Short answer: the Estepona property market is growing faster than Marbella's in 2026. According to idealista, the average asking price in September 2026 was 5,021 euros per m², a record and 17.1% more than a year earlier. Marbella stands at 5,967 euros per m² (+3.2%), Benahavís at 5,602 euros (+6.5%). Average rent in Estepona is 21.1 euros per m² per month (+6.2%). Estepona is still around 16% cheaper per m² than Marbella, but the gap is closing fast.
Estepona was long Marbella's quiet little sibling. Not any more. The renovated centre with its flower-lined streets, the long promenade, the new developments along the New Golden Mile and prices still below Marbella's are attracting more and more buyers from across Europe. The figures confirm it.
In this article we set out the latest figures, with sources and dates, and what they mean if you want to buy or sell. We use asking prices from idealista, Spain's largest property portal. These are asking prices, not sale prices: actual transaction prices are often somewhat lower.
Prices in Estepona: the 2026 figures
The average asking price per m² in Estepona, month by month (source: idealista):
| Month | Price per m² (euros) | Month on month | Year on year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 5.021 | +1,2% | +17,1% |
| Aug 2026 | 4.961 | +1,2% | +17,4% |
| Jul 2026 | 4.902 | +1,5% | +17,0% |
| Jun 2026 | 4.828 | +2,1% | +16,9% |
| May 2026 | 4.727 | +1,7% | +15,9% |
| Apr 2026 | 4.649 | +1,6% | +15,2% |
| Mar 2026 | 4.574 | +1,0% | +13,8% |
| Feb 2026 | 4.530 | 0,0% | +13,8% |
| Jan 2026 | 4.530 | -0,3% | +14,1% |
| Dec 2025 | 4.542 | +3,0% | +15,1% |
| Nov 2025 | 4.408 | +1,5% | +11,8% |
| Oct 2025 | 4.342 | +1,2% | +9,8% |
Since October 2025 the average asking price has risen from 4,342 to 5,021 euros per m². September 2026 is the highest level ever in idealista's series. Other portals show similar levels: fotocasa estimated about 5,143 euros per m² in July 2026.
Estepona compared with Marbella, Benahavís and Málaga
| Municipality | Sale per m² (Sep 2026) | Year on year | Rent per m² per month (Sep 2026) | Year on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estepona | 5.021 | +17,1% | 21,1 | +6,2% |
| Marbella | 5.967 | +3,2% | 23,6 | +8,7% |
| Benahavís | 5.602 | +6,5% | 21,2 | -4,0% |
| Málaga (city) | 3.969 | +4,1% | 16,5 | +3,9% |
Two things stand out. Estepona is growing much faster than Marbella, and the gap per m² is now only about 16%. A year earlier, calculated back from the same figures, it was still about 26%. Want to compare Estepona and Marbella on atmosphere, beaches and schools? Then read Marbella or Estepona.
What does the rent say about yield?
A quick calculation with idealista's averages: 21.1 euros per m² per month is about 253 euros per m² per year. On an asking price of 5,021 euros per m² that's a gross rental yield of about 5% for long-term letting. That's a rough indication based on asking prices, excluding costs, taxes and vacancy. Holiday lets have different figures and rules. Read renting out your property in Spain and the new rules in new property rules in 2026.
Why Estepona is growing so fast
- More residents. According to the INE, Estepona had 79,621 residents in 2025, 13.4% more than in 2020. Municipal figures show about 22,800 foreign residents in 2025.
- A renewed centre and a long promenade, which make the town a place to live all year round, not just for holidays.
- New builds. Estepona has the largest supply of new builds in the Golden Triangle. Read new builds in Estepona.
- The New Golden Mile between San Pedro and Estepona, with golf, beaches and schools. Read the New Golden Mile.
- Remote workers and families who want to live there all year, with international schools nearby.
What does this mean for buyers?
- Don't wait for a fall that isn't coming, but don't panic-buy either. Growth over the past twelve months has been exceptionally strong. Look at the price per m² of comparable homes in the same area, not the town average.
- Negotiate based on facts. Asking prices aren't sale prices.
- Factor in all the costs. On top of the price comes about 8.5% for resale and 12.7% for new builds. Read how much of your own money you need.
- Check the letting options in advance if you want to let.
What does this mean for sellers?
A rising market is a good time to sell, but only at the right price. An overpriced property sits on the market, even when it's growing. Have the value set on recent sales in your area, and work out your net proceeds, including tax and plusvalía. Read selling your property in Estepona and all the costs of selling.
How we help
We're in Estepona, Marbella and Benahavís every day and know prices by area and by complex. If you want to buy, we help find the right home at the right price. If you want to sell, we value it for free. We speak English, Dutch, French and Spanish. Get in touch or send us a WhatsApp message. No strings attached.
Want to know what your Estepona property is worth, or what you can buy with your budget? We're happy to help. No obligation.
Free valuationSend us a WhatsAppRead also: living in Estepona,, new builds in Estepona and the Marbella property market in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What does a property in Estepona cost in 2026?
According to idealista, the average asking price in September 2026 was 5,021 euros per m². So a 100 m² apartment costs around 500,000 euros on average, but prices vary greatly by area.
Are house prices in Estepona still rising?
Yes. In September 2026 the average asking price was 17.1% higher than a year earlier, the highest level ever in idealista's series.
Is Estepona cheaper than Marbella?
Yes, but the gap is narrowing. In September 2026 a m² in Estepona cost 5,021 euros on average, compared with 5,967 euros in Marbella, about 16% less.
What is the rent in Estepona?
On average 21.1 euros per m² per month in September 2026, 6.2% more than a year earlier.
What is the rental yield in Estepona?
Based on average asking prices and rents, about 5% gross for long-term letting. That's a rough indication excluding costs, taxes and vacancy.
How many residents does Estepona have?
According to the INE, 79,621 in 2025, 13.4% more than in 2020.
Sources
- idealista, Evolución del precio de la vivienda en venta en Estepona and Málaga provincia (September 2026)
- idealista, Evolución del precio de la vivienda en alquiler en Málaga provincia (September 2026)
- INE via Hogarfax, Estepona: 79.621 habitantes (2025)
- La Noción, ¿Por qué cada vez más extranjeros eligen vivir en Estepona? (22 July 2026)
Written by the Imagine Marbella editorial team. Updated October 2026. Prices are average asking prices, not a valuation: always have the value of a specific property assessed separately.
