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Property Supplement CDS 26 February – 4 March 2026 Issue 2121

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Costa del Sol calling

THE Costa del Sol enters 2026 as one of Spain’s most resilient and sought-after real estate markets, driven by sustained demand, limited supply, and strong international appeal. Property prices climbed sharply in 2025, with some areas posting increases of more than 15 per cent, and analysts expect continued, moderate growth in 2026 as demand outpaces new supply.

International buyers remain at the core of the market’s strength. Traditional sources such as the UK, Germany, the Nordics, and the Netherlands continue to be active, and interest now extends to North America and beyond, particularly for homes that serve as either lifestyle residences or long-term investments. The luxury segment in particular makes up a substantial share of high-end transactions, with the province of

Malaga alone accounting for nearly 30 per cent of Spain’s luxury property stock.

Limited new build inventory, especially in coveted coastal and prime urban locations, helps support price resilience. As a result, coastal hotspots like Marbella, Estepona, Benahavis, Mijas and Malaga City continue to outperform, with new developments commanding strong prices and quick sales.

Rental demand remains robust, supported by tourism, relocations, and a growing expatriate community, further enhancing the region’s investment appeal.

With its Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent connectivity and established global reputation, the Costa del Sol in 2026 offers a balanced market where quality of life and enduring real estate fundamentals go hand in hand.

IMAGINE living in a stunningly designed property surrounded by lush landscapes, where modern luxury meets the charm of nature. Now, envision having access to exclusive amenities such as private pools, a heated communal pool, a state-of-theart gym, and meticulously maintained gardens.

This idyllic lifestyle is not a dream - it’s a reality with 33 exceptional houses that offer everything you need for comfort, relaxation, and convenience.

Spacious and versatile homes

The development consists of 17 three bedroom townhouses and 16 four bedroom semi-detached houses.

Each home features:

Generous floor plans with seamlessly flowing living areas

Carefully considered layouts designed for modern living

Three-bedroom townhouses: Ideal for small families, couples, or individuals

Four-bedroom semi-detached houses: Perfect for larger families or those who need space for guests

Luxury amenities

Private and communal pools

Select homes include private pools, offering your own oasis just steps from your door. The heated communal pool is perfect for relaxing or hosting gatherings.

Fitness and wellness

A fully equipped, on-site gym means you can stay active without ever leaving the community.

Landscaped gardens

Thoughtfully designed green spaces create a peaceful sanctuary and enhance

the natural setting.

Private parking

Each home includes a private parking space on the property.

With more than 41 years of experience in real estate on the Costa del Sol, particularly in Estepona, we are uniquely positioned to guide both sellers and buyers through this new landscape. Whether you’re looking to market your property with clarity or buy with confidence, we’re here to help you understand where value lies and how to future-proof your investment.

Avenida Luis Braille 31, 29680, Estepona, Malaga • Office: +34 952 802 912 • Email: sales@melrose-properties.com • www.melrose-properties.com

HOMEOWNERS in Spain planning energyefficient renovations have been given a final window to secure substantial tax savings. A tax incentive that was set to expire has now been extended, allowing eligible homeowners to deduct up to €3,000 from their income tax in 2026. The measure, approved in December and published in the Official State Gazette, applies to individual homes until the end of 2026 and to residential buildings until the end of 2027. With energy costs still weighing on household budgets, the extension combines financial relief with a clear push toward greener housing.

The deduction is available to owners who carry out renovations that genuinely reduce energy consumption. It applies to primary residences, second homes used privately, and, in some cases, entire apartment buildings. Cosmetic upgrades do not qualify. The works must lead to measurable improvements, such as lowering non-renewable energy use or significantly improving the property’s energy rating. To prove this, homeowners must obtain two official energy efficiency certificates: one before the renovation and one after completion. Both are mandatory, and the initial certificate can be up to two years old.

Not all projects are treated equally. Renovations qualify if they reduce non-

renewable primary energy consumption by at least 30 per cent or improve the home’s energy rating to class A or B. Typical eligible works include insulation, window replacement, heating system upgrades, renewable energy installations and comprehensive refurbishments that cut overall energy demand.

