A safe haven on the Costa del Sol

What properties are Poles looking for today and what has changed in their approach to Spain?

From the perspective of over 18 years of presence of our Agnes Inversiones office on the market, we can say that basically everything has changed. The real breakthrough was the boom in remote work after the pandemic. Poles started by renting properties in Spain and then decided to buy them. Today, the Costa del Sol is a leading location chosen by Polish buyers – investors, but also people who plan to live in Spain permanently.

Our data shows that the majority of investments (approx. 70%) are currently primary market apartments with an area of ​​approx. 100 sq m, with 2-3 bedrooms and large terraces, often in protected housing estates, with parking lots, close to international schools. They are preferred because of their convenience and the lack of having to take care of the garden or swimming pool. Villas, especially on the secondary market, are popular among customers looking for an Andalusian atmosphere.

There is no shortage of properties on the market worth several million euros. At what price level do offers on the Costa del Sol, i.e. the Sunshine Coast, start?

We observe that not only the number of transactions is growing, but also their value. In the case of apartments, it oscillates between PLN 400,000. and EUR 1.5 million, and luxury villas range in price from EUR 2 to EUR 6 million, although there are also much higher offers.

Interestingly, in addition to apartments and houses, more and more customers come to us looking for service premises. This applies to both purchase and rental. This applies not only to Poles’ willingness to run a business on the Costa del Sol, but also to ensure passive income. Our compatriots who have decided to live here permanently invest in this way: buying premises, finishing them, and then renting them.

In fact, every quarter we read about new records set by our compatriots in Spain. Will this trend ever stop?

Such a moment will certainly come, but it is worth remembering the specificity of the Spanish real estate market, where real estate changes hands much more often than in Poland. We observe, for example, that some buyers – especially those who have been living on the Costa del Sol for a long time – exchange apartments for villas and larger estates.

An alternative to the house may be a penthouse, which provides more privacy and has a larger terrace with a beautiful view of the sea, the African coast or Gibraltar, which can be admired at sunset.

Taking into account the availability of financing, the lowest mortgage interest rates in Europe and the impact of inflation, it is difficult to expect prices to drop.

How important is the issue of security when investing in Spain? Are more and more Poles really moving there permanently?

In the current reality, the search for a safe haven is becoming an increasingly important reason for moving to Spain. The Costa del Sol is one of the places on the continent furthest from the war in Ukraine, as it is separated by almost 4,000 kilometers by land. km. For this reason, the choice of Spain is also part of the geographical diversification of the property. Costa del Sol is simply a great place to live, characterized by developed health care, education and all infrastructure. The Spanish lifestyle, quieter than in many European countries, is also a magnet for property buyers here. In addition, there is a healthy Mediterranean diet. Above all, the Costa del Sol attracts with its fantastic climate.

It is also impossible not to mention the convenient and constantly developed air connections between Polish cities and the airport in Malaga. From January 2026, LOT will launch new connections from Chopin Airport – four times a week.

Real estate prices in Poland are growing the fastest in Europe. Is this also felt in Spain?

In Spain, not only is life slower, but property prices are also much more stable. According to Eurostat, in 2024 they increased by 8.5 percent, while in Poland – by nearly 15 percent. This is confirmed by the latest data from Deloitte, indicating the highest increase in real estate prices in Poland last year, this time as much as 19.3%. In Spain it was 8.8 percent. Of course, we can consider price increases in two ways – on the one hand, as an indicator of the increasing value of real estate and as a confirmation of the stability of the economy. In Spain, its high rates are associated with, among others, with tourism and the real estate market. CaixaBank emphasized that it is in an expansion phase that will last at least until 2026.

Further data indicate that the Spanish economy is one of the most stable and at the same time the most dynamically growing in the European Union. Recently, S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Ratings and Fitch Ratings raised its ratings to the highest levels in over a decade.

Speaking of finances, can the costs of living in Spain be compared to Poland at all?

Paradoxically, in many areas they are lower. For example, international schools are cheaper here than in Poland. The climate also makes a big difference, as illustrated by the lack of heating costs, the need to buy typical winter clothes or winter tires for the car. Instead, we have the sun that shines almost all year round, which makes a huge difference. The climate is also conducive to practicing many sports disciplines – especially golf, of course – outdoors all year round. For families with children and active people, this is often of decisive importance.

Finally, let’s talk about the Polish community on the Costa del Sol. Can we already say that this is our enclave in Spain?

Marbella, the real pearl in the crown of the Costa del Sol, is a cosmopolitan place where everyone will feel good. Many nations contribute to this, including, of course, Poles. Polish companies are developing, including in the service sector, such as Klinika Ambroziak or La Barra bakery, as well as Polish shops and restaurants. As Agnes Inversiones, we organize the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Finale on the Costa del Sol every year, during which the Polish community shows its big hearts. This year the event attracted over a thousand participants, and we are already thinking about the next edition.

On May 3, we organized the Agnes Inversiones Invitational golf tournament in white and red colors, which took place at the prestigious Santa Clara Golf Club in Marbella. This sport also attracts our compatriots to the Costa del Sol – there are more and more players from Poland, local tournaments and golf camps.