Buying a house in Mijas

Buying a Home in Mijas – Living Between a White Mountain Village, the Coast, and a Golf Course on the Costa del Sol

Are you looking to buy a home in Mijas? Then you’re choosing one of the most diverse municipalities on the western Costa del Sol.

Mijas is located in the province of Málaga and combines a variety of residential areas within a single municipality. You can choose between the historic Mijas Pueblo on the mountainside, the more urban Las Lagunas, the coastal area around La Cala de Mijas, or one of the many residential and golf-oriented neighborhoods along Mijas Costa.

The official tourism organization describes Mijas itself as a destination between the sea and the mountains, with three major urban centers and a coastline of approximately twelve kilometers.

That makes Mijas an attractive option for a wide range of homebuyers, such as:

permanent residence;
a second home;
an apartment near the sea;
a villa with a pool;
living near a golf course;
or a home with a view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Be sure to check out our current listings and the available new construction projects.

Where is Mijas?

Mijas is located on the western Costa del Sol, between Málaga and Marbella.

The municipality borders an area where urban living, the coast, the mountains, and tourism are closely intertwined.

For people looking for a place to live, it is especially important that Mijas is not a compact town.

Having an address in Mijas could mean that you:

lives high in the mountains near Mijas Pueblo;
is practically right next to Fuengirola;
lives on the coast near La Cala de Mijas;
or in a quiet residential community a few kilometers inland.

That’s why the place name “Mijas” alone isn’t enough to describe a home’s actual location.

The Three Faces of Mijas

The municipality consists of several residential areas, each with its own distinct character.

The official tourist information distinguishes three main areas and emphasizes the difference between the mountainous interior and the coastal region.

For those looking for a home, Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas, and La Cala/Mijas Costa are particularly important.

Living in Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo is the famous white village nestled on the mountainside.

Here you'll find the image that many people have of traditional Andalusia:

white houses;
narrow streets;
squares;
view of the coast;
traditional architecture;
restaurants;
artisan shops;
and historic buildings.

The village is located considerably higher than the coast.

This provides impressive views in many places, but it also means:

elevation differences;
slopes;
narrower streets;
and sometimes limited parking.

For someone who has limited mobility or has to travel to the coast frequently every day, that can be important.

History and Culture in Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo has several historical and cultural attractions.

The official tourism organization lists, among other things:

the old Arab wall;
House Museum;
Flour Mill;
CAC Mijas;
botanical gardens;
and various viewpoints.

This gives the village a character that is distinctly different from that of modern coastal developments.

Living in Las Lagunas

Las Lagunas is much more urban.

It is closer to Fuengirola and, according to the official tourism organization, serves as an important commercial and economic hub within the municipality.

You can find more information here:

apartments;
ordinary residential neighborhoods;
stores;
schools;
sports facilities;
municipal facilities;
and day-to-day services.

For permanent residents, Las Lagunas may be more practical than a remote villa community.

The Lagoons of Fuengirola?

Las Lagunas is so close to Fuengirola that, to visitors, the residential area sometimes seems like a single urban area.

Of course, there are still administrative differences.

For people looking for a place to live, this mainly means that you should pay close attention to the exact address.

For example, a home in Las Lagunas might be appealing if you:

want urban amenities nearby;
want to live near Fuengirola;
but it doesn't necessarily have to be right on the boulevard.

Living in La Cala de Mijas

La Cala de Mijas is one of the municipality's main coastal towns.

It began as a fishing village and has developed into a popular place to live and vacation.

There you will find:

beach;
boulevard;
restaurants;
stores;
apartments;
modern new construction;
and established residential neighborhoods.

La Cala is also a major highlight along Mijas' approximately 12-kilometer-long coastline.

La Cala de Mijas for permanent residence

La Cala is not just a vacation destination.

Given the available amenities, it may also be appealing to permanent residents.

When looking for a home, we would consider, among other things:

walking distance to stores;
distance to the beach;
parking space;
traffic during peak season;
community;
and how busy the immediate area is throughout the year.

What is Mijas Costa?

The name Mijas Costa is widely used to refer to the coastal part of the municipality.

Within that area are several residential neighborhoods and developments.

So it's not a compact neighborhood at all.

That's important when it comes to real estate listings.

A property listed as “Mijas Costa” may differ significantly from another property with the exact same location designation in terms of its location, distance to the beach, and daily amenities.

Calahonda

Calahonda is a well-known international residential area on the coast of Mijas.

Here you'll find a wide variety of:

apartments;
townhouses;
villas;
urban developments;
communal swimming pools;
stores;
restaurants;
and homes at various heights.

