It’s one of Spain’s coolest cities, with beaches, art, nightlife, and an amazing culinary scene and cafe culture. Plus, the sun shines here twice as much as in the UK! But where should you buy a property in the city of Málaga, and what will you pay?
When searching for property in Málaga you will need to be quite clear in whether you mean the city of Málaga or the province. The city is the capital of the province, one of nine provinces that make up the region of Andalusia in the south of Spain.
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The city is buzzing right now. It is one of Spain’s greatest success stories, with recent improvements the work of its energetic mayor, Francisco De La Torre Prados. he has overseen the refurbishment of the marina and port areas, the new and delightful promenade and the pedestrianisation of the historic city centre. It’s not just infrastructure though – the streets are clean and free of litter – and the boom in tourism has brought in money.
Spain’s most up and coming city?
A city on the up
Málaga city is now firmly on the map as one of the best places to live in Spain. It has a relaxed way of life and enjoys the very best of the Spanish climate.
Many discerning buyers are seeking property here. While it is a wonderful place to live, or have a second home, there is also money to be made from the ever-growing tourist market.
While it is a wonderful place to live, or have a second home, there is also money to be made from the ever-growing tourist market
Málaga is an easy city to negotiate. The international airport is just eight kilometres from the centre, linked by a train service every 30 minutes. It costs just €2.30 one way. Once in Málaga itself, you can walk a great part of the city and to the sea. There are traffic restrictions in the Old Town, however, but there is a good bus service. The city is mainly flat with a long promenade, making ideal for those with limited mobility. Parallel to the prom is a glorious garden with exotic plants and flowers and shaded benches, the perfect place to stroll in the warm evenings.
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The town beaches are long and sandy, dotted with chiringuitos of differing quality, the perfect places for an aperitif before heading to one of the city’s first-class restaurants (and not all are expensive!)
Shopping is excellent in Málaga. It still retains plenty of privately owned small shops as well as all the major international brands and El Corte Inglés department store. Wandering in the back streets is a pleasure, especially when you stumble on a little shop selling hand made jewellery or one selling handmade fans.
Culture and history
One of the main attractions is a large number of high-quality art galleries and museums. 20 years’ ago there were practically none, now you are spoilt for choice. Picasso was born here and the Picasso Museum dedicated to him offers an excellent display of his works. Málaga has a long and interesting history and today you can enjoy 2 glorious Moorish castles, the Alcazaba, right in the city and Castillo Gibralfaro from where there are wonderful views of the city and beyond. There is also a Roman amphitheatre near the Alcazaba.
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Where to buy?
As well as enjoying winter sun and warmth, Málaga is a working city that you can enjoy all year. You can pay millions for a city centre penthouse with Mediterranean views, or well under €100,000 for a studio in a less salubrious part of town. Both will offer access to the glories of the city, but some will be less rentable than others!
In the hills behind the city, you can find apartments and even villas with a sea view, but do consider transport links and the distance to the town if planning to rent out.
They may be small at that price, but you won’t need to spend much time in them anyway, with so much going on in the city.
The Old Town is glorious, with plenty of apartments to choose from, including smart little studios for €125,000. They may be small at that price, but you won’t need to spend much time in them anyway, with so much going on in the city. If you plan to buy here do bear in mind that there are many restrictions on traffic and much of the area is given over to pedestrians. It is not an ideal place to access with a car.
The Merced district lies to the northeast of the Old Town, taking its name from the Merced Market. It’s a very trendy area, but even so you’ll find decent studios and one-bedroom apartments from €100,000.
Townhouses and apartments in the Victoria district will suit most budgets. two-bedroom apartments start at little over €100,000 and a townhouses at €200,000.
