{"id":4132,"date":"2026-06-18T12:15:38","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T10:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marbellaforsale.com\/blog\/?p=4132"},"modified":"2026-06-18T12:15:38","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T10:15:38","slug":"spains-rental-market-slows-malaga-remains-popular","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marbellaforsale.com\/blog\/spains-rental-market-slows-malaga-remains-popular\/","title":{"rendered":"Spain\u2019s Rental Market Slows – Malaga Remains Popular"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Costa

Costa del Sol rental demand remains strong<\/p><\/div>\n

The latest rental market figures show that rental price growth across Spain is beginning to moderate, with annual increases slowing to 3% in May 2026<\/strong> \u2013 the lowest rate recorded in almost three years. While this may appear to signal a cooling market, the reality is more nuanced, particularly in M\u00e1laga Province and along the Costa del Sol, where demand continues to outpace supply.<\/p>\n

For anyone considering relocating to southern Spain, purchasing a holiday home or investing in real estate, the latest data highlights why buying property in the Costa del Sol continues to be an attractive long-term option.<\/p>\n

Rental growth is slowing, but prices remain high<\/h3>\n

According to the latest market report, the average rental price across Spain now stands at \u20ac14.76 per square metre per month<\/strong>, representing a year-on-year increase of 3%<\/strong>. While this is the slowest annual rise in over 2 years, rental costs remain historically high and continue to place pressure on tenants.<\/p>\n

The slowdown is largely attributed to affordability limits rather than a significant increase in available housing. In many areas, demand remains exceptionally strong while supply remains constrained, creating a market where prices continue to edge upwards despite the reduced pace of growth.<\/p>\n

M\u00e1laga continues to lead Andaluc\u00eda<\/h3>\n

For those familiar with the Costa del Sol property market, it will come as little surprise that M\u00e1laga Province remains the most expensive place to rent in Andaluc\u00eda.<\/p>\n

Average rental prices now sit at \u20ac16.53 per square metre per month<\/strong>, well above the regional average, while Andaluc\u00eda as a whole recorded an annual rental increase of 6.4%<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The figures reflect the continued popularity of the region among international buyers, remote workers, retirees and lifestyle seekers who are attracted by more than 300 days of sunshine each year, excellent infrastructure and a relaxed Mediterranean way of life.<\/p>\n

Areas such as Marbella<\/a>, Estepona<\/a>, Benahav\u00eds<\/a>, Fuengirola, Mijas Costa, Sotogrande and Benalm\u00e1dena continue to attract buyers from across Europe looking for permanent residences, second homes and investment properties.<\/p>\n

Why many buyers are choosing ownership instead of renting<\/h3>\n

With rental prices remaining elevated across much of southern Spain, an increasing number of residents and international purchasers are deciding that buying offers better long-term value.<\/p>\n

For those planning to spend extended periods on the Costa del Sol, owning a property provides several advantages:<\/p>\n