Editorial journal
Notes from the coast
Long-form market analysis, neighbourhood deep-dives and the unwritten rules of buying on the Costa del Sol — researched on the ground, written for international buyers who want more than a brochure.
198 articles
Furnishing an apartment on the Costa del Sol on a budget 2026
What it actually costs to fit out a 2-bed apartment in 2026 — IKEA, Maisons du Monde, El Corte Inglés and the local outlets locals use.
True buying costs in Spain 2026: the 11–14% surcharge
Every fee, tax and surcharge a foreign buyer pays on top of the listing price — itemised, with 2026 numbers.
Long-term rental yields on the Costa del Sol 2026
Where the 5–6% long-let yields actually are — town-by-town breakdown and the three reasons demand will keep growing through 2028.
Short-term rental licence in Andalucía 2026
VFT licence numbers, the 2024–2025 community-vote rule change, and the towns now blocking new tourist licences entirely.
Selling your Spanish property as a foreign owner 2026
Pricing reality, the 3% CGT withholding, plusvalía, energy certificate and the marketing checklist that gets you out at the right number.
Lawyer vs gestor: who you actually need when buying in Spain 2026
The difference between *abogado*, *gestor* and *asesor fiscal* — and the team a smart foreign buyer assembles before viewing anything.
The notary process when buying in Spain 2026
What actually happens on signing day — who pays what, what the notary checks (and doesn't), and the four documents you must leave with.
Red flags when viewing property on the Costa del Sol 2026
The 14 warning signs experienced agents look for in 60 seconds — and what they mean for the price you should pay.
Snagging a new build in Spain 2026: the 60-point list
How to inspect a new-build before signing the escritura — what to actually check, what to insist gets fixed, and the 10-year guarantee reality.
First-time buyer checklist for Spain 2026
The 18-point pre-purchase checklist every foreign buyer should run through before signing anything — including the five things lawyers don't routinely flag.
Opening a business in Spain 2026: autónomo vs SL
When to register as autónomo vs incorporate an SL, the actual 2026 quotas, and the four mistakes most foreign entrepreneurs make in year one.
Pet relocation to Spain in 2026 (90-day plan)
Microchip, rabies, EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate, and the airline rules that change every six months.
How to actually learn Spanish on the Costa del Sol 2026
The honest reason most expats never get past A2, the three teachers our team recommends, and the eight-week plan that works.
Spanish residency for UK citizens after Brexit (2026)
The four practical routes in 2026 — NLV, Digital Nomad, work visa, family reunification — and the 90/180 Schengen reality for non-residents.
Moving from the Netherlands to the Costa del Sol 2026
Why Dutch buyers chose the Costa del Sol over France and Portugal in 2024–2025, and the Dutch-specific tax angles to plan for.
Moving from the USA to the Costa del Sol 2026
The Non-Lucrative Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa, FATCA filing reality, and the eight things American buyers most often underestimate.
Private vs public healthcare in Spain 2026 (Costa del Sol)
What you actually get on the SNS, what private insurance adds, and the 2026 monthly premiums from Adeslas, Sanitas and DKV.
Importing a car to Spain in 2026: full cost and process
Step-by-step matriculation, the four taxes you will pay, and when it makes sense vs buying locally.
Exchanging your driving licence in Spain 2026 (UK and EU)
The post-Brexit UK exchange process now reopened, the EU swap deadline, and the medical test you cannot skip.
Padrón (empadronamiento) explained 2026
Why every foreign resident needs a padrón, what it unlocks, and the 30-minute town-hall process to get one.
Best beaches on the Costa del Sol 2026: complete ranking
Twenty beaches from Manilva to Nerja ranked on water clarity, sand, facilities and how crowded they get in August.
Padel and tennis courts in Marbella 2026
Where the best courts actually are, what they cost to book, and the four clubs running serious adult and junior programmes.
Best golf stay-and-play resorts on the Costa del Sol 2026
Where to base a golf trip in 2026 — La Cala, Finca Cortesin, La Quinta, Marbella Club, Villa Padierna ranked on golf, hotel, food and value.
