Málaga is one of southern Spain’s most appealing places to live, known for its sunshine, beaches, and lively mix of culture and modern life. It’s easy to see why so many people choose to make the Costa del Sol their home.
In fact. Costa del Sol welcomed 14.4 million tourists last year, so it is a top holiday spot indeed!
Before you start house-hunting, it’s important to understand how the Spanish property market works. The process differs from other countries, and knowing the legal steps early can save time, stress, and extra costs.
Once the paperwork is handled, the fun begins – creating a home that feels truly Andalusian. Think terracotta tiles, whitewashed walls, and open spaces that make the most of the Mediterranean light.
In this article, we’ve partnered up with Tejada Solicitors – real estate lawyers in Málaga – to walk you through everything you need to know: what life in Málaga is really like, your legal checklist for buying property in Spain, and how to decorate your new place in true Costa del Sol style.
Life in Malaga
Malaga is a vibrant city and a top summer destination. Of course, there are some pros and cons to take into account. If you are considering buying a house in Malaga, chances are you’ve visited the place at least once and already have an idea on what some of these might be.
Sunshine, sea… and real life
Perched on the Costa del Sol, Málaga blends sun-drenched beaches with a lived-in Andalusian city vibe. It’s not just a summer postcard: expect a workaday rhythm the rest of the year, with locals (affectionately nicknamed boquerones – anchovies) heading to the market, kids in plazas, and tapas bars that aren’t just for tourists.
A quick “Costa del Sol” decoder
People often use Málaga and Costa del Sol interchangeably. Málaga is both the capital city of the province and very much part of the Costa del Sol – which grew from fishing villages into Europe’s sun-seekers’ playground thanks to its mild climate and easy access.
Culture everywhere (and often free)
From Moorish fortresses (La Alcazaba, Gibralfaro) to contemporary spaces and street art in Soho, culture is hard to miss. Many museums – Picasso Museum, the Centre for Contemporary Art, and more – offer free entry windows (often Sundays), and the city’s markets (hello, Atarazanas) double as cultural crash-courses with great produce.
Picasso’s hometown credentials
Yes, Picasso was born here. You can trace his early years at Casa Natal on Plaza de la Merced, then see major works at the Picasso Museum. It’s a neat way to connect Málaga’s historic core with its modern creative energy.
Festivals you’ll talk about for years
Two standouts shape the calendar:
Feria de Málaga (August): a week of daytime dancing in Calle Larios, flamenco finery, horses, food stalls, and late-night concerts at the fairgrounds.
Semana Santa (Holy Week): processions that mix tradition, music, and staggering floats – deeply local, intensely atmospheric.
Coffee comes with a dictionary
Ordering a coffee is practically a language lesson. Beyond café solo and café con leche, Málaga has its own scale – from “sombra” (mostly milk) to “cortado” and “nube” – each name reflecting the coffee-to-milk ratio. You’ll sound like a local in a week.
Eat like a Malagueño
Seafood leads the way: espetos (sardines grilled over beach coals), boquerones, and the classic fritura malagueña. Inland you’ll find chilled staples like ajoblanco and porra antequerana. Pull up a table at a chiringuito on La Malagueta or La Caleta and plan to linger.
When to come (or move)
Summer is the high season – lively, hot (think 32–38ºC), and crowded. If you prefer elbow room and easier rentals, aim for late spring (after Semana Santa) or late September–November. Pro tip: in summer, start early, museum-hop during peak heat, and save beach time for late afternoon.
Day trips worth the detour
Give yourself time beyond the city: Frigiliana (whitewashed beauty, 45 minutes east), Estepona (orchid house and old-town charm), plus the string of coastal towns – Benalmádena, Mijas, Fuengirola, Marbella – each with its own pace and price point.
Getting around (and parking, sigh)
Málaga is walkable where it counts and backed by reliable public transport. Trains connect to the airport and coastal towns. Driving is handy for day trips, but in peak months parking is a sport – pack patience.
Work, wallets, and expat reality
The economy hums on tourism, construction, tech, and logistics, with a growing international footprint. English helps in tourist zones, but for daily life – and anything official – Spanish unlocks doors. Bureaucracy can test your zen; a good local advisor makes a difference.
Neighborhood notes
For families and students, Teatinos is popular and practical. Pedregalejo mixes seaside paseo with bohemian flair and old fishermen’s houses. The Historic Centre puts museums and nightlife on your doorstep. On a budget? Consider well-connected outskirts or inland towns with more space for your euro.
