Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Spain Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Malaga's property market is included in our pack
If you're a foreigner thinking about buying an apartment in Malaga, you're probably wondering how much it will actually cost you, all-in, with no surprises.
We've done the research for you, pulling data from Spain's most reliable property sources and crunching the numbers so you don't have to.
This guide is constantly updated to reflect the latest Malaga apartment prices, taxes, and fees as of early 2026.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Malaga.
Insights
- The price gap between Malaga's cheapest and priciest districts reaches about €2,200 per m², meaning an 80 m² apartment can vary by roughly €176,000 depending on location alone.
- Foreign buyers in Malaga typically need 40% to 50% of the purchase price in cash for a resale apartment, once you add the 30% to 40% down payment plus 9% to 10% in closing costs.
- Malaga's transfer tax (ITP) is calculated on the cadastral "valor de referencia," which can be higher than your actual purchase price, potentially increasing your tax bill unexpectedly.
- Budget-friendly districts like Campanillas and Ciudad Jardin have seen some of the fastest year-over-year price growth in Malaga, signaling rising competition for affordable apartments.
- New-build apartments in Malaga cost roughly 15% to 30% more per m² than resale units, plus they come with higher closing costs (around 13% versus 9% to 10% for resale).
- Monthly HOA fees in Malaga range from €50 to €250 depending on building amenities, but the real risk is unexpected "derramas" (special assessments) for major repairs.
- Malaga's IBI property tax rate is 0.451% of the cadastral value, not the purchase price, so most apartment owners pay between €300 and €900 per year.
- Electricity is typically the largest utility expense for Malaga apartment owners, averaging €60 to €110 monthly, with summer air conditioning driving costs higher.
How much do apartments really cost in Malaga in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, the average apartment price in Malaga city sits around €3,650 per m² (approximately $3,950 USD or €3,650 EUR), while the median comes in slightly lower at roughly €3,450 per m² ($3,730 USD).
To put that in perspective, a typical 80 m² apartment in Malaga would cost you around €292,000 ($315,000 USD) at the average price, though you could find options closer to €276,000 ($298,000 USD) at the median level.
Most standard apartments in Malaga fall within a price range of €200,000 to €400,000 ($216,000 to $432,000 USD), depending on size, condition, and neighborhood.
How much is a studio apartment in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Malaga costs between €110,000 and €146,000 ($119,000 to $158,000 USD), depending on size and exact location within the city.
Entry-level studios in more affordable districts like Ciudad Jardin can start around €80,000 to €100,000 ($86,000 to $108,000 USD), while high-end studios in premium areas like Centro or the Malagueta beachfront can reach €170,000 to €200,000 ($184,000 to $216,000 USD).
Studios in Malaga typically range from 30 to 40 m² (320 to 430 sq ft), which is fairly standard for Spanish cities along the Costa del Sol.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Malaga costs between €183,000 and €219,000 ($198,000 to $237,000 USD), with the mid-range sitting around €200,000 ($216,000 USD).
Budget-conscious buyers can find entry-level one-bedroom apartments in districts like Campanillas or Bailén-Miraflores starting from €140,000 to €170,000 ($151,000 to $184,000 USD), whereas luxury one-bedroom units in Este or Centro can reach €280,000 to €350,000 ($302,000 to $378,000 USD).
One-bedroom apartments in Malaga typically measure between 50 and 60 m² (540 to 645 sq ft), often including a separate kitchen and small balcony in older buildings.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Malaga costs between €274,000 and €329,000 ($296,000 to $355,000 USD), with most buyers paying around €290,000 to €300,000 ($313,000 to $324,000 USD).
Entry-level two-bedroom apartments in affordable areas like Cruz de Humilladero or Carretera de Cádiz start around €200,000 to €240,000 ($216,000 to $259,000 USD), while premium two-bedroom units in Este (El Limonar, Pedregalejo) or Centro can command €400,000 to €550,000 ($432,000 to $594,000 USD).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Malaga.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Malaga costs between €365,000 and €438,000 ($394,000 to $473,000 USD), with most family-sized units landing around €400,000 ($432,000 USD).
