Property Supplement CDS April – 6 May 2026 Issue 2130
Sun, sea and staying power:
A NEW report from Engel & Völkers shows property prices across the Costa del Sol have climbed again in 2026 - reinforcing the region’s enduring appeal as one of Europe’s most desirable places to live and invest.
Average prices now sit at around €3,500 per square metre for houses and over €4,200 for apartments, reflecting steady annual growth of up to 5 per cent. In prime areas such as Marbella’s Golden Triangle, prices can exceed €5,000 per square metre, driven by strong demand and a thriving luxury market.
Yet beyond the numbers, what defines the Costa del Sol today is its stability. The
market has moved beyond the post-pandemic surge into a more balanced phase, where well-presented, realistically priced homes continue to perform strongly. Buyers are more considered, but confidence remains high.
International demand continues to underpin this resilience. Buyers from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and the Netherlands remain key players, alongside growing interest from other global markets. Increasingly, however, the profile of buyers is shifting. The region is at-
Why the Costa del Sol continues to endure
tracting remote workers, entrepreneurs and young families who are choosing to relocate permanently in search of lifestyle, climate and space.
This evolution is reshaping the Costa del Sol into a year-round destination. Areas such as Malaga, Mijas Costa and Estepona are becoming established residential hubs, supported by strong infrastructure, international schools and healthcare. Communities are increasingly diverse and globally connected, while maintaining the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle that defines the region.
The market’s long-term appeal remains rooted in its fundamentals: consistent inter-
national demand, limited supply and an exceptional quality of life. For many buyers, the Costa del Sol offers more than property… it offers a lifestyle.
While established hotspots like Marbella and Estepona remain as popular as ever, areas such as Axarquia are beginning to emerge as alternatives, offering a different pace within the same sought-after coastline. Looking ahead, growth is expected to continue at a more sustainable rate. The Costa del Sol’s success has never been about short-term momentum, but its ability to evolve while preserving what makes it one of Europe’s most compelling destinations.
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Your complete property journey in Spain with trusted local experts
THE Your Dream Home team is dedicated to making your purchase in Spain as simple as possible. With offices in Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Fuerteventura we have something for everyone, from luxury apartments to contemporary villas and everything in between whether on the beach, whitewashed pueblos or world class golf resorts we will find Your Dream Home!
Our international multilingual team will help you before you even arrive in Spain and can offer advice on areas, what it’s like to live in Spain and the Spanish market. We’ve all made the move and never looked back, so come and join us!
All the team have lived here for many years and love sharing our favourite beaches, restaurants and things to do which you may not know, however frequent a visitor you are.
Our relationship with you doesn’t end once you’ve bought your property, our after care team can help you with property management, rentals and even reforms or building work. If you’ve purchased an unfurnished property, not a problem we offer a comprehensive interior design service to suit all pockets and needs.
To begin your journey, simply get in touch with our friendly team who will be delighted to assist you at every step. You can contact us on Tel: (+34) 952 475 715 or (+34) 658 017 138, email: info@yourdreamhome.es or visit our website at yourdreamhome.es. We look forward to helping you find and enjoy your perfect home in Spain.
The broken plan
FOR decades, the architectural holy grail has been the removal of walls. We traded the ‘rabbit warren’ of Victorian terraces for vast, echoing expanses where the kitchen, lounge, and dining room bled into one. It was the era of the ‘great room’, designed for seamless entertaining and keeping an eye on the children. But as our homes have been forced to function as offices, gyms, and schools, the shine is wearing off the open-plan dream. The end of the echo
The shift away from total openness isn’t a return to the cramped quarters of the past, but rather a move toward ‘brokenplan’ living. The primary catalyst? Noise. In an open-plan home, the whirr of a Nutribullet is the enemy of a Zoom call, and a teenager’s gaming session becomes the soundtrack to your evening
glass of wine. We have rediscovered that doors are not just barriers; they are acoustic sanctuaries.
