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Costa del Sol
Rental yield Costa del Sol new build apartments

Rental Yield on
Costa del Sol New Builds

Gross yields of 6–8% on new builds in the right locations. Area-by-area data, rental strategy analysis and the practical steps to maximise your annual income from day one.

6–8%
Gross yield, New Golden Mile
320+
Annual sunshine days
+11.5%
Spanish rental price rise (2024)
85M+
Tourists to Spain (2023)

Why New Build Properties Generate Superior Rental Yields

320+ Days of Sunshine

Unlike most European beach destinations, the Costa del Sol sustains meaningful tourism and rental demand for 10–11 months of the year, materially reducing seasonal void periods.

New Build Premium

New builds command rental premiums of 15–20% over comparable resale properties. A/B energy ratings, smart home systems, contemporary design and managed communal facilities are key differentiators for both short and long-term tenants.

Rising Rental Market

Spanish rental prices rose 11.5% in 2024 (Idealista), reaching a national average of €13.5/m²/month. The Costa del Sol significantly outperforms the national average due to its international demand base.

Gross Rental Yields by Area

Estepona New Golden Mile

Top Yield

The highest-yielding major off-plan zone on the coast. Strong tourist demand, growing infrastructure and comparatively accessible entry prices make this the prime buy-to-let destination.

Gross Yield
6–8%
Property Price
€280,000–€450,000
Weekly (peak)
€700–€1,500
Monthly (LT)
€1,400–€2,000

Marbella and Puerto Banús

Lower yield ratios due to higher entry prices, but premium weekly rates in peak season and a deep pool of long-term professional tenants seeking quality properties.

Gross Yield
5–6%
Property Price
€450,000–€1,200,000
Weekly (peak)
€1,500–€5,000+
Monthly (LT)
€2,000–€4,500

Fuengirola

High tourist volume and good transport links (direct train to Malaga Airport) sustain strong occupancy. New builds increasingly scarce — those available command a rental premium.

Gross Yield
5–6%
Property Price
€200,000–€400,000
Weekly (peak)
€600–€1,200
Monthly (LT)
€1,200–€1,800

La Cala de Mijas

Balanced entry price and growing tourist demand. Beach access and golf proximity sustain year-round rental appeal. Off-plan pipeline is growing, providing investment-grade new stock.

Gross Yield
5–7%
Property Price
€240,000–€400,000
Weekly (peak)
€650–€1,300
Monthly (LT)
€1,300–€1,900

Torremolinos

High tourist volume and lowest entry prices among established Costa del Sol resorts. New builds here offer compelling rental yields due to the price-to-rent ratio and active short-term rental market.

Gross Yield
5–7%
Property Price
€180,000–€350,000
Weekly (peak)
€500–€1,000
Monthly (LT)
€1,000–€1,600

Malaga City

Spain's fastest-growing city rental market. Strong demand from tech workers, digital nomads and Andalusia's growing start-up community drives long-term residential demand year-round.

Gross Yield
5–6%
Property Price
€220,000–€500,000
Weekly (peak)
€500–€1,100
Monthly (LT)
€1,100–€2,200

All yield and rental rate figures are estimates based on market data and operator reports. Actual yields depend on specific property, location, management quality and market conditions. Independent financial advice is recommended.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rental: Choosing Your Strategy

Short-Term Holiday Rental

+Higher gross income potential in peak season (July–August)
+Flexibility to use the property yourself between bookings
+Inflation-proof — rates adjustable each season
Tourist licence required (4–8 weeks to obtain)
Higher management costs (15–25% of gross revenue)
More wear and higher turnover maintenance
Seasonal peaks mean lower average nightly rates across the year
Best suited to
Beach-proximate properties in high-tourist-volume areas; investors comfortable with active management

Long-Term Residential Rental

+Stable, predictable monthly income
+Lower management costs and landlord time investment
+No tourist licence required
+Less wear and maintenance burden
Lower gross annual income vs. peak short-term rates
Less flexibility for owner occupancy
Tenant rights under Spanish law require due diligence on tenant selection
Best suited to
Investors seeking passive income; properties in residential areas with strong expat and professional tenant demand

Legal Requirements for Renting Your Property

Renting your property on a short-term basis without a valid tourist licence is illegal in Andalusia and carries significant fines. Ensure your licence is in place before accepting any bookings or listing your property on Airbnb, Booking.com or similar platforms.

