Frequently Asked Questions

We specialize in luxury real estate in Marbella and the Costa del Sol, offering services for buyers, sellers, investors, and renters. From property sales and acquisitions to personalized investment guidance and rental assistance, our team ensures a seamless and discreet real estate experience.

Buyers need a passport, NIE number, Spanish bank account, and proof of funds. For mortgages, additional documentation such as income statements is required.

Absolutely. We handle long-term rentals and seasonal stays, ideal if you want to experience Marbella before buying. We’ll shortlist properties that fit your lifestyle, location, and budget.

Yes. We offer tailored property management, maintenance coordination, rental readiness, and concierge support to protect your asset and maximize returns when you’re away.

As a rule of thumb, buyers should budget an additional 10–13% of the purchase price to cover taxes, notary, registry, and legal fees. Sellers may owe capital gains tax and the municipal Plusvalía tax.

The Spanish Golden Visa grants residency to non-EU citizens who invest €500,000 or more in real estate. It covers you and your family and can be renewed with the option to pursue long-term residency.

Yes. Non-residents can purchase property in Spain without restrictions. Depending on your investment, you may also qualify for Spain’s Golden Visa.

Foreign buyers need an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), a Spanish bank account, and a local lawyer for due diligence, contracts, and taxes. We’ll introduce you to trusted legal and financial partners.

Begin with a consultation so we can define your goals, budget, and preferred areas. We then curate a tailored selection, arrange viewings, and guide you through negotiations, legal requirements, and completion.

Yes. Our portfolio focuses on premium villas, penthouses, and design-led residences that meet the highest standards of architecture, location, and value.

Marbella offers year-round sunshine, an international community, top schools, and strong long-term value growth. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront villa, a modern penthouse, or an investment opportunity, the market offers both lifestyle and profitability.

Yes. Beyond real estate, we help with school recommendations, healthcare, insurance, banking, and lifestyle introductions to ensure a smooth move to Marbella.

Contact us for a complimentary valuation. We’ll assess your home, craft a marketing strategy, and present it to qualified local and international buyers.

New developments feature modern amenities and warranties, while resales may offer better locations and negotiation flexibility. Each option has unique benefits depending on buyer goals.

Marbella offers beachfront apartments, luxury villas, penthouses, and townhouses. New builds often emphasize contemporary designs while resales may provide larger plots and established communities.

A Nota Simple is an extract from the Land Registry confirming ownership and disclosing mortgages or debts. It is essential for due diligence and ensures transparency in the transaction.

While not mandatory, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended. They verify ownership, ensure no debts are attached, draft contracts, and calculate taxes. This safeguards buyers from unexpected legal issues.

The rental market is robust, with strong summer holiday demand and consistent long-term rentals for expats and professionals. Locations near beaches, golf, and international schools see the best returns.

Beyond the purchase, owners pay annual property tax (IBI), garbage collection fees, community fees if in a complex, utilities, and maintenance. Luxury properties may have higher running costs due to pools, gardens, or security services.

Yes, Spanish banks offer mortgages to foreigners, typically covering 60-70% of the purchase price. Requirements include proof of income, tax returns, and bank statements. Non-residents usually receive shorter terms and slightly higher rates than residents.

Marbella has several neighborhoods highly popular among expats, including Nueva Andalucía for its golf courses and family-friendly vibe, the Golden Mile for its luxury and prestige, and Sierra Blanca for exclusive villas with sea views. San Pedro offers a more traditional Spanish lifestyle while still providing modern amenities.

Community fees cover shared facilities like pools, gardens, and security. They are set annually by the community association and depend on property size and amenities.

Expect steady demand in prime areas driven by international capital, sustainability trends, and continued infrastructure investment across the Costa del Sol. Limited supply of top plots supports pricing.

Developments that combine energy efficiency, design pedigree, and amenities should outperform, while dated stock will require renovation to remain competitive.

Buildable plots in secure hillside communities are scarce and valuable. Key checks include zoning, maximum build percentage, permitted heights, utility connections, and geotechnical studies.

Experienced project managers help coordinate licensing, tenders, and guarantees—crucial for keeping budget and timelines on track.

