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What to Know Before Buying Property in Marbella

By Vivi Real Estate | 25 de January de 2026 |

What to Know Before Buying Property in Marbella - Vivi Real Estate

Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, is one of the most desirable locations for property buyers in Europe. Its combination of luxury living, Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture, and investment potential makes it a hotspot for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors. However, buying property in Marbella requires careful planning, research, and guidance to ensure a smooth and successful purchase.

At Vivi Real Estate, a trusted real estate agency on the Costa del Sol, we specialize in helping clients navigate Marbella’s property market with local expertise, personalized advice, and full-service support from property search to purchase, legal assistance, and ongoing management. This guide provides everything you need to know before buying property in Marbella, including market insights, neighborhood choices, legal considerations, and tips for a successful transaction.

Why Marbella is an Attractive Property Market

Marbella offers a unique blend of lifestyle, convenience, and investment potential:

  • Luxury Lifestyle: The city is renowned for exclusive beach clubs, fine dining, designer shopping, and high-end marinas like Puerto Banús.
  • Mediterranean Climate: With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Marbella provides ideal conditions for year-round living or holiday rentals.
  • Investment Opportunities: The Marbella property market has shown stable growth, making it attractive for both long-term capital appreciation and rental income.
  • Accessibility: Located just 40 minutes from Málaga Airport, Marbella is well-connected to major European cities.
  • Safe and Welcoming Community: Marbella has well-established expat communities, excellent healthcare, and secure neighborhoods.

These factors make Marbella ideal for lifestyle buyers, retirees, and investors looking for a reliable real estate market.

Understanding Property Prices in Marbella

Before purchasing property in Marbella, it is important to understand pricing trends. Property prices vary depending on location, property type, and amenities.

Prime Locations

  • Golden Mile: The most prestigious area, with luxury villas and upscale apartments. Prices typically range from €1.5 million to over €10 million for high-end villas.
  • Puerto Banús: Known for its marina, nightlife, and luxury lifestyle. Apartments start around €800,000, and villas can exceed €5 million.
  • Marbella East (Elviria, Las Chapas): Offers modern villas and family homes with prices from €500,000 to €3 million.

Mid-Market Areas

  • Nueva Andalucía: Popular with families and golf enthusiasts. Prices range from €400,000 to €2 million.
  • San Pedro de Alcántara: A quieter town with a more traditional feel. Apartments start around €300,000, while villas can reach €2 million.

Smaller Apartments and Renovation Projects

For budget-conscious buyers, Marbella also offers apartments starting at €200,000, often in older buildings suitable for renovation. These properties offer excellent opportunities for value addition and modern upgrades.

At Vivi Real Estate, we provide detailed market analysis to help buyers identify properties that match their budget, lifestyle, and investment goals.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

Marbella has several distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique living experience. Choosing the right area depends on your lifestyle preferences, family needs, and investment strategy.

Golden Mile

Known for luxury and exclusivity, the Golden Mile stretches from Marbella town to Puerto Banús. Villas feature private pools, spacious gardens, and state-of-the-art amenities. This area is ideal for buyers seeking prestige, privacy, and proximity to top restaurants, luxury shopping, and beaches.

Puerto Banús

Puerto Banús is famous worldwide for its luxury marina, nightlife, and international clientele. Properties here are popular among lifestyle-focused buyers and investors seeking rental income potential.

Nueva Andalucía

Also called “Golf Valley,” Nueva Andalucía features gated communities, modern villas, and apartments near championship golf courses. Families and golf enthusiasts are drawn to this area for its balance of tranquility and accessibility.

Marbella East

Areas like Elviria, Las Chapas, and Cabopino offer a more relaxed environment, with family-friendly villas, spacious plots, and access to private beaches. Buyers seeking privacy and a peaceful lifestyle often choose Marbella East.

San Pedro de Alcántara

San Pedro offers a more traditional Andalusian lifestyle, with a charming old town, local markets, and community feel. It is perfect for buyers looking for affordable options with easy access to Marbella’s amenities.

