Buying real estate in Malaga?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

How much do houses cost now in Malaga? (2026)

Last updated on 

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Spain Property Pack

property investment Malaga

Yes, the analysis of Malaga's property market is included in our pack

Malaga has become one of the most sought-after destinations for foreign buyers looking for houses in southern Spain, thanks to its coastal lifestyle, year-round sunshine, and growing international community.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about house prices in Malaga in 2026, from median costs to neighborhood comparisons, closing fees, and what locals actually think about the market.

We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and market shifts.

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.

photo of expert anna siudzinska

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

✓✓✓

Anna Siudzinska 🇵🇱

Real Estate Agent

Anna Siudzińska is a dynamic business strategist and experienced manager with a proven track record in sales, marketing, and corporate expansion. With years of experience navigating both domestic and international markets, she specializes in driving growth, strengthening companies' market positions and helping clients find lucrative real estate opportunities in Spain.

How much do houses cost in Malaga as of 2026?

What's the median and average house price in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the estimated median house price in Malaga sits around €520,000 (roughly $565,000 or £435,000), while the average house price reaches approximately €750,000 ($815,000 or £625,000) due to high-end villas pulling the number upward.

The typical price range that covers about 80% of house sales in Malaga spans from €300,000 to €1,200,000 ($325,000 to $1,300,000), which reflects a market split between modest older homes and premium coastal properties.

The gap between the median and average tells you that Malaga's house market is top-heavy, meaning luxury villas in areas like El Limonar and Cerrado de Calderón push the average well above what most buyers actually pay.

At the median price of €520,000 in Malaga, you can realistically expect a 3-bedroom house of around 130 to 150 square meters in a mid-tier district like Cruz de Humilladero or the outer parts of the East District, typically with a small garden or terrace.

Sources and methodology: we triangulated data from Tinsa, idealista, and Fotocasa to build these estimates. We converted €/m² figures into house budgets using typical house sizes by bedroom count. Our own data and transaction analyses helped refine these ranges for accuracy.

What's the cheapest livable house budget in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the minimum budget for a livable house in Malaga starts around €150,000 to €220,000 (approximately $165,000 to $240,000), though options at this level are limited and require careful vetting.

At this entry-level price point in Malaga, "livable" typically means a small terrace house or older detached home that is dated but structurally sound, often with basic fixtures and no recent renovations.

These cheapest livable houses in Malaga are usually found in peripheral areas like Campanillas, parts of Churriana, Puerto de la Torre, and some pockets of Ciudad Jardin or Bailén-Miraflores.

Wondering what you can get? We cover all the buying opportunities at different budget levels in Malaga here.

Sources and methodology: we analyzed listing data from idealista and Fotocasa to identify the floor prices for houses in Malaga. We cross-referenced with municipal district data from the Junta de Andalucía. Our own market tracking helped us verify which neighborhoods consistently offer the lowest entry points.

How much do 2 and 3-bedroom houses cost in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical 2-bedroom house in Malaga costs around €380,000 ($415,000), while a typical 3-bedroom house runs approximately €520,000 ($565,000).

The realistic price range for a 2-bedroom house in Malaga spans from €280,000 to €520,000 ($305,000 to $565,000), depending on whether you're looking at an outer suburb or a more central location.

For a 3-bedroom house in Malaga, the realistic range runs from €350,000 to €750,000 ($380,000 to $815,000), with the higher end reflecting properties in premium districts like El Limonar or Pedregalejo.

Moving from a 2-bedroom to a 3-bedroom house in Malaga typically adds a premium of around €100,000 to €140,000 (roughly 25% to 35% more), largely because 3-bedroom houses tend to be built on larger plots with more outdoor space.

Sources and methodology: we used €/m² data from Tinsa and idealista, applying typical house sizes (90 to 120 m² for 2-bed, 110 to 160 m² for 3-bed). We validated these estimates against live listings on Fotocasa. Our internal analyses helped adjust for location premiums across Malaga's districts.