The tax benefit is structured across three levels. Smaller improvements that reduce heating and cooling demand by at least 7 per cent allow a deduction of up to €1,000. The most attractive option for individual homeowners offers up to €3,000, applying a 40 per cent deduction to qualifying renovations. For full building renovations, owners can deduct up to €3,000 per year, with unused amounts carried forward for up to four additional years.

There are important conditions. Only one deduction level can be applied per project, public grants must be deducted from the base amount, and payments must be made via traceable methods such as bank transfer or card. Documentation is essential.

For homeowners already considering upgrades, 2026 represents a last real opportunity to combine energy improvements with meaningful tax savings, while also boosting comfort, efficiency and long-term property value.

Credit : Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Your complete property journey in Spain with trusted local experts

THE Your Dream Home team is dedicated to making your purchase in Spain as simple as possible. With offices in Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Fuerteventura we have something for everyone, from luxury apartments to contemporary villas and everything in between whether on the beach, whitewashed pueblos or world class golf resorts we will find Your Dream Home!

Our international multilingual team will help you before you even arrive in Spain and can offer advice on areas, what it’s like to live

All the team have lived here for many years and love sharing our favourite beaches, restaurants and things to do which you may not know, however frequent a visitor you are.

Our relationship with you doesn’t end once you’ve bought your property, our after care team can help you with property management, rentals and even reforms or building work. If you’ve purchased an unfurnished property, not a problem we offer a comprehensive interior design service to suit all pockets and needs.

To begin your journey, simply get in touch with our friendly team who will be delighted to assist you at every step. You can contact us on Tel: (+34) 952 475 715 or (+34) 658 017 138, email: info@yourdreamhome.es or visit our website at yourdreamhome.es. We look forward to helping you find and enjoy your perfect home in Spain.

AI in Real Estate

A GROWING trend in real estate marketing involves using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance or generate property listing photos, raising concerns about potential misrepresentation. AI tools can improve lighting, tidy interiors, virtually stage rooms, or generate images of features that do not exist, giving buyers an idealised impression of properties. While agencies argue that this attracts more views and helps compete in crowded markets, authorities warn that exaggerated images may mislead consumers.

Some AI-enhanced photos alter structural features, space, or furniture, creating false expectations that can frustrate prospective buyers.

Regulators in countries such as the US have begun requiring that digitally altered images be labelled and original photos remain accessible. Ethical codes for real estate professionals also stress transpa-

rency and accuracy to maintain trust. In Spain, buyers often rely on international portals that may host AI-enhanced listings. Even where local regulations are limited, experts advise verifying details in person or requesting original images. Questions to ask include whether photos were AI-enhanced, whether virtual staging is used, and whether views and spaces reflect reality.

While AI can improve marketing efficiency and help buyers visualise potential, it risks eroding trust if misused.

The ideal approach combines innovation with transparency, ensuring buyers understand which images reflect reality and which are enhanced.

The trend illustrates the tension between technological advancement and consumer protection in real estate, with implications for domestic and international buyers alike.

Photo credit: Manuel Milan/Shutterstock
Experts advise verifying details in person.

DISCOVER one of the most exclusive investment opportunities on the coast of Almeria: a remarkable seven-hectare development plot in Mojacar, located just 470 metres from the shoreline and close to a planned marina. Opportunities of this scale and potential are increasingly rare along the Mediterranean, making this a standout proposal for investors and developers alike.

The land offers up to 27,500 m² of buildable residential area, providing exceptional flexibility for a wide range of high-end projects. Whether envisioning a spectacular private estate or a boutique luxury development, the plot’s size and configuration allow for a variety of premium concepts. Its strategic positioning grants

sea views, immediate proximity to the beach, and excellent access to international airports, a forthcoming high-speed train connection and nearby yacht moorings.

What truly distinguishes this plot is its setting. Mojacar is known for its natural beauty, warm climate and sophisticated yet relaxed lifestyle. Unlike more saturated Mediterranean destinations, Mojacar retains a sense of space, privacy and authenticity while offering all essential services and continued growth potential. This balance of tranquillity and opportunity makes the area especially attractive for high-quality residential projects. For investors seeking strong long-term returns, the land

ADVERTISING FEATURE

represents a rare chance to secure a large, premium coastal asset in a region with rising demand. For developers, it opens the door to creating an exceptional residential enclave: imagine contemporary villas, landscaped communal areas, elegant design and walking proximity to the future marina and the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to its extensive buildability and privileged location,

the plot supports a wide spectrum of luxury concepts, from a single visionary project to a series of exclusive plots.