Defining your zones
Zoning is the new buzzword in property development. Instead of knocking down every internal leaf, designers are now using structural elements to create intimate sub-spaces.
Internal glazing: Crittall-style glass partitions allow light to flow through the property while physically containing sound and smell.
Level changes: Sunken ‘conversation
pits’ or raised platforms for dining create a sense of transition without requiring a solid wall.
Double-sided fireplaces: These act as a central anchor, providing warmth and a visual boundary between a cosy snug and a high-traffic kitchen.
The return of the snug
There is also a psychological shift at play. Large, cavernous spaces can feel cold and exposed. Today’s buyers are increasingly looking for a ‘snug’ - a dedicated, smaller room where they can retreat for privacy. These ‘jewel box’
rooms allow for bolder decor choices that might feel overwhelming in a 50-squaremetre space, such as dark velvets and deep navy walls.
The open-plan era isn’t entirely dead, but it has certainly evolved. We still crave the light and the social ‘heart’ of the home, but we are no longer willing to sacrifice our peace and quiet to get it. By embracing zoned, intimate spaces, we are finally building homes that work for the way we actually live, rather than just how we want them to look in a brochure.
Exceptional land in one of Almeria’s most valuable growth areas
DISCOVER one of the most exclusive investment opportunities on the coast of Almeria: a remarkable seven-hectare development plot in Mojacar, located just 470 metres from the shoreline and close to a planned marina. Opportunities of this scale and potential are increasingly rare along the Mediterranean, making this a standout proposal for investors and developers alike.
The land offers up to 27,500 m² of buildable residential area, providing exceptional flexibility for a wide range of high-end projects. Whether envisioning a spectacular private estate or a boutique luxury development, the plot’s size and configuration allow for a variety of premium concepts. Its strategic positioning grants
sea views, immediate proximity to the beach, and excellent access to international airports, a forthcoming high-speed train connection and nearby yacht moorings.
What truly distinguishes this plot is its setting. Mojacar is known for its natural beauty, warm climate and sophisticated yet relaxed lifestyle. Unlike more saturated Mediterranean destinations, Mojacar retains a sense of space, privacy and authenticity while offering all essential services and continued growth potential. This balance of tranquillity and opportunity makes the area especially attractive for high-quality residential projects.
For investors seeking strong long-term returns, the land
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represents a rare chance to secure a large, premium coastal asset in a region with rising demand. For developers, it opens the door to creating an exceptional residential enclave: imagine contemporary villas, landscaped communal areas, elegant design and walking proximity to the future marina and the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to its extensive buildability and privileged location,
the plot supports a wide spectrum of luxury concepts, from a single visionary project to a series of exclusive plots.
PARTIAL PLAN: The drafting of the Partial Plan has been commissioned to the Soto & Tudela Architecture Studio in order to advance the urban planning process for the transformation of the land into Urban Land. Initial approval of the Plan is expected by mid-2026, followed by the subsequent drafting phases until the Final Approval is granted.
This final approval will enable the Urbanisation and Reparcelling of the land, ultimately securing its definitive classification as Urban Land.
In essence, this offering combines scale, scarcity and location - the three pillars of a truly valuable real-estate investment. With its development potential, access to future infrastructure and unparalleled coastal position, this plot is poised to become one of the most desirable residential opportunities in the region.
For more information, including the Project Summary, Urban Planning Record and Preliminary Zonings Study, please visit: www.landinmojacar.com
IN 2026, the home is no longer just a place to live - it is increasingly a place to recover, reset and recharge. One of the clearest expressions of this shift is the growing popularity of wellness-focused interiors, with spa-style bathrooms and home saunas moving firmly into the mainstream.
What was once reserved for high-end hotels and luxury developments is now appearing in everyday homes, from compact urban flats to suburban renovations. Homeowners are investing in features designed to support both physical relaxation and mental well-being, turning bathrooms into calming retreats rather than purely functional spaces.
