Finding a House for Sale in Málaga Advice from an American Realtor Living in Spain

Elena Sullivan — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:37:53 +0000

Stories about people relocating to different cities and countries have always fascinated me. Part of that fascination comes from my genuine curiosity about such complex life transitions, which I see as adventures in themselves. Another reason is much more personal. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of moving to another country in search of a different way of life. (I write more about that journey in my articles “How traveling solo with a one-way ticket changed my life?” and “Moving to Spain from the United States. Our NLV Visa Journey to Costa del Sol.”)

Relocation has become one of the recurring themes on my blog, where I write about everything from adapting to a new culture to building a life abroad. As more people search for information about moving to Spain and even buying property in Málaga, I wanted to expand this topic by interviewing people whose own relocation stories might inspire others considering a similar path.

One of the first people in this series is Hamilton Beau Bone. My husband and I met him at one of the “Americans Living in Malaga” meetups that he regularly organizes in Málaga, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella, and even Nerja.

Hamilton is a real estate agent in Málaga, Spain who helps both local and international buyers navigate the process of finding the right home. He also specializes in thoughtful property renovations and restorations rather than quick flips. After living in Spain for more than ten years, he has gained valuable insight into what people searching for Málaga houses for sale, Málaga apartments for sale, or planning to buy a house in Málaga should know before making the move.

Below is our conversation about relocation, life in Spain, and the Málaga real estate market. If you’d like to connect with Hamilton, you’ll find his contact information at the end of the article.

Finding a House for Sale in Málaga Advice from an American Realtor Living in Spain

Before we dive into the Málaga property market, I’d love to hear a little about your own journey.

How did you go from teaching English in Spain to working as a real estate agent?

I originally came to Spain to teach English, but after several years I realized I was completely burned out. As much as I loved those cute little Spanish kids, teaching was slowly eating away at my soul. I’ve always been an ambitious person, and I wanted to find a career that would allow me to build something while still helping people.

For months I looked at job postings on LinkedIn and local websites, but nothing really felt right. Then one day it suddenly clicked. My background before moving to Spain was in real estate, so why wasn’t I doing that here? Becoming a real estate agent in Málaga felt like finding an old glove you’d forgotten in the trunk of your car. The moment you need it, you find it, put it on, and it still fits perfectly.

Real estate gave me the opportunity to combine everything I enjoy: helping people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives while building a career that challenged me. It wasn’t an easy path because finding professional opportunities in Spain outside hospitality and tourism can be difficult, especially if you’re self-employed, but looking back, it was absolutely the right decision.

Next you can see one of his current listings in Benalmadena, Spain – Casa o chaleten venta en Calle Madreselva

What first inspired you to move from the United States to Spain?

A friend from high school suggested I move to Spain to teach English. Honestly, I didn’t think they’d even accept me, but somehow they did!

Why did you choose Málaga, and what made you stay?

The funny thing is… I didn’t choose Málaga! I actually wanted Granada or Seville. I’d already visited Málaga once before, and it was a very different city back then. What made me stay was the lifestyle. People here genuinely prioritize friends and family. They’re not hyperfocused on what everyone else is doing. It’s very much a “live and let live” society, and over the years that way of life really grew on me.

Why do you think Málaga has become such a popular destination for international buyers?

Málaga has a very unique vibe compared to cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia. It feels primarily Spanish and then international second, and I think that’s helped it keep its personality. It’s not trying to be everything for everyone. If Málaga is your kind of place, you’ll absolutely love it. If it isn’t, that’s okay too.

What are the biggest mistakes foreigners make when buying property in Spain?

I’d say there are two major ones. First, relying too much on AI instead of doing their own research and due diligence. Second, choosing the wrong agent. A good real estate agent in Malaga doesn’t simply show beautiful properties. They ask questions about how you actually want to live, which neighborhoods suit your lifestyle, and they’ll point out the negatives just as much as the positives. Sometimes what buyers think they want turns out to be completely different from what actually suits them. Always read reviews and, even more importantly, talk to people who have genuinely worked with that agent.

