There’s a certain moment most people have when they arrive on the Costa del Sol. It usually involves sunlight, a deep breath, and the quiet thought: “Why don’t I live like this?”
For Thomas Dahlsgaard, that moment turned into a career. Today, as Founder and CEO of &LIVING, a boutique real estate agency, helping international buyers find not just a property, but a lifestyle that genuinely fits their aspirations.
About Thomas
Originally from Denmark, Thomas brings a distinctly Scandinavian sense of straight-talking to the Costa del Sol property market, underpinned by more than 25 years’ experience across finance and real estate. With a background in economics and investment banking in Denmark and internationally, he offers clients a clear, analytical approach when it comes to pricing, value and negotiation.
After a long-standing personal connection to Spain, having visited many times since childhood, it didn’t take much persuasion for Thomas to relocate permanently to Marbella, where he combines financial insight with strong local market knowledge. In 2021, he founded &LIVING Marbella with a focus on delivering straightforward advice and strong results. The company works with an international clientele, including many fellow Danes and a growing number of Polish clients, guiding them from the first viewing to the final signature — and often well beyond.
“People don’t come here just to buy square metres,” he says. “They come to change how they live. My job is half advisor, half sounding board, and quite often, it’s both at the same time.”
Q: Is 2026 still a good time to buy?
“Yes, but it’s a more measured market than a few years ago,” Thomas says. “The Costa del Sol has definitely evolved into a more stable and mature property market. Prices have risen significantly in parts of Málaga Province, and demand remains high, particularly for well-located homes.”
That trend is also reflected locally. According to recent data from Málaga province, average property prices on the Costa del Sol reached record levels in 2025, rising by approximately 13.8% year-on-year to around €3,842 per square metre, highlighting the continued strength of demand across the region. “What this means in practice,” he adds, “is that good properties still sell, but buyers are more selective and take their time.” (figures from from Idealista’s Málaga province housing price report)
In short, 2026 is still a good time to buy, but it’s a market that rewards careful selection rather than snap decisions.
Q: Are prices going up or down?
“A bit of both,” he explains. Prime areas such as Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís — often referred to as the Golden Triangle — are continuing to show resilience.
At the same time, not every property is benefiting equally. Listings that are priced above the market, or don’t meet current buyer expectations, are taking longer to sell and often require reductions before attracting serious interest. “It’s a healthier market now,” Thomas says. “The best properties still move, but buyers have the time and leverage to question the price if it doesn’t make sense.”
Q: Why are Danish and Polish buyers so active right now?
Different backgrounds, but there’s a clear pattern,” Thomas says. Speaking from experience, Danish buyers are largely lifestyle-driven, looking for better weather, more time outdoors and the flexibility to spend extended periods here.
The international property market remains extremely buoyant. In particular, demand from Polish buyers has grown rapidly in recent years, supported by increasingly strong market data and continued investment across the Costa del Sol. Polish buyers completed over 15,500 property transactions in Spain over the past five years, including more than 4,100 purchases in 2025 alone, placing them among the top foreign buyers (figures published by the Warsaw Business Journal, February 2026). That growth reflects a broader shift: more Polish buyers are investing internationally, often balancing personal use with long-term value and stability outside their domestic market.
“In both cases,” Thomas adds, “people come for different reasons, but they end up using the property far more than they expected.”
Q: Is it still good value compared to Northern Europe?
“Without question.” Thomas points out that compared to cities like Copenhagen or Warsaw, buyers can often get significantly more for their money, particularly when you factor in outdoor space and climate. “You’re not just buying a home; you’re buying 320 days of sunshine and a healthier outdoor lifestyle.”
Q: What should buyers keep in mind when searching for property in Spain?
Thomas welcomes it when buyers connect emotionally with a property. “When people fall in love with a home quickly, it often means their instincts are pointing them in the right direction,” he says. “A beautiful terrace, natural light or a sea view can create an immediate feeling — and that emotional connection is important.”
At the same time, he believes that once that initial spark is there, the right due diligence should follow to support the decision with confidence. He also encourages buyers to fully understand the costs involved in purchasing property in Spain, from taxes to community fees, so there are no surprises later on.
“Social media is a great source of inspiration and can help people discover what they truly want in a property,” he says. “But professional guidance is what helps turn that inspiration into a smart investment. The right advice gives buyers clarity on everything from structural considerations to running costs and future developments.”
Q: What’s the outlook for the next few years?
It’s stable, supported by solid fundamentals rather than hype. Spain recorded over 700,000 home sales in 2025, the highest since before 2008, and foreign buyers made up around 14% of transactions, according to INE. Prices have continued to rise, largely because demand still exceeds supply.
On the Costa del Sol, that imbalance is even more pronounced. International buyers account for a significant share of purchases in Málaga province, helping keep prime areas resilient. The key issue going forward is supply. New construction is not keeping pace with demand, which supports prices even as the market normalises. In short, the expectation isn’t another boom, but a market that remains active, with steady demand and limited supply continuing to underpin values.
At &LIVING, the philosophy is simple: honest advice, long-term thinking and no pressure. For Thomas, success isn’t just about closing deals…it’s about seeing clients return, year after year, to a place that genuinely improves their quality of life.
“The best feedback I get,” he says, “is when someone tells me: ‘We should have done this sooner.’”
