Where to find a property for sale in Malaga
The city of Malaga and its nearby valleys of Andalusian villages is having a moment. Whilst the city is coming into its own as a cultural centre and foodie destination, areas inland of it are experiencing a wave of interest as buyers look for both greater value and also authenticity.
For many, Malaga the Moorish beach city has for many years been just the location of the Costa del Sol’s busy airport, a place where 13 million people’s holiday both begins and ends each year. But there’s no reason, as with Valencia and Alicante cities, why Malaga shouldn’t be a great base for those who want a city buzz - and beaches. One day it might even become as fashionable as Barcelona or San Sebastian - after all, it’s now got it own branch of the Soho Hotel.
Why have Malaga as a base? The first Pompidou centre outside of France has opened, but there’s long been two Moorish hilltop forts, the Picasso Museum (the painter was born in the city), and great sherry and tapas scene. Also, don’t miss a trip to the Sunday flea market and the botanic garden, the best in Europe.Let’s not forget the beaches - Malagueta is nearest the city, but La Caleta is best for laid-back chiringuitos.
City apartments start from around €75,000, with €150,000 for a good two-bedder, and one price index quotes the average price per square metre in Malaga centre as €1,709. This compares to €4,479 in Barcelona.
But villages around the Malaga province, handy for the beach, city and airport are also increasing in popularity, as prices have remained well down since the global downturn. For example, the area directly north of the city - Colmenar, Archidona, Riogordo - have been popular, as has the area around Lake Vinuela and Alcaucin.
A couple of A Place in the Sun TV property hunters bought a two-bedroom townhouse with lovely mountain views in Riogordo for €75,000 two years ago, and prices have changed little. Torre de Mar is a handy seaside resort for these inland villages, and there’s a massive aquapark at Velez-Malaga.
To the west of the city and inland, the villages of Coin and Ojen (much nearer the coast) are popular. In Coin, you can get a simple little townhouse for €60,000, but in the latter, the proximity to Marbella pushes this up to nearer €200,000.
Whether vibrant city or little village nearby, Malaga attracts those who want something more authentically Spanish than the Costa del Sol. It’s unlikely the area will ever go out of fashion.