Why buyers are looking at property in Estepona, Spain
With Marbella and other well-established hot spots of the Costa del Sol becoming more expensive and fully built out, some buyers are looking west to Estepona.
Once regarded as a secondary area – but also the ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol' for its lush greenery - the past five years have seen Estepona transform, offering a choice of new developments and also better value for money than Marbella, 20 minutes away.
A Place in the Sun’s Jasmine Harman knows this only too well having moved to Estepona from the UK 18 months ago. Its convenience is hard to beat for a relocating family, as well as a holiday home buyer. There are plenty of amenities within 10-15 minutes’ walk away - lots of boutiques, restaurants, three large supermarkets and a theatre. There are three international schools within a 20-minute drive.
Estepona has the brand-new €16m Hospital de Alta Resolución, a new athletics and football stadium and the Mirador del Carmen Arts and Cultural Centre with a music conservatory, auditorium and exhibition hall with works from the Carmen Thyssen collection. There are plans for Starlite Music World, the world’s first major music-themed amusement park. Like Marbella, Estepona has an attractive palm tree lined waterfront and port as well as a flower-bedecked Old Town with quaint narrow streets. But these streets are less crowded, its beaches – there are 17 beaches across 13 miles - are less busy.
Along with much of the Old Town being pedestrianised, the investment from local government and townhall has been extensive over the last five years and this has impacted the property market, says Adam Winfield of CDS Property Spain.
“Estepona is absolutely booming. Prices in the Las Mesas area, an area located just a 10-minute walk down to Estepona port, have soared over the last five years. I have had two buyers whose properties purchased in 2022 have increased: one from €435,000 to a sale this year at €635,000; another bought for €395,000 and just sold for €565,000.”
You can buy large off-plan properties in La Mesas for €420,000 – with three bedroom including a large master with en-suite bathroom and dressing room, through the agent. For three bedrooms and a sea view, expect to pay around €650,000 plus.
They are just a few minutes’ walk away from a new gym and padel club; the beach and Estepona port is just a 10-minute walk away. You can also find one-bedroom new apartments from around €170,000; second-hand apartments from around €150,000, townhouses at €275,000 or villas with pools at around €600,000 plus. Beautiful fincas in the campo behind be towards €2m.
Airport Access
The journey from Estepona to Malaga airport is approximately 45-50 minutes by car using the AP7, you can also take the coast road but this would take about an hour. There is also a convenient bus service direct from the airport which takes an 1h 15 and costs around €9.50 to €12. You can also fly in to Gibraltar Airport for alternative routes, this is also around 40 minutes.
Two Best Beaches?
Just a 10-minute walk from Las Mesas leads you down to a small sandy cove called Playa del Cristo. The beach is Blue Flag rated and is extremely popular with families as the waters are slightly clearer and warmer, here you will find Lolailo Chironguito, ideal for some fresh calamari or a green smoothie if you are on a health kick. Playa de la Rada - one of Estepona’s busiest beaches for some water sports – or gentle paddle boarding – before trying popular restaurants like Chiringuito El Madero for cocktails and paella.
Restaurant Picks
El Pescador in the old town is one of the favourite restaurants with views over the promenade to the sea, beautiful fresh seafood at very reasonable prices. Or try Chanchalay Bar which is always good fun, serving international bar food (the burgers are really recommended) and amazing cocktails.
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