How much do 4-bedroom houses cost in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical 4-bedroom house in Malaga costs around €800,000 ($870,000), reflecting the fact that most 4-bedroom houses are located in the more desirable residential zones with larger plots.

The realistic price range for a 5-bedroom house in Malaga runs from €800,000 to €1,800,000 ($870,000 to $1,960,000), as these properties are often found in villa-style developments in the East District or elevated hillside areas.

For a 6-bedroom house in Malaga, prices typically range from €1,100,000 to €2,700,000 or more ($1,200,000 to $2,940,000+), with these large family homes concentrated almost exclusively in premium coastal and hillside neighborhoods.

Please note that we give much more detailed data in our pack about the property market in Malaga.

Sources and methodology: we calculated these ranges using Tinsa valuation benchmarks combined with district-level €/m² from idealista. We applied typical floor areas for larger homes (180 to 300+ m²). Our own transaction data helped us identify where large houses actually trade in Malaga.

How much do new-build houses cost in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical new-build house in Malaga costs between €650,000 and €1,400,000 ($705,000 to $1,520,000), though supply is limited since most new construction in the city is apartment-focused.

New-build houses in Malaga typically carry a premium of 10% to 25% compared to older resale houses of similar size and location, reflecting modern energy efficiency, contemporary finishes, and turnkey condition.

Sources and methodology: we referenced the INE House Price Index for new versus existing price splits, then applied Malaga-specific €/m² from idealista. We also consulted Agencia Tributaria for VAT implications on new builds. Our analyses helped validate the premium range buyers should expect.

How much do houses with land cost in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical house with land (villa or chalet with a private plot) in Malaga costs between €500,000 and €850,000 ($545,000 to $925,000) for entry-level options, while sea-view or prime plots range from €1,200,000 to €3,000,000+ ($1,300,000 to $3,260,000+).

In Malaga, a "house with land" typically means a plot of 200 to 1,000 square meters or more, with the land premium being highly location-sensitive since views and prestige micro-areas add far more value than raw land area alone.

Sources and methodology: we analyzed villa listings from idealista and Fotocasa, filtering for properties with significant plot sizes. We cross-checked with Tinsa valuation data for villa segments. Our own tracking of premium transactions helped refine these estimates for Malaga.

Thinking of buying real estate in Malaga?

Acquiring property in a different country is a complex task. Don't fall into common traps – grab our guide and make better decisions.

real estate forecasts Malaga

Where are houses cheapest and most expensive in Malaga as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the lowest house prices in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the lowest house prices in Malaga include Ciudad Jardin (specifically areas like Mangas Verdes and Sagrada Familia), Bailén-Miraflores (including Miraflores de los Ángeles and Carlinda), and peripheral zones like Campanillas, Churriana, and Puerto de la Torre.

In these cheapest neighborhoods, the typical house price range runs from €150,000 to €400,000 ($165,000 to $435,000), with most options clustering around €250,000 to €350,000 for a basic 2 to 3-bedroom house.

These neighborhoods have the lowest prices mainly because houses there are often older buildings on the urban fringe where the building form allows more detached homes, but public transport links and walkable amenities are more limited than in the core.

Sources and methodology: we mapped district-level €/m² from Fotocasa and idealista to identify price floors. We referenced the Junta de Andalucía district classifications. Our own analyses helped translate these into real neighborhood names buyers actually use.

Which neighborhoods have the highest house prices in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest house prices in Malaga are El Limonar, Cerrado de Calderón, and Pedregalejo, all located in the East District (Este) where sea views and elevated hillside plots command premium prices.

In these most expensive neighborhoods, the typical house price range runs from €800,000 to €2,500,000+ ($870,000 to $2,720,000+), with prime sea-view villas easily exceeding €3,000,000.

These neighborhoods command the highest prices because they combine direct Mediterranean views, large private plots, quiet residential streets, and proximity to top international schools, all in limited supply with no room for new development.

