Where to buy Costa Del Sol

I guess you need to let your budget define some of that decision as prices are very different in different areas. By the coast or inland? Inland is nearly always considerably less expensive. But your requirements would seem to suggest that you are veering more to a coastal location. The Costa Del Sol is a lot more expensive generally than Murcia or Almeria. FYI Torremolinos and Duquesa are both in Andalucia. It really does sound as though you are in the very early stages so masses of research is what is needed and feet on the ground in the areas that you fancy to see what it's really like. Somewhere that I love may be hell on earth for you so listen to others opinions but don't take them as gospel. Also remember that your dream may need to be adjusted a little post-Brexit as there are lots of things that we have all taken for granted that we can no longer easily do (extended stays being one of them)

Thanks for your reply Andy.  Yes very early stages.  Just on line browsing at the moment trying to narrow down the search a little prior to coming over when/if normality resumes.

Hi

I know of a lady who helped us find and buy our apartment in Benalmadena/Fuengirola.  She is very helpful & always aware of what will suit you & where you would be happy- rather than just trying to flog you anything for the commission!

Ill pm you with info 

Good luck!

Thanks for the information and the facebook link Julie.  Much appreciated

Hi,

Use the rule that the closer to the coast, the more you will pay. Torremolinos has everything that you want, but remember, it is a holiday destination and gets very busy in summer, but very quiet in winter. It has a great promenade, golf courses, loads of bars and restaurants as well as shops. Andalucia is very popular and the people are generally very nice. Loads of groups and for all ages. I stayed there for 3 months just before the lockdown. Had a great time.

Kevin

Hi Julie , would you pm me also plse as I am also looking in this area. I like la Duquesa area want a quiet area and doing my research, too.

I have been over a few times but I don’t want to be tied into high service charges.

thanks 

Hi Kimsky

You need to visit, stay at an AirBnB and see where you like. Back home, I don't think you would contemplate a move without doing that?

If you want Intend to learn Spanish and would love to be somewhere with ex pats also with many bars and restaurants open all year, dog friendly walking areas, long promenade for cycling or walking, Yoga on the beach, golf, friendly community, then you probably want somewhere on the coast and La Duqesa and San Luis de Sabinillas could work for you. 

We enjoyed an apartment in Duquesa for a few years and now have a house on the beach a couple of miles out of town. For a 2 bedroom apartment you will pay around €150,000 plus IVA and all the legal extras, typically another 10% to 12% and service charge of around €100 plus per month. It was formerly a small fishing village and nowhere near as large and/or busy and/or overdeveloped as Torremollinos. You probably will need a hire car to get there from Malaga Airport, 1 hour plus, and to get around. In fact, Gibraltar Airport is closer, about 40 minutes, but flights are fewer, more expensive and hire cars also are more expensive.  In Torremollinos you could get away with taxis and shanks' pony. 

Closer to Malaga Airport eg Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbellqas prices will be higher. Consider also Estepona which is quite a large town, mostly Spanish but lots of expats.  If you are happy to be a mile or three inland then prices will be lower but expat communities tend to be right on the coast. There are some exceptions, such as Calahonda, almost entirely expat, but set back a little from the coast. 

Good luck!

Best regards

Philip

Thanks for the information Kevin.  Appreciate it.

Thanks for all of the information Philip.  Much appreciated.