Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Marbella in 2025

By Vivi Real Estate | 6 de August de 2025 |

Marbella’s property market in 2025 is thriving, fuelled by strong international demand, luxury lifestyle appeal, and consistent capital growth. Recent market reports show average prices approaching €5,000/m², with ultra-prime areas like the Golden Mile reaching €30,000/m². The “Golden Triangle” of Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís saw over €3.2 billion in luxury investments in 2024, reflecting the strength of the Real Estate Costa Del Sol sector. Forecasts point to another 5–8% growth this year, making it an opportune time for both investors and lifestyle buyers to enter the market.

For foreign buyers, Marbella offers more than sunshine and beaches. It is a lifestyle investment with rental potential and long-term value. Post-Brexit, UK citizens still face no direct purchase restrictions, but awareness of tax rules and visa requirements is essential.

This guide covers:

The buying process step by step
Current costs, taxes, and fees
Legal requirements for non-residents
Timeline expectations and common pitfalls

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified Spanish property lawyer and financial advisor before purchasing.

Discover your dream home in Marbella with Vivi Real Estate guiding you every step of the way. Contact our expert team today to secure your ideal property and maximise your investment.

Pre-Purchase Preparation

1. Know Your Legal Status

EU citizens can buy property freely. Non-EU buyers (including UK nationals) also have no restrictions, though certain residency permits may be required for long stays. A government proposal to tax non-resident non-EU purchases at 100% is still under discussion—monitor developments before committing.

2. Get a NIE Number

A Número de Identificación de Extranjero is mandatory for property transactions. Apply in Spain or via your local Spanish consulate using Form EX-15, your passport, proof of purchase intent, and a small fee. Processing can be same-day or up to 2 weeks.

3. Prepare Your Finances

Open a Spanish bank account
Secure proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval
Non-resident mortgages are available up to ~70% LTV
Consider currency exchange services to lock in favourable rates

4. Choose the Right Area

Golden Mile: Luxury beachfront living (€6k–€30k/m²)
Puerto Banús: Marina views, nightlife, designer shopping
Nueva Andalucía: Golf Valley villas, family-friendly communities
East/West Marbella: Quieter, with up-and-coming investment spots

The 8-Step Buying Process

Step 1: Hire Your Team

At a minimum: a Spanish property lawyer, local real estate agent, independent surveyor, and tax advisor.

Step 2: Search & Due Diligence

Use both online portals and local agents. Your lawyer should:

Check property title and ownership
Confirm building licenses
Review community obligations and debts

Step 3: Make an Offer

Negotiate based on recent sales and property conditions.
A small reservation deposit (€3k–€6k) secures the property while contracts are prepared.

Step 4: Sign Private Purchase Contract (Contrato de Arras)

Includes:

10% deposit
Completion timeline (4–6 weeks)
Penalty clauses for breach

Step 5: Final Legal Checks

Your lawyer re-verifies ownership, debts, and compliance before completion.

Step 6: Mortgage Application (if applicable)

Provide income proof, bank statements, and property valuation.
Approval usually takes 3–4 weeks.

Step 7: Pre-Completion Prep

Transfer final funds to your Spanish account, pay taxes, and arrange insurance.

Step 8: Completion at Notary

Sign the Escritura Pública, pay the balance, receive keys, and register ownership.

Costs & Taxes in 2025

Property Type	Tax	Rate	Total
New Build	VAT (IVA)	10%	11.2% incl. stamp duty
	Stamp Duty (AJD)	1.2%
Resale	Transfer Tax	7%	7%

Other costs:

Legal: 1–1.5% + VAT
Notary: €600–€1,200
Registration: €400–€800
Surveyor: €300–€600

Budget extra:

13–15% for new builds
10–12% for resales

Timeline

Pre-purchase (2–4 weeks): NIE, team assembly, property search
Contract to completion (4–8 weeks): Due diligence, mortgage approval, final payments

Delays can occur due to:

Seasonal slowdowns (August, holidays)
Mortgage processing times
Seller document issues

Common Pitfalls

Many buyers fall into common traps when purchasing property in Marbella, often due to rushing the process or overlooking key legal and financial details. Skipping a thorough property inspection can lead to costly surprises, while failing to verify building permits or zoning compliance may result in legal disputes. Underestimating additional costs such as taxes, notary fees, and community charges can also strain budgets. Another frequent mistake is relying solely on the seller’s or developer’s lawyer instead of hiring an independent Spanish property lawyer who represents your interests exclusively. Avoiding these pitfalls requires patience, due diligence, and professional guidance from the outset.

Skipping legal checks → risk of hidden debts
Underestimating costs → unexpected 10–15% add-on
Ignoring currency fluctuations → thousands lost in rate changes
No insurance or management plan → exposure to damage, rental voids

Market Insights 2025

Marbella’s property market in 2025 is characterised by strong international demand, limited prime land availability, and steady price appreciation across both luxury and mid-range segments. Average prices are edging closer to €5,000 per square metre, with iconic areas such as the Golden Mile achieving record highs of up to €30,000 per square metre. Investor confidence remains strong, supported by stable economic conditions, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and Marbella’s enduring appeal as a year-round destination. Analysts forecast a 5–8% price growth over the next 12 months, making it an attractive time for both lifestyle buyers and long-term investors to enter the market.

Average prices up nearly 10% YoY, at €5,162/m²
Golden Mile and Nueva Andalucía remain top demand areas
Rental yields: premium apartments can reach 6%+ annually
Buyer base: 70%+ cash purchases in €1.5m+ segment, suggesting resilience

Post-Purchase Checklist

Immediately:

Transfer utilities
Activate insurance
Register for property taxes
Hire property manager (if renting)

Ongoing:

Pay IBI and community fees
File non-resident income tax annually

Maintain property in line with local regulations

Making Your Marbella Property Dream a Reality

Buying in Marbella in 2025 offers both lifestyle and investment rewards, but success depends on preparation, professional guidance, and a realistic budget. Working with an experienced makelaar Costa del Sol can help you navigate the market, secure the best properties, and avoid costly mistakes. Expect to spend 10–15% above the purchase price in taxes and fees, and allow 6–12 weeks for the process.

With the right support, your dream of owning a home in Marbella can become a rewarding reality. Vivi Real Estate is here to guide you through every stage, ensuring a smooth purchase and a property that matches your goals.