FOREIGN demand for homes in Malaga surged in the second quarter of 2025, with more than one in four property purchases driven by international buyers, according to Idealista. The figures highlight how the Costa del Sol - including hotspots like the Axarquiaremains one of Spain’s most desirable areas for expats.
ANDALUCIA’S property market surged in the second quarter of 2025, with prices up 13.6 per cent year-on-year, according to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE). The figure outpaces Spain’s national average of 12.7 per cent, confirming Andalucia as one of the country’s top-performing regions for both buyers and investors.
Nationally, second-hand homes led the trend, up 12.8 per cent, while new builds rose 12.1 per cent. Both segments point to strong, broad-based
Malaga Province recorded 27.1 per cent of total housing demand from abroad in Q2, ranking just behind Alicante and the Balearic Islands. Britons lead with 14 per cent of foreign demand, followed by the Dutch at 13 per cent and Germans at 10 per cent.
Idealista confirms, “Malaga is the only province in the top five
demand across the country.
Within Andalucia, market activity continues to focus on key hotspots. The Costa del Sol remains a leading destination for international buyers. To the east, the Axarquia appeals to retirees and remote workers with its combination of affordable prices and traditional charm.
For expats considering relocation, Andalucia’s stronger-than-average growth signals both stability and opportunity. Whether investing in a coastal holiday pro-
where Brits are the most active.”
The Costa del Sol continues to attract a steady flow of foreign buyers, with Marbella, Estepona, Nerja and the Axarquia proving especially popular with Northern Europeans seeking second homes or retirement properties. Sunshine, lifestyle and established expat communities all drive this demand.
The Axarquia has seen strong growth as buyers priced out of Marbella and the western Costa del Sol look east for more affordable alternatives while staying close to Malaga City and international airports. MDR Luxury Properties notes that second homes in the Axarquia average €4,000 per square metre.
festyle, heritage and long-term value.
With demand expected to
year, Andalucia looks set to stay ahead of the national curve. For international buyers, the region offers a
strong combination of Mediterranean living, cultural depth, and a housing market that continues to improve.
ONE staple in Spanish households, is a powerful, eco-friendly alternative to chemicalladen cleaning products, offering a safe and effective way to maintain a clean home. With its high acidity, vinegar, typically has 8 per cent acetic acid, it tackles tough stains, limescale, and odours without leaving harmful residues. For those prioritising eco-friendliness and health, cleaning vinegar reduces dependence on toxic products while delivering impressive results, making it an essential addition to any cleaning cupboard.
This versatile cleaner excels at descaling appliances like kettles and coffee makers. Its acidity dissolves limescale buildup, restoring efficiency and cleanliness in a single cycle, unlike commercial descalers that may require multiple applications and thorough rinsing to avoid chemical aftertastes. For example, running a solution of cleaning vinegar and water through a coffee maker removes limescale, leaving it sparkling clean and odour-free, making the process faster, cheaper, and safer for daily use. Cleaning vinegar serves multiple purposes around the home. Diluted with water, it removes grease and grime from kitchen counters and ceramic tiles, though rubber gloves are recommended during use. Mixed with water, it creates a streak-free window cleaner that works on glass surfaces and even car windshields when combined with a bit of dish soap. Adding a cup to the laundry rinse cycle neutralises odours
in towels and workout clothes, while running a cycle with vinegar in the washing machine’s detergent dispenser eliminates buildup and odours. When paired with baking soda, it fizzes away minor drain clogs and deodorises them effectively.
Ideal for non-porous surfaces like glass, stainless steel, and ceramics, cleaning vinegar is perfect for general cleaning, descaling appliances, deodorising laundry, or tackling stubborn stains and limescale. However, it should not be used on marble, granite, or wood, as its acidity can damage these surfaces. It’s also critical to avoid mixing it with bleach, as this can produce toxic gas.
In Spain, cleaning vinegar is widely available at major supermarkets like Carrefour, Alcampo, and Mercadona, though it’s less common in discount stores like Lidl or Aldi. For expats, adapting to local cleaning practices can be challenging, especially when familiar products from their home country are unavailable. Cleaning vinegar offers a budget-friendly, versatile solution that aligns with sustainable living trends.
Its accessibility and ease of use make it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a clean, eco-friendly home without relying on potentially unsafe chemical products or expensive imported cleaners.
