According to a 2026 report by El Mundo, Polish investors have increased purchases of apartments in Costa del Sol, with some transactions exceeding one million euros. The trend, noted in real-estate data from the first half of 2026, reflects growing interest from Polish buyers in Spanish coastal properties.
Polish Buyers Drive Up Demand in Costa del Sol’s High-End Housing Market
Rise in Polish Investment
The surge in Polish buyers corresponds to a 12% year-over-year increase in apartment sales in the Costa del Sol region, according to the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE). While the majority of transactions involve Spanish or British buyers, Polish nationals accounted for 4% of purchases in the first quarter of 2026, up from 2% in 2024. El Mundo cited data from the Andalusian Regional Housing Office, which tracks foreign buyer activity.
"Polish buyers are particularly active in areas like Marbella and Estepona, where properties priced between 800,000 and 1.5 million euros dominate the market," said a spokesperson for the office, who requested anonymity. The spokesperson attributed the trend to improved economic conditions in Poland and favorable exchange rates between the euro and the Polish zloty.
Local Real-Estate Agents Report Surge in Polish Client Inquiries
Market Impact and Local Reactions
Local real-estate agents report heightened competition in premium segments, with some listings attracting multiple offers from Polish buyers. "We’ve seen a 20% rise in inquiries from Polish clients this year," said Javier Morales, a Marbella-based agent. "They’re looking for second homes or investment properties, often with large budgets."
The influx has drawn mixed reactions from residents. While some view it as a boost to the local economy, others express concerns about rising property prices. "Prices have gone up 15% in our neighborhood since 2024," said Maria González, a longtime Estepona resident. "It’s making it harder for locals to buy homes."
Poland’s Economic Growth and Currency Advantages Fuel Foreign Buying Spree
Economic Context and Trends
Poland’s economic growth, which averaged 4.2% in 2025, has expanded the middle class, according to the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS). This has increased disposable income for middle- to high-income households, enabling larger real-estate investments abroad. The eurozone’s stable inflation rate, combined with a weaker zloty, has also made Spanish properties more affordable for Polish buyers.
A 2026 analysis by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) noted that Polish investors are increasingly diversifying portfolios beyond domestic markets. "Spain’s tourism-driven real-estate sector offers both rental income potential and long-term appreciation," the report stated.
Spanish Foreign Buyer Regulations and Potential Policy Shifts Ahead
Regulatory and Legal Considerations
Spanish law requires foreign buyers to provide proof of funds for transactions over 100,000 euros. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that Polish buyers comply with these regulations, though some transactions involve offshore entities. "All purchases are subject to Spanish tax laws, including a 10% capital gains tax on sales within five years," a ministry representative said.
What Comes Next?
The trend’s sustainability depends on economic stability in both Poland and Spain. Analysts note that rising interest rates in the eurozone could dampen demand, while Poland’s continued growth might sustain it. "If Polish incomes keep rising, we could see this trend continue into 2027," said EBRD economist Ana López.
Local governments are also considering measures to address housing affordability. A proposed 2026 bill would impose stricter limits on foreign ownership in coastal areas, though it faces opposition from real-estate groups.
The Costa del Sol’s appeal to Polish buyers underscores broader shifts in global real-estate investment, driven by economic dynamics and currency fluctuations. As the market evolves, stakeholders will monitor how these factors shape future transactions.
Find more reporting in our Business section.
