The charms of the Costa del Sol: Marc Pritchard from Taylor Wimpey Espana talks to Luxury Boutique

Spain is characterized by enormous regional diversity. In this latest interview, Adran Kołodziej, CEO of Luxury Boutique, speaks with Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey España , who shares his insights into one of the country's most popular destinations – the Costa del Sol.

Spain has recently become a popular place for Poles to invest in real estate. Where do Poles most often buy second homes in Spain?

The Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are very popular areas, attracting an increasing number of Polish buyers in recent years. While the Costa Blanca is the more affordable of the two, the Costa del Sol is the more well-known. It boasts cities like Malaga and Marbella, world-class golf facilities, excellent local cuisine, and a welcoming community.

Spain's long, sandy beaches are another reason why the area is so popular with second-home buyers. Spain has more Blue Flag beaches than any other country, a testament to the cleanliness of its beaches, seawater, and amenities. The Costa del Sol is home to 56 Blue Flags in 2023, 47 of which are in the Malaga area.

Within the Costa del Sol, we're seeing Polish buyers interested in the Malaga area. We have both golf course homes and beachfront properties, so buyers have plenty of options. All homes are designed to make the most of their location, with generous outdoor spaces like terraces, private ground-floor gardens, and solariums in the townhouses and penthouses. On-site amenities include beautiful communal swimming pools and green spaces, which further enhance the appeal.

What types of properties are available on the Costa del Sol?

There's a huge variety of homes available, making this area an ideal choice for buyers with a variety of needs. From beachfront condos to golf course condos, buyers can find a property that meets their budget and preferences in terms of location, views, layout, number of bedrooms, nearby amenities, and more.

For example, our Green Golf in Estepona offer panoramic views of the Estepona Golf course. Some homes also have beautiful sea views, as they are just 3 km from the beach. At Solemar , buyers have the beach practically at their fingertips! All homes face southeast to make the most of the abundant natural light and sea views.

What does the Costa del Sol have to offer for eco-conscious buyers?

There are many homes on the Costa del Sol that have been built with sustainability in mind. I mentioned Solemar a moment ago. These apartments have an A-level energy certificate. They feature double-glazed windows, aerothermal technology for heating and cooling, installation for electric vehicles, water and electricity saving measures in communal areas, and much more.

Spain as a country is also strongly committed to sustainable development. It sets standards in the use of renewable energy and is considered one of the best eco-friendly tourist destinations in Europe.

Do most buyers buy vacation homes or as an investment?

Typically, it's a mix of both. Ultimately, the two aren't mutually exclusive: if you're buying a property to use as a family vacation, you still enjoy the potential to see it appreciate in value while you own it, even if making money wasn't your primary goal.

On the other hand, there are buyers who bought their property as an investment. Others envision themselves retiring there, with plans to move into the property permanently, or perhaps simply spend their winters basking in the warmth of the Spanish sun. A second home in Spain fulfills a number of needs.

Is the Costa del Sol an area where you can enjoy luxury or more budget-friendly stays?

This region is home to such versatility that it offers both. At the more luxurious end of the scale, you'll find places like Puerto Banús, world-renowned for its beautiful beach, marina filled with superyachts, and exclusive spas and boutiques. While you'll certainly encounter places like Puerto Banús that focus on luxury amenities, the entire Costa del Sol is home to distinguished high-end restaurants, prestigious golf clubs, exclusive beach clubs, and much more.

That said, there are also plenty of ways to enjoy a very budget-friendly holiday here. The cost of living in Spain is significantly lower than in many other European countries. Recent data from Numbeo shows that the cost of living in Spain is 21.3% lower than in the UK. Long, lazy days on the beach with a picnic and a swim in the warm sea, wandering through beautiful old towns, hiking in the tranquility of the Montes de Málaga Natural Park, lunching in local cafes… it's easy to enjoy a wonderful holiday on the Costa del Sol.

Which areas of the Costa del Sol would you particularly recommend to holiday home buyers?

Estepona is great for easy access to excellent golf facilities and the coast. If you're looking for a more hidden destination, Istán is simply beautiful – it's tucked away in the Sierra de las Nieves mountains, so you have incredible views, but it's also just a 25-minute drive from the bright lights of Puerto Banús, so buyers can enjoy the best of both worlds. There's something for everyone on the Costa del Sol.

Related posts:

A Touch of Spanish Luxury – Adrian Kołodziej and Marc Pritchard from Taylor Wimpey España discuss the Costa Blanca. DS Automobiles touches the senses. Why is it worth considering investing in the Costa Cálida and Costa Blanca? What characterizes an exclusive villa? Villas for sale near Warsaw have many advantages.