The typical buyer in these premium Malaga neighborhoods is either a high-earning international professional relocating with family, or a lifestyle buyer (often from Northern Europe or the UK) seeking a permanent or semi-permanent coastal residence with top-tier schools nearby.

Sources and methodology: we analyzed the East District premium using data from Tinsa, idealista, and Fotocasa. We also referenced international school locations from The British School of Málaga. Our transaction tracking confirmed where premium sales concentrate.

How much do houses cost near the city center in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, houses near the city center of Malaga (including Centro Histórico, Soho, and La Victoria) typically cost between €600,000 and €1,500,000 ($655,000 to $1,630,000), though supply is very limited since the dense urban core is dominated by apartments.

Houses near major transit hubs in Malaga, such as the María Zambrano station area (Perchel, parts of Cruz de Humilladero) and the Teatinos metro corridor, typically range from €450,000 to €900,000 ($490,000 to $980,000) for a 3 to 4-bedroom property.

Houses near top-rated international schools in Malaga, particularly The British School of Málaga and the Lycée Français International de Málaga (both in Cerrado de Calderón), typically cost between €750,000 and €2,000,000+ ($815,000 to $2,175,000+).

In expat-popular areas of Malaga like Cerrado de Calderón, El Limonar, Pedregalejo, and near La Malagueta, houses typically range from €800,000 to €2,500,000+ ($870,000 to $2,720,000+), reflecting strong international demand and limited house stock.

We actually have an updated expat guide for Malaga here.

Sources and methodology: we used district-level price data from idealista and Fotocasa. School locations were verified via The British School of Málaga and Lycée Français International. Our own data helped map transit proximity to price premiums.

How much do houses cost in the suburbs in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, houses in the suburbs of Malaga typically cost between €350,000 and €800,000 ($380,000 to $870,000), offering more space and often a small garden compared to central options.

The typical price difference between suburban houses and city-center houses in Malaga is roughly 30% to 50% lower in the suburbs, meaning you might pay €400,000 in Churriana for a house that would cost €600,000 or more near Centro.

The most popular suburbs for house buyers in Malaga include Churriana (close to the airport and coast), Campanillas (good value for families), Puerto de la Torre (more residential feel), and parts of Teatinos (near the university with improving metro access).

Sources and methodology: we compared suburban versus central district pricing from idealista provincial data and Fotocasa. We used Tinsa benchmarks for validation. Our analyses helped identify which suburbs offer the best value-to-accessibility balance.

What areas in Malaga are improving and still affordable as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the top areas in Malaga that are improving yet still affordable for house buyers include Cruz de Humilladero (especially Carranque and Los Tilos), Bailén-Miraflores (particularly Carlinda and Miraflores de los Ángeles), and Campanillas on the outskirts.

In these improving yet affordable areas, the current typical house price ranges from €250,000 to €500,000 ($270,000 to $545,000), depending on size, condition, and exact street location.

The main sign of improvement driving buyer interest in these areas is upgraded public transport connections (like metro line extensions to Teatinos) and new commercial developments that bring better everyday amenities to previously overlooked neighborhoods.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Malaga.

Sources and methodology: we tracked neighborhood-level price changes using idealista time series and Fotocasa district comparisons. We referenced municipal development plans from the Ayuntamiento de Málaga. Our own market monitoring helped us spot early-stage improvements.
infographics rental yields citiesMalaga

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 extra costs should I budget for a house in Malaga right now?

What are typical buyer closing costs for houses in Malaga right now?

The estimated typical total closing cost for house buyers in Malaga runs between 8% and 10% of the purchase price for a resale property, or 12% to 14% for a new-build house due to different tax structures.

The main closing cost categories in Malaga include: transfer tax (ITP) at 7% for resales or VAT at 10% plus stamp duty (AJD) at 1.2% for new builds, plus notary fees, property registry fees, and gestoría (administrative) fees which together typically add €1,500 to €3,500 ($1,630 to $3,800).

The single largest closing cost category for house buyers in Malaga is almost always the transfer tax (ITP) at 7% for resale purchases, which on a €500,000 house means €35,000 in tax alone.