Legal Considerations Before Buying Property in Marbella

Buying property in Spain involves specific legal and administrative steps. Working with a reputable real estate agency Costa del Sol like Vivi Real Estate ensures you understand these requirements:

NIE Number

Every foreign buyer needs a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE), a tax identification number required for all property transactions.

Property Registration

Properties in Spain must be registered at the Registro de la Propiedad. Ensure the property has a clean title, free of debts or legal disputes.

Purchase Agreement

Once you choose a property, a preliminary contract (Contrato de Arras) is signed, along with a deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price.

Taxes and Fees

  • Property Transfer Tax (ITP): Typically 8–10% of the purchase price for resale properties.
  • VAT (IVA): 10% for new-build properties.
  • Notary and Registration Fees: Around 1–2% of the purchase price.
  • Legal Fees: 1% of the purchase price for legal representation.

Mortgage Options

Foreign buyers can obtain mortgages in Spain, usually up to 70% of the property value for residents and 60% for non-residents. Vivi Real Estate can recommend trusted financial advisors to help secure financing.

Tips for a Successful Property Purchase

  1. Set a Budget: Consider purchase price, taxes, legal fees, and renovation costs.
  2. Know Your Goals: Determine whether the property is for lifestyle, investment, or both.
  3. Research Neighborhoods: Evaluate proximity to schools, amenities, beaches, and entertainment.
  4. Visit Multiple Properties: Compare options to understand market value and find the right fit.
  5. Use a Trusted Agency: Working with Vivi Real Estate provides access to exclusive listings, market insights, and local knowledge.
  6. Hire a Lawyer: Ensure your property purchase complies with Spanish law.
  7. Consider Long-Term Costs: Account for community fees, maintenance, insurance, and property taxes.

Understanding Buyer Trends in Marbella

Knowledge of current buyer trends helps you make informed decisions:

  • International Buyers: Marbella attracts buyers from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, and increasingly from the Middle East and North America.
  • Luxury Properties: Villas and high-end apartments in prime areas remain in strong demand.
  • Family Homes: Families prefer Nueva Andalucía, Marbella East, and San Pedro for spacious, secure properties.
  • Investment Opportunities: Short-term rental potential is growing, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
  • Renovation Projects: Buyers interested in value addition target older properties outside main hubs.

Vivi Real Estate closely monitors these trends, ensuring clients have accurate, up-to-date information to guide their purchase.

Why Work with Vivi Real Estate

Purchasing property in Marbella can be challenging, especially for international buyers. Vivi Real Estate, a trusted real estate agency Costa del Sol, offers end-to-end support:

  • Tailored Property Search: Access to exclusive properties that meet your budget, lifestyle, and investment objectives.
  • Market Expertise: Comprehensive analysis of prices, trends, and neighborhoods.
  • Legal Guidance: Assistance with contracts, taxes, and property registration.
  • Property Management: Maintenance, tenant management, and rental coordination for investors.
  • Long-Term Support: Ongoing guidance and market updates even after purchase.

With Vivi Real Estate, buyers enjoy a smooth, transparent, and confident property acquisition experience.

Future Outlook for Marbella Property Market

The Marbella property market remains robust with continued interest from international buyers. Experts predict:

  • Steady growth in property values, particularly in prime areas
  • Continued demand for luxury villas, turnkey apartments, and family homes
  • Expansion of sustainable, modern developments
  • Increased interest in properties with rental income potential

By partnering with a knowledgeable agency, buyers can confidently navigate Marbella’s dynamic property market.

Your Marbella Property Journey Starts Here

Buying property in Marbella is an exciting opportunity to secure a dream home or a strategic investment in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations. From luxury villas on the Golden Mile to family-friendly apartments in Nueva Andalucía and peaceful retreats in Marbella East, Marbella offers something for every buyer.

At Vivi Real Estate, a trusted real estate agency Costa del Sol, we combine local expertise, exclusive listings, and full-service support to help clients achieve their property goals. From initial search to legal guidance and property management, we make the process smooth, transparent, and stress-free.

Contact Vivi Real Estate today and take the first step toward owning your perfect property in Marbella. Your dream home on the Costa del Sol is waiting.

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