The exact location makes a big difference here.

Lower-lying areas are more convenient for the beach and shopping, while homes in higher-lying areas may offer better views but also require greater reliance on cars.

Riviera del Sol

Riviera del Sol is also a large residential area.

Here you'll find plenty of:

apartments;
villas;
communal swimming pools;
wave-resistant homes;
and international residents.

Just as with Calahonda, you should carefully consider the elevation difference and the distance to amenities.

One kilometer on a map can feel very different in reality because of a steep slope.

Miraflores

Miraflores is also a well-known residential neighborhood in Mijas Costa.

Here you'll find a variety of apartment complexes, townhouses, and villas, often situated near green spaces and golf courses.

For second-home buyers, a well-maintained residential complex can be practical.

When it comes to permanent residence, however, accessibility and amenities outside the complex play a more important role.

El Chaparral

El Chaparral is located between La Cala de Mijas and Fuengirola.

The area is characterized by residential development, a golf course, and a location relatively close to the coast.

Depending on the current inventory, you'll find both existing homes and modern developments here.

Golf in Mijas

Golf plays an important role in Mijas' tourism and residential offerings.

The official tourism organization specifically mentions golf as one of the recreational activities available in the municipality.

For homebuyers, this means there are various residential areas located near golf courses.

A beachfront home can be attractive for the following reasons:

green surroundings;
peace;
view;
and recreational activities nearby.

But also check:

distance to the supermarket;
beach;
schools;
medical facilities;
and other everyday matters.

Beaches of Mijas

Mijas has approximately 12 kilometers of coastline.

La Cala is a central hub along this coast, and the municipality also has several beaches and smaller coastal areas.

If the beach is important to you, don't just look at the distance in kilometers.

Also important are:

elevation difference;
parking options;
actual walking route;
and the presence of major roads between the home and the beach.

Coastal Trail

Part of the Senda Litoral, the coastal route that connects various parts of the Costa del Sol, runs along the coast.

In Mijas, this trail runs along beaches and coastal areas and is used for hiking and recreation. The municipality cites the Senda Litoral as an important feature along its coastline.

For people who enjoy hiking, living near this trail can be appealing.

Mijas for Nature Lovers

Mijas isn't just about the coast.

The Sierra de Mijas forms the mountainous hinterland.

Here you'll find hiking trails and mountain scenery.

That contrast between the mountains and the sea is one of the municipality's defining characteristics.

How hilly is Mijas?

This is an important question.

Some parts are quite hilly.

Above all:

Mijas Pueblo;
urban developments located at higher elevations;
parts of Calahonda;
Riviera del Sol;
and other residential areas near the hills

can have significant differences in elevation.

This can offer advantages:

view;
peace;
more privacy.

But there are also drawbacks:

a car is often necessary;
steep streets;
less practical hiking;
and longer daily routes.

Homes for Sale in Mijas

The housing options are very diverse.

You can search for, among other things:

apartments;
penthouses;
townhouses;
row houses;
traditional houses;
villas;
beachfront homes;
new construction;
and existing buildings.

That is why it is important to first decide on your preferred neighborhood.

Buying an Apartment in Mijas

Apartments are particularly common in:

Las Lagunas;
La Cala;
Calahonda;
Riviera del Sol;
and other coastal developments.

When considering an apartment, we would look at the following, among other things:

community;
lift;
parking space;
salvage;
patio;
swimming pool;
orientation;
and distance to amenities.

Apartment with a view of the sea

Ocean View is popular in Mijas because of its hilly location.

But “ocean view” can mean different things.

Therefore, please check whether it is:

direct ocean view;
panoramic view;
side view;
partial view;
or the view from the terrace alone.

Also, consider potential future development.

Penthouse in Mijas

A penthouse can be appealing to buyers who want plenty of outdoor space.

Depending on the building, you may have access to:

large terrace;
solarium;
ocean view;
parking space;
salvage;
and shared facilities.

Be sure to take wind and solar orientation into account, especially for projects located at higher elevations.

Buying a Townhouse in Mijas

Townhouses are popular with families and permanent residents.

They can be a good compromise between an apartment and a detached house.

You often:

multiple floors;
private patio;
garden;
parking space;
and shared facilities.

Buying a Villa in Mijas

Mijas has many residential areas with detached villas.

You can search for:

private pool;
garden;
ocean view;
ocean view;
larger plots;
and quiet residential streets.

When it comes to a villa, maintenance and location are just as important as the living space.

What should we look for in a villa?

