Yes. The Costa del Sol is a well-established destination for international residents and foreign property buyers. It offers mature residential areas, strong infrastructure, extensive healthcare services, international schools and amenities that operate throughout the year. However, safety and suitability vary between towns and neighbourhoods, so each location should be assessed individually.

Safety and everyday life
Spain compares favourably with many OECD countries in measures such as homicide rates. The Costa del Sol includes numerous established residential communities popular with families, retirees and international residents. As with any destination, buyers should consider the precise neighbourhood, local security, transport connections and seasonal activity before choosing where to live.

Healthcare and international services
Spain’s national health system provides virtually universal coverage and a comprehensive range of services for those entitled to access it. The Costa del Sol also has public facilities such as Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol in Marbella and several private hospitals and clinics. Some private providers offer multilingual assistance specifically for international patients. Access and costs depend on your residency status, insurance and personal circumstances.

Legal protection when buying property
Buying property in Spain follows a formal legal process involving a public notary and registration with the Spanish Land Registry. The notary oversees the completion documents and applicable taxes, while the Land Registry records the buyer’s legal ownership. Foreign buyers should also appoint an independent property lawyer to check ownership, debts, planning status, licences and contractual conditions before making substantial payments.

Buyers of off-plan properties benefit from additional legal protection. Advance payments taken by a developer must be protected through a bank guarantee or insurance arrangement. This is designed to protect the buyer if construction does not begin or the property is not completed under the agreed conditions.

An established international property market
The Costa del Sol has a strong international buyer base and an established market for permanent homes, second homes and investment properties. Across Spain, foreign buyers accounted for 14.6% of residential purchases in 2024 and remained at historically high levels during 2025. Strong demand can support the market in desirable locations, although future price growth and rental returns can never be guaranteed.

The wider region is also highly rated by international residents. Málaga placed first in the 2023 Expat City Ranking and second in 2024, receiving particularly positive feedback for friendliness, lifestyle and ease of settling in. Marbella was named European Best Destination for 2024, reflecting the area’s continuing international appeal. These rankings demonstrate popularity rather than guaranteeing personal safety or investment performance.

Who is the Costa del Sol suitable for?
The Costa del Sol may be particularly attractive to families seeking an outdoor lifestyle, retirees looking for year-round services, professionals establishing a European base and buyers searching for a second home in Spain. Different areas offer very different lifestyles, from central Málaga and Marbella to quieter coastal and golf communities in Mijas, Casares Costa and Alcaidesa.

Buying safely
No property purchase is entirely risk-free. Foreign buyers should use an independent lawyer, complete full legal due diligence, verify all off-plan guarantees and investigate the property’s physical condition, community rules and potential rental restrictions before committing.

With the right location, professional legal support and careful checks, the Costa del Sol can be a safe and attractive place for international buyers to live and purchase property.