We cover all these costs and what are the strategies to minimize them in our property pack about Malaga.

Sources and methodology: we referenced official tax rates from the Junta de Andalucía and VAT rules from Agencia Tributaria. Regulated fee schedules come from the BOE (Official State Gazette). Our own transaction reviews helped us estimate realistic all-in costs.

How much are property taxes on houses in Malaga right now?

The estimated typical annual property tax (IBI) for a house in Malaga ranges from €500 to €1,500 per year ($545 to $1,630), depending on the cadastral value assigned to the property.

Property tax in Malaga is calculated by applying the city's IBI rate of 0.451% to the cadastral value (valor catastral), which is typically much lower than the market value and is set by the regional land registry.

If you want to go into more details, we also have a page with all the property taxes and fees in Malaga.

Sources and methodology: we used the official IBI rate from the Ayuntamiento de Málaga tax ordinance. We applied typical cadastral values for houses based on Junta de Andalucía assessment practices. Our analyses helped translate these rates into practical annual budgets.

How much is home insurance for a house in Malaga right now?

The estimated typical annual home insurance cost for a house in Malaga ranges from €250 to €600 ($270 to $655) for standard coverage, while larger villas or properties with higher rebuild values can run €700 to €1,500+ per year.

The main factors that affect home insurance premiums for houses in Malaga include the property's rebuild value, contents coverage level, claims history, and specific features like swimming pools or proximity to flood-risk zones.

Sources and methodology: we referenced sector pricing trends reported in El País and cross-checked with Spanish insurance market data. We also consulted consumer pricing surveys. Our own data from buyer experiences helped us narrow realistic premium ranges for Malaga houses.

What are typical utility costs for a house in Malaga right now?

The estimated typical total monthly utility cost for a house in Malaga ranges from €125 to €280 ($135 to $305), depending on the size of the house, insulation quality, and whether you use air conditioning heavily in summer.

The breakdown of main utility categories for houses in Malaga typically includes: electricity at €70 to €130 per month ($75 to $140), gas (if used for heating/hot water) at €30 to €90 per month ($35 to $100), and water plus municipal garbage fees at €25 to €60 per month ($27 to $65).

Sources and methodology: we used electricity and gas price benchmarks from Eurostat and consumption patterns from IDAE. We cross-referenced with MITECO residential data. Our analyses helped calibrate these figures to typical Malaga house sizes.

What are common hidden costs when buying a house in Malaga right now?

The estimated total of common hidden costs that house buyers in Malaga often overlook can add €5,000 to €15,000+ ($5,450 to $16,300+) beyond the headline purchase price and standard closing costs.

Typical inspection fees buyers should expect when purchasing a house in Malaga run from €400 to €900 ($435 to $980), covering a basic building survey at the lower end or a more detailed structural and damp check at the higher end.

Other common hidden costs beyond inspections when buying a house in Malaga include: renovation surprises (humidity and salt corrosion in older coastal homes), community fees for gated urbanizations (€50 to €200+ monthly), and legal fees to verify that extensions or terraces are properly registered.

The hidden cost that tends to surprise first-time house buyers the most in Malaga is discovering that parts of their house (like a terrace, garage, or extension) are not fully regularized in the property registry, which can cost thousands to fix or may affect future resale value.

You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Malaga.

Sources and methodology: we compiled hidden cost categories from buyer feedback and legal guidance documents via Junta de Andalucía property resources. Inspection fee ranges come from surveyor quotes and BOE regulated schedules. Our own transaction analyses helped us identify which surprises hit buyers most often.

Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Malaga

Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.

buying property foreigner Malaga

What do locals and expats say about the market in Malaga as of 2026?

Do people think houses are overpriced in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the general sentiment among both locals and expats is that houses in Malaga feel expensive, particularly in the East District where limited supply and strong international demand keep prices structurally high.

Houses in Malaga typically stay on the market for around 45 to 120 days before selling, with well-priced family homes in good-value areas moving faster and unique high-ticket luxury properties sitting longer unless sellers adjust their expectations.