Spa-inspired bathrooms are leading the way. Walk-in rainfall showers, freestanding baths and softened lighting schemes are becoming standard aspirations rather than luxury add-ons.
Neutral colour palettes, natural stone finishes and tactile materials such as wood and textured plaster are used to create a sense of calm.
The emphasis is on slowing down, with spaces designed to
Wellness at home
The rise of spa-inspired spaces and private saunas
encourage longer, more mindful routines.
Alongside this, home saunas are seeing a notable rise in demand. Once considered an indulgence, they are now increasingly viewed as part of a broader wellness routine, alongside exercise and healthy living. Compact infrared models in particular have made installation more accessible, requiring less space and lower running costs than traditional setups.
Designers say the appeal lies in control and convenience. Rather than travelling to a spa or leisure centre, homeowners can access recovery and relaxation at any time. This fits neatly into modern lifestyles, where work, rest and fitness are often interwoven within the same space and schedule. There is also a growing awareness of the mental health benefits of creating restorative environments at home. Soft lighting, reduced visual clutter and sensory comfort all play a role in lowering stress levels and improving overall well-being. As a result, wellness design is no longer an aesthetic choice alone, but a lifestyle priority.
EU Insurance Direct:
Leading the way in tailored protection for families across Spain
AS Spain’s insurance market continues to evolve, EU Insurance Direct is proud to offer comprehensive, personalised coverage that meets the needs of modern families, drivers, and homeowners. With a focus on Life & Disability, Car, and Home Insurance, the company is setting new standards for trust, flexibility, and digital convenience.
Protection that fits your life
EU Insurance Direct provides:
• Life & Disability Insurance: Financial security for your loved ones and income protection in case of disability.
• Car Insurance: Full coverage with 24/7 roadside assistance across Spain and Europe.
• Home Insurance: Protection against fire, floods, theft, and emergency repairs.
Exclusive benefits
• Personalised service in your language
• Competitive rates tailored to the Spanish market
• Further discounts for integral clients
• Fast, digital claims and support
A growing market
Spain’s insurance sector is projected to exceed €60 billion in premiums by year-end, driven by demand for flexible, transparent coverage.
EU Insurance Direct is at the forefront, offering solutions that reflect today’s realities - from climate risks to urban mobility and remote work.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
#ADealADay by Propertissimo
SINCE day one Propertissimo has been focusing on closing deals. Not on a shiny corporate image, not on branding nor on bragging about our latest achievements. In contrast to many competitors we decided not to ‘fake it ‘til we make it’ but we set a goal to close a deal every business day. The goal was ambitious and the logic behind it is simple but strong.
To be successful in the real estate market you need to attract sellers, buyers, developers and last but not least the best professionals in the business. We could not come up with a single more important attribute to achieve this than that we close more deals than others. Every day! We don’t list properties, we sell them.
We set out to achieve this goal first and then spread the word. To not start with promises without substance but to reach our goal through hard work and activity in the marketplace.
This hard work has now paid off and we have achieved that goal and it is time
THE kitchen was once a hidden engine room, a purely functional space tucked away at the back of the house where meals were prepared in relative isolation. Today, that hierarchy has been completely inverted. The modern kitchen has emerged as the undisputed heart of the home, a multi-functional statement space that serves as a theatre for cooking, a makeshift home office, and the primary social hub for the entire family.
At the centre of this transformation is the supersized kitchen island. No longer just a modest prep station, these monolithic structures are now designed as communal anchors. We are seeing a trend toward expansive layouts that incorporate integrated breakfast bars and low-level seating, allowing the island to function as a casual dining table. These designs bridge the gap between the chef and the guests, ensuring that whoever is preparing dinner is always part of the conversation rather than tucked away behind a wall.
The aesthetic of the statement kitchen has also moved away from the clinical, all-white
to start telling others about our track record that we have until recently kept to ourselves. To do so we have launched the hashtag #ADealADay (follow us on social media) and the duck you can see in our advert to draw attention. Regarding goals, we are far from finished and have set higher targets for the coming years.