More affordable three-bedroom apartments in peripheral districts like Campanillas or Puerto de la Torre can be found starting from €280,000 to €340,000 ($302,000 to $367,000 USD), while luxury three-bedroom apartments in prime locations like Este or beachfront Centro can exceed €600,000 to €800,000 ($648,000 to $864,000 USD).
Three-bedroom apartments in Malaga typically range from 100 to 120 m² (1,075 to 1,290 sq ft), though newer developments sometimes offer slightly larger floor plans with additional bathrooms.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Malaga typically cost 15% to 30% more per m² than comparable resale apartments in the same neighborhood.
For new-build apartments in Malaga, expect to pay around €4,200 to €4,750 per m² ($4,540 to $5,130 USD) on average, with prices even higher in prime coastal or central locations.
Resale apartments in Malaga average closer to €3,400 to €3,650 per m² ($3,670 to $3,940 USD), making them the more accessible option for buyers on a budget, though they may require renovation or lack modern energy efficiency features.
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Can I afford to buy in Malaga in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical all-in budget for a standard two-bedroom resale apartment in Malaga is around €320,000 ($346,000 USD), which includes the purchase price of roughly €290,000 plus 9% to 10% in closing costs.
Beyond the apartment price, buyers in Malaga must budget for transfer tax (ITP at 7%), notary fees, land registry fees, and administrative costs (gestoría), which together add roughly €25,000 to €30,000 on a €290,000 purchase.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Malaga property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Malaga.
What down payment is typical to buy in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, foreign buyers purchasing an apartment in Malaga typically need a down payment of 30% to 40% of the purchase price, which means around €87,000 to €116,000 ($94,000 to $125,000 USD) on a €290,000 apartment.
Most Spanish banks require non-resident buyers to put down at least 30% since mortgage financing for foreigners is usually capped at 60% to 70% of the property value.
To secure more favorable mortgage terms and interest rates in Malaga, a down payment of 40% or higher is generally recommended, especially for non-EU buyers or those without Spanish income documentation.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Spain.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Spain compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Malaga in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, apartment prices per m² in Malaga vary dramatically from roughly €2,550 ($2,750 USD) in the most affordable districts to about €4,760 ($5,140 USD) in the priciest areas.
The most affordable neighborhoods in Malaga include Ciudad Jardin at around €2,550 per m² ($2,750 USD), Campanillas at €2,710 per m² ($2,930 USD), and parts of Bailén-Miraflores and Cruz de Humilladero below €3,000 per m² ($3,240 USD).
The most expensive neighborhoods in Malaga are Este (including El Limonar, Pedregalejo, and El Palo) at around €4,760 per m² ($5,140 USD) and Centro at approximately €4,160 per m² ($4,490 USD), driven by coastal views and historic charm.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Malaga.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, the three best neighborhoods for first-time buyers on a budget in Malaga are Campanillas, Ciudad Jardin, and Bailén-Miraflores, all offering prices well below the city average.
In these budget-friendly Malaga neighborhoods, typical apartment prices range from €150,000 to €220,000 ($162,000 to $238,000 USD) for a two-bedroom unit, compared to €290,000 or more in central areas.
These neighborhoods offer good public transport connections, local shops, schools, and a more residential Spanish atmosphere, which appeals to buyers looking for authentic daily life rather than tourist-heavy zones.
The main trade-off is distance from the beach and city center, meaning longer commutes and fewer walkable entertainment options compared to central Malaga or the coastal Este district.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Malaga in 2026?
As of January 2026, the neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices in Malaga are Bailén-Miraflores, Campanillas, and Ciudad Jardin, all showing double-digit annual growth rates.