Permits are required for most works. Minor licenses cover interior changes; major works need full technical projects and municipal approvals. Protected zones and plot ratios limit what can be built.

Engage an architect early to verify planning status, setbacks, and buildability before committing to a renovation or plot purchase.

Absolutely. Demand is rising for fiber‑optic internet, private workspaces, and communal facilities like co‑working lounges. Compact luxury apartments near services appeal to long‑stay professionals.

Landlords who furnish thoughtfully and include utilities achieve fewer voids and strong monthly rates in central, walkable areas.

Sales interest peaks in spring and autumn, while holiday rentals surge June–September. Winter viewings by Northern Europeans often translate into purchases as buyers escape colder climates.

Investors can optimize pricing by calibrating nightly rates and minimum stays to shoulder seasons and local event calendars.

Coastal homes provide beach access, promenade living, and strong holiday‑let potential. Hillside properties deliver bigger plots, views, and privacy within gated communities.

Choice depends on lifestyle and yield strategy: coastal for short‑stay returns and walkability; hillside for seclusion, scale, and landmark villas.

Resort‑style communities with pools, gyms, concierge, and security command higher prices and faster rental absorption. Families value on‑site amenities for safety and convenience.

Service charges should be weighed against rental premiums and resale velocity—high‑quality facilities usually pay for themselves in marketability.

Prime retail and hospitality units near Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile can perform well thanks to tourist footfall and affluent residents. Visibility, frontage, and permitted use are decisive.

Commercial yields can outpace residential but carry higher vacancy risk; due diligence on location dynamics and licensing is essential.

Auctions—often bank repossessions—can offer discounts but require careful legal checks for debts, occupants, and condition. Bidders typically need proof of funds and must accept limited contingencies.

Work with a lawyer to review the dossier before bidding and budget for potential refurbishment after possession.

Turnkey homes reduce time‑to‑market for rentals and appeal to international buyers who want immediate use. Professionally staged interiors and maintenance contracts enhance guest experience and reviews.

Although the ticket price is higher, reduced capex and faster occupancy can deliver superior short‑term cash flow.

Prioritize location, professional photography, and hotel‑grade linens and amenities. Offer reliable Wi‑Fi, climate control, and self‑check‑in to meet guest expectations. Dynamic pricing tools help optimize occupancy and ADR across seasons.

For long‑lets, target school‑proximate units with storage and parking. Partnering with experienced managers boosts visibility and compliance.

A broad mix of European, Middle Eastern, and North American buyers supports a deep, liquid market that’s less dependent on any single economy. This diversity stabilizes demand and underpins prices in prime zones.

International services—from bilingual schools to private clinics—reinforce Marbella’s appeal, creating a virtuous cycle of demand for quality housing across budgets.

Off‑plan purchases let buyers lock in prices early, customize finishes, and benefit from modern energy standards and warranties. Developers typically offer staged payments backed by bank guarantees, protecting deposits until completion.

Because contemporary design is in high demand, well‑located off‑plan homes often see uplift by delivery. The key is selecting reputable developers and confirming licenses, timelines, and guarantees during legal due diligence.

Puerto Banús offers luxury retail, dining, and nightlife around a flagship marina—prime for short‑term rental demand and capital appreciation. Walkability and brand prestige widen the tenant and buyer pool.

Despite higher entry prices, liquidity and yield prospects remain strong given constant footfall and international visibility.

EU Regulation 650/2012 allows most foreign buyers to elect the law of their nationality for succession, avoiding strict Spanish forced‑heirship in many cases. This gives families flexibility in estate planning.

Draft a Spanish will to streamline local probate and align it with your home‑country will. Your lawyer will also review potential inheritance and gift taxes for heirs.

Yes. Buyers sometimes use Spanish SLs or foreign holding entities for estate planning or co‑ownership. Structures may optimize inheritance exposure or facilitate partner buy‑ins.

However, corporate ownership carries accounting and compliance duties. Always obtain coordinated advice from Spanish and home‑country tax counsel before proceeding.