Best gyms in Marbella 2026: from luxury to no-frills
Eight gyms ranked on equipment, classes, atmosphere and 2026 monthly prices — plus the four with day-pass options for residents-in-waiting.
Horseback riding on the Costa del Sol
Stables and riding schools across the Costa del Sol in 2026 — beach rides, mountain trails and lessons for kids.
Costa del Sol summer survival guide 2026
How residents cope with July–August on the coast — what time to do everything, where to escape and the four products no household here is without.
Yoga retreats on the Costa del Sol 2026
The Costa del Sol's most established yoga retreats for 2026 — Shanti-Som, Holiqi, smaller pop-ups and pricing.
What is Costa del Sol like in winter? 2026 guide
Real December–February weather, what stays open, the expat winter rhythm and why January is our favourite month here.
Best gyms in Marbella 2026
Marbella's serious gyms in 2026 — DREAMFIT, Six Senses, MetropolitanoSport — fees, classes and atmosphere.
Kid-friendly activities on the Costa del Sol 2026
What families with children 3–14 actually do here — beyond the beach. Tested favourites, opening hours and 2026 prices.
Padel vs tennis in Spain: which one wins?
Why padel overtook tennis as Spain's fastest-growing sport — and the case for picking one or the other on the coast.
Weekend markets on the Costa del Sol 2026
Day-by-day guide to the 12 best street markets — what is sold where, opening times, and the two not worth your time.
Best wine bars in Marbella 2026
Marbella wine bars worth your time in 2026 — natural wines, Andalusian whites, and the lists actually worth reading.
Best tapas bars Málaga and Marbella 2026
Twenty old-school tapas places locals actually use — boquerones, ibérico, espetos and the €2 caña that still exists.
Best paella on the Costa del Sol 2026
The chiringuitos and restaurants that take paella seriously on the Costa del Sol — far from the tourist traps.
Best beach clubs in Marbella 2026: honest insider ranking
The 12 beach clubs that actually deliver in 2026 — bed prices, kitchens, music, and which ones to skip.
Feria de Málaga: the August guide
Málaga's August feria for 2026 — daytime in the centre, night-time at the recinto, what to wear, what to drink.
Transferring large sums to Spain safely
Moving a 7-figure sum to Spain in 2026 — anti-money-laundering paperwork, FX strategy and the brokers that handle it.
The quietest beach towns on the Costa del Sol 2026
Where to find the off-season silence — five low-density coastal spots that keep their soul outside July and August.
Semana Santa Málaga: a guide for first-timers
Holy Week in Málaga in 2026 — the processions to see, the food, the practicalities and where to stay.
Open a Spanish bank account remotely in 2026
Opening a Spanish bank account from abroad in 2026 — which banks allow it, what documents you need, and the timeline.
Is Marbella expensive? An honest 2026 cost breakdown
How much does Marbella actually cost in 2026 — rent, groceries, dining, schools, property — compared to London, Oslo and Stockholm.
Most walkable towns on the Costa del Sol 2026
Seven coastal towns where you can genuinely live car-free — daily shopping, school run, restaurants and beach all under 15 minutes on foot.
Marbella Christmas markets and December 2026
Christmas on the Costa del Sol — the markets, lights, restaurants and how the rhythm of December feels here.
Registering as autónomo in Spain in 2026
Becoming autónomo (self-employed) in Spain in 2026 — flat rate first year, social security, IRPF and quarterly returns.
The 10 cheapest areas on the Costa del Sol in 2026
Where to buy and live on the Costa del Sol for less — value zones from Torrox to Alhaurín that still offer sun, sea and infrastructure.
Benalmádena vs Fuengirola 2026: which to choose
Two neighbouring towns with very different vibes — head-to-head on prices, amenities, schools, family-friendliness and rental yields.
Selwo Aventura: a family-day review
Selwo Aventura with kids in 2026 — what works, what to skip, ticket prices and how it stacks up to alternatives.
The VFT tourist licence: 2026 step-by-step
Getting a VFT in Andalucía step by step in 2026 — paperwork, inspections, registration and what trips up applicants.
