Costa del Sol Buyer Update: A Steady, Well-Supported Market

British Buyers Holding Their Ground

The latest figures show British buyers purchased 1,876 homes in Spain in the second quarter of 2026, almost identical to the same period in 2025. While the wider foreign buyer market has grown faster, meaning the British share of that market has continued its gentle long-term decline, this is simply a reflection of more nationalities discovering Spain — not a sign that British interest is fading. For anyone from the UK considering a purchase, demand remains solid and well established, giving plenty of company among fellow buyers along the coast.

A Calmer, More Considered Market

Spain's notaries have published their housing figures for the second quarter of 2026, and the picture is a reassuring one: sales have eased back from the exceptionally busy levels seen in 2025, while prices have continued to reach new highs. Rather than a frenetic, competitive scramble, this points to a market that is settling into a steadier rhythm — good news for buyers who prefer time to view properties and make confident, unhurried decisions.

Looking ahead, BBVA Research's forecast for 2026 expects national home sales to fall by 7.3% compared with the exceptional pace of the previous year, while prices are projected to rise by around 12% over the course of 2026, largely due to a shortage of homes for sale rather than any weakening in buyer appetite. For buyers, this simply underlines the value of working with people who know the local market well and can help identify the right property without unnecessary delay.

Better Tools for Understanding the Market

Spain's notaries have also launched a new statistical data portal, giving buyers and advisers a clearer view of national and regional housing trends. It's a welcome step towards greater transparency, even though it doesn't yet show the actual sale prices of individual properties. In practice, this means that good local knowledge — of what similar homes on the Costa del Sol have genuinely sold for — remains just as valuable as ever, and continues to be part of how we guide buyers towards fair, well-informed decisions.

The Value of a Swimming Pool

A lighter note this week: new research from property portal pisos.com looked at how much having a swimming pool adds to a home's value in Spain, finding that the answer varies enormously depending on location. Along the Costa del Sol, where outdoor living and warm summers are part of daily life, a pool is often a natural and desirable feature — one of many small details that can make a real difference to lifestyle, and sometimes to resale appeal too.

A Confident Outlook for Buyers

Taken together, this week's news paints a picture of a market that is steady, increasingly transparent, and still full of opportunity for buyers who take a considered approach. There's no need to rush — with good guidance and clear information, finding the right home on the Costa del Sol remains a straightforward and reassuring process.