Marbella is driven primarily by lifestyle and international capital, whereas Madrid and Barcelona correlate more closely with domestic employment and corporate demand. This means Marbella behaves as a luxury resort market with global liquidity.

Historically, blue‑chip areas in Marbella have outperformed national averages in the prime segment, with price resilience supported by scarcity and brand appeal to overseas buyers.

Common pitfalls include hidden community debts, unlicensed extensions, or discrepancies between actual and registered built areas. Inheritances or embargoes can also complicate title if not identified early.

Mitigate risk by hiring a local lawyer to obtain and analyze the Nota Simple, planning files, and community certificates. For off‑plan, insist on bank guarantees and verify developer track record and permits.

Non‑residents can often secure 60–70% LTV mortgages with fixed or variable rates and terms up to 20–25 years. Banks assess income, debt ratios, and liquidity, requesting tax returns, payslips, and bank statements. Residents may access higher LTVs and better pricing.

A mortgage broker can streamline bank comparisons and pre‑approval, which strengthens your negotiating position when making offers.

The notary is a state official who certifies the legality of the transaction, confirms identities, reads key deed clauses, and records the sale. They also ensure that taxes and fees are properly disclosed and that the deed can be registered.

While the notary safeguards the public record, they do not replace your lawyer. Your lawyer conducts due diligence and negotiates terms; the notary formalizes the transfer.

Spanish law requires public deeds before a notary and registration at the Land Registry, which secures title. For new builds, developers must provide bank guarantees for stage payments, and decennial (10‑year) structural insurance protects against major defects.

Independent legal counsel is standard practice in Marbella; your lawyer verifies ownership, charges, planning status, and habitability certificates to ensure a legally sound acquisition.

Most purchases complete within 6–12 weeks for resales, assuming swift due diligence and finance approval. The reservation and PPC stages move quickly; the timing hinge is legal checks and bank processes.

For new developments, timelines follow construction milestones. Buyers pay in stages and complete at handover, when utilities are contracted and snagging is finalized.

Typical steps include: (1) secure an NIE and open a Spanish bank account; (2) reserve the property with a small deposit; (3) your lawyer conducts due diligence—Nota Simple, charges, licenses; (4) sign a private purchase contract (usually 10% deposit); (5) complete before a notary; (6) register the deed at the Land Registry.

Experienced agents coordinate viewings and negotiation, while lawyers manage legal risk, tax numbers, and bank guarantees for new builds.

International schools such as Aloha College, Swans International, and Laude shape family demand patterns. Homes within a short drive of these campuses rent and sell faster because they reduce daily commute time and offer community networks for new arrivals.

For investors, targeting school‑adjacent neighborhoods supports long‑term occupancy and premium rents, especially for townhouses and family‑sized apartments with parking and outdoor space.

Marbella offers year‑round flight connectivity via Málaga, making it easier for owners to visit frequently or live full‑time compared with the Balearic Islands. Its luxury ecosystem—golf, marinas, Michelin dining, international schools—caters to families and long‑stay visitors, not just a seasonal crowd.

Price‑wise, Marbella often provides larger plots and newer contemporary product at better value than comparable prestige locations in Ibiza or the prime French Riviera, while maintaining global brand recognition and liquidity.

Spain’s standard framework applies: resales incur ITP (transfer tax) on a sliding scale, while new builds carry 10% VAT plus stamp duty (AJD). Buyers also pay notary and registry fees. Annually, expect IBI (local property tax) and basura (waste) charges, with amounts varying by municipality and cadastral value.

Sellers face Plusvalía, a municipal tax on land value increase, and possible capital gains tax. A local lawyer or fiscal advisor will model total costs so you can budget 10–13% above the price for most purchases.

Non‑EU citizens who invest €500,000 or more in Spanish property can obtain residency for themselves and immediate family under the Golden Visa. For Marbella buyers, this combines lifestyle access with Schengen mobility and the option to live, study, or work in Spain.

Many luxury villas and penthouses naturally meet the threshold. With proper legal guidance, investors structure purchases to cover family needs while keeping tax residency and estate planning considerations aligned with their home country.

