The cost of housing in Málaga has surged to unprecedented levels, with no indication of slowing down, according to the latest official figures. The price per square meter in the province now exceeds €2,400, surpassing the previous high of €2,348 set before the 2008 financial crisis. This increase makes Málaga one of the most expensive regions for real estate in Spain, with its market recovering faster than the national average.
National and Regional Comparisons
Across Spain, the average price per square meter is currently €1,895.60, still below the peak of €2,101.40 in 2008. However, Málaga, along with regions like the Balearic Islands and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is among the few provinces where property prices have exceeded pre-crisis levels. In fact, the Balearic Islands have seen price increases of over 28% since the 2008 high, with Málaga following closely behind.
Drivers of Málaga’s Housing Market Boom
Several factors have contributed to Málaga’s rapid housing price escalation. Tourism and population growth play significant roles, as these areas attract both investors and homebuyers. While the risk of another housing bubble exists, experts suggest the current market is less reliant on bank financing, reducing the potential for a crisis similar to that of 2008. Instead, investment funds are now playing a larger role in driving urban development.
66%
is how high housing prices in Malaga have risen from the lows
If it reached a high of around 2,350 euros per square metre in 2008, it had fallen to 1,450 euros by 2013. Since then, it has been on its way back to record highs.
A Decade of Recovery
The recovery in Málaga has been remarkable, with housing prices increasing by approximately 66% since their lowest point in 2013. This growth is second only to the Balearic Islands, which have experienced a 70% rise in prices. Compared to the national average recovery of just over 30%, Málaga’s property market is clearly outpacing most of the country.
Year-On-Year Price Growth
In the past year alone, Málaga has recorded the highest increase in housing prices across Spain, with a rise of 9.8%. This rate is more than double the national average of 5.7%, and significantly higher than the overall increase for Andalucía, which stands at 7.5%. Other Andalusian provinces, such as Cádiz and Jaén, have seen more modest price rises, but Málaga remains the standout performer in the region.
Contrast with Other Provinces
While some provinces, like Ourense and León, have experienced slight declines in property prices, Málaga’s housing market continues to thrive. As the sixth most expensive province in Spain, Málaga’s property prices are only surpassed by Madrid, the Balearic Islands, and a few others. This upward trend shows no signs of stopping, making Málaga a key player in Spain’s real estate market.
