Short answer: Andalusia is the most popular region in Spain for Belgian and Dutch buyers, and its most expensive and international part is the Costa del Sol (province of Málaga). In September 2026 sellers in Andalusia were asking an average of €2,952 per m², in the province of Málaga €4,317 and in Marbella €5,967 (idealista). For a resale home you pay, everywhere in Andalusia, 7% transfer tax, and for a new build 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty. With notary, land registry and lawyer, count on roughly 9 to 10% in costs for a resale home and 12 to 13% for a new build.
Sun, sea, mountains and a lifestyle that appeals to many Northern Europeans: Andalusia has been the favourite region for buying a home in Spain for years. But Andalusia is big. A village house in Granada or an apartment in Almería is a very different thing from a villa in Marbella. In this article we compare the regions, prices by province in 2026 and what buying will cost you.
You'll find the full step-by-step plan in buying a house in Spain as a foreigner. All taxes and rules are in our tax and law guide.
House prices in Andalusia by province (2026)
| Province | Asking price per m² | Year on year |
|---|---|---|
| Málaga (Costa del Sol) | € 4.317 | +6,6% |
| Cádiz (Costa de la Luz) | € 2.539 | +9,9% |
| Sevilla | € 2.080 | +14,7% |
| Granada (Costa Tropical) | € 1.890 | +13,0% |
| Huelva | € 1.817 | +11,6% |
| Almería | € 1.673 | +14,3% |
| Córdoba | € 1.420 | +9,3% |
| Jaén | € 879 | +3,1% |
| Andalusia average | € 2.952 | +10,0% |
Source: idealista, asking prices September 2026. Actual sale prices are usually slightly lower.
Málaga is by far the most expensive province, and within it the western Costa del Sol stands out. Andalusia and Málaga reached a historic high in September 2026.
The Costa del Sol: where most international buyers look
The Costa del Sol runs from Nerja to Manilva along the coast of the province of Málaga. The western part, with Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona, is the most international and the most expensive. Prices by town in September 2026:
| Municipality | Asking price per m² | Year on year |
|---|---|---|
| Marbella | € 5.967 | +3,2% |
| Benahavís | € 5.602 | +6,5% |
| Estepona | € 5.021 | +17,1% |
| Fuengirola | € 4.452 | +1,1% |
| Torremolinos | € 4.199 | +7,1% |
| Benalmádena | € 4.188 | +5,1% |
| Málaga (city) | € 3.969 | +4,1% |
| Nerja | € 3.964 | +4,4% |
| Mijas | € 3.717 | +8,5% |
| Manilva | € 3.043 | +11,3% |
Source: idealista, September 2026.
Why so many buyers end up here: Málaga airport with direct flights across Europe, around 2,900 hours of sunshine a year, international schools, golf and a wide choice of new builds and resale homes. Torn between the city and the coast? Read Marbella or Málaga and Marbella or Estepona.
The other coasts and the interior
- Costa de la Luz (Cádiz and Huelva): wide sandy beaches on the Atlantic, more wind, a more Spanish character and lower prices. Popular with surfers and anyone looking for peace and quiet.
- Costa Tropical (Granada): smaller resorts such as Almuñécar and Salobreña, with the Sierra Nevada an hour's drive away.
- Costa de Almería: the driest and sunniest part, with the lowest prices on the coast, but further from a major international airport.
- Inland: mountain villages and cities such as Granada, Seville and Córdoba. Plenty of culture and low prices, but hot summers and no sea.
If you want a second home with strong rental potential and an international setting, the western Costa del Sol remains the safest choice. If you're mainly after peace and a low entry price, the other coasts are worth considering.
What does buying a house in Andalusia cost?
Taxes are the same throughout Andalusia, whatever the province:
| Cost | Resale property | New build (first sale) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase tax | 7% transfer tax (ITP) | 10% VAT (IVA) |
| Stamp duty (AJD) | not applicable | 1,2% |
| Notary and Land Registry | together usually 0.5 to 1% | |
| Independent lawyer | usually around 1% of the price | |
| Indicative total | roughly 9 to 10% | roughly 12 to 13% |
Worked example: for a resale apartment of €400,000, count on roughly €36,000 to €40,000 in costs on top of the price. You'll find all the details in the costs of buying. Financing part of it? Read mortgages in Spain and how much of your own money you need.
Six tips for buyers in Andalusia
- Apply for a NIE number first, because you can't sign without one.
- Hire your own independent lawyer, who carries out the legal checks .
- Check the permits, especially in the countryside: Andalusia has the LISTA planning law, and homes on non-buildable land call for extra caution.
- Want to rent it out? Check beforehand whether holiday rentals are allowed in the building and the municipality.
- Factor in the annual costs: IBI, community fees and non-resident tax.
- Visit the area in different seasons. A coastal village feels different in February than in August.
How we help
We have been active on the western Costa del Sol since 2018, in Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona. We speak Dutch, French, English and Spanish and guide you from your first search to the notary, together with an independent lawyer. Tell us what you're looking for, or plan a viewing trip.
Looking for a home on the Costa del Sol? Tell us your budget and wishes and we'll send you a tailored selection, including homes that aren't online.
Tell us what you are looking forSend us a WhatsAppRead also: buying a house in Spain as a foreigner, buying a house by the sea in Spain, is Marbella expensive and our tax and law guide.
This article is part of our guide to tax and law for property in Spain: all the rules for buying, owning, renting out, selling and inheriting in one place, checked every month.
Frequently asked questions
What does a house in Andalusia cost on average?
In September 2026 sellers in Andalusia were asking an average of €2,952 per m² (idealista). Málaga is the most expensive province at €4,317, Jaén the cheapest at €879.
What tax do you pay when buying a house in Andalusia?
For a resale home, 7% transfer tax (ITP). For a new build, 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty (AJD). With notary, registry and lawyer you reach roughly 9 to 10% or 12 to 13%.
Where in Andalusia do international buyers buy most?
On the Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga, especially around Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís, Mijas and Fuengirola, thanks to Málaga airport, the climate and the international range of homes.
Is Andalusia cheaper than the Costa Blanca?
It depends on the location. The western Costa del Sol is among the most expensive coastal areas in Spain, while Almería, Granada and the Costa de la Luz are clearly cheaper.
Can I buy a house in Andalusia as a foreigner?
Yes. You need an NIE number and a Spanish bank account. There are no restrictions for EU buyers.
Sources
- idealista, sales price report for Andalusia and the province of Málaga, September 2026
- Junta de Andalucía, transfer tax and stamp duty rates (Ley 5/2021)
- AEMET, Málaga Airport climate normals 1981-2010 (hours of sunshine)
Written by the Imagine Marbella editorial team. Updated October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice: always have your situation checked by a gestor or lawyer.