Available on, among others:

legal registration;
property boundaries;
swimming pool;
extend;
the terrace;
access road;
maintenance;
orientation;
slope;
and parking.

In the case of older villas, additions may have been made over the years that must be reviewed from a legal perspective.

New Construction in Mijas

Mijas has a wide selection of new construction.

New construction can include, for example:

apartments;
penthouses;
townhouses;
villas;
and golf-oriented residential projects.

Be sure to check out our current new construction projects as well.

Where are new buildings being constructed?

New construction is often located in:

new residential areas;
areas around La Cala;
golf environments;
and residential areas located at higher elevations.

This means that a new development is sometimes located farther from existing amenities than an older home.

Therefore, always check the actual location.

What is included in new construction?

That depends on the project.

Don't automatically assume that:

kitchen appliances;
air conditioning;
private pool;
lighting;
solar panels;
garden;
parking space;
salvage;
or furniture.

Always check the technical specifications.

New Construction Off-Plan

Many projects are sold before the home is fully built.

When purchasing off-plan, you make your choice based on factors such as:

floor plans;
renders;
technical documentation;
site plan;
and, if applicable, a model home.

Legal guidance is important in this regard as well.

Existing home in Mijas

Existing housing stock offers a particularly wide range of options in established residential areas.

Benefits may include:

immediate availability;
mature gardens;
established facilities;
larger plots;
and a home that you can actually tour in its entirety.

Legal Review

For existing buildings, the following items, among others, can be inspected:

ownership;
children;
registration;
surfaces;
extend;
swimming pool;
outbuildings;
community;
and the municipal situation.

A beautiful villa with a ocean view must be just as legally sound as a simple apartment.

Mijas or Fuengirola?

Fuengirola is much more compact and urban.

Fuengirola has more to offer:

boulevard;
beach within walking distance;
apartments;
train service;
stores;
and urban amenities located close to one another.

Mijas offers more variety:

mountain village;
villas;
golf;
coastal urbanization;
and larger residential areas.

If you want to live without a car, Fuengirola is the better choice.

Those looking for space, a view, or a villa may find Mijas more appealing.

Mijas in Marbella?

Marbella is located further west and has a stronger international luxury image.

Mijas also offers luxury real estate, as well as a much wider range of housing options.

For people looking for a place to live, it may be helpful to compare the two regions in terms of:

price;
daily accessibility;
beach;
golf;
living space;
as a community.

Mijas or Benalmádena?

Benalmádena also features a mix of coastal and higher-elevation residential areas.

Mijas is geographically larger and offers a wide variety of residential developments and golf courses.

Anyone considering this region would be wise to compare not only municipalities but also specific neighborhoods.

Mijas in Málaga?

Málaga is a truly big city.

It's playing there:

work;
university;
public transportation;
culture;
urban amenities;
and airport

a much bigger role.

Mijas is a better fit for people who want a more residential lifestyle but still want to be within easy reach of the amenities of the western Costa del Sol.

Permanent residence in Mijas

Would you like to move to Spain permanently?

Mijas is appealing because of its combination of residential neighborhoods and amenities.

But the exact location is crucial.

For permanent residence, please note:

supermarket;
school;
health care;
work;
traffic;
internet;
parking space;
public transportation;
and daily commute time.

Mijas for Families

Families often have different priorities than vacationers.

Consider:

schools;
route to school;
sport;
number of bedrooms;
outdoor space;
safe environment;
and travel times.

A home high up on a hill can be beautiful, but it means a lot of car trips every day.

Schools and Facilities

Mijas has amenities spread across various residential areas.

The official tourist information lists, among other things, educational, medical, sports, and municipal facilities in Mijas Pueblo and Las Lagunas.

For families, it is therefore a good idea to first determine where school and daily activities take place.

Health Care

Access to health care is important for permanent residents.

Whether you have access to public or private healthcare depends on your personal situation.

Learn more about health care in Spain.

Retirement in Mijas

For people who want to spend their retirement in Spain, Mijas can be an attractive option.

Please pay special attention to:

stairs;
lift;
slopes;
supermarket;
medical facilities;
maintenance;
and car dependency.

Those elevation differences, in particular, are an important selection criterion in Mijas.

Climate in Mijas

Mijas has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters.

I would not use the marketing claim “more than 300 days of sunshine per year” on this page without a specific meteorological source and definition.

Furthermore, it is not only the number of sunny days that is relevant to living comfort.

Also important are:

orientation;
height;
wind;
shadow;
and distance from the sea.

Second home in Mijas

Mijas is a popular destination for second homes.

