AML Real Estate Costa del Sol: Why the Region Remains High-Risk in 2026

The Costa del Sol remains one of the highest-risk real estate markets in Spain from an AML perspective,” says Andréas Hobbelin, Founder of CostaAML.

When you combine international buyers, complex ownership structures, high transaction values, and early-stage deposits, AML real estate Costa del Sol becomes a priority focus area for regulators.

According to Hobbelin, many real-estate agencies still underestimate their direct AML responsibility.

A common misconception is that AML starts with the lawyer or the notary. In reality, the moment an agent introduces the client or facilitates a reservation deposit, AML obligations already apply.

He explains that Spanish authorities increasingly expect documented, risk-based AML controls, not generic policies.

Real estate agencies operating on the Costa del Sol must be able to demonstrate client identification, risk assessment, and internal AML procedures that actually work in practice — not just on paper.

CostaAML works with agencies across Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona, and Málaga to implement practical AML frameworks aligned with Spanish law and EU expectations.