Also we have launched our own magazine that is distributed by 10,000 copies in 360 distribution points along the coast. The HOT Properties Magazine features our clients’ properties, offers market analysis and forecasts and debates about the property market.
Pick up your hard copy in a location near you or read it online here:
Now as the time has come we are proud to establish that we have more than 1,941 properties listed, we generate over 4,000 leads and over 1,000 viewing tours a year and we execute ADealADay.
Now, if you are in the market as a buyer, seller, promoter or looking for a job, who you gonna call? propertissimo.com
The kitchen’s evolution
gloss of previous decades. Instead, there is a newfound love for mixing materials to create a warmer, more ‘lived-in’ feel. Designers are pairing tactile contrasts like cold stone worktops with warm, fluted timber cabinetry to add character. Industrial accents, such as aged brass hardware or matte black taps, provide a sophisticated, bespoke edge that makes the space feel more like a curated gallery than a utility room. Perhaps the most significant shift is the kitchen’s evolution into a true living space. We are increasingly seeing the introduction of furniture traditionally reserved for the lounge, such as open shelving for art books and even upholstered seating that mimics a high-end restaurant booth.
Lighting plays a crucial role here too, moving away from harsh, utilitarian spotlights in favour of layered, dimmable lamps and pendants. This allows the room to transition effortlessly from a bright, productive workspace in the morning to a moody, intimate bar setting in the evening. After all, the kitchen isn’t just where we eat; it is where the best memories are made.
The essential steps to minding your own business on the Costa del Sol
THINKING of running a business on the Costa del Sol? Whether a café, garage or retail shop, understanding the legal and administrative steps is key.
For non-EU nationals, the first consideration is visa. Operating a business requires a residence visa with work authorisation. Some entrepreneurs initially enter via other routes - family member residency or investor visasdepending on personal circumstances. Alongside visa, an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is essential. This is required for all financial and legal transactions, including buying a business, opening accounts, and signing contracts.
A Spanish bank account is essential to manage daily operations, pay taxes, receive payments and establish financial credibility. Banks generally request NIE, proof of address, and valid identification. When structuring a business, many
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choose a Sociedad Limitada (SL) - limited liability company - over selfemployment (autónomo) as it offers protection by separating personal from business assets.
Setting up an SL involves reserving a company name, a minimum capital of €3,000, signing at notary and registering with the Commercial Registry. Finally, registration with the tax authorities and Social Security if employing staff. Operating licences may be required and can be transferred or applied anew, depending on business activity.
At Mind Your Own Business, besides handling business transfers, we offer a network of qualified lawyers, accountants and gestorias to guide your entrepreneurial journey.
Over 40 years of trusted experience caring for your home
OWNING a property on the Costa del Sol should be enjoyable and completely stress-free and that’s exactly what we’re here for. At Caribasol Management, we’ve been supporting property owners for over 40 years, so you can relax knowing your home is in experienced, reliable hands.
We offer a full range of property management services, including secure key holding, regular property inspections, maintenance, and refurbishments. If you’d like to generate income, we also take care of holiday rentals, providing a smooth and hassle-free experience for both you and your guests.
Legal requirements and community of owners matters can feel complicated, but you don’t have to handle them
alone. We can guide you toward trusted legal professionals and help you understand local regulations, making everything simple and transparent.
We’re proud to serve an international clientele and speak **Spanish, French, Italian, German, Danish, and Romanian**, so communication is always easy and clear.
With Caribasol, your property is in safe, caring hands - so you can truly enjoy the Costa del Sol lifestyle.
Contact us by email at: caribasol@gmail.com or call us on telephone: +34 952 933 399 weekdays during office hours.
Greener by design
THE era of the ‘token cactus’ on a windowsill is firmly behind us. In today’s property market, houseplants have evolved from mere ornaments into architectural essentials. No longer an afterthought, indoor greenery is now integrated into the very fabric of home design, used to define spaces and soften the stark edges of modern industrial or minimalist interiors.