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Air Conditioning from Malaga to Axarquia · Costa del Sol Serving the area from Malaga to Axarquia, their certified AC and refrigeration technicians carry out repairs, servicing, supply, and installation of all manufacturers’ equipment. All work is guaranteed, and new air conditioning units come with up to a 10-year warranty.
Polar Air provides energy-efficient inverter technology air-conditioning systems from Malaga to Axarquia, suitable for both cooling and heating. These systems can reduce running costs to as low as four cents per hour for both homes and businesses. They’re F-Gas qualified and able to work on all air-conditioning units.
They ensure quality work at fair prices, covering all makes and models at the best rates, with service extending throughout Malaga and the Axarquia area.
For further information call 0034 655 211 192. www.polarairconditioningmalaga.com
SITUATED on the scenic Costa del Sol, Pool Spas Nerja has quietly built a reputation as one of Spain’s leading specialists in hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, and swimming pools. Their website, poolspasnerja.com , showcases decades of expertise and a wide-ranging catalogue tailored to both locals and international clients alike.
Founded in 1989 under the name ‘Piscinas Nerja’, the business evolved - in 2009 becoming The Pool Shop Nerja, and more recently rebranding as Pool Spas Nerja. Today it is a family-run operation, serving the Malaga Province, with dedicated English, Spanish and German-speaking staff.
Their online store offers hot tubs, swim spas (including Endless Pools systems), saunas, and a full complement of pool equipment.
Beyond sales, Pool Spas Nerja emphasises aftercare: water-care plans, maintenance, filter and parts replacement, technical repairs.
With a brick-and-mortar showroom in Nerja, they invite clients to see and test products in person. Whether for a luxury holiday property, residential villa, or wellness investment, Pool Spas Nerja uniquely blends local Spanish operations with international client support.
Their website reflects that ambition: multilingual, productrich, and geared toward quality and longevity.
You can contact Georgie on + 34 601 645 145 or email: hello@poolspasnerja.com or by visiting their website www.poolspasnerja.com.
WHEN the summer crowds thin and the heat begins to fade, autumn emerges as one of the smartest times to buy property in Spain.
As Portfolio Deluxe highlights, many sellers who listed before the summer lull are more flexible by September, eager to close a deal before the end of the year. That gives buyers, especially expats, greater room to negotiate.
The climate also plays its part. Viewing homes in 30°C+ August heat can be exhausting, with properties often shut tight against the sun. By contrast, autumn’s mild days and cooler evenings show houses, gardens, and neighbourhoods in a more realistic light. As Nancy Nasr notes, autumn offers “less competition from other buyers” and the chance to see a community outside peak tourist season - vital for those considering a permanent move.
For expat families, the season lines up neatly with the school calendar, while investors can position themselves for Spain’s lucrative winter rental season, from golf tourism to long-stay visitors chasing the sun. Developers, too, often add end-of-year incentives, such as furnishing packages or discounts.
For anyone dreaming of a Spanish home, autumn offers more than just favourable deals. It provides the chance to experience towns, villages, and coastal resorts as locals do - calmer, cooler, and full of everyday Spanish life beyond the
NEARLY four decades ago, Katy De Csanady-McEwen swapped the quiet charm of her Cotswolds village for the vibrant coastal town of Nerja. Arriving in 1984, her first role in Spain was selling properties on the local nine-hole golf course A few years later, she broadened her skills working as a lawyer’s secretary and in insurance, before returning to the property market in 1994this time with the experience and determination to build a long-lasting career
Since then, Katy has become a respected name in real estate, recognised for her careful approach and dedication to her clients She insists that every home she markets is legally sound and takes pride in guiding buyers and sellers through each stage of the process Her reputation is rooted in trust, professionalism, and attention to detail
One of Katy’s greatest strengths is her ability to communicate across cultures. Fluent in English, Spanish,
French, and German, she has earned the confidence of an international clientele, making transactions smoother for all involved In addition to property sales, Katy provides translation and interpreting services From medical visits and official paperwork to wills, powers of attorney, police reports, NIE fiscal numbers, residency applications, digital nomad paperwork and even court appearances, she ensures her clients are supported with clear, accurate communication - whatever the circumstance
For enquiries, call 625 683 749, email info@knownerja. com, or visit www.knownerja.com
“I used to dust ALL. THE TIME,” she wrote. “Like I’d clean one day and the dust would be back the next?? No thanks! So I started making this little spray and honestly - game changer!!”
