Market Trends at the Idealista Real Estate Congress
Earlier this November, our SMH team had the privilege of attending the V Congreso Inmobiliario Idealista, held as part of the SIMED Real Estate Exhibition in Málaga from the 13th to the 15th of November 2025. Every year, this congress gathers the most influential voices in the industry, but this edition stood out for one reason: the Andalusian property market is transforming faster than ever, and the conversations held in Málaga confirmed it.
For us, as a real estate agency deeply rooted in the Costa del Sol, this event provided valuable clarity on where the market is heading—and what buyers, sellers, and investors should prepare for in 2026. It was three days of knowledge, data, innovation and strategy, and we’re excited to share the key takeaways with you.
SMH Video Recap from the V Congreso Inmobiliario Idealista 2025
To bring you even closer to the experience, our team recorded a short video during the V Congreso Inmobiliario Idealista 2025 at SIMED Málaga. It captures the atmosphere, key moments, and the energy surrounding this year’s event.
A Market Redefined by Scarcity—and New Opportunity
One of the strongest messages throughout the congress was the impact of limited housing stock. Florentino Escalante, Director Comercial Zona Sur at Idealista, opened the event with “Mercado Inmobiliario 2026: Datos y Perspectivas”—a deep dive into the current supply challenges and how they are shaping buyer behaviour across Andalucía.
The data confirms what we see daily: desirable properties in Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona and the surrounding areas sell quickly and at strong prices. Demand is fueled not only by international relocation but also by Andalusians seeking higher-quality homes, sustainability features, and secure financing.
For our clients, this presents a double opportunity:
• Sellers benefit from a highly competitive market.
• Buyers who move decisively secure long-term value in an area with rising demand and limited future availability.
Financing in 2026: Stability with Strategic Planning
The session by Juan Villén, Director of idealista/hipotecas, titled “Hipotecas: ¿Tranquilidad o Mar de Fondo?” offered an honest, data-backed look at the mortgage landscape. While interest rates are stabilizing, banks continue to evaluate risk more carefully, making personalised mortgage guidance more important than ever.
For our SMH clients—especially international buyers—this reinforces the importance of preparing documentation early and understanding financing options before falling in love with a property. Our team can guide clients step-by-step, ensuring smoother approvals and faster transactions.
Cybersecurity, AI, and ESG: The New Pillars of Real Estate
A standout message of the congress was that real estate is evolving far beyond bricks and mortar. Today, security, sustainability, and technology define long-term value.
Cybersecurity & Trust
Lucero Ramos, Chief Information Security Officer at Idealista, captivated the audience with “Ciberincertidumbre: construyendo confianza en un mundo conectado.”
As real estate operations become more digital—from signing contracts to sharing sensitive documents—protecting client information is no longer optional. At SMH, we see this as a crucial part of offering a premium, trustworthy service.
ESG, Regulation & Leadership
Andrea Viale, Global Head of Legal at Idealista, highlighted how ESG standards, energy efficiency and AI are influencing regulation and future property development.
For the Costa del Sol, this translates into stronger demand for modern, efficient homes—a trend already visible in the new-build market.
Better Client Experience Through Technology and UX
Another fascinating theme was improving the client journey through smart digital tools.
• Catia Batista explored how the first message, user experience and communication shape client trust.
• Daniel del Pozo demonstrated how understanding demand trends helps agencies find better opportunities for buyers and sellers.
• Rafa Cruces and María P. Espinel explained how digitalisation enhances seasonal rentals—a segment that continues to grow across the Costa del Sol.
• Ana Palacios reminded us how essential it is to remain memorable and trustworthy when the market shifts.
For SMH, this aligns perfectly with our mission. We combine market expertise with modern digital tools to ensure our clients receive the most efficient and transparent service when buying or selling their home in Spain.
Excellence in the Workplace: Building Stronger Teams for a Stronger Market
To close the event, Raquel García offered meaningful insight into workplace excellence and productivity. Her message was clear: the strength of a real estate agency depends on its people.
This resonates deeply with us. At SMH, we believe that innovation, teamwork and continuous learning are essential to serving our clients at the highest level—and events like the Idealista Congress ensure we stay one step ahead.
Why This Matters for Our Clients
Attending this congress reinforced the direction we already embrace:
• A market driven by limited stock and rising demand
• Growing importance of energy efficiency and sustainability
• Increasing focus on cybersecurity and digital processes
• A need for proactive financing strategy
• A shift toward smarter, data-backed decision-making
For our private clients, companies and property developers, these insights allow us to offer more accurate advice, better opportunities and stronger long-term strategies.
SMH: Your Premium Real Estate Partner in the Costa del Sol
Events like the V Congreso Inmobiliario Idealista reaffirm why we do what we do. The Costa del Sol continues to be one of the most dynamic and promising real estate markets in Europe—and our mission is to guide you through it with confidence, clarity and a premium advisory approach.
Whether you’re buying, selling or investing, our team is here to provide you with the latest market insights and the highest level of service.
If you’d like to discuss how these trends could affect your property plans, we’re always here to help.