This ‘green shift’ is spearheaded by biophilic
design - the principle of weaving nature into our daily living environments to boost mental clarity. As our lives become more urban and screen-dependent, the home has become a sanctuary for the ‘analogue’. Large, structural specimens like the Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) or a large Monstera Deliciosa are now used as living sculptures, anchoring a room’s layout just as effectively as a designer sofa.
The lifestyle appeal is equally practical. Beyond their air-purifying qualities, plants act as natural acoustic buffers and ‘soft’ partitions in the home. Whether it is a cascading Devil’s Ivy trailing from a bespoke shelving unit or a dedicated ‘plant nook’ in a home office, greenery provides a vital sense of vitality. In the modern home, a room without plants doesn’t just look empty - it feels unfinished.
Credit: Archi_Viz / Shutterstock
Introducing Plexo Properties: A boutique approach to Costa del Sol Real Estate
IN a market often driven by volume and speed, Plexo Properties takes a more considered approach - one that prioritises quality, transparency, and personal attention. Founded in Malaga in 2019, this boutique real estate agency has built a trusted reputation for matching discerning clients with exceptional properties along the Costa del Sol.
As part of an extensive professional network, Plexo Properties offers access to more than 20,000 verified homes across premier destinations such as Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, Fuengirola, and Benalmadena. Yet, rather than overwhelming buyers with endless listings, Plexo Properties carefully selects those that best reflect each client’s needs, lifestyle, and investment goals.
Certified by the GIPE Association and recognised for integrity and expertise, the multilingual team combines Scandinavian clarity with deep local insight.
Whether purchasing a holiday home, selling a coastal residence, or pursuing high-yield investments, clients are guided seamlessly through every stage of the process.
Plexo Properties also advises investors and developers, offering strategic market insight, financial guidance, and exclusive access to off-market and new development opportunities.
This personalised, detail-oriented approach has earned the agency growing acclaim - including the Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Luxury Boutique Real Estate Brokerage on the Costa del Sol (2024).
For those seeking to navigate Costa del Sol’s dynamic property market with confidence, discretion, and genuine care, Plexo Properties delivers a refined and rewarding experience - where success is measured not by quantity, but by client satisfaction.
Experience that builds confidence on the Costa del Sol
IN a region where property decisions are often guided by emotion as much as investment sense, experience remains the one quality that truly reassures. That is precisely where Andalucia Development sets itself apart. Established in 1981, the company brings more than four decades of knowledge from the Costa del Sol market, offering clients not just services, but perspective shaped by years of change and growth in the region. What defines the company is not simply its history, but the depth of expertise that underpins every interaction. With an international outlook and a
Scandinavian led team, there is a clear understanding of what overseas buyers and sellers expect. This global perspective is matched with strong local knowledge, creating a balanced approach that helps clients feel confident in every decision they make. Each step is explained clearly, ensuring that nothing feels uncertain or overwhelming.
The services offered reflect a commitment to making the entire process as straightforward as possible. Whether assisting with buying, selling, or building, the team works alongside trusted legal professionals, notaries, developers, and pro-
perty managers. This close cooperation ensures that every detail is handled with care and professionalism. Clients benefit from a seamless experience where practical support and personal attention go hand in hand.
Just as important is the company’s focus on long term relationships. Many clients return over the years, drawn by a level of service that feels both reliable and personal. It is this ongoing trust that has helped
build a reputation that extends far beyond the local area. The aim is not simply to complete a transaction, but to create a positive experience that clients remember and recommend. In an industry where trust is everything, Andalucia Development continues to stand out through its combination of experience, insight, and genuine client care. It is not simply about property. It is about ensuring that every decision feels informed and worthwhile.
For those ready to take the next step, the team is based in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucia and can be contacted on +34 952 816 250 via email at info@andadev.com or visit andadev.com.