Your Legal Stuff Checklist
| Step / Checkpoint | What It Means | Why It Matters (and Pro Tips) |
| 1. Get Your NIE (Foreigner ID) | The Número de Identidad de Extranjero is required for any property purchase, tax payment, or contract signing. | Apply early (in Spain or at a consulate). Without it, you can’t legally buy or register your home. |
| 2. Open a Spanish Bank Account | Needed to pay taxes, notary fees, utilities, and community charges. | Makes transfers and mortgage payments smoother. Most banks now offer English-language services. |
| 3. Hire an Independent English-Speaking Lawyer | Your solicitor reviews all contracts, checks debts, and ensures legal compliance. | Never use the seller’s lawyer – hire a bilingual, independent professional company like Tejada Solicitors Law Firm to protect your interests. |
| 4. Request a Nota Simple & Verify Legal Status | Official Land Registry extract showing ownership, mortgages, or liens. | Confirms the seller is the legal owner and the property is free of debts or embargoes. |
| 5. Check Licences & Property Legality | Confirm the building licence and First Occupation Licence exist and match what’s built. | Avoid illegal extensions or rural homes lacking AFO/DAFO status – they can’t be insured or legally sold later. |
| 6. Sign a Proper Reservation / Deposit Agreement (Arras) | Secures the deal while due diligence is completed (usually 10% deposit). | Protects both parties: you lose the deposit if you withdraw; the seller returns double if they breach. |
| 7. Budget for All Costs & Taxes | Beyond the purchase price, plan for ITP/IVA, notary, registry, lawyer, and appraisal. | In Andalusia: 7% ITP on resales, 10% IVA on new builds. Include ~2–3% for professional and legal fees. |
| 8. Register the Property in the Land Registry | Once signed before a notary, your deed (escritura) must be registered. | Makes you the official owner and ensures legal protection against third-party claims. |
| 9. Understand Ongoing Costs & Taxes | Annual expenses include IBI, waste tax, community fees, and Non-Resident Tax. | Budget for IBI (~0.4–1.3% of cadastral value) and check for outstanding community debts before buying. |
| 10. Verify Rental & Visa Requirements (If Applicable) | Short-term lets require a Tourist Licence; non-EU buyers may need a Golden or Non-Lucrative Visa. | Avoid fines: ensure the property meets Andalusian Tourism Register standards and that your visa allows long-term stays. |
Decorating Your New Place
Now that the legal paperwork’s behind you, it’s time for the fun part – turning your new Málaga property into a home that feels as sunny and welcoming as the Costa del Sol itself.
Andalusian style, Málaga climate
Málaga homes do best with cool, light, and durable choices. Summers are hot and dry; winters are mild but can feel damp by the coast – so think breathable linens, terracotta, ceramics, and wrought iron. Keep walls whitewashed or softly neutral (warmer beiges/stone tones) to bounce light and avoid the stark, clinical feel pure white can create in rentals.
Floors, tiles, and texture
Terracotta, patterned azulejo tiles, and stone look right at home and stay cool underfoot. If you inherit marble in an older flat, plan time for grind + polish before moving furniture. Add rugs to zone spaces and soften acoustics without overheating the room.
Windows: shade, privacy, and ambiance
For easy elegance that fits Spanish interiors, choose curtains with a soft gather. If you want a traditional look that still filters the Málaga sun, try pencil pleat curtains – great for layering over blinds or shutters. Prioritise blackout linings in bedrooms for siesta-friendly naps and better sleep during long summer dusks.
Furniture: light, practical, and rental-proof
Swap heavy, dark pieces for lighter woods, iron details, and clean lines to make rooms feel bigger. Sofas work hard – pick removable, washable covers (subtle patterns hide wear). In bedrooms, many Spanish homes lack built-in closets, so modular wardrobes or open rails are a smart, low-cost fix.
Colour palette that feels local
Borrow from Málaga’s landscape: terracotta, ochre, olive, deep sea blues. Keep a single palette flowing through a small apartment (vary tones and textures), then add personality with ceramics, art prints, and plants. This is renter-friendly and easy to refresh.
Cushions & soft furnishings (instant upgrade)
Textiles are the quickest way to “Spanish-ify” a room: linen throws, cotton stripes, ceramic-inspired prints. Stock up cost-effectively with wholesale cushions to dress sofas and beds without blowing the budget.
Lighting that flatters (inside and out)
Evenings call for warm pools of light. Mix floor and table lamps; consider wrought-iron or lantern-style fixtures for character. Outdoors, string lights and candle lanterns extend terrace time.
Outdoor living is half the house
Your balcony, patio, or rooftop is a second living room. Choose weather-resistant pieces (treated wood, metal, or rattan), add potted citrus, rosemary, and bougainvillea, and use washable outdoor cushions. Pallet benches with thick seat pads are a popular, affordable Málaga hack.
Shop smart: local + secondhand + artisan
Blend IKEA/Conforama/Leroy Merlin basics with finds from mercadillos (markets), Wallapop/Facebook Marketplace, and carpinterías (local carpenters). Add handmade ceramics and tiles for authentic flair. Time big buys for rebajas (January & July–August).
Moisture, heat, and maintenance tips
By the coast, prioritise moisture-resistant materials, vent bathrooms well, and use washable covers. Seal terracotta to prevent stains. For rentals, keep art and accessories tasteful and neutral; maintain an inventory, include a simple info pack (appliance tips, local contacts), and revisit the space after a short stay to spot missing basics.
Quick room-by-room wins
- Living room. Modular sofa + rug + azulejo-inspired cushions; one standout ceramic on the coffee table.
- Bedroom. Blackout curtains (or pencil pleat with lining), breathable bedding, slimline bedside lamps for readers.
- Kitchen. Open shelves with Spanish pottery; mixed vintage dining chairs.
- Bathroom. New mirror, better lighting, baskets for storage; swap in fresh shower curtain/liners.
- Terrace. Compact bistro set, plants, lanterns, washable outdoor textiles.
Wrapping Up
Proper legal due diligence ensures every stage of the property purchase is secure and compliant with Spanish law. With the correct documentation and professional guidance, buying a home in Málaga can be straightforward and worry-free.
Author bio: Mariela Kashukeeva is the founder of Manic SEO – an on-page SEO and manual link building agency. With over 7-year experience in SEO and business development, she is responsible for establishing collaboration opportunities with high-authority websites and creating amazing content.
