Are you looking for real estate on the Costa del Sol with a €500k budget? Whether you’re picturing poolside afternoons, morning walks along the promenade, or tapas in a traditional old town, your money goes further in some places than others. Here’s a detailed look at what €500,000 buys you in Marbella, Estepona, and Fuengirola—and why lifestyle should be at the heart of your decision.
The Costa del Sol is a patchwork of different micro-markets. Marbella, Estepona, and Fuengirola sit within a 40-minute coastal drive, but they offer very different lifestyles.
When clients ask about a €500k budget, it’s rarely just about square metres—it’s about how they want to live. Let’s break it down.
At the €500k level, location within Marbella matters most. Prime frontline beachfront is typically well above this price point, but you can buy into resort-style living close to Puerto Banús.
Living here is about status and social scene. Golf courses, Michelin-starred dining, designer shopping, and an international community are on your doorstep. It’s also a strong option for those wanting rental appeal—Puerto Banús is a magnet for short-term lets. For guidance on financing luxury property purchases and mortgage structuring, contact our financial team for personalised advice.
If Marbella is about brand and nightlife, Estepona is about space, value, and authenticity. The town has undergone major regeneration: pedestrianised streets, beachside murals, and new green spaces have created a vibrant coastal lifestyle.
Estepona combines a charming old town with new-build sophistication. You can sip coffee in a traditional plaza in the morning, and be dining at a luxury beach club by evening. Families are drawn to the area for its international schools, while investors see it as value growth territory compared to Marbella. If you are considering property ownership structures or planning for heirs? Explore PCC Legal Conveyancing and Estate Planning services.
Fuengirola has transformed from a package holiday favourite into a sought-after residential hub. It’s particularly attractive for buyers who prioritise walkability and transport links.
Fuengirola is a year-round town—vibrant, international, with everything in walking distance. The C1 commuter train connects it to Málaga Airport and city in under 40 minutes. For those who don’t want to rely on a car, this is one of the most practical choices on the coast. If you are looking to safeguard your beachfront investment? Visit PCC Insurance for details of home insurance cover.
Estepona continues to deliver stronger square metre value compared to Marbella property. While €500k in Marbella often secures a compact 2-bed near Puerto Banús, for the same budget you can find a beachfront property for sale in Estepona with sea views, often larger and more modern. For lifestyle buyers, it means more space and direct beach access without compromising quality.
Yes, but it’s tight. In Los Boliches, frontline apartments around 85–95 m² with pools and parking are listed from €550k, so buyers often stretch a little above the €500k mark. For those who want the promenade lifestyle—daily beach walks, easy access to Málaga by train—property in Fuengirola remains one of the few places where true beachfront is possible near this price point.
Marbella is about more than the property itself—it’s about the brand, prestige, and lifestyle. A €500k budget won’t buy a frontline villa, but it will buy entry into a resort community with high-end amenities within minutes of Puerto Banús. For many, that name recognition and rental potential make the premium worthwhile.
Estepona is a good fit for families and long-term residents who value a balance of lifestyle and investment. International schools, a revitalised old town, and spacious apartments attract buyers looking for more permanent roots. Investors also like Estepona’s growth potential, as demand continues to push prices up from lower baselines.
Both towns are walkable, but Fuengirola wins on connectivity thanks to the C1 commuter train direct to Málaga airport and city centre. Estepona has charm, but without a train link, daily life can be trickier without a car. Buyers who prioritise mobility often favour Fuengirola.
Beyond the purchase price, factor in:
For clarity on these costs, explore the PCC Legal Buying Property in Spain: A Legal Guide for Expats.
Yes, but smart choices matter. Marbella offers prestige and rental demand, Estepona gives value and space, while Fuengirola guarantees connectivity. Each has unique upside depending on whether you prioritise capital growth, lifestyle, or rental yield. Buyers who integrate financial planning, legal structuring, and insurance into their decision typically get the best long-term results.
| Location | Property Type | Size (approx.) | Price Range | Lifestyle & Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marbella | 2-bed resort apartment, La Dama de Noche | 75–110 m² | €495k–€525k | Pools, padel, security, ~1 km to Puerto Banús |
| Estepona | Frontline Marina Bay 2-bed | 85–100 m² | €349k–€400k | Sea views, pools, garages, walk to old town |
| Fuengirola | Frontline Los Boliches 2-bed | 85–98 m² | €550k–€600k | Promenade living, pool, parking, walk to train |
A €500,000 budget in 2025 buys you very different lifestyles along the Costa del Sol. In Marbella, it’s resort-style and proximity to prestige. In Estepona, it’s larger spaces and even frontline living. In Fuengirola, it’s unbeatable convenience and promenade life.
The right choice isn’t just about square metres—it’s about how you imagine your life unfolding under the Andalusian sun.
For a tailored property search and to explore financial, legal, and insurance solutions alongside your purchase, contact PCC Property today.
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!
Check out our detailed area guides along the Costa del Sol and Algarve.
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