To obtain a tourist rental licence (Vivienda con Fines Turísticos) in Andalusia, you must submit an application to the Junta de Andalucía's consumer affairs department (OMIC). Required documents include a valid habitation certificate (cédula de habitabilidad), a current energy efficiency certificate (certificado energético), and confirmation that the property meets minimum tourist accommodation standards.

Processing time is typically 4–8 weeks, though it can extend in high-application periods. Some municipalities have introduced caps on new tourist rental licences in specific zones — most notably Malaga city's historic centre. Your lawyer should confirm the regulatory status for your exact property address before you factor short-term rental income into your investment return calculations.

Rental Yield Calculator: A Worked Example

Example: 2-Bed New Build Apartment, New Golden Mile, Estepona
Purchase Assumptions
Purchase price€380,000
Acquisition costs (12.5%)€47,500
Total invested€427,500
Annual Rental Income (Hybrid Strategy)
Short-term (Jun–Sep): 12 weeks × €1,100/week€13,200
Long-term (Oct–May): 8 months × €1,600/month€12,800
Gross annual income€26,000
Management & costs (25%)–€6,500
Net rental income€19,500
Gross Yield (on purchase price)
6.84%
Net Yield (on total invested)
4.56%
Pre-tax income pa
€19,500

This is an illustrative example. Actual income depends on occupancy, management quality and market conditions. Tax advice should be sought from a qualified adviser in your jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gross rental yields on new builds range from 4–8% depending on location, property type and rental strategy. The New Golden Mile in Estepona consistently delivers 6–8% on well-managed short-term rental apartments. Marbella and Malaga City typically yield 5–6%. Net yields after management fees (15–25%), maintenance, insurance, IBI (property tax) and community fees are typically 1.5–3 percentage points below gross figures.

Short-term holiday rental generates higher gross income in peak season but requires active management and carries higher vacancy risk in low season. Long-term residential rental provides stable income with lower management burden and higher net-to-gross retention. Most investment advisors recommend a hybrid strategy — long-term rental in winter months and short-term in summer — to maximise annual income while managing occupancy risk. The Costa del Sol's year-round tourism largely reduces the seasonality gap compared to northern European beach markets.

Yes. To legally rent your property on a short-term basis (less than 2 months) in Andalusia, you must obtain a tourist rental licence (Vivienda con Fines Turísticos, or VFT licence) from the Junta de Andalucía. The application requires a habitation certificate, energy efficiency certificate, and compliance with minimum standards for tourist accommodation. Processing time varies but is typically 4–8 weeks. Some municipalities have introduced additional restrictions; your lawyer should check the current status for your specific property location.

Non-residents from EU and EEA countries pay a flat rate of 19% on net rental income (after allowable expenses). Non-residents from outside the EU/EEA pay 24% on gross rental income with no deductions. Allowable expenses for EU/EEA residents include mortgage interest, management fees, insurance, IBI, community fees, maintenance, and depreciation (3% per year on the building value). A specialist Spanish tax adviser or gestoria should handle your annual non-resident income tax return (Modelo 210).

A well-located 2-bedroom new-build apartment on the New Golden Mile can generate approximately €1,500–€2,200 per month on a long-term basis or €800–€1,500 per week on a short-term holiday let in peak season (July–August). A conservative annual average across both strategies typically yields €18,000–€26,000 gross per year on a property valued at €350,000–€420,000, representing a 5–7% gross yield. These figures vary materially by specific location, finish quality and management approach.

Calculate Your Rental Yield

Enter your expected rental income and property price to see your projected yield, capital gain, and total ROI.

Rental Yield Calculator

Estimate your Costa del Sol rental yield and total returns

€500K
Costa del Sol range: €200K - €5M+
30%
Deposit amount: €150,000
€3K
Costa del Sol avg: €1,500 - €8,000/mo
8%
Costa del Sol historical avg: 8-12%
Projection period:

Maximise Your Rental Returns on the Costa del Sol

Our investment specialists can identify the highest-yielding off-plan opportunities and connect you with vetted property management partners from day one of completion.