Will Sotogrande face a drought in 2026?

Over the past few years, drought has been one of the most common concerns among international buyers looking at property in southern Spain.

For many people considering a second home in Sotogrande, the question has been simple:
Will there be enough water in the future?

The situation in 2026 looks very different.

After several years of water scarcity across Andalusia, the winter of 2025–2026 has brought a remarkable turnaround.

A succession of Atlantic storms has filled reservoirs across the region. In fact, reservoirs in Málaga province have risen to nearly 90% of their capacity, compared with around 28% just a year ago. (cadenaser.com)

Across Andalusia, water reserves have also climbed steadily, reaching more than 60% of capacity after weeks of rainfall. (murciatoday.com)

In the Campo de Gibraltar area, which includes Sotogrande, the reservoirs that supply the region, such as Guadarranque and Charco Redondo, started 2026 with levels not seen for many years. (sgplus.es)

For residents and homeowners, this has brought a sense of relief after a long period of uncertainty.

The storms have certainly been intense.

Across parts of Andalusia, authorities issued flood alerts and evacuated residents in vulnerable areas during major weather systems earlier this year. The wind has blown many trees down. According to The Real Club Golf Sotogrande, they reported that 27 trees were lost, and Valderrama lost over 50 trees. 

However, in Sotogrande and its surrounding residential communities, the impact has generally been limited. The area benefits from well planned infrastructure and drainage systems designed to manage heavy Mediterranean rainfall.

As a result, while the rain has been dramatic at times, it has not translated into widespread structural damage in the main residential zones.

Even when extreme weather does not cause major problems, heavy storms can still create small issues in individual properties.

Blocked drains, minor roof leaks, garden flooding or power interruptions are common after intense rainfall, particularly when a property has been empty for weeks or months.

For homeowners who live abroad and use Sotogrande as a second residence, this is where professional property management becomes essential.

A local property manager can:

• inspect the home after storms
  check roofs, terraces and drainage
• 
  monitor humidity or leaks
• 
  ensure the property remains secure and well maintained

This way, owners avoid unpleasant surprises when they return for holidays.

The recent rainfall has transformed the water outlook across southern Spain.

Reservoirs are now well supplied, restrictions have eased, and the region is entering 2026 with a much more stable water situation than many expected.

For buyers considering Sotogrande, this is reassuring news.

The lifestyle that attracts people to the area, golf, gardens, pools and outdoor living, remains fully supported by the region’s water infrastructure.

However, for many international owners, Sotogrande is not a permanent residence but a second home used during holidays or part of the year.

After intense winter storms, even when no major damage occurs in the area, it is still important to make sure your property remains in perfect condition. A professional property management team can regularly check the property, inspect roofs and terraces, monitor humidity or leaks, and ensure everything is ready before you arrive.

At Noll Sotogrande, we regularly assist international homeowners with property checks and local support by introducing them to Property Management Companies, who can assist in this matter. If you own a home in Sotogrande and would like to make sure everything is in perfect condition before your next visit, feel free to get in touch with our team.

And if you are considering buying a property in Sotogrande but have concerns about water supply, climate or property management while living abroad, we would be happy to guide you through how homeowners successfully manage second homes here.