The Dutch buy the most new-build homes on the Costa del Sol

The residential market on the Costa del Sol (Málaga) is one of the most attractive to international buyers, thanks to its location, mild climate and great food. As a result, the number of foreigners buying property in the area has increased significantly in recent years, particularly the Dutch, who, according to Engel & Völkers, are the foreigners buying the most new-builds as second homes on the Málaga coast.

The estate agent claims that in the last two years, the number of interested buyers from the Netherlands has doubled that of Belgian and British buyers, who have dropped to second and third place in the ranking. Outside the top three are buyers from Poland, Sweden, Germany and the Czech Republic, thus highlighting the interest of Europeans in the Costa del Sol.

The CEO of Magnum & Partners - Engel & Völkers, José Carlos Pérez, notes that “in the first half of 2024 alone, sales of newly built second homes to Dutch people have already tripled compared to the whole of 2022,” which he considers “particularly positive”, although he assures that it is a “post-pandemic effect”.

Remote working and a strong tax policy in the Netherlands, key to Dutch interest in the Costa del Sol

The increase in remote working since the pandemic has meant that people can work from anywhere in the world, allowing them to move to a place that promotes their well-being, like the coast of Málaga with its warmer climate and more relaxed lifestyle.

But why has the number of Dutch people increased so much compared to the rest of Europe? According to Engel & Völkers, the tax policy on the purchase of a second home in the Netherlands has been tightened, which is why citizens are choosing another European country to spend their holidays in, in this case, Spain.

As these properties are intended as second homes, Pérez asserts that the Dutch are interested in “buying a second home on the Costa del Sol to enjoy for a few months, but renting it out the rest of the time to make a profit”. Investment and holidays go hand in hand.

Meanwhile, the main attractions of the Costa del Sol are the beach, the climate and the relaxed lifestyle. These three sectors are at their best during summer, when, according to the estate agent, foreign buyers are most active.

Engel & Völkers claims that between June and August 2024, sales of newly built second homes to Dutch nationals increased by 150% compared to the summer of 2023, thus reflecting the European interest in the Costa del Sol.

Within the Costa del Sol, some areas are more in demand from foreigners than others. Engel & Völkers notes that Dutch buyers are opting for Estepona, Torremolinos and Mijas Costa.

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