If you’ve been watching the Costa del Sol property market closely, you’ve probably noticed a striking pattern: Swedish buyers are shaping demand in Marbella and surrounding municipalities more than ever.
Recent notary data reveals that Swedish nationals completed an estimated 1,212 property transactions across Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Benahavís, and Estepona in the 12 months leading up to September 2025.
This makes Swedes one of the most influential foreign buyer groups on the coast — not only in volume, but also in their concentration within specific high-demand zones.
Where Swedish Buyers Are Focusing
Marbella recorded the highest total number of Swedish property purchases, closely followed by Fuengirola. Interestingly, Fuengirola holds the largest Swedish market share, with Swedish buyers accounting for 13.74% of all foreign transactions there.
Beyond the top four municipalities — Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona, and Mijas — transaction volumes drop significantly, reinforcing how concentrated Swedish demand really is.
In my day-to-day work across the Costa del Sol, I consistently see Swedish buyers gravitating toward prime lifestyle areas such as Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús, where community presence, international services, and high-quality developments align with their expectations.
Notary data confirms this trend. In postcode 29660 (Nueva Andalucía & Puerto Banús), Swedish buyers represent 14% of all foreign property transactions, making them the number one foreign buyer nationality in that area. Around 124 sales were completed by Swedish buyers there in a single year — accounting for nearly one-third of all Swedish purchases in Marbella.
A Buyer Profile That’s Evolving Fast
The Swedish buyer profile on the Costa del Sol has changed significantly.
What used to be dominated by retired couples is now expanding to include:
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Young families relocating full-time
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Remote workers seeking lifestyle upgrades
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Professionals investing in second homes or rental assets
Factors such as climate, infrastructure, international schooling — including the Swedish School of Marbella — and strong lifestyle appeal are driving this evolution.
From my experience working directly with international clients, Swedish buyers tend to be highly informed, value-driven, and quality-focused. They often prioritise modern design, energy efficiency, turnkey properties, and long-term livability over speculative purchases.
Municipal Breakdown: Swedish Property Activity
Here’s a snapshot of Swedish estimated sales by municipality:
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Marbella: ~396 transactions
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Benahavís: ~69 transactions
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Estepona: ~225 transactions
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Mijas: ~219 transactions
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Fuengirola: ~303 transactions
These figures reinforce the idea that Swedish buyers are not just present — they’re shaping micro-markets within the Costa del Sol.
Residents vs Non-Residents: The Real Story
Despite growing interest in permanent relocation, around 85% of Swedish buyers remain non-residents, according to notary data for Málaga Province.
Official figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute estimate 20,000–22,000 registered Swedish residents in Spain as of early 2024. However, the true number is likely far higher.
In practice, I regularly work with Swedish clients who:
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Own property but haven’t formally registered as residents
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Spend extended periods in Spain under EU free-movement rights
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Split time between Sweden and the Costa del Sol
Unofficial estimates suggest the real Swedish population connected to Spain could be closer to 100,000 people.
What This Means If You’re Buying on the Costa del Sol
If you’re considering buying property in areas like Marbella, Benahavís, or Nueva Andalucía, this data highlights an important reality: you’re entering a market shaped by strong international demand — particularly from Swedish buyers.
In my role as a property agent specialising in new developments and off-plan homes from Sotogrande to Benahavís, I help buyers navigate this competitive environment by:
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Identifying true value vs. inflated pricing
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Securing access to one of the largest portfolios of new-build and off-plan properties on the Costa del Sol
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Providing clear, transparent guidance — no jargon, no hidden clauses, no pressure
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Supporting clients end-to-end, from property search and negotiation to legal, financing, furnishing, and after-sales
My goal is always the same: to help you make confident, informed decisions and secure a property that genuinely fits your lifestyle and investment goals.
Final Insight: Swedish Demand Isn’t a Trend — It’s a Structural Shift
Swedish buyer activity on the Costa del Sol isn’t a short-term fad. It reflects a deeper lifestyle, mobility, and investment shift that continues to strengthen premium coastal markets.
If you understand where demand is growing — and work with someone who knows how to interpret real transaction data on the ground — you can position yourself ahead of the curve, not chasing it.
