Famous for its beaches, natural beauty, and diversity of lifestyle options, Marbella is the ultimate place to live in southern Spain. If you are considering purchasing a luxury property in Marbella or its surroundings, this guide will provide an overview of the area and what to expect.
The Ultimate Area Guide to living in Marbella
Marbella is renowned for its beautiful beaches, chic destination restaurants and bars, and stunning architecture. Whether you are looking for a primary residence, vacation home, or investment property, there is something for everyone in this vibrant community, making Marbella’s real estate market and an attractive destination for high-end buyers.
Introducing Marbella
Marbella is located on the famous Costa del Sol in southern Spain, and is one of Europe’s most popular holiday and residential destinations. Positioned between La Concha mountain and Mediteranean Sea, Marbella is a picturesque beachside town offering a gorgeous old town centre, paseo martimo beach walk, high-end and diverse retail, night-life, amenities and many beautiful housing options.
Located just 50km from the Malaga Costa del Sol Airport, the city is well-connected with the rest of Spain and Europe, making it an ideal spot for local and international buyers. The short drive from Málaga Airport means that Marbella is easily accessed in from around the world – jump in a taxi, bus or hire car from the airport and you can experience this beautiful city. Surrounding towns of Tarifa, Gilbraltar, Ronda, Málaga and Mijas can all be reached in about an hour drive of Marbella.
The town is made up of many well known vibrant shopping, restaurants and beach areas, including the Marbella Golden Mile centred around high end hotels such as Marbella Club and Puente Romano, the cosmopolitan coastal town of Puerto Banus famed for its luxury marina and exclusive lifestyle, and many popular residential areas that we will discuss below. In recent years, Marbella has been winning various awards naming it as one of Europe´s best destinations, which is testament to the rich variety of natural beauty, culture, charm and international amenities that it offers.
Marbella´s weather
Marbella enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters perfect for enjoying the town’s many beaches throughout the year. The physical location of Marbella between the sea and La Concha mountain, creates a unique microclimate in which temperatures remain more consistent throughout the year.
On average, there are around 300 days of sunshine each year, coupled with refreshing ocean breezes and low humidity, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities including in the winter months. All in all, Marbella’s temperate climate offers visitors a pleasant experience regardless of the time of year.
The best areas in Marbella
Properties in Marbella provide a truly luxurious way of living, ranging from grand luxury villas to modern contemporary apartments with prices to suit all lifestyles and budgets.
Some of the most spectacular mansions and super luxury apartments are found on the famous Marbella Golden Mile. These properties are set along the beach’s edge and the promenade, such as the magnificent Puente Romano area – a must-destination for all visitors looking for a luxury escape. In addition, properties within the uber-exclusive Marbella Club offer an unrivalled opportunity to live as part of an exclusive international community with privacy and security assured. Puerto Banus has many luxury urbanisations with villas and apartments in gated beachfront or beachside communities.
The Sierra Blanca, Cascada de Camoján and Altos Reales estates are prestigious gated communities located in the upper part of the Marbella Golden Mile renowned for their glamorous villas, with some of the most spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and beyond Africa.
With so many popular locations offering properties with astounding beauty around every corner, Marbella certainly provides something special for everyone.
Those more interested in golf are likely to find their perfect home in Nueva Andalucia, known for its abundance of golf courses and communities including Aloha, Las Brisas and Los Naranjos areas. In addition, Nueva Andalucía is an excellent area for families, given its proximity to local amenities such as restaurants and supermarkets. Marbella East also offer quiet beachside areas of Elviria, Costabella and Artola that also offer golf communities around Santa Clara, Santa Maria and Cabopino, as does Guadalmina in the west.
In the mountains just north of Marbella you will find the villages of Benahavís, Istan and Ojen that are often considered part of the Marbella area, and contain important residential communities including La Zagaleta, La Alquería, Paraíso Alto, and La Quinta.
Properties in Marbella are second to none. If you’re looking for luxury villas, apartments, or golf apartments, you’ll be amazed by the calibre of the options available in the area. All these locations offer exquisite homes, boasting fantastic mountain and sea views as well as modern amenities that one might expect from a luxury property.
In short, if you’re looking for the ultimate indulgence – properties in Marbella are a great choice!
Type of properties in Marbella
Marbella has the most desirable and luxurious real estate in Spain, with a range of property types to suit all needs. Luxury villas with private pools, gated urbanisations and modern contemporary apartments provide a clear choice for those looking to escape to this paradisiacal part of the world. Due to it´s mountainous terrain, seaview properties can be found in many areas and across a diverse budgets, and a predominance of spacious terraces to enjoy the stunning sea, mountain and golf views, as well as the superb weather are the local norm.
Whether you are after something spacious and secure or more affordable and convenient, then Marbella is a top destination of choice. Enjoy five-star amenities without the hustle and bustle of bigger cities– the perfect recipe for loving life in this region of Spain.