Best places to live on the Costa del Sol for families in 2026
Where international families with school-age children actually settle on the Costa del Sol — schools, safety, community and resale value.
Torremolinos property guide 2026: the comeback story
From package-tourism cliché to genuine residential value — why Torremolinos is the smart entry point under €250k.
La Concha hike from Marbella: the realist's guide
Hiking La Concha above Marbella in 2026 — the route, the warnings, the views and what to bring.
Short-let licence in Andalucía (VFT) for 2026
Andalucía's tourist licence (VFT) for 2026 — eligibility, application, community rules and the new restrictions.
Cost of living in Marbella 2026: real monthly numbers for a family of four
A realistic, line-by-line monthly budget for a family of four living well in Marbella in 2026.
Manilva and Puerto de la Duquesa property guide 2026
The last affordable seafront on the Costa del Sol — vineyards, a working marina and apartments still under €3,000/m².
Marbella old town: a walking guide
A walking route through Marbella old town — Plaza de los Naranjos, Calle Aduar, the murals and the bars locals actually use.
Furniture packages in Marbella: what they cost in 2026
Turnkey furniture packages for Costa del Sol homes in 2026 — providers, price tiers and the catch buyers miss.
Cost of living in Estepona 2026: how it compares to Marbella
Estepona costs 20–30% less than Marbella for the same lifestyle. Here is the line-by-line difference in 2026.
Casares Costa property guide 2026: Finca Cortesin and beyond
How Finca Cortesin's Solheim Cup halo pushed Casares Costa into the spotlight — and where value still hides west of Estepona.
Best Sunday lunch in Marbella 2026
The Marbella restaurants that actually nail Sunday lunch — long, lingering, with a view. Real prices and what to order.
Snagging a new villa in Spain: the inspection guide
Snagging a Spanish new-build villa in 2026 — what to test, who to hire, and how to make the developer fix it.
The 12 best beaches in Marbella in 2026 (locals' picks)
From Playa de la Fontanilla to the wild Cabopino dunes — the Marbella beaches worth the towel space, ranked by a local.
San Pedro Alcántara property guide 2026
Why the boulevard transformation made San Pedro the value play next to Marbella — and what to pay per square metre today.
Renting out your Spanish home legally in 2026
Renting your Spanish property in 2026 — VFT tourist licence, taxes, community rules and the new short-let restrictions.
The Spanish arras contract explained 2026
Spain's arras (deposit) contract for 2026 — penal vs confirmatory, what 10% really commits you to.
Best beaches in Estepona and Nerja 2026 — locals' map
From La Rada in Estepona to Burriana in Nerja, the beaches worth the drive, with parking and chiringuito notes.
La Cala de Mijas guide 2026: living, property and lifestyle
Why La Cala has become the favourite of Northern European families and the property pockets that still offer value.
Second-home tax in Spain: the rules for non-residents
Tax for second-home owners in Spain in 2026 — Modelo 210, deemed income and rental declarations.
Deposit structure in a Spanish property purchase
Reservation, arras, completion — how Spain's deposit structure works in 2026 and what each one binds you to.
Best restaurants in Puerto Banús 2026 — beyond the marina hype
The 12 restaurants worth your money in Puerto Banús in 2026 — from Cipriani to the locals' tapas spots tourists never find.
Up-and-coming areas on the Costa del Sol 2026
Six neighbourhoods where prices rose 12–28% in 2024–2025 and where the smart money is moving for 2026–2028 appreciation.
Spain's equivalent of UK council tax explained
What corresponds to UK council tax in Spain — IBI, basura, vado and the rest, with 2026 Costa del Sol figures.
The best months to negotiate hardest in Spain
Seasonal negotiation windows on the Costa del Sol in 2026 — when sellers actually move and when they won't.
Best international schools on the Costa del Sol in 2026
An honest ranking of the 15 international schools on the Costa del Sol — fees, curriculum, waiting lists and which fit which families.
Safest areas on the Costa del Sol 2026
Actual crime statistics by town, gated-community comparison, and the five neighbourhoods most chosen by families with young children.