To make the solution, simply mix two cups of water (distilled is best) with ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar, one tablespoon of olive oil, three drops of washing-up liquid, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Add all the ingredients to a spray bottle, shake well, and use a microfibre cloth to clean with.
According to McCauley, white vinegar helps stop dust from sticking due to its acidity, while olive oil forms a light, protective barrier that repels dust. The essential oil gives surfaces a pleasant scent
“Now I’m dusting way less and my surfaces stay clean and shiny for way longer!” she added
Many online users have backed the method, claiming it keeps their homes cleaner for longer
SPAIN’S property market is being shaken up by modular steel homes. For under €16,000 - about half the price of a new car - buyers can order a two-storey, 26-square-metre house online and have it delivered to their chosen plot. Sold by retailers including Amazon, they offer corrosion-proof steel, insulated panels and manufacturer support, promising a mortgage-free lifestyle. Kits arrive with all components and can be built in a few days, transforming how Spaniards approach house-hunting.
and lounge into the compact space, with remote help available if needed. Permits and utility connections must be arranged with the local town hall, but the process is lighter than for traditional builds.
These homes are not just for permanent living: many become weekend retreats, garden offices, Airbnb rentals or ‘granny flats’. Rising property prices and rents are driving interest, with cost, speed and freedom from mortgage debt fuelling demand. Durable and resistant to rot or termites, they bypass long construction delays. Experts expect more to appear in rural plots, gardens and tight urban sites - making home ownership
AT Dimitri Villa, located on Calle Granada, on the corner with Calla Ánimas (Nerja), we offer a comprehensive range of services designed for property owners, tenants and visitors seeking peace of mind and reliable support.
We specialise in property sales and rentals, always providing a personalised service and transparent management. Although, we go much further: we offer a full maintenance service including cleaning, laundry, repairs, minor and major renovations as well as property inspections while you are away, ensuring your home stays in perfect condition all year around.
We also provide a taxi service, ideal for airport transfers or local transport and we arrange home and car insurance tailored to your needs.
For international clients or property owners from abroad, we offer professional translation services in
German, English, French, Dutch and Spanish making communication and formalities easier and more efficient.
With years of experience and indepth knowledge of the area, Dimitri Villa is committed to providing a professional, reliable and friendly service. Our goal is to offer practical, efficient solutions so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Visit us or get in touch and discover how we can help. At Dimitri Villa, we take care of your property as if it were our own.
Tel: (+34) 952 524 027 • M: (+34) 653 897 734 • dimitri@dimitrivilla.com
C/Granada, corner with C/Ánimas 30, Nerja
SPAIN is among the top European countries showing strong real estate performance in early 2025, with signs pointing to a market recovery after two tough years. According to Nuveen’s Global Trends and Tactics Q2 2025 report, Spain recorded positive total returns in Q4 2024, making it one of the better performers in Europe.
Spain saw a steep decline in real estate values since the global peak in Q2 2022, with asset prices falling by around -12.2 per cent according to MSCI data cited in the report. But the tide is turning.
In Q4 2024, Spain recorded positive total returns, combining both income and capital growth, making it one of the 17 out of 21 global markets to see a year-on-year rise. The report states:
“A little over half of global countries notched value gains and all but one recorded positive total returns… Spain among them.”
This marks a turning point for Spain’s market, which had
Spain is showing strong real estate performance.
been battered alongside other southern European countries during the interest rate hikes and inflation shocks of 20222023.
AS Europe faces record-breaking temperatures, air conditioning has become a pressing issue for renters in Spain. But can tenants demand it, and what rules apply to holiday lets?
For long-term rentals, the answer is no: tenants cannot legally require air conditioning, even during extreme heat, unless it is specified in the lease. Landlords must provide a safe and habitable home under the Urban Leasing Law (LAU), but habitability does not include maintaining a set temperature. Tenants may request to install their own unit with written permission, though most must remove it when leaving.
Holiday rentals face stricter requirements, which vary by region, so owners and guests should check the rules in their area.
