For sale · Costa del Sol · Estepona
Available1-Bed Apartment in Forest Hills, Estepona
Residential complexForest HillsGated community
€160,000
1 bed · 1 bath · 68 m² built
Ref HT5524189Updated daily · Last sync 23 October 2026
About this property
Overview
One-bedroom apartment with sea views in Estepona, Costa del Sol. This top-floor duplex occupies 68 square metres of built space and opens onto a 25-square-metre south-facing terrace where the Mediterranean coastline stretches across the horizon. The open-plan kitchen flows into the living area, both oriented towards the terrace to maximise natural light and the panoramic outlook over the sea and surrounding hills.
The duplex layout separates the sleeping quarters from the main living space, with the bedroom and bathroom on the upper level. The terrace runs the length of the reception room, offering enough space for dining furniture and sun loungers. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the views and allow direct terrace access from the living area. The apartment is sold with optional furniture, and the south orientation ensures sunlight throughout the day. Built in 2003, the property remains in good condition with no recent renovation.
Forest Hills is a gated complex with a communal swimming pool, fully equipped gym, landscaped gardens, and 24-hour security. A tennis club operates within the development, offering court hire and private coaching in dance and aerobics. The complex sits in a quiet residential area surrounded by walking trails popular with dog owners, approximately ten minutes by car from Estepona town centre and the beach. An Aldi supermarket is five minutes away by car, and the development's hillside position provides the elevation needed for the sea views while keeping the town within easy reach.
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Features
What this home includes
- Pool
- Sea view
- Terrace
Property details
Specifications
- Property type
- Apartment
- Subtype
- Top floor apartment
- Bedrooms
- 1
- Bathrooms
- 1
- Built area
- 68 m²
- Terrace
- 25 m²
- Pool
- Yes
- Gated community
- Yes
- Sea view
- Yes
- Orientation
- south
- Complex
- Forest Hills
- City
- Estepona
- Province
- Málaga
- Coast
- Costa del Sol
Location
Estepona
Residential complexForest HillsMap shows the Forest Hills complex location. Exact unit address provided upon request. This property is in EsteponaCosta del Sol.
9 questions answered
Buying this apartment in Estepona
Can foreigners buy property in Estepona?
Yes. Spain places no restrictions on foreign buyers, EU and non-EU citizens can purchase freely in Estepona. You will need a Spanish NIE (foreigner tax number) before signing the title deed, plus a Spanish bank account for the transfer. The full purchase typically completes 6 to 10 weeks from signing the reservation contract.
What is an NIE and how do I get one?
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your Spanish tax ID and is mandatory for buying property, opening a bank account or paying taxes. You can apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country or in person in Spain. Your lawyer can also obtain it on your behalf with a power of attorney, typically 2 to 4 weeks.
Do I need a Spanish lawyer?
Strongly recommended. An independent lawyer (abogado), separate from the agent and seller, verifies title, checks for debts and planning issues, drafts contracts and represents you at the notary. Typical fee is 1% of the purchase price plus VAT, with a minimum around €1,500.
How long does completion take?
From accepted offer to keys: 6 to 10 weeks for a resale, 30 to 45 days from reservation if no mortgage is needed. New-build off-plan completes when the development is delivered, often 18 to 36 months after reservation, with staged payments along the way.
What taxes will I pay buying a property in Estepona?
Resale property in Andalucía: ITP (transfer tax) at 7%. New-build: 10% IVA + 1.2% AJD (stamp duty). Plus notary, land registry and legal fees of roughly 1 to 2%. Budget 10 to 13% on top of the asking price for total acquisition costs.
What ongoing costs should I expect?
Annual IBI (council tax) is typically 0.4 to 1.1% of cadastral value. Community fees on apartments and gated villas range €100 to €600/month depending on amenities. Non-resident owners pay an annual income tax based on cadastral value, plus utilities and home insurance.
Are agent fees paid by the buyer or seller?
In Spain the seller pays the agent commission (typically 3 to 6% + VAT), already baked into the asking price. Buyers do not pay agent fees on resale or new-build.
Can non-residents get a Spanish mortgage?
Yes. Spanish banks lend to non-residents at typical LTVs of 60 to 70% of the lower of purchase price or valuation (vs 80% for residents). Rates are competitive with the rest of the eurozone. You will need 6 months of bank statements, tax returns and proof of income, pre-approval takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Should I get pre-approval before viewing?
Recommended for serious buyers. A mortgage in principle confirms your budget, signals credibility to sellers and shortens completion. We can introduce you to specialist non-resident mortgage brokers familiar with the local market.
