Fincas for Sale on the Costa del Sol
Do you dream of peace, space and your own plot of land with olive or almond trees, while keeping the sea and Málaga airport within easy reach? Then a finca on the Costa del Sol is well worth considering. On this page you will find our current fincas for sale in the countryside behind the Costa del Sol, along with honest advice on what to look out for.
What is a finca?
A finca is a rural home on its own plot of land, usually outside the town centre. In Andalusia you will also hear the term cortijo for a traditional farmhouse. Plots range from a few thousand square metres to several hectares, often with fruit, olive or almond trees. Some fincas are fully renovated with a pool and guest accommodation, while others still need a fair amount of work. That variety is exactly what makes a finca so appealing, and why good preparation matters.
Where to find fincas on the Costa del Sol?
There is little room for fincas on the coast itself. You will mainly find them in the hills and valleys behind it, often a twenty to forty minute drive from the beach.
- Axarquía: the hills behind Nerja and Vélez-Málaga, with white villages such as Cómpeta and Frigiliana, avocado groves and sea views.
- Guadalhorce Valley: around Álora, Coín, Cártama and Alhaurín el Grande. Green, rural and relatively close to Málaga and the airport.
- The hinterland of Mijas and Benahavís: country living close to the golf courses and amenities of the western Costa del Sol, at a higher price level.
- Serranía de Ronda: more rugged and higher up, with cooler summers and plenty of space, further from the coast.
What to look out for with a finca in Andalusia
Buying a finca is different from buying an apartment or a villa on an urbanisation. We always go through these points with you:
- Legal status: many fincas are on rustic land (suelo rústico), where building is strictly regulated. Check whether the house and any later additions, such as a pool or extension, are legal or recognised as asimilado fuera de ordenación (AFO). The latter means the town hall tolerates the property, but extending it remains difficult.
- Land registry and property register: the details in the catastro and the registro de la propiedad must match what is actually on the land. Differences in surface area or buildings are more common with fincas.
- Water: is the finca connected to mains water, does it have its own well (pozo) or water rights? After dry years, this is an important point.
- Electricity and drainage: some fincas run on solar panels and have a septic tank (fosa séptica) instead of mains drainage.
- Access: is the access road paved and passable all year round? And how far is the nearest supermarket and doctor?
That is why you should always have an independent lawyer carry out the legal checks. Also read our pitfalls when buying a house in Spain and who arranges what when buying in Spain.
How much does a finca on the Costa del Sol cost?
Inland fincas are generally cheaper per square metre than comparable villas on the coast. The price depends heavily on the location, the condition of the house, the size of the plot and the views. On top of that, allow for additional costs: for a resale property in Andalusia you pay 7% property transfer tax (ITP), plus notary, registry and lawyer fees. Also budget for maintaining the land, the pool and, where relevant, the well. In our article how much does it cost to buy a house in Spain we list all the costs. Wondering how to finance your purchase? Read mortgage for a house in Spain.
Prefer something else?
Torn between the countryside and living closer to the coast? Then also take a look at our villas for sale on the Costa del Sol or our houses for sale on the Costa del Sol. Want to build yourself? Have a look at our building plots on the Costa del Sol. Is your dream finca not listed? Then we will search tailor-made for you, also outside our own portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a finca and renovate it?
That depends on the land and the status of the property. Strict rules apply to extensions on rustic land. Have the town hall and a lawyer check in advance what is allowed.
Can I rent out a finca as a holiday home?
In Andalusia, a holiday rental must be registered and meet certain requirements. Properties on rustic land are sometimes subject to extra rules. We look into this with you for each finca.
Get to know us, without obligation
Buying a finca is a wonderful step, but one that calls for care. We are happy to think along with you. Book a free video call and discover which finca for sale on the Costa del Sol suits you.