In Andalucia, Decree 31/2024 obliges tourist homes to provide air conditioning in bedrooms and living rooms from May to August, with heating required from December to March. Catalonia’s Decree 159/2012 expects tourist apartments to offer air conditioning year-round as part of quality and hygiene standards. In the Valencian Community, guidance states that tourist properties must include both air conditioning and heating, with fines for non-
Spain’s property market is benefiting from stabilised prices across residential and logistics sectors, plus tight supply - especially in
rental markets like Madrid and coastal areas. Also, institutional investors under allocated to real estate are now re-entering the market.
considered a basic housing right.
The report highlights that globally, investors are now 60 basis points under their target allocations to real estate, creating a renewed appetite for opportunities in countries like Spain.
Compared to Germany (-21.4 per cent), France (-19.5 per cent), and the UK (-23 per cent), Spain’s -12.2 per cent peak-to-trough value drop was relatively modest, and it’s now one of the leading recovery stories in the region.
Across Europe, new property supply is at decade-lows, and Spain is no exception. With fewer new developments and rising tenant demand, existing landlords are gaining pricing power.
This is particularly true in affordable rental housing, where demand exceeds supply. Also in sustainable or ESGcompliant buildings, which are now heavily favoured by both investors and occupiers.
Spain is emerging as one of Europe’s most attractive real estate markets in 2025.
IN a surprising shift from high-end real estate, luxury developer Sierra Blanca Estates has announced plans to build more than 370 subsidised homes in Malaga and Marbella.
Known for its branded residences with Dolce & Gabbana and Karl Lagerfeld, the Marbellabased firm says this new initiative is a response to Spain’s growing housing crisis.
Sierra Blanca Estates, a leader in Spain’s luxury property scene, has unveiled plans to develop 375 viviendas de protección oficial (VPO) - or subsidised homes - across three projects in Malaga and Marbella.
The firm’s president Pedro Rodríguez called the move a matter of ‘responsibility’ rather than strategy.
“We cannot look the other way when faced with the significant housing problem that exists in our society,” Rodríguez said. “Building protected housing is not our specialty, but rather our responsibility.” (Cited by elEconomista.)
Sierra Blanca’s social housing in Malaga forms part of a sweeping regeneration plan for the El Bulto neighbourhood - a working-class area beside the port.
A centrepiece of the proposal is a 21-storey sculptural tower designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The design blends 153 market-rate apartments with 80 subsidised units and is described as the first urban plan of its kind in Andalucia.
The project is led by architect Patrik Schumacher, with sustainability and design coordination by Carlos Bausa Martinez.
AS the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our interiors are reflecting the shift in season. The cool whites and greys that once defined minimalist spaces are being replaced by richer, earthier tones designed to bring comfort and depth. This autumn, colour takes centre stage - not in bright bursts, but in grounded shades that feel inviting and enduring. The core palette draws inspiration directly from nature: terracotta, caramel, olive, moss, chocolate brown and rust. These tones are versatile enough to be layered together for a cocooning effect or used individually as standout features. A terracotta accent wall, for instance, instantly warms a living area, while chocolate cabinetry in the kitchen delivers a sense of understated luxury. In open-plan spaces, a mossgreen sofa anchored by a caramel rug creates a base that can evolve with the seasons.
To lift these earthy foundations, designers are pairing them with accents of deep mauve, garnet and marigold. These richer shades add vibrancy and sophistication without overwhelming the space. A marigold throw draped across the bed, or garnet ceramics displayed on wooden shelving introduces energy and personality. Even the bathroom can embrace the trend with warm-toned towels or terracotta tiles that bring warmth to a typically neutral setting.
What makes this palette so appealing is its ability to alter a room’s mood. Olive and rust in the bedroom promote rest and retreat, while terracotta and caramel bring convivial warmth to living and dining spaces. Layering these hues with natural materials - raw wood, wool, stone or linen - enhances their grounding quality and creates harmony between colour and texture.
Beyond the visual appeal, this shift signals a change in how we want our homes to feel. After years of pared-back minimalism, there is a renewed appetite for interiors that are lived-in, nurturing and expressive. These tones carry a sense of comfort and authenticity, reminding us that our homes are not just functional spaces but places of comfort and individuality.
The season’s message is clear: embrace colour with warmth and depth. Whether through a feature wall, a statement rug or simple accessories, these earth-inspired hues will ensure your home feels both stylish and in tune with autumn’s cosy spirit.
