3,587 apartments for sale in Costa del SolMedian €4,864/sqmUpdated daily · Last sync 27 Oct 2026
Apartments dominate the Costa del Sol property market, from compact beachside studios in Fuengirola to expansive penthouses overlooking Puerto Banús.
They suit buyers drawn to lock-and-leave convenience, shared amenities, and proximity to services without the upkeep of a standalone home.
The typical apartment here sits within a gated community, often terraced into hillside plots or arranged around shared pools and gardens. Layouts range from one-bedroom flats in high-rise blocks along the seafront to three-bedroom units with wide terraces in low-density complexes inland. Glass predominates in newer builds, while older stock often features shuttered balconies and smaller windows. Many developments include underground parking, a storeroom, and landscaped grounds maintained by the community of owners. Buyers choose apartments for ease of ownership. Community staff handle exterior maintenance, pool servicing, and security, which appeals to non-residents who spend only part of the year on the coast. Proximity matters more than plot size, so apartments cluster near beaches, golf courses, and town centres where daily errands need no car. Resale developments closer to Marbella and Mijas Costa see steady interest from international buyers, while towns further east and west attract retirees and remote workers seeking better value and quieter surroundings. Living in a Costa del Sol apartment means navigating community rules and sharing decision-making with other owners. Larger complexes may restrict pet ownership, short-term rentals, or exterior alterations, so reading the statutes before signing matters as much as surveying the structure. Fees vary widely depending on the facilities and the number of units sharing costs. Smaller blocks with a single pool and basic landscaping charge far less than resort-style communities offering gyms, concierge desks, and beachfront access. Apartments here suit buyers who value walkable neighbourhoods, minimal property management, and the option to lock the door and leave. They work less well for families needing ground-floor outdoor space, buyers who want architectural control, or those uncomfortable with monthly community contributions and collective governance. The choice between a modern complex with higher fees and an older block with lower overheads reflects how much convenience and resort-style living matter to the individual buyer.
10 questions answered
Process, costs and taxes, answered by our local team.
The western stretch from Estepona to Marbella leans toward gated communities with resort amenities, higher community fees, and a greater proportion of non-resident owners. The eastern half, from Benalmádena through to Nerja, offers more traditional apartment blocks in town centres, lower fees, and a higher share of Spanish and full-time residents. The gap between west and east has narrowed as development spreads, but the profile of apartment stock and buyer demographics still shifts noticeably along the coast.
Fees vary according to the number of owners sharing costs and the level of service. A basic block of eight flats with a single pool may charge modest monthly sums, while a resort-style complex with multiple pools, tennis courts, manicured gardens, and 24-hour security will demand significantly higher contributions. Always request a copy of the most recent community budget and check for outstanding debts or planned special assessments before committing.
Apartments remove the burden of exterior maintenance, garden upkeep, and pool servicing, making them ideal for buyers who spend only part of the year in Spain or who want minimal property management. The lock-and-leave model suits those prioritising travel freedom and proximity to amenities over private outdoor space. Community security and shared facilities add to the appeal for buyers who value convenience over autonomy.
Your lawyer should verify that the community of owners holds all necessary licences, that the building has passed its technical inspection if required, and that no outstanding debts are tied to the unit. Request minutes from recent community meetings to identify planned works or disputes. Check whether the statutes restrict rentals, pets, or renovations, and confirm the seller has paid all community fees to date.
Rental rules vary by community. Some allow long-term lets but prohibit short-term holiday rentals, while others permit both or ban all rentals outright. Recent legislative changes in Andalucía have tightened licensing for tourist rentals, so check both the community statutes and local municipal rules before assuming rental income will be possible. Always clarify this with your lawyer before exchange.
Yes. Spain places no restrictions on foreign buyers. EU and non-EU citizens can purchase freely. You will need a Spanish NIE 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Same homes
Market data
Live market data across Costa del Sol.
Price per square metre varies widely along the coast. Marbella and Benahavís sit at the top, helped by new-build supply and a deep international buyer base. Mijas and Fuengirola anchor the value end.
Within each town the spread matters as much as the average. Beachfront and golf frontage carry a premium, and the quieter residential areas inland are usually the most affordable way into the same municipality. New-build supply is concentrated in Estepona and Mijas.
Every figure here is calculated from the live listings on Hometailor and updates as stock changes. See the full Costa del Sol market data hub for charts and methodology.
