Spanish Lifestyle

Estepona, located on Spain’s Costa del Sol, has grown in popularity, rivalling the globally known Marbella. Estepona offers greater value for money and has seen significant improvements, making it an attractive place to live. It boasts year-round beautiful weather, proximity to airports, a relaxed lifestyle, and excellent facilities, continuing to be a top choice for property buyers on the Costa del Sol. Estepona, alongside Marbella, was among the top five Spanish locations for property searches and was second in the European City of the Year awards by The Academy of Urbanism.

As someone who has helped countless retirees find their dream home here on the Costa del Sol, I’m often asked: Is retiring to Spain a good idea?” The truth is, it can be the best decision you ever make—but it’s not without its hurdles. In this comprehensive (and honest) guide, I’ll walk you through the real pros and cons of retiring to Spain, based on both professional insight and lived experience.Whether you’re dreaming of sun-drenched mornings or worried about Spanish bureaucracy, this guide is here to help you make an informed decision.

The Old Rules No Longer ApplyFor years, Spain’s real estate market was a haven for foreign investors. Sun, sea, and the ability to rent your apartment on platforms like Airbnb—it was a near-effortless path to passive income.But in 2025, that model has been turned on its head.New regulations, mounting local resistance, and a shifting political climate have redefined what it means to invest in Spanish property. If you're still chasing tourist licenses like they're golden tickets, you're already a step behind.

The property market, like everything in life, runs in cycles—booms followed by lulls, and then often a fresh upswing. After several consecutive years of robust growth on the Costa del Sol, with high demand fuelling strong price rises, some are now asking: are we approaching a bubble?

Buying a property or getting a visa might seem like a long process, but that's not the case in Spain. Since 2008, the property market has transformed in every aspect. Buyers will find great opportunities to settle or invest in Spain. However, EU and non-EU nationals must fulfill certain conditions to purchase or rent a house.

Recent headlines about proposed property tax changes in Spain have created quite a stir in the international property market. As CEO of Sandtons Property, with three decades of experience in Spain's property sector, I'd like to provide some clarity and context to help you understand what's really happening.

In my three decades of real estate experience, I've never witnessed such a profound transformation in new development as we're seeing on the Costa del Sol in 2025. We're not just observing changes in design and amenities – we're witnessing a complete reimagining of what 'home' means in the modern era. Today's developments aren't simply places to live; they're comprehensive lifestyle environments that reflect how people want to live, work, and thrive in the post-pandemic world.