Spain is a dream place to live and invest
Agnieszka Marciniak-Kostrzewa, founder of Agnes Inversiones – the largest and oldest Polish real estate agency on the Costa del Sol, talks about the reasons for the boom in houses and apartments in Spain.
Only in the first quarter of 2026, Poles purchased 1,126 properties in Spain – nearly 41%. more than a year earlier. Our compatriots occupy 8th position in the ranking of foreign investors, and in some communes they are already on the podium. What are the chances of this growth continuing?
We must remember that the data reflects an upward trend, but is based on transactions concluded in an earlier period. However, this does not change the fact that, despite the forecasts of declines following the regulations on short-term rentals introduced last year, the results are record-breaking. We are not only talking about the number of transactions – Poles recorded the highest increase in market share among foreign buyers of real estate in Spain, already reaching 4.61%. Forecasts – including the latest “The Wealth Report” – indicate that our compatriots are to be the leading group of property buyers on the Costa del Sol.
We are in 8th place in Spain as a whole, and what does it look like in the regions, including, of course, Andalusia and the Costa del Sol?
In the largest municipalities of the province of Malaga – including Marbella and Fuengirola – Poles have already advanced to the top five among foreign buyers. In some – such as Mijas, Estepona or Manilva – they are on the podium, taking 3rd place. At the same time, over the last 10 years, Polish buyers have tripled their share in the real estate market in Spain. In absolute numbers, this means thousands of houses, villas and apartments – over 16.7 thousand. in the last 5 years.
Poles are therefore buying more and more properties in Spain. At what prices?
The amount for which you can buy, for example, an 80-meter apartment on the Costa del Sol with a sea view starts from PLN 350,000. euro. In the case of houses, it ranges from one million euros upwards. Poles most often purchase real estate in the range of PLN 500,000. up to EUR 2.5 million, although there is basically no upper limit. The most expensive properties in which we had the pleasure of intermediating last year were worth between EUR 6 and 13 million.
However, the key decision is: primary or secondary market? New properties from developers have a number of amenities and are ready to move in, because in Spain the so-called developer status means fully finished. At the same time, these are often “planned” purchases, which means waiting time for collection, e.g. 1-2 years. In turn, the secondary market consists of existing houses and apartments – often in better locations, but which may require renovation or modernization.
What does the process of purchasing real estate in Spain look like and what should you pay attention to before the transaction?
First of all, it is worth having a proven agent and professional legal services, so that the client can feel calm and safe at every stage of the transaction. We provide full support throughout the entire real estate purchase process, which is particularly important because many formalities are carried out remotely and are based on the regulations in force in Spain.
In short – on the primary market, the process begins with reserving a property and paying a specific reservation amount. Then, a development agreement is concluded, after which the client makes payments in tranches – usually up to about 50%. real estate values. The remaining amount is paid when signing the notarial deed. In turn, on the secondary market, we also start by reserving a property, usually paying from about PLN 6,000 to PLN 10,000. euro – depending on the value of the property. We then conduct a detailed verification of its legal status, after which a preliminary agreement is signed and a 10% deposit is paid. real estate values. The remaining amount is settled on the day of concluding the notarial deed.
Obtaining a loan for the purchase of real estate in Spain – 50-60 percent. its values – is really simple, and its conditions – attractive. The interest rate is 3%, and formally it is enough to submit the last two PIT declarations and provide information from BIK.
We hear more and more often that Spain is a safe haven for Poles. What exactly does this involve?
Poles’ preferences and motivations for purchasing real estate on the Costa del Sol and in Spain in general are increasingly related to the search for a safe haven. This is related to the war in Ukraine, as recently pointed out by “El Economista”, and in the era of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, it will probably be even more visible in the coming quarters.
What other criteria are crucial for Polish buyers of real estate on the Costa del Sol?
Interestingly, and what our compatriots emphasize, the cost of living in Spain is not higher than in Poland, and in addition there is a Mediterranean diet and a quiet, Spanish lifestyle. Of course, over 320 sunny days a year are crucial, and on the Costa del Sol we simply have a unique microclimate – thanks to the location between the sea and the mountains. We are also observing an increasingly visible trend in the form of the so-called climate pricing, i.e. higher expectations of buyers regarding buildings – energy-efficient and well-designed for climatic comfort.
And golf? The Costa del Sol has perfect conditions for practicing it.
This is undoubtedly another argument, also related to the real estate market and the search for the best location – in the vicinity of golf courses. Hence the nickname “Costa del Golf”, which we try to strengthen with our activities. This year, we celebrated Constitution Day for the third time – organizing the Agnes Inversiones Invitational golf tournament. Of course, in white and red colors, just like last year’s Independence Tournament for the Cup of the President of the Polish Business Roundtable. As Agnes Inversiones, we are also involved in the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Finale, which we organized again on the Costa del Sol this year. Over 1,000 participants – Polish and Spanish communities – once again showed their big hearts.
Agnes Inversiones – the largest, oldest and most recognizable Polish real estate agency on the Costa del Sol, which was the first to join Leading Property Agents of Spain – an association of real estate agencies in Spain with many years of experience on the local market and adhering to the strict code of ethics – accompanying this profession.
Agnieszka Marciniak-Kostrzewa – expert and long-time advisor in the field of selection, purchase and management of luxury properties in Spain. She is the founder and managing director of the Agnes Inversiones real estate agency, which in the last two years alone has brokered the sale of almost 120 properties with a total value of approximately EUR 150 million. He actively supports the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity on the Costa del Sol, as well as the “Hola Polacos” magazine published in Polish.
