build market

Estepona has become the new-build hub of the Costa del Sol.
More developments rise here than anywhere else, and the town attracts year-round residents — not only holidaymakers.
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Average price: €3,000–€4,500/m²; up to €6,000/m² in top projects.
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Demand: strongest among Scandinavians and Central Europeans.
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Supply: active; well-planned projects still sell fast.
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Time to sell: 3–6 months; for new builds, depends on delivery.
Trend: most buyers prefer smaller, quality projects (20–40 units) with good views and modern layouts.
What this means for sellers: if your Estepona home is in good condition and up-to-date in style, it remains very liquid — especially when documents and energy performance are in order.
Fuengirola and Mijas – more affordable, very active

Fuengirola and Mijas attract more local buyers and offer a more accessible price level.
Many Spaniards and younger internationals seek a first home or a smaller rental investment here.
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Average price: €2,500–€3,500/m².
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Demand: steady, especially for well-located 2-bed apartments.
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Supply: moderate; many older buildings need refurbishment.
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Time to sell: with realistic pricing, 1–3 months.
Trend: the share of Spanish buyers is growing, as is interest from long-term tenants.
What this means for sellers: homes in move-in condition sell quickly. If work is needed, focus on smart updates (paint, kitchen, bathroom) — they can lift the sale price significantly.
Benahavís and the Golden Triangle – high price point, international clientele

Benahavís is known as a quiet luxury area between Marbella and Estepona — prices are high, but so are quality and privacy.
Many developments target international buyers — Brits, Belgians, and French.
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Average price: €4,000–€5,500/m².
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Demand: steady, but buyers are professional and thorough.
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Supply: limited, especially in golf-front projects.
What this means for sellers: emphasise security, privacy, and build quality.
Buyers in Benahavís don’t decide on impulse — they expect evidence of maintenance and legal correctness.
Which area currently favours sellers?
From a seller’s perspective:
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Fastest time to sell: Fuengirola and Mijas.
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Highest prices: Marbella and Benahavís.
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Strongest new-build demand: Estepona. Development continues to push west — La Duquesa and Casares are becoming a natural extension of Estepona, offering similar quality at lower prices.
A simple rule holds: well-prepared property sells in any market.
What matters most isn’t whether the market is “hot”, but how you launch the property — pricing, visuals, documentation, and a message that resonates with the right buyer.
Is now a good time to sell?
The short answer is yes — if you’re ready to prepare properly.
The Costa del Sol market is stable at the end of 2025, but no longer as fast as in the boom years. Buyers are savvier, banks are stricter, and every deal is considered. That makes pricing, presentation, and clean paperwork more important than ever.
With a realistic price, good condition, and professional presentation, homes still sell quickly — even in competitive areas.
If the price is too high or the visuals are uninspiring, a listing can stall and lose interest within the first two months.
It is a good time to sell because there are still plenty of buyers, especially international ones — but sellers who prepare thoughtfully and position correctly will win.
How we can help you?
As a property owner, it’s not easy to judge whether demand in your area is strong or quiet. We handle that for you:
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Analyse real demand in your area.
We identify who’s buying now — locals, Brits, Scandinavians, or other internationals — and what they respond to. -
Set the right price and message.
Using market data and comparable sales, we define a realistic price range and craft a marketing message that speaks to your specific buyer profile. -
Prepare the home for the market.
We plan cleaning, minor fixes, and staging so the first impression is strong. -
Create a professional presentation.
We arrange professional photos, videos, drone footage, and 3D tours — everything that makes your home stand out from similar listings. -
Get the paperwork ready.
We ensure all permits, invoices, and certificates are in place so buyers have no doubts. -
Manage the process end-to-end.
For you, it’s transparent and stress-free — we keep everything aligned with market conditions so the sale moves forward confidently.
Summary
The Costa del Sol market is mature and stable.
Prices aren’t falling, but buyers value professional preparation.
If your home is priced correctly, visually compelling, and fully documented, there are buyers in every area.
Want to sell your property on the Costa del Sol? Email kaira@merlishomes.com.