Fibre internet on the Costa del Sol 2026
1 Gbps fibre on the Costa del Sol in 2026 — Movistar vs DIGI vs Vodafone, coverage and real-world speeds.
How off-market listings really work in Marbella
Off-market in Marbella 2026 — what 'off-market' actually means, which agents have it and how buyers get access.
Property prices in Marbella 2026: per m² by neighbourhood
A neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood price guide for Marbella in 2026 — Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, Nueva Andalucía, Elviria and more.
Opening a Spanish bank account as a non-resident 2026
What documents you actually need, which banks accept foreign clients with no NIE, and the digital-first alternatives.
Electricity tariffs in Spain 2026: the cheapest providers
Spanish electricity tariffs in 2026 — Endesa vs Octopus vs Repsol vs Holaluz, and how to actually switch.
How to verify a Spanish agent's licence in 2026
Andalucía requires registered agents — here's how to check the registry in two minutes and why it matters.
Property prices in Estepona 2026: New Golden Mile to the old town
Estepona's 2026 property prices by zone — old town, New Golden Mile, Selwo, Cancelada and the seafront.
Inheritance tax in Spain for non-residents 2026
The 99% Andalucía bonification, EU equal-treatment rule for non-residents, and the four planning tools wealthy families use.
Pool maintenance in Spain: what it actually costs
Pool maintenance on the Costa del Sol in 2026 — weekly service, chemicals, electricity, repairs and the annual total.
10 questions to ask a Spanish estate agent
The 10 questions to ask a Costa del Sol agent before signing — that filter the serious operators from the rest.
Property prices in Fuengirola 2026: where to buy and what to pay
Fuengirola's 2026 property prices — Los Boliches, Carvajal, Torreblanca, El Higuerón and the centre.
Wealth tax in Andalucía 2026: why the Costa del Sol is now tax-friendly
Andalucía's 100% wealth-tax bonification, the national Solidarity Tax workaround, and what high-net-worth buyers actually pay.
Running costs of a Costa del Sol villa in 2026
Annual running costs for a 250 m² villa with pool on the Costa del Sol in 2026 — every line item.
Common pitfalls when buying in Spain (and how to avoid them)
The mistakes Costa del Sol buyers actually make in 2026 — and the unglamorous fixes that prevent them.
Property prices in Benahavís 2026: La Zagaleta, El Madroñal and the village
Benahavís 2026 property prices by enclave — La Zagaleta, El Madroñal, La Quinta, Capanes del Golf and the village.
Capital gains tax on Spanish property for non-residents 2026
The 19% rate, the 3% withholding trap, and the four legal deductions most foreign sellers forget to claim.
Spanish property insurance: cost and cover 2026
Building and contents insurance in Spain for 2026 — typical Costa del Sol premiums, what's excluded and the cheapest providers.
First viewing in Spain: a buyer's checklist
Everything to check on a first Costa del Sol viewing in 2026 — orientation, noise, community, build quality and red flags.
Property prices in Sotogrande 2026 — Costa, Alto and La Reserva
Sotogrande 2026 by zone — La Reserva, Sotogrande Alto, Sotogrande Costa, Kings & Queens, the marina and the new La Cala.
Spanish mortgage rates in 2026: what non-residents actually get
Euribor trajectory, 2026 fixed and variable rates from BBVA, Sabadell, CaixaBank and Santander, and the LTV reality for foreign buyers.
Plusvalía tax in Spain explained 2026
Spain's plusvalía municipal tax for 2026 — how it's calculated post-2021 reform, who pays, and the choice of two methods.
Málaga's AVE high-speed train: the 2026 guide
Málaga's AVE — Madrid in under three hours, Barcelona in five and a half. Routes, prices and why expats use it.
Property prices in Nerja and Málaga city 2026
Two of the Costa del Sol's strongest 2026 markets — Nerja's coast and Málaga's centre. Per-m² numbers and where to focus.
Plusvalía municipal tax: what sellers pay in 2026
The 2021 reform changed plusvalía calculations completely. Here is how it now works and how to legally pay nothing if the property lost value.
