WHERE IS THE MARKET HEADING? THE REALITY OF INVENTORY AND THE PRICE GAP IN COSTA DEL SOL

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As we start the new year, the data from the end of 2025 shows us exactly what to expect in 2026. The post-covid activi­ty of the last few years has calmed down. We have entered a more stable environment, which is healthy for both buyers and sellers.

Based on our latest data for Marbella and Benahavis, here are the three trends you need to know:

1. Market Velocity & Balance. The most obvious change is the "Market Velocity" - the speed at which homes sell. Sales have moved to a more nor- mal pace. This is because the Absorption Ratio (the balance between supply and demand) has moved into a "Balanced Market" zone. We are no long- er in a "lopsided sellers market" where sellers hold all the lev­erage. Buyers are taking more time to decide, and sellers should expect a slightly longer timeline to close a sale.

2. The Changing Face of lnvento­ry. The supply of homes is shifting in specific ways. While apartment inventory is generally growing, the market for properties under €250,000 has virtually vanished. In the villa segment, we see a "squeeze" at the bottom: the number of villas for sale is dropping, but almost entirely in the under €1.5M range. Meanwhile, the sup­ply of high-end villas over €4M remains very steady. Scarcity is now a factor of price point, not just property type.

3. Success Requires a Smart Plan. In this balanced environment, simply lísting a home is not enough. Be­cause buyers have more options and less urgency, your property needs a competitive edge. This is where pricing and presenta­tion become vital. To secure a sale, a proper­ty must be priced ac­curately from day one and presented flawessly. Professional staging data- backed pricing are now the only ways to truly stand out. For 2026, success lies in interpreting these shifts correct­ly. Success belongs to those who adapt to the specific trends of their price range and focus on pro-fessional execution.