Why Marbella?

Marbella is Spain's premier luxury resort town. With 24km of golden beaches, the iconic Puerto Banús marina, and a year-round international community, it's been attracting foreign buyers for over 60 years.

But Marbella isn't just for the ultra-wealthy. Behind the glamour, there's a practical, liveable city with excellent schools, healthcare, and transport links — making it a genuine option for families, retirees, and investors alike.

Marbella Property Prices in 2026

Marbella covers a huge price range depending on location and property type:

• City centre apartments: from €200,000
• Beachfront apartments: from €350,000
• Family villas (Nueva Andalucía): from €500,000
• Golden Mile beachfront: from €800,000
• Luxury estates (La Zagaleta): from €2,000,000

The average price per square metre is around €3,800, though luxury areas can exceed €8,000/m².

Rental yields typically run 4–6% for long-term lets, with significantly higher returns possible from short-term holiday rentals in peak season.

Best Areas to Buy in Marbella

Nueva Andalucía

The golf valley — family-friendly, central, and more affordable than the Golden Mile. Popular with year-round residents. Apartments from €250k, villas from €500k.

The Golden Mile

The prestigious beachfront strip between Marbella and Puerto Banús. Luxury apartments and villas with direct beach access. From €400k for apartments, €1M+ for villas.

La Zagaleta

One of Europe's most exclusive gated estates. 24h security, private golf course, and helipad. Villas from €2M to €20M+.

San Pedro de Alcántara

Authentic Andalusian charm with a lovely boulevard. More affordable and increasingly popular with families. Apartments from €200k.

East Marbella

Quieter and better value than the western side. Popular with retirees and second-home buyers. Villas from €400k.

The Buying Process in Marbella

Buying property in Marbella follows the standard Spanish process. Here's what to expect:

1. Get your NIE number — your foreigner ID, required for everything. See our NIE guide.
2. Open a Spanish bank account — needed for the deposit and utilities.
3. Find your property and make an offer — via CasaViva360 or a local agent.
4. Sign the reservation contract — typically €3,000–€6,000 to take the property off the market.
5. Due diligence — your lawyer checks for debts, planning permission, and title. Budget ~1% of the price. See our buying costs guide.
6. Sign at the notary — pay the balance, receive the keys.
7. Register and pay taxes — ITP (transfer tax) is 7% in Andalucía.

The whole process typically takes 8–12 weeks.

Costs to Budget For

On top of the purchase price, budget 10–14% for:

• Transfer tax (ITP): 7% in Andalucía (reduced from 8% in 2022)
• Notary & registry: ~€1,200
• Lawyer: ~1% of the purchase price
• Bank valuation (if mortgaging): €300–€500

For a full breakdown, see our Spanish property buying costs guide.

Getting a Mortgage in Marbella

Spanish banks lend to non-residents, typically at 60–70% loan-to-value. Interest rates for non-residents currently range from 2.5% to 4.5%.

The most expat-friendly banks include Sabadell, BBVA, and CaixaBank. You'll need proof of income, bank statements, and a credit report from your home country.

For full details, see our Spanish mortgage guide.

Is Marbella Right for You?

Marbella is ideal if you want:

• A year-round lifestyle destination (not just summer)
• An established international community
• World-class golf and amenities
• Strong rental potential
• A sound long-term investment

It may not be right if you're on a tight budget — nearby Estepona and Málaga offer similar sunshine at lower prices.

Next Steps

• Browse Marbella properties for sale
• Read our complete buying guide
• Take the area quiz to find your perfect spot

Marbella has been a safe, desirable place to own property for decades. With the right advice and a good lawyer, it can be your home too.