ITP transfer tax in Andalucía 2026
ITP transfer tax in Andalucía for 2026 — the flat 7%, who pays, and how it compares to other Spanish regions.
Málaga vs Marbella for airport access in 2026
Living near Málaga airport vs Marbella — drive times, flight access and the practical impact on your weekend life.
Is the Costa del Sol safe in 2026? A realistic look
How safe the Costa del Sol actually is in 2026 — crime statistics, neighbourhood realities and where to live with peace of mind.
IBI property tax in Spain explained (2026 rates by town)
How IBI is calculated, when it is paid, and the actual 2026 rates for Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, Benahavís and Sotogrande.
Spain's IVA on new-build property explained
Spain's 10% IVA plus 1.5% AJD on new-build property — when it applies, who pays, and the second-hand alternative.
Ferry to Tangier from Tarifa: the day-trip route
Tangier from the Costa del Sol in 2026 — the FRS ferry, customs, what to see and how to do it safely as a first-timer.
Costa del Sol weather, month by month: a complete 2026 guide
What the weather is really like on the Costa del Sol — temperatures, rain, wind and sea — month by month, written by a local.
What does it cost to eat out in Marbella in 2026?
From €13 menú del día to €380 Nobu tasting — actual 2026 prices across 30+ restaurants, plus where locals eat versus tourists.
Inheriting Spanish property: the 2026 guide
Inheriting Spanish property in 2026 — succession tax, Brussels IV, deadlines and the cost of getting it wrong.
Gibraltar from Marbella: a day-trip guide
Gibraltar in a day from Marbella in 2026 — border crossing, what to do, where to eat and the queue strategy.
When is the best time to buy property on the Costa del Sol?
Seasonality, market cycles and the months that actually deliver the best deals on Costa del Sol property in 2026.
Utility bills in Spain 2026: electricity, water, gas and internet
Real monthly numbers for a 100 m² coastal apartment versus a 250 m² villa with pool — and the three suppliers most expats switch to.
Spain capital gains tax for non-residents 2026
How Spain taxes capital gains for non-residents in 2026 — the 19% rate, the 3% retention and the exemptions worth knowing.
Caminito del Rey: the practical 2026 guide
Caminito del Rey for 2026 — tickets, transport, what to wear and whether to do it self-guided or with a tour.
Marbella vs Estepona for living in 2026: the honest comparison
Which is better to live in — Marbella or Estepona? Schools, costs, community, vibe and value compared by a local.
Average salary vs cost of living in Spain 2026
Net Spanish salaries against real Costa del Sol monthly outgoings — and why most foreign residents still arrive with outside income.
Rental yield in Marbella by neighbourhood 2026
Gross and net rental yields across Marbella's neighbourhoods in 2026 — Nueva Andalucía, Golden Mile, San Pedro and beyond.
Ronda from Marbella: the perfect day trip
Ronda in a day from Marbella — the drive, the bridge, the bullring, lunch and getting back before traffic.
Marbella vs Fuengirola: which suits you better in 2026?
Two very different Costa del Sol towns. Which fits your life — Marbella or Fuengirola — in 2026.
Is Spanish property a good investment in 2026?
Honest 2026 view on Spanish property as an investment — yields, capital growth, currency risk and where the maths actually works.
Kitesurfing in Tarifa: a day trip from Marbella
Tarifa from Marbella — when to go, where to rent, schools that take beginners and the realities of the wind.
Costa del Sol vs Costa Blanca 2026: which Spanish coast wins?
Sun, sea, price and lifestyle compared — Costa del Sol versus Costa Blanca in 2026.
Costa del Sol vs Mallorca 2026: where to buy and live
Mallorca's exclusivity vs Costa del Sol's accessibility — which makes more sense as a home or investment in 2026.
Moving to Spain from the UK in 2026: the complete guide
What UK citizens actually need to move to Spain in 2026 — visa routes, NIE, residency, healthcare, schools and Costa del Sol settlement.
Moving to Spain from Norway in 2026: visas, taxes, schools
What Norwegians need to know before relocating to the Costa del Sol in 2026 — EEA rules, tax exit, schools, and the Norwegian community.
