Fuengirola’s popularity is no secret- this once-sleepy seaside community has grown into one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular destinations.
The city has been my home for a few years now, and I’ve seen quite the evolution of the property market. It not only attracts a large expat community, mostly from Nordic countries, but in the summer people from abroad and inland flock to the coastline to enjoy Fuengirola’s beautiful beaches.
The summer holiday rental market in Fuengirola is extremely popular, and the demand for these properties has been contributing to the rising prices of real estate in the city.
Fuengirola is also home to generations of long-time residents, as well as property owners from other parts of Spain. The property market in the area is busy, with available listings spanning Fuengirola’s seven major districts.
This article will give you a brief overview of what the market looks like and also recommend some local real estate agencies, should you wish to look for a property in the city.
Fuengirola Property Market
Fuengirola’s property market offers diverse price ranges and types of homes.
In my personal opinion, most of these properties have inflated price tags to attract a certain type of buyer. The majority of the properties in Fuengirola are intended to be summer residences, holiday lets, or second homes, so a selection of bigger standard-family homes or flats is very limited.
What you will find mostly available are two or three-bedroom apartments, in a central location or closer to the sea, in pretty bad shape and in need of renovation. Oftentimes, the price of course does not reflect this and you pay the absolute premium for even a glance of the sea from the windows.
Many of the apartment buildings are very old, and not in great shape, and many apartments have issues with insulation and mold in the winter months.
New construction is limited to the outskirts of Fuengirola, especially around Sohail Castle and beyond the Carvajal district. These places are mostly gated communities with apartments or villas built as summer residences.
The region that envelops Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Benalmadena is quite popular thanks to its proximity to Malaga, and international airport, and of course, the Mediterranean.
You will find much better value for money in the property market if you look beyond the borders of Fuengirola.
Challenges with Properties in Fuengirola
Here are some common issues you might face when looking for a property in Fuengirola:
- limited availability of bigger apartments or houses with garden
- low quality of properties and old buildings
- premium prices for even old and neglected properties
- luxury apartments often located on the outskirts of the city
- most properties available are suitable as second home or summer rentals
- a lot of local agents don’t speak much English, only those at bigger agencies
- high demand for properties which continuously drives the prices up
As I’m not a real estate agent, I won’t go into details for all of these, but I have added contacts of some local places you can ask for specific advice.
Here are some benefits of securing a property in Fuengirola:
- very busy summer rental market, so potentially a great income source
- Fuengirola is great also as a winter destination, so long-term rentals are still in demand
- winter rentals are especially popular with the Finnish community
- generally securing a property in Fuengirola is considered a good investment
Fuengirola Real Estate Agencies
Fuengirola has lots of small and bigger real estate agencies offering a range of property options. Most of the smaller ones are hard to find online and you have the best chance of checking their offering in person in the offices.
Here are some of the best options available.
Engel & Völkers, Avda. Ramón y Cajal 17, Fuengirola, tel. +34 951 23 43 71, email: use contact form here
Sunloma Estates (I have personal experience with them, they are great – a Finnish company). Contact: Calle Torrox 1, local 2, Fuengirola – tel. (+34) 626 760 494, email: info@sunloma.es
Rosh Real Estate, Avda. Ramón y Cajal, nº 14, Office C, tel. (+34) 952 476 200, email: info@roshrealestate.com
Fastighetsbyrån, Calle España 13, Fuengirola – tel. +34 – 951 743 910, email: fuengirola@fastighetsbyran.com
Fuengirola Estates, Calle Miguel de Cervantes 17, Fuengirola, tel. +34 951 351 263, email: info@FuengirolaEstates.com
When it comes to buying property abroad, you’ll want to make sure you are working with an agency you trust. Things like Spanish tax laws and property details are best explained in your native language, so be sure to look for an agency that has experience partnering with international buyers.
Consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Torremolinos as well. No matter where you choose to invest, you’re guaranteed to feel at home on the Costa del Sol.
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