Over 42% of buyers in Manilva in 2024 were international, led by buyers from the UK, Belgium, and Sweden. Many are seeking permanent relocation, not holiday homes.
Most people come to Manilva because someone they trust told them about it. They don’t find it in a Google ad or a travel insert. They’re told, quietly, that it’s worth a look. And then they come. And then they stay. Or, more often these days, they buy.
Manilva—on the southwestern tip of the Costa del Sol—is one of the last parts of this coast that hasn’t given itself over completely to high rises or tourism franchises. The beaches are clean, the hills are still full of vines, and the property market in 2025 is one of the most interesting on the coast—for reasons that aren’t obvious unless you’re paying attention.
According to data from Spain’s Colegio de Registradores, Manilva saw an 8.9% increase in home sales from 2023 to 2024. International buyers now account for over 40% of those transactions. That alone signals a shift from sleepy coastal enclave to smart money move.
Types of Property Worth Your Attention
Manilva doesn’t offer the same kind of real estate you’ll find in Marbella—and that’s part of its draw. Here, it’s about space, sea views, and privacy without needing a gate code for everything.
- Contemporary Villas: Often found in areas like La Paloma or Bahia de las Rocas. Modern lines, clean materials, and views straight to Gibraltar. Some offer basement gyms, rooftop kitchens, or integrated solar tech.
- Beachside Townhouses: In Playa Paraiso or Princesa Kristina. These are low-rise homes close to the water, usually with small private gardens, roof terraces, and access to shared pools.
- Golf Properties: Duquesa Golf is still relatively quiet, with developments around the course offering 2- to 4-bedroom flats and semi-detached homes.
There’s also an emerging market for bespoke hillside homes—plots that let you build exactly what you want, often for less than half of what a turnkey place in Sotogrande might cost.
Why Buyers Are Coming Now
The people buying here in 2025 aren’t following the herd. They’re ahead of it. Manilva offers sea views at a lower cost per square metre than most other coastal towns in Málaga province—about €2,274/m² on average for flats, and around €2,811/m² for detached homes, according to Idealista’s March 2025 figures.
It’s also one of the few towns on this part of the coast that still feels residential year-round. That means local bakeries, Spanish heard in the streets, and restaurants that don’t close in winter.
Unlike Marbella’s mega-developments, Manilva’s gated projects like Blue Suites, Pure South, or Small Oasis focus on under 100 units per complex—appealing to buyers who want privacy without the density.
Life in Manilva: What You Can Actually Do Here
There’s a balance to the lifestyle in Manilva that appeals to people who’ve done busy cities and are now curating how they spend time.
- Outdoor Sports: Manilva is surrounded by hiking routes, with trails that wind through vineyards and along coastal cliffs. Paddleboarding, sailing, and diving are all possible within 15 minutes of most homes.
- Golf Without the Fuss: La Duquesa Golf has 18 holes with less crowding and lower membership costs than nearby competitors.
- Wine Culture: Manilva is known for its moscatel grapes, and there’s still an active local wine scene. You can join the vendimia (grape harvest), visit local bodegas, and actually drink what’s grown a few hills away.
- Dining: Casual seafood at chiringuitos along Playa de las Sabinillas, or a full Andalucían lunch in Casares, just a short drive inland.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Property in Manilva
Here’s the interesting part. Manilva sits on the edge of major development zones. As Estepona and Sotogrande continue to mature, the space in between—where Manilva sits—is becoming more desirable to investors who want in before prices jump.
Infrastructure is expanding. The coastal road is being improved for better east-west movement. New fibre networks mean more digital workers are buying here. And with the nearby port of La Duquesa slowly evolving into a higher-end marina, it’s only a matter of time before the word really gets out.
Smart investors are already betting that Manilva’s real estate appreciation will outpace the more saturated areas. The forecasted rise in demand from Belgian and Scandinavian buyers—many of whom are prioritising energy efficiency and quiet coastal life—is pushing developers to rethink old models.
Who We Work With—and Why It Matters
At Ultimate Lifestyles, we work with buyers who aren’t in a rush. People who ask the right questions. Who want a home that fits a purpose—not a profile. We walk them through properties with an eye for design, location, and long-term value. No sales pitch. Just detail.
We list hillside homes with floor-to-ceiling glass. Townhouses a short stroll from the sea. Apartments in low-density communities where the only thing you’ll hear at night is wind through olive trees. And if you want something that hasn’t been built yet, we can help you find the land and the architect who’ll do it right.
- Visit: ultimate-lifestyles.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +34 951 12 07 12
The Bottom Line
Manilva isn’t for everyone. And that’s exactly why it’s worth looking at. It’s for people who don’t need flash. Who want their next move to feel like a decision, not a reaction.
If that’s you, take a look at the listings. Take a drive through the hills. Have lunch in a place that’s been run by the same family for three generations. And when you're ready, we’ll be here.