Everything You Should Know Before Buying Property on the Costa del SOL
- Pål Restad
- Oct 20
- 5 min read
Buying a home in Spain isn't just about sunshine and palm trees.
Yes, we love the sunshine and palm trees, don't get me wrong. They are partly the reason we wanted to move here, right?!
But, when it comes to buying a property – we are dealing with major assets.
So we need to be smart. It's about finding a property that truly fits your lifestyle – both now and for years to come.
The better prepared you are, the easier it is for me to help you. And the more you've thought things through beforehand, the more likely it is that you'll make a decision you'll be happy with. For years and years.
About Pål Restad and 63ºNO
Pål (pronounced Paul) Restad is a Norwegian real estate investor based in Marbella. Through his company 63ºNO, he actively sources high-quality real estate projects across the Costa del Sol – both for his own portfolio and for a select group of private clients. As a dealmaker and independent advisor, he helps affluent Scandinavian and international buyers find the right properties, make smarter decisions, and avoid costly mistakes in a market that can often feel opaque and confusing.
Step One: Know Where You Want to Be
The Costa del Sol is a vast area with many distinct neighborhoods, styles, and price levels. Understanding where you feel comfortable – and what matters most to you – is key.
Do you want to be near the beach? In a quiet gated community with panoramic views? Walking distance from restaurants and nightlife?
Most buyers have to prioritize. It's rare to find a location that offers "everything" in one place.
Many people think they want to live close to the beach, because who doesn't want to go walking by the beach at sunrise or sunset? I get it. My wife also wanted that – before we tried it. And turns out. We got more of what we needed and wanted for our residence in other places.
We could just drive to the beach for our walks.
Are you looking for a holiday home or a more permanent residence?
That will (and should) make you think about factors in a different way. Maybe a little bit of both? Rental income? Have you heard about "tourist license?" and new short term rental laws? Well, both exist – and matter - much. But more on that in another article.
Some people refer to the entire stretch from Malaga to Gibraltar as "Marbella" – which makes it hard for any agent to know what you're really looking for. It's like saying you're open to buying a home "between Chelsea and Hampstead" or "somewhere between Santa Monica and Laguna Beach."
You get the point.
The more specific you are, the better advice you can receive.
It's fine to explore different regions in Spain in the beginning – but if you're serious about buying, you need to narrow it down.
Personally, I focus exclusively on the Costa del Sol, primarily within the Marbella municipality. But if you're also considering Costa Blanca, I can connect you with trusted local experts there.Nueva Andalucía, Sierra Blanca, and Benahavís are among the most sought-after areas near Marbella. Further out, you may find charming and more affordable options – but with that comes longer drives and, in some cases, lower long-term appreciation potential.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed. High purchase prices also mean higher risk if the market drops. That said, Marbella has shown remarkable resilience in recent downturns. But more on that another time.
My Own Choice
I've (for now) chosen to live in Aloha, in Nueva Andalucía – one of Marbella's most desirable locations. It's close to Puerto Banús (a useful landmark, even if we rarely go there) and surrounded by great restaurants, cafés, and everyday conveniences. It's also at the heart of the famous "Golf Valley," nestled between Aloha, Las Brisas, and Los Naranjos golf courses.
We've traded beachfront and mountaintop views for walkability and community – but we've also purchased a penthouse in La Quinta, which offers breathtaking views and sits higher up. We'll be moving there in the summer of 2026, after a complete renovation.
We considered buying a new-build apartment but decided against it.
Why? Let me explain.
As Norwegians, we're used to underfloor heating in our bathrooms.
That is not standard here in Spain.
Local agents often say, "You don't need heating in the sun!" — but come winter, when the temperature drops to near freezing at night and your home is built in concrete with no insulation... you'll want to reconsider.
Some luxury developments include heating, but most new builds don't. If it's important to you, look for a quality resale unit or plan to renovate. I'm me, you're you. These were just my thoughts to help get you thinking. You need to reflect on what truly matters for you and your family.
What Type of Property Suits You?
Think about what kind of property actually fits your lifestyle:
A private villa with its own pool and garden?
A townhouse in a gated community?
A penthouse with a rooftop terrace?
A duplex penthouse (split over two floors – common here, rare in northern Europe)?
A modern apartment within walking distance of everything?
A budget-friendly apartment that's further out?
A property you can renovate and make your own?
You may not know for sure until you've viewed a few properties – but thinking ahead helps.
What's the Intended Use?
There's a big difference between buying a property as:
A holiday home (for a few weeks each year)
A full-time residence for yourself or your family
A rental investment for passive income
A hybrid use (e.g., personal + short-term letting)
If capital appreciation or ROI is your top priority, the shortlist will look very different from a lifestyle-driven search.
And if you're planning to rent out on platforms like Airbnb, there are many rules and pitfalls to be aware of. (I'll write more about that separately.) Just make sure you check before you buy.
Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
Here are some factors worth considering:
Minimum number of bedrooms?
Size and orientation of the outdoor space (terrace, garden, rooftop)?
Pool: Private or shared?
Elevator?
Parking?
Sea view?
Walkability to beach, shops, schools?
Make a simple list: What are your non-negotiables? And what are "nice to have" features?Need to have ✅
Nice to have ✅
Timeline & Budget
When are you hoping to buy? Are you in early research mode – or ready to move quickly if the right property comes up?
Budget is equally important. Being clear on your range (plus 10–12% for taxes and fees) helps avoid wasted time on properties that don't fit.
You can read more in our article: "What are the buying costs in Spain?"
Why This Matters
The more I understand your goals and preferences, the easier it is to help you find the right fit. It saves us both time – and increases the odds that you'll be genuinely happy with your purchase.
From experience, clients who do this reflection in advance tend to make better decisions. They rarely regret their choice, because they've thought it through.
Ready to Begin?
Feel free to reach out via email, WhatsApp, or the contact form on my website. I'm happy to help – not just with finding a great property, but with everything you should know before, during, and after buying in Spain.
Marbella is full of opportunity. But the best property deals go to those who know what they’re looking for.
PS:
Working with me costs you absolutely nothing. I get paid from the seller’s commission, which is set in advance. My support doesn’t affect your purchase price at all – but it can make a big difference in what you end up getting.
Nice, right?
Feel free to reach out through our contact form at 63NO.com
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