Question 1

Can I buy a house in Fuengirola as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a foreigner you can buy a property in Fuengirola without any restrictions. This lively coastal town is one of the most international on the Costa del Sol with a huge expat community. More than 140 nationalities are registered, with large groups of British, Scandinavians (especially Finns), Dutch, Belgians and Irish. You only need a NIE number (Spanish tax number for foreigners), which you can apply for at the Oficina de Extranjería in Málaga or through the Spanish embassy.

Question 2

What are the average property prices in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

Property prices in Fuengirola range between €150,000 and €500,000, depending on location and property type. A 2-bedroom apartment costs on average €150,000-€300,000. Apartments on the beach promenade €250,000-€500,000. Townhouses in urbanizations €200,000-€400,000. Villas are scarce in central Fuengirola but available in Los Pacos and Torreblanca from €350,000. Prices have risen by 7-10% per year in recent years.

Question 3

What costs are added to the purchase price in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

When purchasing a property in Fuengirola, you should budget for 10-13% in additional costs on top of the purchase price. This consists of: Transfer tax (ITP) of 7% for existing properties in Andalusia (up to €400,000, above that 8%), or 10% VAT + 1.5% stamp duty for new builds. Additionally, you pay notary fees (€700-€1,500), land registry fees (€500-€1,000), and lawyer fees (1-1.5% of the purchase price). For a property of €250,000, expect approximately €25,000-€32,500 in additional costs.

Question 4

Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner for a property in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Spanish banks provide mortgages to foreigners for properties in Fuengirola. As a non-resident, you can usually borrow 60-70% of the appraised value. Mortgage rates are around 3-4% for non-residents. There are numerous banks in Fuengirola (CaixaBank, Sabadell, BBVA, Unicaja) with experience with international clients. Due to the large expat community, service is often available in multiple languages. Required: NIE number, income proof, bank statements, and property valuation report.

Question 5

What are the best neighborhoods to buy in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

The best neighborhoods in Fuengirola are: Centro and Paseo Marítimo - lively, all amenities within walking distance, beach promenade. Los Boliches - authentic fishing village, family-friendly, slightly more affordable. Carvajal - residential, quieter, near the Carvajal cove. Torreblanca and Los Pacos - hills, views, villas and modern developments. El Higuerón - new exclusive area on the border with Benalmádena. For beach life: Centro; for authentic: Los Boliches; for views: Torreblanca.

Question 6

Can I rent out my property in Fuengirola to tourists?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can rent your property in Fuengirola to tourists with a tourist license (licencia turística) from the Junta de Andalucía. Fuengirola attracts a diverse crowd: families, couples, and overwinterers. Rental income: €700-€1,500 per week in high season. The season is longer than many destinations thanks to mild winters. Note: Fuengirola municipality actively enforces licensing requirements. Always apply before starting rentals and check HOA rules.

Question 7

What annual costs do I have as a property owner in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

As a property owner in Fuengirola, you pay annually: IBI (municipal property tax) of €400-€1,200 depending on cadastral value. Community fees of €80-€250 per month in buildings with pool and amenities. Non-resident tax of approximately €300-€700 per year. Building insurance of €180-€400 per year. Utilities averaging €100-€170 per month. Total: €4,000-€9,000 per year for an average apartment.

Question 8

How is the beach and promenade of Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

Fuengirola has one of the longest beach promenades on the Costa del Sol: 7 km from Carvajal to the border with Mijas. The beaches are wide with fine sand and Blue Flag certification. There are chiringuitos (beach bars), beach clubs, watersports, and beach playgrounds. The boulevard is busy but lively with restaurants, cafés and shops. For those who love beach life and boulevard culture, Fuengirola is ideal. The beach is accessible year-round.

Question 9

How is public transport in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

Fuengirola has excellent public transport. The Cercanías commuter train (C1) has two stations in Fuengirola (center and Los Boliches), with direct connections to Málaga Airport (35 minutes!), Málaga center (45 minutes) and Benalmádena/Torremolinos. Trains run every 20 minutes. This makes Fuengirola ideal for buyers who use the airport regularly. There is also a well-organized bus network. Car-free living is very possible here.

Question 10

What documents should I check when buying a property in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

When buying in Fuengirola, check: Nota Simple (property deed from Land Registry) for ownership and mortgages. IBI receipts for paid taxes. HOA certificate without outstanding payments. Cédula de Habitabilidad (habitability certificate). Energy certificate. Many apartments in Fuengirola are from the 1970s-90s; check the building's condition and the HOA's financial reserves. A lawyer (€1,000-€1,800) is essential for due diligence.

Question 11

What taxes do I pay as a non-resident with a property in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

As a non-resident with a property in Fuengirola, you pay: Annual non-resident tax (IRNR) on deemed rental income (1.1-2% of cadastral value × 19-24% rate), typically €300-€700 per year. IBI (property tax) annually to the municipality. Upon sale: capital gains tax of 19-23%. EU citizens (Dutch, Belgians) pay 19%, non-EU citizens 24%. Rental income is taxed separately at 19-24%.

Question 12

How large is the expat community in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

Fuengirola has one of the largest and most diverse expat communities on the Costa del Sol. More than 140 nationalities are registered. Large groups are: British, Finns (Fuengirola has the largest Finnish community in Spain), Irish, Scandinavians, Dutch and Belgians. There are international churches, clubs, restaurants of all cuisines, and services in many languages. The downside is that some neighborhoods feel more 'expat' than Spanish, but integration opportunities exist.

Question 13

What amenities are there in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

Fuengirola has comprehensive amenities: hospital (Hospital Costa del Sol is nearby), numerous medical centers, international schools (including Finnish school), all shops and services. The Miramar shopping center is one of the largest on the coast. There are sports facilities including an aquapark (Aquamijas), zoo (Bioparc Fuengirola), and marina. The weekly market on Tuesday is huge. Fuengirola is a complete town for permanent residence.

Question 14

Is Fuengirola a good real estate investment?

Accepted Answer

Fuengirola is a solid investment: diverse international market (not dependent on one nationality), excellent infrastructure (train, shops, healthcare), year-round activity, and strong rental demand from both short-term tourists and long-term residents. Prices have risen 7-10% per year in recent years. Risk: many older buildings that may need renovation, and busy center in peak season. For rental investment or personal use with rental potential, Fuengirola is an excellent choice.

Question 15

What new build projects are there in Fuengirola?

Accepted Answer

New build in central Fuengirola is limited due to limited space, but there is activity in the hills (El Higuerón, Torreblanca) and on the outskirts. Modern apartments start around €250,000, penthouses with sea views from €400,000. You pay 10% VAT + 1.5% stamp duty with warranties up to 10 years. El Higuerón is currently the most active luxury development area. The resale market in the center offers more choice in lower price ranges.

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