Where to buy in southern Spain to over-winter

I would rent and stay for a few month and research the market and where you really want to be, you need to ask yourself all sorts of question, for example, do you want to drive or need public transport?. Do you want to be close to facilities like healthcare and shops, do you speak Spanish. 

Remember Spain has over 2 million empty homes, many bargains, but ideal places near the sea in a good area can be expensive.

Nearly all properties available here on the site Ideallista spend a few hours studying,looks at maps an pictures do a lot of research.

Property for sale, South of Spain, Spain: 108,107 houses and flats  https://www.idealista.com/en/geo/venta-viviendas/south-of-spain/

Renting first a very good idea. Remember British Citizens can only stay up to 90 days in any 180 day period in the Schengen area (e.g. Spain & most of the rest of Europe Schengen

Thank you David and Andrew for your replies. And yes you are right, there is a lot to consider when buying a property like public transport, or if we are bringing a car etc. this we are not entirely sure of just yet. It is good to know that there are still bargains regarding property, but is there any particular area that you think would be good to look for a bargain property, reasonably private within walking distance to the sea. Our budget would be under £100,000 pound sterling. We are in our 60,s semi retired and have Irish passports so hopefully can stay for longer than 90 days? Many thanks, May

Hi Maisie, you’ll find east of Malaga to be better value than the west side, less built up too. We paid just over £100k for our large village house, but it’s a couple of miles from the coast & prices increase the closer to the sea you are.  Here’s a link to an estate agent that usually has reasonable selection, to give you ideas Torre del Mar Estate Agent

The Irish passport makes you an EU citizen, so no problem staying for the winter. For your budget do a search all the properties in your price range  https://www.idealista.com/en/geo/venta-viviendas/south-of-spain/con-precio-hasta_100000,precio-desde_80000/pagina-3?ordenado-por=precios-asc

On average they will come down 10% even more in some cases, you need to allow at least 10% on top for taxes and costs, once you have found some interesting places, do some local research on line and perhaps ask some people on the Forum. some people here might know the location.  Good luck 

Thank you very much once again, all your comments are very valuable!

Hi all. I’m new to forum and like a lot of people we’re starting to consider escaping to a warmer climate in the winter months. Currently looking to rent in Fuengirola area for 3 months (October to December 2023) as a trial run. Would anyone have any advice about how to find a rental property? I genuinely don’t know where to start 🫤.  

Check out Idealista, an on-line estate agent. You can register your profile, preferred area etc. 

We have chosen Velez-Malaga as the area that combines better value property and proximity to Malaga city. You can buy even cheaper around Almeria - about 100km further east. 

It's horses for courses!

Hi. After much deliberation we bought in Velez- Malaga two years ago and are supremely happy with our choice. Idealista will give you some  guidance as to what’s available and average pricing but it can be hard to get a response from some sellers/ agents even if you use WhatsApp and make your request in Spanish. Two agents we viewed properties with and found helpful and reliable are Essential Properties and Buy a Home in Spain. Both have English staff/owners and are based in Torre del Mar. Torre del Mar would be another town that has value for money properties commanding more money as it is on the coast. You might consider spending a few months in both over the winter to see how it works for you. Public transport between the two is excellent as is the public transport to Malaga.