Febuary 2026 Market News Costa Del Sol

Costa del Sol Property Market — February Focus: Marbella & Alhaurín el Grande.

February Market Briefing | For Private Clients & Investors

February has reinforced a defining characteristic of the Costa del Sol property market: it is no longer a single narrative, but a tale of two very different — yet complementary — markets.

Nowhere is this more evident than when comparing Marbella and the inland lifestyle hub of Alhaurín el Grande.

Both continue to attract strong buyer interest, but for very different reasons.

Marbella: Prime Capital, Lifestyle Security

Marbella remains the region’s flagship market, continuing to attract international capital seeking stability, discretion and long-term value preservation.

In February, demand has been most pronounced in:

Turnkey villas in established residential zones

High-spec apartments and penthouses in secure developments

Properties offering privacy, sea views and proximity to amenities

Buyers in Marbella are typically less price-sensitive and more risk-averse, prioritising legal clarity, build quality and immediacy of use. This has resulted in continued price firmness at the upper end of the market, particularly in prime neighbourhoods where supply remains structurally limited.

A notable trend this month is the shortened decision-making window for high-quality assets. Well-priced properties in desirable locations continue to transact quietly and efficiently, often before reaching full public exposure.

Marbella, increasingly, is viewed not simply as a lifestyle choice but as a safe-haven residential asset within a global portfolio.

Alhaurín el Grande: Space, Value and Lifestyle-Led Growth

By contrast, Alhaurín el Grande represents a different — and increasingly compelling — proposition. Located inland yet within easy reach of the coast and Málaga city, the town has seen growing interest from buyers seeking **space, privacy and value**, without sacrificing connectivity.

February activity indicates rising demand from:

International buyers relocating permanently or semi-permanently Families prioritising land, views and outdoor living

Buyers priced out of coastal markets but unwilling to compromise on lifestyle

Properties with land, views and renovation potential are attracting particular attention, especially where they offer scope to modernise while retaining character.

Unlike Marbella’s capital-preservation focus, Alhaurín el Grande appeals to buyers looking for lifestyle arbitrage — exchanging proximity to the coast for larger plots, greater privacy and a more grounded pace of living.

Supply Dynamics: A Shared Constraint

Despite their differences, both markets share a common challenge: a shortage of quality stock.

In Marbella, the constraint is driven by planning limitations and a lack of new prime land.

In Alhaurín el Grande, demand is increasingly outpacing the availability of well-located, legally compliant properties.

As a result, realistic pricing and due diligence remain key. Properties requiring extensive legal or structural work face longer sales cycles, while well-prepared assets continue to outperform.

Investor & Buyer Outlook

From an investor perspective, February highlights two distinct strategies:

Marbella: capital preservation, long-term appreciation, prestige assets

Alhaurín el Grande: value growth, lifestyle-led demand, renovation upside

Both markets benefit from the Costa del Sol’s enduring international appeal, but success depends on aligning acquisition strategy with long-term objectives.

Looking Ahead

As spring approaches, buyer enquiry levels are expected to rise across both locations. The underlying fundamentals — limited supply, sustained foreign demand and Spain’s lifestyle appeal — remain firmly in place.

For discerning buyers, the message from February is clear:

opportunity still exists, but it is increasingly location-specific and asset-dependent.

Nikki Powles

Finding the ideal home or investment in Spain is not just a transaction but a journey, and I am here to guide you every step of the way.

With a global perspective and a deep understanding of what truly makes a house a home, I help my clients navigate the Spanish property market with confidence. Whether you are searching for your dream home or the perfect investment, I offer a professional and personalised approach to ensure the process is clear, seamless, and tailored to your needs.

If you're ready to take the next step, let's talk!