Property in Estepona: the perfect place to call home?

Not sure if a property in Estepona is right for you?

As a prospective expat, choosing a resort is one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make. After all, it’s the place you’ll call ‘home’ – and you need to be confident you can be happy there.

Estepona is an incredibly popular part of the coastline. But some people wonder if it will offer the relaxed Spanish lifestyle they dream of.

There’s no denying it’s a very popular holiday destination. It has all the usual tourist facilities – hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, activities, sights etc. Marbella and Puerto Banús are just a stone’s throw away and the international airport of Málaga can be reached in 50 minutes and Gibraltar airport in 30 minutes  As such, properties for sale in Estepona are often bought to rent as a holiday home.

But – and it’s a big but – this is only a small part of its character.

Despite the summer tourism, Estepona has managed to retain its true Andalusian charm, and in our opinion, is one of the best places in Spain to retire or raise a family. Here we take a closer look at why.

What’s it like to live in Estepona?

Authentically Español

At its heart, Estepona is a traditional fishing village with a peaceful, laidback atmosphere.

It’s a ‘Pueblo Blanco’ of Andalusia; characterised by its whitewashed buildings, orange groves, and pedestrianised streets filled with colourful flowers. Rather than being busy and over-congested, like other coastal towns in the region, it has a small village feel – with local chiringuitos and tapas bars at every turn, and a weekly artisan market.

What’s more, approximately 75% of the local residents are Spanish. It’s the real España. So if you do plan to move to Estepona as a British expat, it’s worth brushing up on some conversational phrases.

Quiet beaches

Estepona is famous for its stunning 21km coastline.

Many of its beaches have been awarded blue flag status – which is a marker for environmental standards, safety and quality standards. Even during the summer months, they’re significantly less crowded than those in neighbouring resorts, making them an ideal spot to relax and unwind.

Some of the most popular include Playa del Cristo, Playa de la Rada and Playa del Padrón, known for its 2km stretch of golden sand and crystal clear water.

If you’re a beach lover, perhaps a beachfront villa would be perfect? That way, you can wake up every day, just a few steps away from paradise.

Year-round sunshine

Protected by the Sierra Bermeja mountains, Estepona has a superb microclimate.

Lucky residents enjoy around 325 days of sunshine per year. Temperatures in the summer months soar to approximately 28 – 36˚C – yet thanks to the sea breeze, it never feels unbearably hot. In the winter, you can expect highs of 18 – 22˚C and it continues to be a lively place to live.

If you’re looking for somewhere to warm your bones, or keep those Vitamin D levels topped up, you certainly can’t go wrong with a property in Estepona.

Plenty to see and do

Estepona has something for everyone.

Lining the promenade and cobbled streets, you’ll find a huge variety of traditional bars and restaurants, serving tapas and sangria for a very reasonable price. Or, if you prefer a touch of luxury, the resort also has a wide selection of high-end boutiques, sophisticated bars and fine dining restaurants to choose from.

30 world-renowned golf courses can be found in the area, as well as Europe’s largest riding school ‘Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol’, numerous water sports, and yacht clubs. There are several great hiking trails in the surrounding mountains and valleys, and lots of popular day trip attractions are just a short drive away (e.g. Selwo Aventura) – perfect for when the grandchildren come to visit!

Whatever your interests or hobbies, you can pack your days with as much or as little as you like and make the most of the healthy outdoor lifestyle.

Excellent amenities

Over the years, Estepona has undergone significant development. It now has a fantastic infrastructure and boasts a wide range of day-to-day amenities, including international schools, banks, shops, supermarkets (e.g. Mercadona), British food stores, and much more.

The Costa del Sol, as a whole, also has an excellent dental and healthcare service.

Estepona’s main hospital – Hospital Costa del Sol – is located approximately 30 minutes away. But there are several excellent private and state-run clinics and health centres nearby too. These centres are clean and modern, well-equipped, with highly trained and multi-lingual doctors. As long as you register, you’ll be able to access the full range of services available.

A safe and friendly community

One of the first things people notice about Estepona is the friendly and welcoming nature of the local residents. The resort has a lovely community spirit and is considered one of the safest places to live in Europe.

Low cost of living

Contrary to popular belief, Estepona isn’t an expensive place to live.

The properties for sale in Estepona typically cost less than similar properties in the UK. Generally, prices fall below Marbella’s level – so you’ll be able to find something that fits your budget.

It’s also possible to enjoy an excellent quality of life, on a relatively small budget. Utilities, household bills and general purchases all tend to be cheaper than in the UK. Both groceries and dining out costs less. Community fees, road tax and fuel are all very affordable too. So, whether you’re a working family or a retired couple, you’re likely to find your money stretches much further.

For more information, you can read our previous blog on the cost of living in Spain.

Think a property in Estepona could be right for you?

Choosing a location for your new life in the sun can be tricky and, before you start your property search, it’s important to give it some careful consideration.

As a leading real estate agency in the Costa del Sol, here at Bromley Estates, we have excellent knowledge of the different regions and resorts. And we truly believe a property in Estepona is the perfect place to call home for retirees, couples and families.

If you think it ticks the right boxes for you, why not get in touch? Our portfolio features a diverse range of properties for sale in this area – including villas, townhouses, and apartments – and we can help to narrow down your search and guide you through the buying process. To speak to one of our experts, simply give us a call on +34 952 939 460 (+44 208 068 7606).

Alternatively, if you have any questions – or would like to find out more about living in Estepona – feel free to send an email to info@bromleyestatesmarbella.com. We’re always happy to help and will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.