These fast-appreciating Malaga neighborhoods have seen year-over-year price increases of roughly 15% to 25%, significantly outpacing the city average of around 10% to 12% annual growth.
The main driver behind this rapid price growth is affordability-seeking demand, as buyers priced out of central and coastal Malaga are now flooding into these previously overlooked districts, pushing up competition and prices.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Malaga.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Malaga in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Malaga?
For a typical €290,000 resale apartment in Malaga, total buyer closing costs come to approximately €25,000 to €30,000 ($27,000 to $32,000 USD), or about 9% to 10% of the purchase price.
The main closing cost categories for Malaga apartment buyers include transfer tax (ITP), notary fees, land registry fees, and administrative handling (gestoría), plus bank valuation costs if you're getting a mortgage.
The largest single expense is transfer tax (ITP) at 7% in Andalucía, which on a €290,000 apartment equals roughly €20,300 ($21,900 USD) by itself.
Notary and registry fees can sometimes be negotiated based on complexity, and choosing a different gestoría can save a few hundred euros, though the tax rate is fixed by law.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Malaga?
Buyers should budget approximately 9% to 10% of the purchase price for closing costs on a resale apartment in Malaga, or around 12% to 14% for a new-build apartment (due to VAT instead of transfer tax).
The realistic range runs from about 8.5% on the low end (simple resale transaction, no mortgage) to 14% or more on the high end (new-build with mortgage setup fees and additional documentation).
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Malaga.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Spain versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Malaga in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Malaga right now?
HOA fees (called "comunidad de propietarios" in Spain) are common for apartments in Malaga, and typical monthly fees range from €50 to €120 ($54 to $130 USD) for basic buildings with just a lift and cleaning services.
For buildings with pools, gardens, 24-hour security, or other premium amenities in Malaga, expect monthly HOA fees between €120 and €250 ($130 to $270 USD), with luxury complexes sometimes exceeding €300 per month.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Malaga right now?
For a typical apartment in Malaga, expect total monthly utility costs of around €110 to €200 ($119 to $216 USD), covering electricity, water, and internet.
The realistic range varies from €90 to €250 ($97 to $270 USD) per month depending on apartment size, air conditioning usage in summer, and your internet plan choice.
Utilities in Malaga typically include electricity (€60 to €110 monthly), water (€20 to €40 monthly based on residents and consumption), and internet (€30 to €50 monthly).
Electricity tends to be the most expensive utility for Malaga apartment owners, especially during summer when air conditioning is essential, as national average bills reached around €81 per month in 2025.
How much is property tax on apartments in Malaga?
The main annual property tax for apartments in Malaga is IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles), and most apartment owners pay between €300 and €900 ($324 to $972 USD) per year.
Malaga's urban IBI rate is 0.451% of the cadastral value, not the purchase price, and cadastral values are typically much lower than market values, which keeps the annual bill relatively modest.
The realistic range runs from around €200 per year for smaller apartments with low cadastral values to €1,200 or more for larger or newer properties in prime Malaga locations with updated cadastral assessments.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Malaga.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Malaga?
For most Malaga apartment owners, routine building maintenance is already included in monthly HOA fees, covering items like lift servicing, stairwell cleaning, and minor common-area repairs.
Beyond HOA fees, a reasonable budget for unexpected or major maintenance (your personal reserve) is roughly 0.5% to 1% of your apartment's value per year, which means €1,500 to €3,000 ($1,620 to $3,240 USD) annually for a €300,000 property.
These maintenance reserves help cover your share of "derramas" (special assessments) for major works like facade repairs, roof replacement, lift modernization, or plumbing upgrades that arise every few years in older buildings.
In Malaga, building maintenance costs are typically handled through the HOA rather than billed separately, so reviewing the community's financial health and pending projects before you buy is essential.
How much does home insurance cost in Malaga?
Annual home insurance for an apartment in Malaga typically costs between €150 and €400 ($162 to $432 USD), depending on coverage level, apartment size, and insurer.
