Buying a property is an investment that can have various purposes – from the purchase of a house or flat to live in permanently or just for holidays – to an investment of capital. Today, Spain is a destination that is increasingly attracting Poles. It was investing in real estate on the Iberian Peninsula that was the subject of a video conference organised by iWealth with Agnieszka Marciniak-Kostrzewa.
What attracts Poles to the Sunshine Coast?
The Costa del Sol is a unique place on the map of Spain, dubbed the Miami of Europe for its climate and more than 320 days of sunshine a year. The heart of the sunshine coast is Marbella, a truly cosmopolitan city. There is no one nation that dominates here, making everyone feel comfortable. The city is fantastically located – also as a base for sightseeing – two hours from Seville or Granada.
More exceptional destinations are also within easy reach – you can travel to Africa and Morocco, to Cordoba and, in two and a half hours, skiing in the Sierra Nevada. Malaga Airport is very well connected to major cities in Europe. WizzAir and Ryanair fly regularly from Poland, and from mid-January 2026 LOT will launch a fixed route between Warsaw and Malaga.
Marbella has fantastic infrastructure, communications or gastronomy. It is also appreciated for its large selection of international schools and its high level of medical care – including many private hospitals, created for premium clients. This is very important from the perspective of older buyers, but also for families with children or grandparents.
Another argument is the fast train to Madrid – getting there in less than three hours. This is important for those who want to live on the Costa del Sol and at the same time be close to a big city where there is always something going on and famous for its unique museums.
However, the decisive factor is the microclimate, due to Marbella’s location – the mountains protect you from sudden changes in the weather, and provide friendlier weather conditions than in other regions of Spain. Thanks to the lower humidity, you can enjoy slightly lower temperatures in Marbella in summer and higher temperatures in winter.
The Costa del Sol is known as the Costa del Golf. For anyone who loves the game, it is an absolute dream destination in Europe. Interestingly, the real estate sector is benefiting from the growing popularity of golf. Many luxury villas and flats are being built close to golf courses – attracting investors and new residents – who value access to high-end facilities, of which there is no shortage on the Costa del Sol and in Andalusia.
Flat or house on the Costa del Sol: where to start?
The purchase of a property begins with an interview, during which the client’s preferences – in terms of lifestyle, needs or expected location – are established. A list of tailor-made offers is then prepared and presented before arriving on site. The visit usually lasts several days, during which the client gets to know the different locations and properties. At each stage of the selection of a particular house or flat, the buyer receives full support, including assistance in obtaining a loan or choosing legal services and after-sales services.
Data from Agnes Inversiones shows that the majority of developments are now primary market flats (around 70%) of around 100 m², with 2-3 bedrooms and large terraces, often on protected estates, with parking, close to international schools. Flats are preferred for their convenience and lack of need to care for a garden or swimming pool. Villas, especially on the secondary market, are popular with clients looking for originality and an Andalusian flair.
Interestingly, some buyers – especially those already living longer on the Costa del Sol – are swapping flats for villas and larger properties. An alternative to a house can be a penthouse, providing more privacy and having a larger terrace with stunning views of the sea, the African coast or Gibraltar, which can be enjoyed at sunset.
See also:
Marbella the pearl of the luxury real estate market in Spain
The Iberian property market is not slowing down
A premium lifestyle on the Costa del Sol within reach of the middle class [Interview]
How much does property cost in Spain?
Property on the Costa del Sol can be bought for as little as €350,000 – obviously smaller and further away from the sea. The typical price range for flats is between €450,000 and €4 million, and villas are mainly purchases in the €1.5-5 million price range. Clients are particularly focused on the Marbella and Malaga area, the premium market. This means properties in very good locations and necessarily with a sea view, which make an attractive investment.
In the case of new development projects, the purchase of flats is made as soon as the development hits the market. Even before planning permission is granted, bookings are already being made. One such location is Benalmádena, where most developments have sea views, with the added advantage of being able to take the overground train to Malaga or the airport – without having to hire a car. Prices for flats in this area range from €450,000 to €2.5 million.
Exceptional flats with sea views can also be found in Elviria, but due to the proximity to Marbella and its exceptional beaches – including the Bahía de Marbella area – property prices are higher – in the €550,000 to €3 million range. Similarly, in Málaga, where flats are on offer that are literally one minute from the beach and close to the Old Town, and where a new yacht harbour and a sports facility with several tennis courts under the patronage of Rafael Nadal will be built nearby. Prices for such flats range from €900,000 to €5 million.
It is worth remembering that on the primary market there is a 10% VAT plus 1.2% tax on civil law transactions (ADJ), while on the secondary market the tax (on the transfer of ownership – ITP) is 7%. Lawyer’s costs are approximately 1% of the transaction value (+21% VAT). Mortgages in Spain are the cheapest in Europe, with interest rates of 2.8% in the first year and 2.25% (EURIBOR) +1.2% from the second year onwards. Financing can be obtained for 50-60% of the value of the property, with the possibility of early repayment.
Benefit from over 18 years of experience
In 2024, Poles made a record number of property purchases in Spain. It was 4,213 to be exact, and in just over four years (from the beginning of 2021), the number of houses and flats purchased by our compatriots on the Iberian Peninsula reached as many as 12,447. This illustrates the huge transformation that this market has undergone over the last two decades.
Agnieszka Marciniak-Kostrzewa, who has lived in Spain for 30 years, simply fell in love with Marbella – a cosmopolitan place with beautiful weather and excellent infrastructure. More than 18 years ago she founded Agnes Inversiones, which today is the oldest, largest and most recognisable Polish real estate office on the Costa del Sol. It is made up of a team of 10 people and its clients are mainly Polish.
Agnes Inversiones is the first Polish agency in the Leading Property Agents of Spain (LPA). This is an association that brings together real estate agencies in Spain that have many years of experience in the local market and adhere to a strict code of ethics. Members of the LPA have a high work ethos, an excellent reputation and provide the highest quality of service to clients interested in buying property in Spain.
The office is very active in supporting the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity and also works charitably to build sports centres in Uganda. Meanwhile, on Constitution Day, 3 May, it organises the Agnes Inversiones Invitational golf tournament, during which Polish red and white attire is mandatory.
