For years, Marbella property and lifestyle has been the Costa del Sol’s undisputed star. Synonymous with glamour, luxury living, and a lifestyle that attracts everyone from international celebrities to Europe’s elite, Marbella’s reputation is unmatched. But just a short drive west lies Estepona — a town once overshadowed by its neighbour that has quietly reinvented itself, now savvy international investors are looking to buy property in Estepona, and consider it to be one of the desirable destinations.
Today, Estepona offers the same Mediterranean cachet as Marbella, but often at a lower entry point. Buyers are discovering that this coastal gem combines modern infrastructure, authentic Andalusian charm, and excellent investment opportunities. With prices still below Marbella’s peak, Estepona property investment in 2025 has become a compelling choice for those seeking both lifestyle and value.
Two decades ago, Estepona was often described as Marbella’s sleepy cousin. That has changed dramatically. Thanks to sustained investment in urban development, Estepona has reinvented itself into a vibrant, cosmopolitan town while carefully preserving its traditional Andalusian character.
The pedestrianisation of its old town, lined with colourful flowerpots and cobbled streets, has created one of the most charming historic centres on the coast. At the same time, the seafront promenade has been modernised, and luxury resorts and beach clubs have multiplied along the coastline. Estepona now offers a seamless blend of tradition and modernity that appeals to a wide demographic of international buyers.
Estepona’s appeal lies in its ability to offer much of what Marbella does, but without the same price premium. Property buyers here enjoy a mix of contemporary new-build developments and traditional Spanish homes, all set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.
The town’s accessibility is another draw. Just 20 minutes from Marbella and under an hour from Málaga airport, Estepona is easy to reach while still feeling slightly removed from the hustle and bustle. Its location on the New Golden Mile adds prestige, but its character remains warm and welcoming.
For families, Estepona offers international schools, healthcare facilities, and safe residential communities. For retirees, it provides a quieter pace of life while still delivering excellent amenities. For investors, it promises strong rental yields as demand surges in line with the town’s rising reputation. Explore our property to buy in Estepona and request information about wealth planning for cross-border investors.
Living in Estepona is about enjoying the Costa del Sol lifestyle without the intensity of Marbella. Residents can wander through the whitewashed old town, savour local tapas in family-run restaurants, and attend cultural festivals that celebrate Andalusian heritage.
But Estepona also caters to a luxury lifestyle. The town is home to exclusive marinas, beach clubs, and five-star resorts. The new Estepona Hospital enhances healthcare access, while modern gyms, golf courses, and equestrian centres ensure a range of leisure activities. For many buyers, this combination of authenticity and modernity is what sets Estepona apart.
When comparing property prices, the gap between Marbella and Estepona is striking. While a luxury apartment on Marbella’s Golden Mile can easily exceed €1.5 million, Estepona offers new-build seafront apartments starting at around €600,000. Villas with private pools, which might cost several million euros in Marbella, can often be found in Estepona for under €1.5 million.
This relative affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Many new developments in Estepona are built to exceptionally high standards, offering floor-to-ceiling glass, energy-efficient designs, rooftop pools, and concierge services. Buyers are essentially getting Marbella-quality homes without Marbella-level pricing. Browse New Developments in Estepona and get advice about conveyancing and legal structuring
The attraction of snapping up Estepona real estate is no longer a secret, and that’s precisely what makes it such a strong investment case in 2025. Demand is increasing from both holidaymakers and long-term residents, driving rental yields and capital appreciation.
Holiday rentals are particularly lucrative in Estepona thanks to its beaches, proximity to Marbella, and growing reputation as a lifestyle hub. Modern apartments with sea views can command €200 to €350 per night in high season, achieving annual yields of 5–6%. Long-term rentals are also in demand, particularly among expatriates relocating for work or lifestyle, with three-bedroom apartments renting for €1,800–€2,500 per month.
As the town continues to develop, property prices are expected to rise further. Investors who enter the market now are likely to benefit from ongoing appreciation as Estepona cements its place alongside Marbella as one of the premier destinations on the Costa del Sol. Find out how to safeguard your Spanish property investment with PCC Insurance.
The heart of Estepona, with its traditional charm, flower-lined streets, and boutique properties. Ideal for buyers who want authenticity and culture.
Stretching between Marbella and Estepona, this area is home to luxury beachfront apartments and villas, with strong appeal to holidaymakers and investors.
Vibrant and lively, the marina area attracts younger buyers and tenants who want nightlife and easy access to the sea.
Estepona has become a golfing hotspot, with courses like Valle Romano and Estepona Golf drawing buyers who value year-round sport and steady rental demand. View Estepona neighbourhood guides.
The choice between Marbella and Estepona is no longer about glamour versus simplicity. Instead, it’s a decision between established prestige and emerging opportunity. Marbella will always carry unmatched global recognition, but Estepona offers a more affordable entry point and the potential for higher returns on investment.
For those who value authenticity, Estepona’s old town and community-driven lifestyle may prove more appealing. For those prioritising status and ultra-luxury, Marbella still leads. Increasingly, however, many buyers are realising that Estepona allows them to have the Marbella lifestyle — beaches, marinas, restaurants, and golf — without paying Marbella prices.
Buying property in Spain requires careful planning, particularly for foreign investors. At PCC, we provide more than sales advice. Through our sister companies, clients benefit from comprehensive support:
Combined with PCC Property’s focus on lifestyle-driven sales, this creates a seamless experience for buyers who want to unlock Estepona’s potential.
Estepona has transformed from a sleepy coastal town into one of the Costa del Sol’s most dynamic property markets. It offers everything Marbella does — golden beaches, fine dining, luxury homes, and vibrant culture — but often at a lower cost. For foreign buyers in 2025, Estepona represents the chance to enjoy Marbella’s cachet without the price tag, all while securing a property with strong rental yields and future appreciation.
Whether you’re searching for a seafront apartment, a villa with a private pool, or an authentic old-town home, Estepona is ready to deliver. The boom is already underway, but for those who act now, Estepona remains one of the most exciting opportunities on the Costa del Sol.
We’ve Moved Offices on 1st August 2025!
Private Client Consultancy is excited to announce that we have moved to a brand-new office space, designed to better serve our clients and reflect our continued growth.
Effective Date: Friday, 1st August 2025
New Address: Urb Jazmin De Miraflores, C. Jazmín, 2, Mijas Costa 29649, Malaga, Spain
Our phone numbers and email addresses remain unchanged.
All in-person meetings scheduled from 1st August onwards will take place at our new location. Please update your records accordingly.
We look forward to welcoming you to our new space!
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