The Costa del Sol has been the favourite destination of northern European buyers for decades, and that is no coincidence. More than 320 sunny days a year, an international airport in Málaga and a mature rental market make the region highly suitable for anyone investing in Spanish property.
Anyone entering the market today looks mainly at new build apartments: energy efficient, ready to move into and with the strongest price development. In this guide you will read what a new build apartment on the Costa del Sol costs, which areas are most interesting, how the buying process works and what return is realistic.
At Jansen & Brouwer Property Capital we guide Dutch and Belgian investors daily through the purchase of new build on the Costa del Sol, from the first selection to the handover of the keys at the notary.
Why choose new build on the Costa del Sol?
New build remains the most popular option among foreign investors in 2026. The main reasons:
- Energy-efficient and low-maintenance: modern insulation, air conditioning or a heat pump and home automation keep your running costs down.
- Ready to let straight away: new build attracts tenants more easily and needs hardly any maintenance in the first years.
- Staggered payments: when buying off plan you pay in instalments during construction, not everything at once.
- Strong capital growth: the Málaga region has seen a considerable price rise in recent years; new build in the better locations benefits from that most.
Hesitating between new build and resale? Then also read our blog New build vs. resale in Spain.
What does a new build apartment on the Costa del Sol cost?
Prices vary considerably by location. As a guide for 2026:
- Estepona, Mijas, Casares and Manilva, from roughly €250,000 to €300,000. Best value for money and strong growth.
- Fuengirola and Benalmádena, from roughly €300,000 to €400,000. Lively and excellent for letting.
- Marbella and Benahavís: from €450,000 to well over €2 million. The premium segment with the highest international demand.
On top of the purchase price count on roughly 12 to 13% in additional costs for new build: 10% VAT (IVA), around 1.2% stamp duty (AJD) in Andalusia, plus notary, registration and legal guidance. We explain the exact taxes in Taxes on Spanish property.
The best areas to invest
- Estepona: ‘the garden of the Costa del Sol’, plenty of quality new build and still attractively priced.
- Mijas and Mijas Costa, popular with Dutch and Belgian buyers, close to Fuengirola and the airport.
- Marbella and Benahavís: the premium segment with the strongest resilience in value.
- Casares and Manilva: up-and-coming, a lower entry price, attractive for getting in early.
View our current listings on the Costa del Sol, including our project Maralto.
The buying process in brief
Buying in Spain broadly works like this: you arrange a NIE number and a Spanish bank account, reserve the apartment, sign the private contract with a deposit of usually 10%, pay in instalments during construction and complete the purchase at the notary.
We describe each step in detail in The purchase process in Spain: from NIE number to notary in 8 steps. With our Dutch-speaking guidance we handle the entire process with you.
What return is realistic?
Your return on the Costa del Sol consists of two parts: rental income and capital growth. As a guide we use:
- Gross rental yield: 6 to 7% per year, depending on location and rental type.
- Capital growth: historically strong in the top locations, as a guide 5 to 8% per year.
- Total return: as a guide 10 to 15% per year with a good location and letting strategy.
Planning to let? Then read Renting out property in Spain. Please note: for tourist letting you need a holiday rental licence, and the rules are becoming stricter in 2026.
Financing: mortgages for non-residents
As a Dutch or Belgian buyer you can normally finance up to 60 to 70% of the value in Spain. In Mortgages in Spain for Dutch buyers you can read exactly what your options are.
Frequently asked questions
What does a new build apartment on the Costa del Sol cost?
As a guide from around €250,000 in areas such as Estepona and Mijas, rising to several million in Marbella. Also count on roughly 12 to 13% in additional costs.
Can I get a mortgage in Spain as a Dutch buyer?
Yes. Non-residents normally finance up to 60 to 70% of the value. We guide you to the right Spanish bank.
What return can I expect?
As a guide 10 to 15% per year: 6 to 7% gross rental yield plus 5 to 8% capital growth, depending on location and strategy.
May I let my apartment to tourists?
You may, with a holiday rental licence (VV/VFT). The conditions differ by municipality and are being tightened in 2026.
Ready to invest on the Costa del Sol?
Curious which new build developments on the Costa del Sol suit your goals and budget?
Get in touch with Jansen & Brouwer Property Capital for personal advice, or view the current listings straight away.