PARTIAL PLAN: The drafting of the Partial Plan has been commissioned to the Soto & Tudela Architecture Studio in order to advance the urban planning process for the transformation of the land into Urban Land. Initial approval of the Plan is expected by mid-2026, followed by the subsequent drafting phases until the Final Approval is granted.

This final approval will enable the Urbanisation and Reparcelling of the land, ultimately securing its definitive classification as Urban Land.

In essence, this offering combines scale, scarcity and location - the three pillars of a truly valuable real-estate investment. With its development potential, access to future infrastructure and unparalleled coastal position, this plot is poised to become one of the most desirable residential opportunities in the region.

For more information, including the Project Summary, Urban Planning Record and Preliminary Zonings Study, please visit: www.landinmojacar.com

Over 40 years of trusted experience caring for your home

OWNING a property on the Costa del Sol should be enjoyable and completely stress-free and that’s exactly what we’re here for. At Caribasol Management, we’ve been supporting property owners for over 40 years, so you can relax knowing your home is in experienced, reliable hands.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

We offer a full range of property management services, including secure key holding, regular property inspections, maintenance, and refurbishments. If you’d like to generate income, we also take care of holiday rentals, providing a smooth and hassle-free experience for both you and your guests.

Legal requirements and community of owners matters can feel complicated, but you don’t have to handle them alone. We can guide you

toward trusted legal professionals and help you understand local regulations, making everything simple and transparent.

We’re proud to serve an international clientele and speak **Spanish, French, Italian, German, Danish, and Romanian**, so communication is always easy and clear.

With Caribasol, your property is in safe, caring hands - so you can truly enjoy the Costa del Sol lifestyle.

Contact us by email at: caribasol@gmail.com or call us on telephone: +34 952 933 399 weekdays during office hours.

IS the feature wall dead?

Once the go-to trick for brightening up a space, the single statement wall fell out of favour as style trends evolved. Feature walls are not dead, they’ve matured, with many homeowners prioritising texture over bold colours or bright wallpapers.

Limewash finish, stone cladding, timber slats are just some of the current stylistic choices that homeowners are choosing to add depth and value to their homes. They want character without

the gimmicks. Oftentimes, these statement pieces are in neutral shades, as interior design has shifted focus to calm, cohesive interiors.

Using one base colour creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere, while the textured elements create an interesting dichotomy.

For some homeowners, one feature wall simply didn’t cut it. They want the whole room to make a statement. In order to do that, they lean into the maximalist style completely, decorating all

four walls and even sometimes the ceiling in the same vibrant wallpaper. It is also true that homeowners are swapping statement walls for statement pieces. They keep the walls a neutral colour and inject colour and intrigue with vintage dressers, handmaid rugs and one of a kind artwork.

So, is the feature wall dead? Not at all. The era of the random accent wall may be fading, but intentional, well-integrated features are alive and well.

Feature walls haven’t died, they’ve evolved.

EU Insurance Direct:

Leading the way in tailored protection for families across Spain

AS Spain’s insurance market continues to evolve, EU Insurance Direct is proud to offer comprehensive, personalised coverage that meets the needs of modern families, drivers, and homeowners. With a focus on Life & Disability, Car, and Home Insurance, the company is setting new standards for trust, flexibility, and digital convenience.

Protection that fits your life

EU Insurance Direct provides:

• Life & Disability Insurance: Financial security for your loved ones and income protection in case of disability.

• Car Insurance: Full coverage with 24/7 roadside assistance across Spain and Europe.

• Home Insurance: Protection against fire, floods,

theft, and emergency repairs.

Exclusive benefits

• Personalised service in your language

• Competitive rates tailored to the Spanish market

• Further discounts for integral clients

• Fast, digital claims and support

A growing market

Spain’s insurance sector is projected to exceed €60 billion in premiums by year-end, driven by demand for flexible, transparent coverage.

EU Insurance Direct is at the forefront, offering solutions that reflect today’s realities - from climate risks to urban mobility and remote work.

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