THE Spanish ‘porch’ has had a glow-up. Gone are the days of a simple roofed terrace; today it’s all about stylish outdoor rooms that are as clever as they are beautiful. Think deep overhangs, retractable screens, and ‘living pergolas’ draped in bougainvillea, creating shaded havens that cool your home naturally - without cranking the air conditioning 24/7.
These spaces aren’t just for Instagramworthy brunches (though they excel at that, too). They act as natural shields against Spain’s relentless sun, keeping interiors cooler and energy bills lower. A welldesigned overhang or leafy pergola can reduce solar heat gain dramatically, so your home stays pleasantly temperate even when temperatures soar.
Living pergolas are stealing the show. Bougainvillea, with its riot of pinks, purples, and reds, doesn’t just look fabulous - it forms a cooling canopy, filtering sunlight and creating dappled shade. Add a few climbers, a comfy lounge, and perhaps a glass of chilled sangria, and you have a space that’s simultaneously a private hideaway, a social hub, and a natural air conditioner.
Architects are pushing the envelope further, stretching overhangs across dining areas, patios, and garden paths. The result?
A seamless indoor-outdoor flow where kitchen, living room, and terrace feel like one continuous living space. It’s alfresco living at its finest - cool, comfortable, and completely in tune with the Mediterranean lifestyle.
For buyers in Spain, these shaded outdoor rooms are more than a pretty feature -
Sun-smart outdoor spaces
A cooling canopy can look fabulous.
they’re a lifestyle upgrade. They transform a home into a year-round retreat, offering cosy winter mornings protected from the wind and hot summer afternoons under leafy shade. Whether it’s a city apartment terrace or a
integrating shade with greenery is fast becoming a hallmark of savvy, climate-conscious design. In short, the porch has evolved from a
humble shelter to a modern must-have. It’s a living, breathing space that keeps your home cool, your spirits high, and your Instagram followers jealous. Who knew staying out of the sun could look this good?
A seamless path to property ownership on the Costa del
The one-stop advantage with Melrose Properties
ON the Costa del Sol, the property market offers a key advantage: a shared listing system. This means agencies like Melrose Properties can access virtually all properties for sale, allowing buyers to work with one trusted advisor rather than multiple agents.
At Melrose Properties, we act as a onestop partner, guiding clients from search to completion. We begin by understanding your criteria, curating suitable options, and organising viewings while offering honest, informed advice throughout.
Once you have chosen a property, we assist with every requirement. This includes obtaining your NIE (foreigner identification number), opening a Spanish bank account, and coordinating with independent lawyers who carry out full legal checks. For those needing finance, we also connect clients with trusted mortgage specialists.
The buying process is straightforward: a reservation deposit secures the property,
followed by a private purchase contract with a larger payment (typically around 10 per cent). Completion then takes place before a notary, where the final balance is paid and ownership is transferred.
ensuring clarity, efficiency, and peace of mind. By bringing the entire process under one roof, we allow our clients to focus on finding the right property and enjoying the experience of investing in one of Europe’s most sought-after regions
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A bespoke unpressurised experience for buyers
ANDALUCIAN PROPERTY SALES is a legally registered Spanish business run by Diane Heston and her team of bilingual professionals who have been es tablished in the beautiful Jaen Province for over 20 years. Spe cialising in property sales in An dalucia, they offer clients a bespoke, unpressurised experience when buying a Spanish property.
Andalucian Property Sales offer help, support and advice during your search, through both the buying process and personal after sales services. They have a wide range of properties to interest potential clients, from small village houses to large country fincas or cortijos.
Andalucian Property Sales,
though based in the beautiful province of Jaen, also have properties available in the provinces of Granada, Cordoba, Malaga and Almeria. Covering all the popular towns and villages, such as Alcala La Real, Alcaudete Castillo de Locubin, Martos, Iznajar, Garrucha and Arboleas to name a few. For your inland property needs contact Diane and her team today.
Search www.andalucianpropertysales.com or call +34 669 249 539 to start your discovery of the real Andalucia.