The main reason locals and expats give for feeling house prices are too high in Malaga is the mismatch between local salaries and asking prices, combined with competition from foreign buyers who can pay cash or bring stronger purchasing power from other markets.

Compared to one or two years ago, sentiment on house prices in Malaga has shifted from "it's booming" to "it's expensive but stabilizing," as the frenzied pace of 2023-2024 has given way to more measured growth and slightly more room for negotiation in some areas.

You'll find our latest property market analysis about Malaga here.

Sources and methodology: we tracked market sentiment using price trend data from idealista and Tinsa, combined with days-on-market metrics. We reviewed local media and expat forums for qualitative sentiment. Our own buyer and seller feedback helped us capture how the mood has shifted.

Are prices still rising or cooling in Malaga as of 2026?

As of early 2026, house prices in Malaga are still elevated but showing slower growth and more uneven momentum compared to the strong surge period of 2022-2024, with prime areas holding firm while some outskirts offer more negotiation room.

The estimated year-over-year house price change in Malaga sits around 3% to 6% depending on the district, which is a notable slowdown from the double-digit gains seen in some previous years.

Experts and locals expect house prices in Malaga over the next 6 to 12 months to remain relatively stable or grow modestly, with premium coastal and hillside pockets staying resilient while less sought-after areas may see flat prices or slight corrections.

Finally, please note that we have covered property price trends and forecasts for Malaga here.

Sources and methodology: we analyzed price trajectory using the INE House Price Index, idealista quarterly reports, and Tinsa IMIE local market data. We reviewed expert commentary in Spanish property media. Our own market monitoring helped us interpret what these trends mean for buyers on the ground.
infographics map property prices Malaga

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.

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
INE (Spain's National Statistics Office) Official government source for housing price indices in Spain. We used it to anchor the direction of prices (rising or cooling) in early 2026. We also used its new versus existing home split to validate our new-build premium estimates.
idealista Spain's largest property portal with transparent methodology. We used it for asking-price benchmarks in Malaga by district. We converted their €/m² figures into house budgets using typical house sizes.
Tinsa Long-standing Spanish valuation firm with widely cited indices. We used it to anchor Malaga's €/m² level with valuation-based methodology. We cross-checked it against listing-based indexes for triangulation.
Fotocasa Major Spanish property portal with a long-running price index. We used it to compare Malaga's districts by €/m². We mapped those districts to real neighborhood names for practical buyer guidance.
Junta de Andalucía Regional government's official tax guidance for Andalucía. We used it to state current transfer tax (ITP) and stamp duty (AJD) rates. We converted those percentages into euro amounts for typical house prices.
Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) Spain's national tax agency for VAT and tax rules. We used it to explain why new-build purchases are taxed differently than resales. We showed how this affects your cash budget at completion.
BOE (Official State Gazette) Spain's official legal gazette with binding fee schedules. We used it to confirm that notary and registry fees follow regulated schedules. We gave practical euro ranges based on typical house purchases.
Ayuntamiento de Málaga The municipality's official IBI (property tax) ordinance. We used it to state Malaga's IBI tax rate for urban residential property. We translated the rate into annual euro estimates based on typical cadastral values.
Eurostat EU's official statistics agency with cross-country price data. We used it to benchmark household electricity and gas prices per kWh. We converted these into monthly bill estimates using typical consumption assumptions.
IDAE Spain's public energy efficiency agency with residential data. We used it to keep our utility consumption assumptions realistic. We applied their consumption ranges to Eurostat prices for accuracy.
The British School of Málaga Official school website with verified location information. We used it to name a real "top-school area" that buyers ask about (Cerrado de Calderón). We linked this area to the East District price premium discussion.
Lycée Français International de Málaga Official school site with campus address verification. We used it to identify another top international school area for expat families. We explained why this micro-area prices above the city average.

Get to know the market before buying a property in Malaga

Better information leads to better decisions. Get all the data you need before investing a large amount of money. Download our guide.

real estate market Malaga