Short answer: buying a villa with a pool in Spain starts with the right region: on the western Costa del Sol the biggest choice is in Nueva Andalucía, Benahavís, Sierra Blanca, Los Monteros and El Paraíso (Estepona). Before you sign, check that the pool and any extensions are licensed , and besides buying costs of roughly 9 to 10% (resale villa) or 12 to 13% (new build), budget for fixed costs for garden, pool and security. A villa with a pool rents out well, but only where holiday rentals are allowed.
Your own villa with a pool under the Spanish sun: it's the classic dream of many Northern Europeans. On the Costa del Sol the choice is huge, from modern new-build villas with infinity pools to Andalusian villas with large gardens. In this article you'll read where to look, what it costs and what to watch out for.
You'll find the general steps in buying a house in Spain as a foreigner. Prefer something right on the beach? Read buying a house by the sea in Spain.
Where are the most beautiful villas with a pool?
| Neighbourhood | Why |
|---|---|
| Nueva Andalucía | The golf valley behind Puerto Banús, with many villas with pools and views of the sea or golf |
| Benahavís (La Quinta, El Madroñal, La Zagaleta) | Space, peace and gated communities with security, often with panoramic sea views |
| Sierra Blanca | Gated area above Marbella, close to the centre and the Golden Mile |
| Los Monteros | Large villas among the pine trees, close to the beach |
| El Paraíso and New Golden Mile | Family-friendly, golf and beach, slightly lower prices than Marbella |
Average asking prices by town in September 2026 (idealista): Marbella €5,967 per m², Benahavís €5,602, Estepona €5,021. For villas the price per m² is often above the average, depending on views, plot and finish. Take a look at our villas in Marbella, in Benahavís and in Estepona.
New build or resale villa?
| New-build villa | Resale villa | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax | 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty | 7% transfer tax |
| Energy | Modern insulation, heat pump, often underfloor heating | Sometimes needs renovation |
| Plot | Often smaller | Often larger, with a mature garden |
| Guarantees | Statutory building guarantees, bank guarantee on deposits when buying off-plan | Your own check of the condition and the permits |
You can read more about new builds in buying a new build in Marbella.
Five checks for a villa with a pool
- Licences: are the pool, pool house, terraces and any extensions licensed and registered? Have this checked during the legal checks. In Andalusia, an unlicensed structure can often be recognised as AFO after six years, but that limits later renovations.
- Technical condition: have the pump, filter, pipes and watertightness of the pool checked. A leak is expensive.
- Orientation and sun: a south-facing pool gets sun all year round. Ask whether heating is possible if you also want to swim in winter.
- Security: with young children, a fence or alarm is recommended.
- Access and slope: villas in the hills have stunning views, but check the access road and parking.
What does a villa with a pool cost per year?
- IBI (property tax) and waste tax, based on the cadastral value.
- Community fees if the villa is in a gated area with security.
- Pool and garden maintenance: most owners use a regular pool service and gardener. Ask for quotes in advance.
- Energy and water: a pool and a big garden use a lot of water. In dry years, councils can temporarily restrict filling pools.
- Insurance and possibly security.
- Non-resident tax: read tax on a second home in Spain.
Renting it out when you're not there?
A villa with a pool is popular with holidaymakers and families. If you want to rent it out, you must register the villa as a holiday home with the Junta de Andalucía and meet requirements such as air conditioning in summer. Read holiday rental licence in Andalusia and renting out your property in Spain. We also provide rental management for villas in Marbella and Benahavís.
How we help
We show you villas that match your wishes, including homes that aren't online, and we're honest about the annual costs. Together with an independent lawyer, we check permits and paperwork before you sign.
Looking for a villa with a pool on the Costa del Sol? Tell us your budget and wishes and we'll send you a tailored selection.
Tell us what you are looking forSend us a WhatsAppRead also: buying a house by the sea in Spain, buying a house in Andalusia, the costs of buying 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
Where is the best place to buy a villa with a pool on the Costa del Sol?
In Nueva Andalucía, Benahavís (La Quinta, El Madroñal, La Zagaleta), Sierra Blanca, Los Monteros and in Estepona around El Paraíso and the New Golden Mile.
How much does a villa with a pool cost in Marbella?
The average asking price in Marbella was €5,967 per m² in September 2026 (idealista). Villas with a pool are often higher, depending on views, plot and finish.
Does a pool in Spain need a licence?
Yes. When buying, have it checked that the pool and all outbuildings are licensed and match the cadastre and the land registry.
What are the annual costs of a villa with a pool?
IBI and waste tax, any community fees, pool and garden maintenance, energy and water, insurance and, as a non-resident, an annual tax on deemed income.
Can I rent out my villa with a pool?
Yes, if holiday rentals are allowed in the municipality and the area, and if you register the villa as a holiday home with the Junta de Andalucía.
Sources
- idealista, sales price report for the province of Málaga, September 2026
- Junta de Andalucía, Decree 28/2016 and Decree 31/2024 on holiday homes
- Ley 7/2021 (LISTA), planning enforcement in Andalusia
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.
