The Costa del Sol heads into August with 86.8% of its holiday accommodation already booked — above last year's national average and in line with the strongest summer on record for Rentalia, idealista's holiday-rental platform.
The figure is part of a nationwide analysis that puts Spain's average August occupancy at 85.5%, one point above 2025's 84.5%. For anyone who already owns a home in Malaga — or is considering buying one to let to tourists — the real question isn't just how many visitors are coming, but what to do with that demand over the long run.
How does the Costa del Sol compare to the rest of the Spanish coast?
At 86.8% booked, the Costa del Sol sits below the destinations with the tightest August squeeze — Mallorca (99%), Asturias (95.6%) or Menorca (94.6%) — but ahead of high-volume holiday-rental markets like the Costa Brava (85%) or the Almería coast (86.5%). In short, it's a mature destination that fills almost all of its supply without tipping into the saturation seen on the islands.
| Purpose | August occupancy |
|---|---|
| Mallorca | 99% |
| Asturias | 95.6% |
| Menorca | 94.6% |
| Costa del Sol (Málaga) | 86.8% |
| Almería coast | 86.5% |
| Costa Brava | 85% |
| National average | 85.5% |
Air conditioning and a pool: the deciding factors
Rentalia's own analysis found air conditioning in 86.7% of booked properties and a pool in 85%. That's not a minor detail: in a market where nearly nine out of ten listings are already taken, the ones still sitting empty tend to be precisely the ones missing these two features. For an owner, investing in efficient air conditioning or securing access to a communal pool stops being a nice-to-have and becomes the difference between a fully booked August and a calendar full of gaps.
What this means for buyers planning to rent out their property
An 86.8% high-season occupancy rate is a strong demand signal, but it isn't the same as profitability on its own — you still need to factor in average nightly rates, off-season seasonality and management costs. Even so, the figure confirms something already visible in Málaga's sales market: demand for housing, both for living and for investing, remains firm, in a context where real estate investment in Spain [hit a record in the first half of 2026](/en/inversion-inmobiliaria-espana-record-2026-costa-del-sol/) and a large share of that capital is flowing to the coast.
Before buying with holiday letting in mind, three things need to be clear: the tourist-rental licence (VFT in Andalusia), which requires regional registration and minimum habitability requirements; the homeowners' association rules, which in recent years may restrict or ban tourist use in certain buildings; and the tax treatment of holiday rentals, which differs from long-term letting. Getting local advice before signing avoids surprises later on.
Which areas of Málaga see the strongest holiday-rental demand?
Within the Costa del Sol, demand isn't evenly spread. Marbella and Estepona hold the highest prices and occupancy thanks to a higher-spending international guest profile, while areas like Fuengirola, Mijas or Torremolinos combine beach access, good airport connections and more accessible entry prices, making them attractive for a first investment property. You can check average prices and trends by municipality in our monthly [Costa del Sol real estate market report](/en/informe-mercado-costa-del-sol/).
Conclusion
The 86.8% booked occupancy for August confirms the Costa del Sol remains one of Spain's strongest holiday destinations, with demand that doesn't rely on a single guest profile or a single area. For anyone considering buying a property for holiday letting, market timing is on their side — but going in informed matters. Location, licensing and management are what separate a profitable investment from a property with empty gaps on the calendar. At EVS Property Group, we can help you identify the area and property type that best fit your investment goals.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to rent my property to tourists in Málaga?
Yes. In Andalusia, tourist-use properties (VFT) must be registered with the Andalusian Tourism Registry and meet minimum habitability, cooling and equipment requirements before they can be legally advertised.
What was the Costa del Sol's occupancy rate in August 2026?
According to Rentalia, the Costa del Sol entered August 2026 with 86.8% of its holiday properties already booked, above the previous year's national average.
Can the homeowners' association ban tourist rentals?
Yes, since the reform of Spain's Horizontal Property Law, homeowners' associations can restrict or ban tourist use of properties by qualified majority vote, so it's worth checking the community bylaws before buying with that purpose in mind.
What makes a property more attractive for holiday rental?
According to booking data, air conditioning and a pool are the two factors that most influence booking decisions, present in 86.7% and 85% of occupied properties respectively.
What next? The most useful thing after reading is to look at the real market: browse properties by city or tell us on WhatsApp what you are looking for — area, budget, timing — and we will prepare a tailored selection, with no obligation.
You may also find useful: sell your property invest on the Costa del Sol free valuation monthly price report
