by 
Buyers usually ask which area is “best”. It is the wrong question. Benahavís, Estepona and Mijas solve three different problems, and the numbers from our own portfolio of 632 new developments show it plainly.
| Area | Developments | Starting from | Median starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mijas | 55 | €225,000 | €590,000 |
| Estepona | 84 | €229,000 | €695,000 |
| Benahavís | 44 | €400,000 | €3,822,500 |
| Marbella (for reference) | 39 | €395,000 | €1,700,000 |
These are the advertised starting prices of the developments we list, not market averages from a report.
Benahavís: two markets in one town
The median of €3,822,500 tells only half the story. Benahavís also has developments starting at €400,000 — apartments and townhouses that look nothing like the gated villa estates the town is known for.
The upper tier is where the reputation comes from: one development currently runs €2.4m to €2.9m for four and five bedrooms of 265 to 337 m², and another is listed at €3,323,000 for five bedrooms and 717 m². Large plots, gates, privacy. Buyers here are not comparing Benahavís to Marbella; they are choosing between hills.
Estepona: the widest choice
Eighty-four developments — more than twice Marbella’s 39 — with a median starting price of €695,000. That depth is the point. You can buy an entry-level apartment from €229,000, a mid-market townhouse, or a sea-view villa without leaving the municipality.
The trade-off is that “Estepona” covers a lot of ground. Developments near the old town behave differently from those on the western side towards Casares, and the price gap between them is not always reflected in the marketing.
Mijas: the entry point of the coast
A median starting price of €590,000 and an entry at €225,000. Fifty-five developments, mostly apartments and townhouses in gated communities, aimed at buyers who want a base on the coast without stretching.
What you give up is proximity: Mijas is inland, and the beach is a drive, not a walk.
Choosing between them
Budget first. Under €500,000, Mijas and outer Estepona are the realistic field. Between €500,000 and €1m, Estepona’s median of €695,000 sits right in the middle of your range. Above €2m, Benahavís opens up — and so does the question of plot size rather than square metres.
Then use. A rental-focused purchase behaves differently from a family home. Estepona’s depth of supply makes it the more liquid market; the upper Benahavís tier turns over slowly by nature.
Then frequency. If you will be there a few weeks a year, the walk to a restaurant matters more than the size of the garden — and that argues for central Estepona or Marbella rather than Mijas.
Examples currently for sale
- New development in Mijas — €330,000 to €460,000, 2–3 bedrooms, 92–102 m².
- New development in Estepona — €540,000, 2 bedrooms, 85 m².
- New development in Benahavís at entry level — €549,000 to €810,000, 2–3 bedrooms, 103–127 m².
- Villa in Benahavís — €3,323,000, 5 bedrooms, 717 m².
Frequently asked questions
Is Estepona cheaper than Marbella?
On the median, yes: €695,000 against €1,700,000. The entry points are close — €229,000 against €395,000 — but the middle and top of the markets are far apart.
Which area has the most new developments?
Estepona, with 84 of the 632 developments in our portfolio, followed by Mijas with 55.
Can you buy a villa for under €1m in these areas?
In Mijas and outer Estepona, yes. In Benahavís, the entry level under €1m is apartments and townhouses rather than villas.
Based on 632 of 633 developments listed on this site in October 2026, using each development’s advertised starting price. Confirm current availability and prices with us before deciding.
Related reading
- What €500,000, €1m and €2m Buy in a New Development Around Marbella
- Off-Plan in Marbella: Seven Checks Before You Pay a Deposit
- All guides on buying new-build property on the Costa del Sol
- What Buying Really Costs in Spain: New Build vs Resale
New developments in Benahavís
Area guides
- New developments in Benahavís 2026 — 44 developments, from €400,000 to €10,900,000.
- New developments in Estepona 2026 — 84 developments, from €229,000 to €4,750,000.
- New-build price index — what 632 developments actually cost, town by town.
- The cheapest places to buy a new build on the Costa del Sol
- What €300,000 buys in a new build
- New builds in Mijas — 55 developments from €225,000
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided in good faith for general guidance. Prices, availability, development details and completion dates are those advertised at the time of writing and can change without notice. Floor areas, bedroom counts and specifications are supplied by the developer, not measured by us. Nothing here is tax, legal or investment advice, and it does not replace a formal valuation, a lawyer’s review of the contract, or advice from a qualified adviser familiar with your circumstances. We take care to keep the figures correct, but errors and omissions can occur — please confirm any detail that matters to your decision with us before you commit.
Join The Discussion