Location is the single largest driver of value. Beachfront and Golden Mile addresses achieve the highest prices due to walkability to promenade, dining, and five‑star hotels. Hillside enclaves such as Sierra Blanca trade on security, privacy, and views, while family buyers prioritize proximity to international schools and everyday amenities in Nueva Andalucía and San Pedro.

Micro‑location also matters: sun orientation, street elevation, and road noise can change pricing within the same urbanization. A knowledgeable local agent will weigh these nuances to protect resale potential.

Yes. Marbella has a robust long‑term rental market fueled by international families, retirees, and professionals who live in the area year‑round. Neighborhoods near schools, supermarkets, and transport—Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro, La Quinta—see consistent demand and low vacancy.

Compared with purely holiday‑driven markets, long‑term rentals in Marbella deliver steadier cash flow and fewer management demands. Investors who offer modern finishes, energy‑efficient systems, and parking typically achieve above‑average occupancy and tenant retention.

Villas deliver privacy, plot size, and lifestyle flexibility that are hard to replicate in apartments. Owners enjoy private pools, landscaped gardens, and space for wellness rooms or home offices—features that appeal to families and remote professionals. Hillside villas often come with panoramic sea and mountain views that command premium pricing and stronger resale appeal.

Financially, luxury villas attract high‑spending tenants for seasonal stays and executive lets, driving superior yields in addresses like Sierra Blanca, Guadalmina, and Cascada de Camoján. Limited supply of quality detached homes means well‑designed villas appreciate reliably over time.

Marbella’s market is unusually resilient because demand is diversified across nationalities and buyer profiles. High‑net‑worth purchasers drive the luxury segment, cushioning price swings during global slowdowns. Meanwhile, mid‑market demand from year‑round residents and long‑term renters keeps absorption healthy in well‑located communities such as Nueva Andalucía and San Pedro.

Compared with more seasonal or single‑nationality markets, Marbella benefits from steady international interest and limited prime land. This balance makes price corrections shallower and recoveries faster than many coastal peers, supporting long‑term investors seeking stability in Spain.

Yes, but you must comply with Andalusian holiday‑rental regulations. Properties require registration (VFT number), minimum equipment (such as air‑conditioning), and guest registration with authorities. Municipal rules can affect apartment communities, so check statutes.

Professionally managed, well‑located properties near beaches and amenities can command premium nightly rates in peak season and solid shoulder‑season occupancy.

UK nationals remain active buyers. While freedom of movement changed, access to mortgages, ownership rights, and the purchase process did not. Many British investors use the Golden Visa route for longer stays and Schengen mobility.

Given Marbella’s established British community and services, the market continues to see strong UK demand across both lifestyle and investment purchases.

New‑builds offer contemporary layouts, energy efficiency, and developer warranties; taxes are 10% VAT plus AJD. Resales may offer larger plots, mature landscaping, and central locations; they incur ITP transfer tax.

Resales can allow quicker move‑in and negotiation on price or inclusions, while off‑plan/new‑builds provide customization and lower running costs. The right choice depends on priorities.

Currency swings materially affect non‑euro buyers’ budgets. A small percentage move can change affordability by tens of thousands of euros on mid‑to‑high‑value purchases.

Specialist FX providers offer forward contracts and rate alerts to lock in budgets and reduce timing risk between reservation and completion.

While not compulsory, technical surveys are advisable—especially for older villas. Inspectors assess structure, moisture, electrics, and plumbing, highlighting remedial works and costs.

Findings can inform negotiations, warranty requests, or repair escrow agreements prior to completion.

Prepare a recent Nota Simple, energy certificate, proof of IBI and community fee payments, utility bills, and habitation/license documents where applicable. For communities, obtain a certificate confirming no outstanding debts.

Order these early to avoid delays after receiving an offer—buyers’ lawyers will request them during due diligence.

Liquidity is strongest for renovated, well‑located homes with parking, outdoor space, and views. Properties aligned with current design trends and energy efficiency sell faster and closer to asking in prime micro‑markets.

Dated stock or compromised locations need sharper pricing and targeted marketing. Professional photography, staging, and international portals broaden exposure.

