Where in Your Opinion is the Best Place to buy Property : Benalmadena vs Fuengirola vs Torreblanca

Hi everyone,

I'm writing from Australia. My partner and I are seriously thinking of relocating to the Costa De Sol. We are looking to buy a property - first as an investment (rent out as holiday rental) and then eventually to live in when we finally decide to make the big move.

We have narrowed it down to a few areas - Fuengirola centre (Lopez Pueblo maybe), "Lower" Torreblanca (not too far up the hill), Benalmadena  (especially the pueblo area) and Los Boliches.

What is important to us is a village atmosphere, walking distance  to the beach (up to about 800m away) and close to shops but not too close to the middle of a tourist area or right next door to large developments. We would rather have a stand alone house/villa in a residential neighbourhood.

Any suggestions or preference in areas (pros and cons) would be much appreciated!

Also for our budget which is up to 550 000 euros, I see the same houses for sale on the internet (they don't seem to sell too quickly) but new listings seem to be rare. Are we being unrealistic in price, or are there slow periods for villa sales in these areas?

Are there any particular real estate agents/ websites which offer listings not found on the regular sites?