Many buyers assume they need to be as close to the beach as possible, but is living 20 minutes inland a compromise worth making? We explore how space, privacy and lifestyle often outweigh proximity to the coast.
When buyers start looking for property on the Costa del Sol, the natural priority is often how close to the beach they can get.
For many, the beach is absolutely the right focus. For others, however, spending a little more time exploring different locations often leads them to a very different conclusion.
Over the past few months, we've been having many conversations with buyers about locations and the compromises they may have to make. Some have been looking for beachfront property, whilst others simply want to be within walking distance of the sea. Many are happy to be a little further inland if it means gaining more space, privacy and a different lifestyle with a less heavy price tag.
In an earlier blog article, we talked about whether it was worth paying the premium for a beachfront property, and our conclusion was that there is no universal right or wrong answer. It very much depends on what matters most to the individual.
Here we are taking that conversation a little further. The truth is that there is no perfect location. It is fair to say that every property purchase involves some compromise, whatever the budget.
Living close to the beach brings obvious advantages. You have the sea on your doorstep and easy access to beach bars, restaurants and the promenade. Equally, it often means paying a large premium, living in a busier environment and sometimes having less space and privacy.
If you are prepared to move a little further inland, then the balance changes. Instead of walking to the beach, you will find yourself driving there in 15 or 20 minutes. In return, you can often enjoy a larger garden plot, more generous living space, quieter surroundings and often open views across the countryside towards the coast. For many buyers, that will be a compromise well worth making.
An interesting question to ask yourself is: how much time do I really want to spend at the beach?
The reality is that most people don't spend every day on the beach. They spend far more time at home enjoying their terrace, relaxing by the pool, entertaining family and friends, or simply appreciating the view from their home.
If a short drive allows you to enjoy those things every day while still giving you easy access to the beaches whenever you want, that may represent the ideal balance. We are the first to admit that everyone will answer that question differently.
For some buyers, a 20-minute drive to the coast would simply be too far. For others, it is a small trade-off for the extra space, privacy and value they gain.
Living a little further away from the coast is a lifestyle that will appeal to many buyers. Locations such as Valtocado demonstrate why so many people deliberately choose to live a little further inland. A home here enjoys peaceful surroundings whilst remaining within easy reach of Mijas Pueblo, the beaches of Mijas Costa, golf courses and the many attractions of the Costa del Sol.
For buyers who are looking for more space, less traffic and open views, it can provide exactly the lifestyle they've been looking for. One Valtocado villa we've recently been looking at illustrates this particularly well. Set on one of Valtocado's best plots, the villa enjoys beautiful coastal views, spacious single-level accommodation, a self-contained guesthouse, a private heated swimming pool and generous outdoor space. Rather than trying to be something it isn't, it offers an alternative that many buyers find even more appealing.
It's all about finding the right compromise. Buying a property on the Costa del Sol is rarely about finding the perfect location. It's about finding the location that best matches the way you want to live.
For many people, that will always be the beachfront. For others, simply being able to walk to the beach is enough. Many buyers discover that they can enjoy more space, privacy and open views whilst remaining only a short drive from the coast. It proves to be the compromise they didn't realise they were looking for.
There is no right or wrong choice, only the one that feels right for you. Every buyer's priorities are different, and part of our role is helping people understand the options available before deciding which location best suits the lifestyle they want.
If you would like to discuss your own plans for buying property on the Costa del Sol, we'd be pleased to hear from you. Please call us on (0034) 952 90 52 00, WhatsApp us, or email info@michael-moon.com.