Moving to Spain from Sweden in 2026
What Swedes need to relocate to the Costa del Sol in 2026 — EU rights, tax exit, Sink, schools and community.
Retiring on the Costa del Sol in 2026: a complete handbook
How to actually retire on the Costa del Sol in 2026 — visas, taxes, healthcare, where to live and what to budget.
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa in 2026: requirements and how to apply
Everything a remote worker needs to know about Spain's Digital Nomad Visa in 2026 — income thresholds, paperwork, Beckham Law and Costa del Sol setup.
What is a NIE number and how to get one in 2026
The Spanish NIE explained — what it is, why every foreigner needs one, and the fastest way to get yours in 2026.
Inside La Zagaleta: a buyer's guide to Europe's most exclusive estate
What it actually takes to buy in La Zagaleta in 2026 — pricing, plot sizes, the membership reality and what the brochures leave out.
Opening a Spanish bank account as a foreigner in 2026
Which Spanish banks actually open accounts for non-residents in 2026, what documents you need, and the costs.
Cost of building a villa in Marbella 2026: a real budget
What it really costs to build a luxury villa in Marbella in 2026 — land, build, architect, taxes and the surprises.
Marbella nightlife guide 2026: where to actually go
The Marbella nightlife scene in 2026 — beach clubs, rooftops, late-night bars and the venues worth your evening.
Marbella with kids in 2026: a family guide
The Marbella that families with children actually use in 2026 — beaches, parks, attractions, restaurants and rainy-day plans.
Nueva Andalucía: the smart-money alternative to the Golden Mile
Why Marbella's Golf Valley is increasingly where buyers who could afford the Golden Mile actually end up — and what to buy here in 2026.
The morning routine people never want to leave behind
Why mornings in Marbella feel slower, softer and impossibly hard to give up once you've lived them.
Best golf courses on the Costa del Sol 2026
A ranked guide to the Costa del Sol's top 15 golf courses in 2026 — green fees, condition, character and which to play first.
The lifestyle that makes people stay in Marbella
Most buyers arrive for a holiday. A few weeks later, they're looking at homes. Here's why.
Best hiking in Marbella and Benahavís 2026
The best hikes within 30 minutes of Marbella — from La Concha summit to the Río Guadaiza pools — with trail notes for 2026.
Why even ordinary days feel better in Marbella
Luxury here isn't just yachts and beach clubs. Sometimes it's a coffee outdoors in February.
Best day trips from Marbella 2026: 12 ideas worth the drive
Twelve great day trips from Marbella for 2026 — from Ronda and Gibraltar to the Caminito del Rey and the Frigiliana hills.
The evenings people dream about in Marbella
Soft light, warm air, late dinners under palm trees. Why Marbella nights stay with you.
Living in Sotogrande as a foreigner in 2026
What life is really like for international families in Sotogrande in 2026 — community, schools, services and the trade-offs.
Sotogrande or Marbella in 2026? An honest comparison for UK buyers
Both are prime. Both are international. They are not the same. A buyer-side comparison across schools, schedule, sport and resale.
What people are really searching for when they move to Marbella
It looks like luxury. It's almost always something deeper — peace, beauty, freedom, time.
Living in Benahavís village 2026: a local's view
What it's like to live in Benahavís village in 2026 — community, schools, food and the daily rhythm.
The feeling that makes Marbella hard to leave
At first it feels like an escape. After a while, it just feels like the life you wanted.
Living in Nueva Andalucía 2026: padel, family life and resale value
An honest look at Nueva Andalucía as a place to live in 2026 — schools, padel courts, restaurants, traffic and property values.
Living in Estepona old town 2026: walkability, charm, value
What it's actually like to live in Estepona's old town in 2026 — the orchid park, flower streets, restaurants and the property scene.
Buying property in Spain as a non-resident in 2026
The actual non-resident buying process in Spain in 2026 — NIE, deposit, taxes, signing, costs and timeline.
New-build or resale on the Costa del Sol? The 2026 trade-off
Off-plan branded residences are dominating prime supply, but resale villas still win on price-per-square-metre. A buyer-side framework.