What should someone know before starting the home-buying process in Málaga?

Spend a couple of months renting a house or apartment first. Before you get caught up looking at Malaga houses for sale or deciding to buy a house in Málaga, think about what your everyday life is actually going to look like, not what your vacation looked like. Walk the neighborhoods. Eat in locally owned restaurants instead of tourist spots. Experience daily life before making such a big decision. And candidly, most people don’t even need a car.

Which areas of Málaga would you recommend for different lifestyles?

I never recommend one specific neighborhood because it depends entirely on the person. How Spanish do you want your daily life to be? What kind of lifestyle are you looking for? Some international buyers are drawn to areas like Centro Histórico, El Limonar, La Malagueta, Soho, or Pedregalejo because of their atmosphere and proximity to the city, while others prefer quieter areas around Málaga where they can have more space and a different pace of life. For families and retirees, there are great options all across Málaga. The important thing is finding the neighborhood that matches how you want to live.

Is now still a good time to invest in real estate in Málaga?

If you’re buying for yourself, absolutely. If you’re expecting a 50% return in three years, then Spain probably isn’t for you. Málaga will continue growing, but I always encourage people to buy a house in Malaga because they genuinely want to live here, not simply because they’re chasing quick profits.

What’s one piece of advice you always give clients relocating to Spain?

Read reviews about every real estate agency in Malaga. Meet several real estate agents before making a decision. Figure out who genuinely cares about helping you and who is simply trying to sell you something. And learn some Spanish. I really wish I had invested in private lessons much earlier after moving here. It would’ve made my first years much easier.

Looking back at your own relocation, is there anything you wish you had known before moving?

I wish I’d arrived with a much more open mind. For my first few years, I kept comparing everything to America and complaining about how slow or inefficient things felt. That mindset held me back. The biggest mistake expats make is arriving with expectations instead of curiosity.

Next you can see one of his current listings in Malaga, Spain – Piso en venta en Calle Carretería

What’s the biggest misconception foreigners have about buying property in Spain?

Many people think buying property is simply about finding the perfect house. Whether you’re looking at Malaga apartments for sale or hoping to buy a house in Málaga, the real decision is about choosing the lifestyle that suits you. The property is only one part of the decision. The neighborhood, your daily routine, the local community, and even where you buy your morning coffee all become part of your new home.

Finally, what does “home” mean to you after living in Spain for more than a decade?

Home is Málaga. It’s knowing my neighbors. It’s spending a couple of extra minutes asking how they’re doing. It’s chatting with the lady at the fruit shop. It’s supporting local businesses instead of automatically going to supermarkets. Every morning I wake up grateful for the opportunity to live here because if that opportunity ever disappeared, I’d never regret just how magical this experience has been.

Contact Hamilton via email – hamilton.bone@remax.es

Spain Relocation Quiz

Dreaming of living in Spain? Discover which part of the country fits your rhythm, values, and lifestyle.

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Finding a House for Sale in Málaga Advice from an American Realtor Living in Spain

Finding a House for Sale in Málaga Advice from an American Realtor Living in Spain

How did you go from teaching English in Spain to working as a real estate agent?

What first inspired you to move from the United States to Spain?

Why did you choose Málaga, and what made you stay?

Why do you think Málaga has become such a popular destination for international buyers?

What are the biggest mistakes foreigners make when buying property in Spain?

What should someone know before starting the home-buying process in Málaga?

Which areas of Málaga would you recommend for different lifestyles?

Is now still a good time to invest in real estate in Málaga?

What’s one piece of advice you always give clients relocating to Spain?

Looking back at your own relocation, is there anything you wish you had known before moving?

What’s the biggest misconception foreigners have about buying property in Spain?

Finally, what does “home” mean to you after living in Spain for more than a decade?

Contact Hamilton via email – hamilton.bone@remax.es

Spain Relocation Quiz