Beyond taxes and notary/registry fees, plan for legal fees, mortgage arrangement charges (if financing), and community onboarding costs. Villas add pool/garden upkeep and periodic exterior maintenance.

A prudent rule of thumb is 10–13% acquisition costs for cash purchases, plus a contingency for upgrades, furnishings, and initial insurance/utilities.

Yes—solar generation, aerothermal systems, insulation upgrades, and water efficiency are now mainstream in new developments. Buyers—especially from Northern Europe—actively seek A‑rated energy labels to reduce bills and environmental impact.

Green credentials widen the buyer pool and can future‑proof resale, as regulation and consumer preference continue shifting toward sustainability.

Design quality directly impacts absorption and resale. Buyers favor open‑plan layouts, floor‑to‑ceiling glazing, and natural materials, while turnkey staging accelerates marketing.

Engaging reputable architects and designers adds measurable value, particularly when renovating older villas to contemporary standards with energy upgrades and smart‑home systems.

Golf forms part of Marbella’s DNA. Communities around Los Naranjos, La Quinta, and Rio Real enjoy premium pricing due to scenery, services, and buyer lifestyle fit. Many renters specifically search for golf‑side properties.

Homes with fairway views, buggy access, or club amenities rent faster in peak seasons and command higher prices year‑round.

Negotiation is common, but flexibility varies by micro‑market and listing freshness. Trophy assets in prime zones see limited discounts; older or over‑priced stock allows more room.

Pre‑approval, clean terms, and respect for seller priorities (timelines, inclusions) improve outcomes. Agents add value by benchmarking recent comparables and understanding seller motivation.

Compared with the French Riviera, Marbella typically offers larger plots and newer builds at more attractive prices while maintaining international cachet. Versus Lisbon, Marbella is generally pricier in prime zones but offers denser luxury infrastructure (golf, marinas, Michelin dining).

For buyers seeking a prestige address with better space‑to‑price ratios, Marbella is a compelling alternative in Southern Europe.

Marbella East (Los Monteros, Elviria, Las Chapas) is known for broad sandy beaches, pine forests, and relaxed residential zones—often with larger plots and quieter streets. Marbella West (Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús, San Pedro) is livelier, close to marinas, nightlife, and golf.

Investors often choose West for rental performance and East for family living and beachfront serenity at relatively better value.

Retirees value Marbella for climate, safety, healthcare, and social networks. Single‑level homes, lift‑equipped apartments, and walkable neighborhoods suit ageing in place.

Some retirees offset costs by renting seasonally or long‑term when traveling. Estate and tax planning with local counsel ensures a smooth legacy for heirs.

San Pedro de Alcántara, Las Chapas, and parts of Elviria often provide more accessible entry prices than the Golden Mile or Puerto Banús, while still delivering excellent amenities and beach access.

For investors, these sub‑markets can yield attractive long‑term lets thanks to family demand, walkability, and improving infrastructure.

The Golden Mile (especially beachfront), Sierra Blanca, and La Zagaleta are the most exclusive. These enclaves offer gated security, large plots, and proximity to five‑star resorts and marinas.

Homes in these districts appeal to global UHNW buyers and retain value due to global demand and limited supply—making them core holdings for luxury portfolios.

Marbella commands the region’s top tier pricing due to brand recognition, limited prime land, and a concentration of luxury amenities. Estepona and Mijas provide value alternatives but lack certain prestige micro‑locations.

Investors targeting long‑term appreciation often prioritize Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, and quality beachfront zones, where scarcity supports price performance through cycles.

Marbella combines a Mediterranean climate, award‑winning beaches, and a sophisticated social scene with daily conveniences such as international schools, private healthcare, and luxury shopping. Unlike purely seasonal resorts, it has a strong year‑round community, so demand for homes remains steady beyond the summer months. The town’s planning policies also conserve prime beachfront and hillside settings, keeping supply naturally constrained.

From an investment angle, scarcity of top locations along the Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, and frontline beach ensures long‑term value. New infrastructure around Málaga Airport and the AP‑7, plus a constant inflow of international buyers, underpins liquidity. Buyers get both lifestyle and capital preservation in one of Europe’s best‑known luxury micro‑markets.