Behind the sunglasses
A day in my life as a Costa del Sol real estate agent
By Kamila Kruczynska, Co-Founder & Property Advisor at &LIVING Real Estate Company.
By 07:00 on the Costa del Sol, the sun is already shining and the coffee is strong. I’m up before most of my clients have even opened WhatsApp. There’s a baby to feed, emails to answer and a suit to press, one that states international property expert, even if the reality says
I slept only four hours!
Guidance included, at no extra charge
I work in the luxury market, selling very often to Polish clients. Many of them are used to dealing directly with developers, so a big part of my job is explaining why using an agent actually makes their life easier. I talk them through the benefits: greater choice, honest advice and access to all of the developers, without paying any extra, as the commission is paid to us directly from the developers. I know the projects, the reputations, the fine print and who to call. Think of me as your local guide – at no extra cost!
The glamour and hard graft
By late morning, I could be chasing keys across Marbella or walking through a pristine show home in high heels, pointing out sea views and marble finishes. On the outside, I often look like the epitome of Costa del Sol sophistication in a tailored suit, high heels and sunglasses firmly in place. However, inside my handbag, you’ll usually find trainers and a pair of rubber gloves, ready for anything the day throws at me.
In between viewings and phone calls, I’m also a negotiator, part-time therapist, occasional planner and unofficial problem-solver, guiding clients through big decisions, last-minute changes and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with finding a home abroad.
Afternoons are often less glamorous than Instagram might suggest. I could be trawling through listings, liaising with other agents, following up with developers and keeping everyone aligned. In reality, it’s more coffee than cava, more WhatsApp messages than yacht parties.
Why it’s always worth it
And yet, when it all comes together and my client’s face lights up, the keys change hands and their dream becomes real – it’s all worth it. I get to help people embark upon their Mediterranean lifestyle, while I am living my best life, balancing motherhood, ambition and a life under the Spanish sun.
Glamorous? Sometimes. Hard work? Always. But there’s nowhere else I’d rather be making dreams come true – including my own. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Daily stats
- Number of hats worn today: therapist, event planner, negotiator and full-time problem solver.
- Crisis management skills: honed by luxury property sales, perfected by recent motherhood.
- Cups of coffee: at least 4 before lunch!
- Number of times I explain using an agent when buying doesn't cost any more money: too many to mention
- People depending on me today: clients, developers, other agents, office colleagues ... and a very small human.
Between morning viewings and market musings:
What 2026 is shaping up to look like
If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that the Costa del Sol property market isn’t just surviving – it’s thriving. Prices continued to climb, international buyers stayed firmly in the spotlight and the coast once again proved that it’s more marathon than sprint when it comes to real estate.
Steady growth, strong foundations 2025 delivered calm, confident growth rather than speculation. Demand was driven by lifestyle buyers and long-term investors, with Marbella, Estepona, Benahavfs and Mijas remaining firm favourites for modern, well-located homes.
Prices continued to rise as demand consistently outpaced supply, particularly in prime new-build developments. Ongoing infrastructure investment, including future expansion plans at Malaga Airport, is further reinforcing confidence in the Costa del Sol’s long-term appeal.
As 2026 gets underway The outlook is particularly encouraging for buyers. Growth has continued at a steadier, more sustainable pace, creating a valuable window of opportunity: a market that is active and confident, but far less frantic. Buyers can still secure highquality property ahead of the next phase of price rises, while benefiting from strong long-term capital growth and excellent rental demand. For many, 2026 represents the chance to buy not just a home in the sun, but a lifestyle, with the reassurance that their investment is underpinned by solid fundamentals.
In short, 2025 reinforced the Costa del Sol’s strength, and early signs suggest 2026 is shaping up to be a year where emotional reward and financial sense align beautifully.
Market stats 2025/2026
- Luxury growth 2025: Prime Costa del Sol areas rose 13-14%, outperforming the national average (!NE, Tinsa).
- 2026 outlook: Banks forecast 5-9% growth for premium coastal property.
- Coastal strength: Malaga's coastal markets continued to outperform inland Spain (INE).
- Supply-led value: Limited land and controlled new-build supply support long-term luxury prices (Bank of Spain).
- People depending on me today: clients, developers, other agents, office colleagues ... and a very small human.