The realistic range spans from around €120 per year for basic contents coverage to €500 or more for comprehensive policies covering high-value contents, water damage, and third-party liability on premium properties.
Home insurance is technically optional for apartment owners in Malaga unless you have a mortgage (in which case your bank will require at least building insurance), though most owners choose to carry it for peace of mind.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Malaga, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| idealista | Spain's largest real estate portal with transparent, repeatable price indices from listing data. | We used it as our primary snapshot of current asking prices in Malaga city and for district-by-district €/m² breakdowns. We then adjusted to estimate realistic agreed prices. |
| Tinsa | A major Spanish appraisal firm whose index reflects valuation data, not just listings. | We used it as a sanity check against portal asking prices. We triangulated with idealista to reach confident early-2026 transaction estimates. |
| Colegio de Registradores | Registrars record actual property registrations, making it a high-quality transaction dataset. | We used it to ground our price expectations in recorded sales. We treated it as a closed-deals reference point in our triangulation. |
| INE (Spain National Statistics Institute) | Spain's official statistics agency and the HPI is the standard public benchmark for price changes. | We used it to contextualize where Malaga sits inside broader Spain trends. We rely on it for direction and pace, not neighborhood pricing. |
| Bank of Spain (Banco de España) | The central bank publishes official analysis on household credit conditions. | We used it to frame affordability and borrowing conditions for buyers. We combined it with lender practice for foreign-buyer down payments. |
| BOE (Official State Gazette) | The official published law text, which is the source of truth for tax rates. | We used it to state the general ITP rate (7%) for resale homes in Andalusia. We also noted that reduced rates may exist in specific cases. |
| Junta de Andalucía | The regional tax authority guidance for AJD (stamp duty). | We used it to quantify AJD for notarized deeds on new builds and mortgages. We combined it with VAT and fees to compute all-in budgets. |
| Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) | Spain's national tax agency with manuals reflecting how taxes are applied. | We used it to clarify that Andalusia applies a 100% bonification on wealth tax in general cases. We mention it as a check-your-profile item. |
| Ayuntamiento de Málaga (IBI ordinance) | The city council sets IBI via official local tax ordinances. | We used it as the formal basis for how IBI works locally. We paired it with the published rate to estimate typical annual IBI bills. |
| Ayuntamiento de Málaga (fiscal presentation) | An official municipal publication summarizing local tax parameters. | We used it to cite Malaga's urban IBI rate (0.451%). We translated that rate into easy annual payment estimates. |
| Sede Electrónica del Catastro | The official source used by tax authorities for minimum taxable values. | We used it to explain the "valor de referencia" system that can surprise foreign buyers. We treat it as a risk-check item in the budget. |
| CNMC | Spain's energy regulator with an official consumer comparison tool. | We used it to ground the electricity budgeting section in an official reference. We then added a Malaga-appropriate monthly range. |
| EMASA | Malaga's municipal water provider, the authoritative source for water billing. | We used it to explain that Malaga's water bill depends on residents and consumption. We translated it into a monthly budget range. |
| Cinco Días | A respected Spanish financial newspaper with national utility reporting. | We used it to anchor electricity averages in widely-cited national bill levels. We adjusted for Malaga's climate conditions. |
| OCU | A well-known Spanish consumer organization with comparative methodology. | We used it to establish that insurance pricing varies by coverage and insurer. We then gave a realistic annual estimate for Malaga apartments. |
| idealista (mortgage guide) | A mainstream Spanish housing finance publisher with broad lender coverage. | We used it to support the typical non-resident financing band (60% to 70% LTV). We converted that into practical cash requirements. |
| Cadena SER | A national broadcaster citing Bank of Spain analysis on housing supply. | We used it to corroborate the supply shortage narrative explaining Malaga's strong price momentum. We did not use it for primary price numbers. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Spain. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.