Spanish property taxes for foreign buyers in 2026
Every Spanish property tax a foreign buyer pays in 2026 — purchase, annual, rental income and selling — clearly explained.
10 biggest mistakes foreign buyers make on the Costa del Sol
The ten most expensive mistakes international buyers make on the Costa del Sol — and how to avoid each one in 2026.
Marbella vs Mijas in 2026: which is right for you?
Marbella's polish vs Mijas's value and Spanish-village feel — compared in 2026 for both buyers and renters.
Costa del Sol vs Canary Islands 2026: which to choose
Mainland Spain or the Atlantic islands — Costa del Sol vs Canary Islands compared on climate, property, cost and accessibility in 2026.
The five architects shaping contemporary Marbella in 2026
Manuel Ruiz Moriche, González & Jacobson, ARK and the studios redefining what a Costa del Sol villa looks like.
Moving from Germany to Spain in 2026
What Germans need to relocate to the Costa del Sol in 2026 — EU rights, tax exit, German community, schools.
Marbella summer rentals as an investment in 2026
Realistic yields, regulation, costs and the platforms that actually work for short-term Marbella rentals in 2026.
Brexit impact on UK buyers in Spain in 2026: still relevant?
Six years after Brexit, what still affects UK property buyers in Spain in 2026 — and what doesn't.
Villa buying checklist for Marbella 2026 (50 things to verify)
A 50-point checklist before you sign on a Marbella villa in 2026 — legal, structural, infrastructure and lifestyle items.
Currency hedging for UK buyers: protecting £500k against the euro
FX swings of 5–8% are normal in any 12-month buying window. Here's how serious buyers actually hedge.
Spanish mortgages for non-residents in 2026: rates, LTVs, banks
Spanish mortgage availability for non-resident buyers in 2026 — typical LTVs, rates, banks and the application process.
Marbella vs Cascais 2026: where should you live?
Two Atlantic-coast favourites compared — Marbella and Cascais — for climate, tax, property, schools and lifestyle in 2026.
Furnishing a villa in Marbella 2026: where the locals shop
From the local artisans to Banak, BoConcept and the Málaga warehouses — where to actually furnish a Marbella villa in 2026.
The best bakeries and coffee shops in Marbella 2026
Where to actually get a good coffee and a real loaf in Marbella in 2026 — specialty cafés, sourdough bakeries, brunch spots.
The 2026 beach-club season: where Marbella actually goes
Eight beach clubs that define the Marbella summer, ranked by who actually goes and what a daybed actually costs.
Málaga city vs Marbella 2026: where to live for what
Málaga's urban energy vs Marbella's coastal polish — which fits your life in 2026.
Best padel clubs in Marbella 2026: where to actually play
The Marbella padel scene in 2026 — the best clubs, leagues, lessons and the etiquette no one tells newcomers.
Marbella vs Málaga as a property investment in 2026
Where the smarter capital is going in 2026 — Marbella's premium or Málaga's growth story. Yields, growth, liquidity compared.
Ronda from Marbella: the perfect day trip in 2026
How to do Ronda right from Marbella in 2026 — what to see, where to eat, the wine valley and what to skip.
Moving pets to Spain in 2026: a step-by-step guide for UK owners
Pet passports, rabies titres, microchips and the airline reality — the full timeline to get a dog or cat to the Costa del Sol.
Frigiliana, Nerja and the Axarquía in 2026
The eastern Costa del Sol — Nerja, Frigiliana and the white villages of the Axarquía — an honest guide for 2026.
Why you should rent for a year before buying on the Costa del Sol
The case for renting before buying in 2026 — the mistakes you avoid, the zones you discover, and how to do a 12-month try.
Private healthcare in Marbella 2026: the hospitals and insurers
The private healthcare landscape in Marbella in 2026 — best hospitals, top doctors, insurance plans and the consultations worth paying for.
Learning Spanish on the Costa del Sol in 2026: realistic plan
What it actually takes to learn Spanish well on the Costa del Sol in 2026 — schools, tutors, immersion tricks and time commitment.
