Spain’s property market remains resilient
After five years of exceptional activity, Spain’s residential property market is beginning to show signs of a gradual return to more sustainable levels. The latest figures released by the National Statistics Institute (INE) reveal that while the pace of property sales is moderating, buyer demand remains remarkably resilient.
In May 2026, 56,462 residential property transactions were completed across Spain. This represents a 6% increase compared with April, but a 7.3% decrease year-on-year. While that annual decline may initially appear significant, it comes after several years of record-breaking activity and still represents one of the strongest May figures recorded in recent history.
For buyers considering the Costa del Sol, these figures should be viewed as a sign of a maturing market rather than a weakening one.
A healthier pace after record-breaking years
Spain’s property market has enjoyed an extraordinary period of growth since 2021, driven by renewed international demand, favourable mortgage conditions and changing lifestyle priorities.
Rather than signalling a downturn, the latest figures suggest the market is entering a more balanced phase. Activity remains well above long-term averages, but the intense pace seen throughout 2025 is naturally beginning to ease.
According to Fotocasa, strong buyer demand continues to be supported by favourable financing conditions and an ongoing need for quality housing, even as transaction levels gradually normalise.
The Costa del Sol continues to attract buyers
The Costa del Sol remains one of Spain’s most desirable locations for both domestic and international purchasers.
Destinations such as Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís, Fuengirola, Mijas Costa, Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara, Casares and Sotogrande continue to attract buyers looking for a permanent residence, holiday home or investment property.
The region’s appeal extends far beyond the housing market itself. A warm climate, excellent transport connections, international schools, world-class golf courses, marinas and an exceptional quality of life continue to attract buyers from across Europe and beyond.
For many purchasers, the decision to buy is driven as much by lifestyle as by market performance.
New-build homes remain highly sought after
One of the most interesting findings from the latest report is the continued popularity of newly built homes.
In May, 11,888 new-build properties were sold, accounting for 21.1% of all residential transactions. Buyers continue to favour new developments because they offer the features modern homeowners value most, including energy efficiency, open-plan layouts, generous outdoor spaces and high-quality construction.
Across the Costa del Sol, this trend is reflected in the growing demand for contemporary developments in areas including Estepona, Fuengirola, Mijas, Casares and Manilva, where buyers can enjoy modern homes designed for Mediterranean living.
Demand continues to exceed supply
Although the pace of transactions is becoming more measured, one challenge remains unchanged: there are still not enough quality homes available to satisfy demand.
This ongoing imbalance continues to support property values across many of Spain’s most desirable regions, particularly in Málaga Province, where both domestic and overseas buyers remain highly active.
For prospective buyers, this means well-priced properties in sought-after locations continue to attract considerable interest, even as the overall market becomes more stable.
Confidence remains high
Another encouraging sign is that buyers continue to show confidence in the long-term outlook for the Spanish property market.
Improving mortgage conditions over the past two years have helped many purchasers enter the market, while lifestyle changes, remote working opportunities and international mobility continue to support demand for homes in coastal locations.
The Costa del Sol remains particularly well positioned thanks to its diverse buyer base, attracting families, retirees, digital professionals, second-home owners and investors throughout the year.
The latest transaction figures indicate that Spain’s property market is entering a period of healthy normalisation rather than experiencing a slowdown in demand.
With 56,462 property sales recorded in May, activity remains historically high despite a 7.3% annual decline, reflecting a market adjusting after several years of exceptional performance. Meanwhile, demand for quality homes and new developments continues to underpin confidence across Spain’s most desirable regions.
For buyers considering the Costa del Sol, the fundamentals remain unchanged. Strong international demand, an enviable Mediterranean lifestyle and a limited supply of quality homes continue to make the region one of Europe’s most attractive places to buy property, whether for permanent living, investment or a second home.