When considering a second home, we would focus primarily on:

Accessibility from Málaga Airport;
maintenance;
security;
community;
swimming pool;
parking space;
and distance to the beach and restaurants.

An apartment in a well-maintained residential complex can be practical if you're only there a few months a year.

Investing in Mijas

Would you like to invest in Spanish real estate?

In that case, I wouldn't automatically refer to a “stable and promising real estate market.”

Evaluate each purchase individually based on:

purchase price;
location;
target audience;
rental rules;
community;
maintenance;
funding;
and future marketability.

Vacation Rentals in Mijas

Are you interested in renting out your property for tourism purposes?

Before purchasing, check whether this is possible for that specific home.

That may depend on:

Andalusian regulations;
municipal requirements;
urban planning context;
homeowners' association;
and registration requirements.

So don't buy a property just because it's marketed as an "ideal investment" or "perfect for Airbnb."

Long-Term Rentals

For long-term rentals, other locations and features are often more important.

Long-term tenants, for example, look for:

work;
schools;
stores;
parking space;
internet;
public transportation;
and daily accessibility.

As a result, Las Lagunas may have a very different rental profile than a vacation apartment in La Cala.

Purchasing Costs in Mijas

When buying a house in Spain, you need to take additional costs into account in addition to the purchase price.

Examples include:

taxes;
notary;
property registry;
legal guidance;
and any financing costs.

New construction and existing buildings are treated differently for tax purposes.

Therefore, always work with a total purchase budget.

Renovation Costs

For older homes, renovation can be a significant part of the budget.

Consider:

kitchen;
bathrooms;
electricity;
pipes;
the frame;
HVAC system;
swimming pool;
patio;
and garden.

A lower asking price does not automatically mean that the home will ultimately cost less.

Mortgages in Spain

Would you like to finance part of the home?

Then read more about a mortgage in Spain.

It is best to explore your financing options before signing a reservation agreement.

NIE number

To buy a home in Spain, you'll need an NIE number.

For more information, see NIE and residence permit.

Dutch Real Estate Agent in Mijas

Are you looking for a Dutch real estate agent to help you find a home in Mijas?

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian homebuyers in purchasing real estate in Spain.

We can help with:

compare neighborhoods;
Determine the type of housing;
select homes;
Compare new construction and existing homes;
viewings;
Provide transparency regarding purchase costs;
coordinate legal assistance;
financing options;
and guidance toward the transition.

Learn more about our approach.

First, figure out which Mijas is right for you

That may be even more important in this municipality than in many other places.

A home in Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas, La Cala, Calahonda, or Riviera del Sol can offer a completely different lifestyle.

That's why we prefer to start with questions like:

Would you like to be able to walk to the beach?
Would you like to be able to go grocery shopping without a car?
Is a ocean view important?
Would you like to play golf nearby?
Are you looking to live here permanently?
Do you have school-age children?
How important are flat streets?
How much maintenance would you like?

Only then does the housing selection process become truly targeted.

Comparing New Construction and Existing Homes

If you're open to both, it might be a good idea to consider them side by side.

New construction can be attractive for the following reasons:

modern layout;
energy performance;
recent installations;
and very little immediate renovation work.

Existing buildings can actually offer more in terms of:

location;
lot;
mature garden;
immediate availability;
and a well-established community.

Don't just look at the ocean view

An ocean view is appealing, but it may mean that a home is located at a higher elevation.

So be sure to also ask:

How steep is the access road?
How far away is the supermarket, really?
Can you walk to restaurants?
Do you always need a car?
How long does it take to get to school or work?

Those are details that aren't visible in a product photo.

View properties in Mijas

Would you like to know which properties are currently available in Mijas and along the Costa del Sol?

Then take a look at our current listings, our new-construction homes, and our current new-construction projects.

Would you like us to conduct a targeted search for, for example:

apartment in La Cala de Mijas;
home within walking distance of the beach;
villa with a private pool;
home in Calahonda;
townhouse;
beach house;
penthouse with a view of the sea;
new construction;
permanent family home;
or a home within a specific overall budget?

Please fill out the questionnaire for your housing search or feel free to contact Casas Palmeras.

Mijas is particularly interesting because a single municipality offers a wide variety of living environments. Mijas Pueblo is a white Andalusian mountain village with varying elevations; Las Lagunas offers a more urban and practical lifestyle; while La Cala, Calahonda, and other parts of Mijas Costa feature the coast, residential developments, and an international lifestyle. As a result, when buying a home in Mijas, the specific neighborhood is just as important as the home itself.