Costa del Sol or the Algarve? A 2026 comparison for British buyers
Both are sunny. Both are British-friendly. They are not the same market. A side-by-side on pricing, lifestyle, taxes and resale.
Buying an old-town townhouse in Estepona or Marbella in 2026
The townhouse market in Estepona's and Marbella's old towns in 2026 — prices, renovation reality, and which streets matter.
How to choose a real estate agent in Marbella in 2026
The honest guide to picking a Marbella estate agent in 2026 — the questions to ask, the red flags, and how the market really works.
Sierra Blanca: inside Marbella's most discreet luxury enclave
Why Sierra Blanca and Cascada de Camoján command €8,000–€14,000/m² — and what UK buyers should know before viewing.
Healthcare on the Costa del Sol: what UK retirees actually need to know
Private vs public, S1 forms, the best hospitals, English-speaking GPs and what insurance actually costs in 2026.
Puerto Banús: still relevant for property buyers in 2026?
Beyond the superyachts and Lamborghinis — what the Banús property market actually looks like for UK buyers today.
Benahavís: Spain's gourmet hillside for serious villa buyers
Why La Zagaleta, El Madroñal and Los Flamingos pull UK buyers away from the coast — pricing, lifestyle and the practical realities.
Marbella's Golden Mile: a property deep dive for UK buyers
Why the 4-mile strip between Marbella town and Puerto Banús still commands €10,000+/m² — and what to look for in 2026.
Living in Spain after Brexit: the four routes UK citizens still use in 2026
Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Student Visa, and family reunification — a clear comparison for UK buyers planning to relocate.
The end of Spain's Golden Visa: what UK buyers need to know
Spain has scrapped property-based residency. Here's what changes for UK buyers in 2026 and which alternative visas still work.
Where Marbella eats in 2026: the property-buyer's restaurant map
From hillside finca dining to beach-club lunches — the restaurants that anchor each Marbella micro-area, and what they tell you about the property market.
Buying off-plan on the Costa del Sol: pros, pitfalls and 2026 reality
New developments in Estepona, Mijas and Benahavís dominate launch pipelines. Here's how to buy off-plan without getting burned.
The UK Buyer's Guide to the Costa del Sol in 2026
Everything a British buyer needs to know before purchasing on the Costa del Sol — from NIE numbers and lawyers to budgeting in GBP.
The luxury rental market in Marbella in 2026
Long-let demand from remote-working UK families is reshaping rental yields in Sierra Blanca, Nueva Andalucía and Sotogrande.
Why Estepona and the New Golden Mile are 2026's hottest postcodes
Estepona's transformation from quiet town to UK favourite — what's driving the move west of Marbella.
Marbella vs Estepona vs Sotogrande: which suits UK buyers?
A side-by-side comparison of the three most-searched Costa del Sol towns for British buyers — pricing, lifestyle and resale.
27 points to check before you sign a Spanish purchase contract
The exact checklist our team uses with British buyers before any deposit changes hands on the Costa del Sol.
Modelo 210 explained: the Spanish tax UK owners must file
If you own property in Spain but live in the UK, you owe Modelo 210 — even if you never rent it out. Here's how it works.
Where to buy on the Costa del Sol for rental yield in 2026
Top five areas ranked by realistic gross yield, occupancy and short-let regulation risk.
How off-market properties work in Marbella (and how to access them)
Up to 30% of prime Marbella villas never hit Idealista. Here's how the off-market layer actually works for UK buyers.
Currency and mortgages: how UK buyers fund a Spanish purchase
Should you pay cash, take a Spanish mortgage, or remortgage at home? A clear-eyed comparison for 2026.
The best schools on the Costa del Sol for British children
British curriculum, IB and bilingual options — a practical guide for UK families relocating to the coast.
What renovations actually cost on the Costa del Sol in 2026
Realistic per-m² prices for kitchens, bathrooms, pools and full villa refurbishments — based on 2026 quotes.
10 mistakes UK buyers make on the Costa del Sol (and how to avoid them)
Two decades of mistakes, distilled. The patterns repeat — here's how to spot them before you sign.