Cost of luxury property in Marbella
The price of luxury real estate in Marbella depends on the location, size and type of property. Prices range from approx €500,000 for a two-bedroom apartment to over €20 million for a large private villa with all the extras. So naturally, properties near beaches and golf courses tend to command higher prices.
Marbella has become a destination of choice for international buyers thanks to its renowned luxury lifestyle. While remaining constant over recent years due to steady demand, those looking for privacy and luxurious amenities will need to factor in an appropriate budget when considering investing in Marbella’s real estate market.
Marbella City Luxury Real Estate Market Data in 2024
For those considering buying property in Marbella, these key real estate market trends provide essential insights into the luxury property sector in 2024:
Average Build Size – 322 square metres: Luxury homes across Marbella city usually offer ample space to accommodate various modern amenities, such as home offices, gyms, or guest rooms. This figure reflects the demand for spacious living in the high-end market.
Average Plot Size- 492 square metres: The average plot size for luxury properties in Marbella offers outdoor spaces such as landscaped gardens, swimming pools, or additional structures that allow the perfect blend of privacy and outdoor living, which many buyers seek in Marbella.
Average Listing Price – €1,847,857: This figure underscores Marbella’s status as a top-tier real estate market, offering significant investment potential for buyers interested in prime properties.
Average Price per Built Area – €6,586 per square metre built: In Marbella, the average price per square metre has seen a 4.9% increase over the year to July 2024, making it a pivotal consideration for investors evaluating future market trends.
Property Listing Price Per Square Metre by Marbella’s Sub-Areas
Based on July 2024 figures, the following data are overall average property prices per square metre in Marbella, including all property types.
Marbella Average: €4,972/m² (+14.5% YoY)
Las Chapas- El Rosario: €4,830/m² (+21.1% YoY)
Marbella Pueblo: €4,243/m² (+14.3% YoY)
Nueva Andalucía: €5,431/m² (+9.3% YoY)
Rio Real – Los Monteros: €4,331/m² (+3.5% YoY)
Nagueles – Golden Mile: €6,298/m² (+12.7% YoY)
San Pedro de Alcántara: €6,298/m² (+12.7% YoY)
These sub-area prices offer a more granular understanding of Marbella’s market, highlighting variations in value depending on location.
Investing in Marbella Property
Marbella is a luxury location for those looking to invest in property. Marbella offers an ideal setting for a real estate portfolio with its stunning beaches, well-developed infrastructure, and luxury amenities.
Being such an attractive luxury destination also means that investing in Marbella property will give owners the benefit of renting out their assets – as holiday lets or full-time rental opportunities – to take advantage of the growing interest from international tourists.
The potential for capital growth is also considerable, with major local developments providing many potential capital gains for investors. Such luxury properties will only continue to appreciate over time, with no indication of the market slowing down anytime soon.
Marbella Lifestyle
The Marbella lifestyle has been made world famous thanks to its many attractions. Sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to get their fill, from golfing on Marbella’s many courses to playing tennis at one of Marbella’s renowned tennis clubs.
Boating and jet skiing can be enjoyed in the marina, where day or weekend trips to nearby destinations are possible with a private craft.
Skiers should look no further than Marbella’s nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range, while those looking to relax can enjoy luxury spas and hotels across the area.
Of course, no Marbella vacation is complete without a visit to one of Marbella’s famous chiringuitos beachfront restaurants for some delicious seafood with a view.
Designer shopping is a must, with all the major International brands having flagship stores in Marbella.
Lastly, enjoy Marbella’s vibrant nightlife during evenings when it comes alive with entertainment venues. Altogether, Marbella has it all – making it an idyllic destination for everyone!
With it´s unique combination of natural beauty, history and modern culture it is no suprise that is an ever-growing smorgasboard of activites to keep you entertained any time of the year. Due to the growing international popularity of Marbella, it is home to numerous well-respected international schools that mean there is always an excellent option at a short drive.
Conclusion
In summary, Marbella is a popular destination for property buyers due to its attractive location and year-round Mediterranean climate – either as a primary or secondary home, or as a profitable rental investment. The Marbella area has something to offer everyone, from luxurious villas with stunning views to apartments in the heart of the city centre.
There are many advantages to living in and owning property in Marbella, including its international population, high quality of life, and excellent cultural attractions.
Although prices can be high, with good advice from a professional broker, they will find the best property for you, whether you’re looking for a holiday home or an investment opportunity.
To start your journey into Marbella property ownership, browse our properties for sale, or contact us today to book your property viewing trip. We will provide all the advice and guidance you need along the way. So don’t delay – come and discover why so many people choose Marbella as their perfect getaway.
Mary Dunne is an experienced Real Estate Broker in Marbella with over two decades of expertise in the luxury property sector. She offers profound insights into Marbella’s luxury market, backed by her extensive experience with property transactions’ financial and legal facets. Her deep market knowledge positions her as a trusted expert, providing tailored experiences for high-end clients and showcasing Marbella’s lifestyle.
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