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Guide to buying a property in Marbella

Marbella has long been a top tourist destination, but within the last few years, it has also become one of the most modern and cosmopolitan “mini-cities” in all of Spain. And, it could be argued that some of the amenities and infrastructure could easily compete with some of Spain's biggest cities.

As a result, it isn't only a first-class place to holiday, but also an amazing place to live and work.

Luckily for those looking to buy in Marbella, there is an incredible volume of properties for purchase. Everything from beachside apartments and townhouses, to sumptuous villas and even country houses. And the good news is that house prices have dropped considerably, so there are real opportunities in all kinds of properties waiting for someone to seize the opportunity.

Marbella Property Areas

Marbella is split into different areas and neighbourhoods that extend from San Pedro de Alcántara, in the west, to Elviria, in the east.

Here is our guide of some of the top places to buy:

Puerto Banús is undoubtedly the most famous area of ??Marbella. "El Puerto", as it is known locally, consists of a luxury marina, shopping centres and residential complexes located 5 minutes from the centre of Marbella, which was originally conceived to attract the mega-rich from around the world.

Although the hedonistic days of its beginnings are long over, the influx is still very evident in Banús (sometimes you have to see it to believe it!) and, therefore, it is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious residential areas in Marbella, if not in all the Costa del Sol. As a result the property prices here tend to reflect that status.

Regarding the type of property that you can acquire in Puerto Banús, the range here is is very wide, with different types of properties on the market, from apartments and penthouses to townhouses and villas.

The typical complex here will offer views of attractive communal gardens, a large swimming pool, all the way out to the Mediterranean Sea.

Marbella's Golf Valley

The area immediately behind Puerto Banús, on the mountainside north of the main coastal highway N-340, is called Nueva Andalucía, but locally it is better known as the 'Golf Valley'. As its nickname indicates, the area is in a valley west of Marbella, is home to several golf courses - each one surrounded by luxurious urbanizations.

Owners of property here not only benefit from the proximity to the wide variety of shops, boutiques, bars, restaurants and nightclubs that have made Banús one of the most desirable residential areas on the planet, but they also enjoy incredible amenities from the nearby communities.

Due to the space availability here you'll find spectacular detached villas, apartment complexes and townhouses.

Another spot, Las Brisas, is conveniently located near Banús and with good access to all services and facilities in the area.

Marbella's Golden Mile

The stretch of coastline that runs from Puerto Banús to the city of Marbella is known as “The Golden Mile”, undoubtedly due to the beauty of the area, the quality and the price of the homes available in this area.

Click here for Marbella Golden Mile property

Like Puerto Banús, it is one of the most prestigious areas of the city and home to some of the most extraordinary residential complexes on the coast.

People who purchase property here will be treated to incredible views of the Mediterranean, to the south, and the famous mountain of La Concha, northward.

Rio Verde Playa, located in the area immediately east of Puerto Banús (next to the beach) has some of the best properties to be found in Marbella.

Eastern Marbella

The areas east of Marbella are also in high demand among those who want to acquire a property on the Costa del Sol. This is partly because the beaches in that area are among the best to be found in the entire Malaga region, but also because the area has some real natural beauty. Here you’ll find that there is a wealth of high-quality residential complexes, with everything from villas and townhouses to bijou apartments.

Rio Real is one of these residential areas. It is located immediately on the outskirts of Marbella, on both sides of the N-340 coastal road.

It is ideal for those seeking peace, close proximity to some of the best white sand beaches on the coast and not far from the shops, restaurants and all the services that Marbella offers.

Los Monteros

Los Monteros is another high-end residential area, among whose residents is the prestigious actor Antonio Banderas.

Just a short walk from what is indisputably the best beach on the entire Costa del Sol, Los Monteros is divided into two areas, a lower one next to the beach, and a higher one, Los Altos de Los Monteros, located in the mountain side of the N-340 road.

Both parts of Los Monteros are between Marbella's most demanded areas and properties.

Elviria

A little further east along the coastal highway, the next most important residential area to highlight is Elviria, which is divided into two main zones: one next to the beach and the other high up in the mountains.

The beach area includes Elviria itself, whose main focus is its commercial center with its myriad of shops, bars and restaurants.

Elviria also has several local schools and golf courses, as well as wonderful white sand beaches where the exclusive 5-star hotel, Hotel Don Carlos, is located, as well as the famous Nikki Beach beach club.

Moving a bit away from the coast towards the mountains is Cumbres de Elviria, a consolidated urbanization, surrounded by cork oaks, where there are several independent villas.

A little further up the mountain is Elviria Hills, a brand new small private apartment complex, situated, as the name implies, high in the mountains.

And already at the top of the mountain is La Mairena, an exclusive and beautiful urbanization with lined trees that has its local restaurants, a gym, tennis courts, a private German school and is very close to the Santa golf course. Maria. It is the ideal place for those who love all that the coast has to offer, but who prefer to be a little further away from the hustle and bustle.

1. Putting down a Holding Deposit

On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner. This part of the process is not binding. We would recommend using an independent English speaking legal advisor. Once a purchase price has been agreed, normally a holding or reserve deposit will be required to ensure the property is removed from the market. The sum required will vary between properties and will be based on the purchase price. A time limit for the preagreement to be signed will be arranged and there will also be legal checks to be made.

2. Setting up a Pre-agreement (Contrato privado de compraventa)

The pre-agreement will set out the conditions under which the Buyer and Seller agree to complete the purchase of the property and the price they have agreed upon. Relevant details will generally be included for example the property details, purchase price and the date for completion. A deposit will be required at this point, this will vary, but will generally be 10% of the agreed price. This agreement will include a penal clause if the sale does not go through. If the seller pulls out of the sale your compensation will be double the deposit you have paid, but if you decide not to go through with the sale then your deposit will be lost. Certain checks will need to be made before signing the contract, checks should be made against the title of the property, mortgage status and if the property has any debts held against it. The planning status should also be looked into. These conditions can be varied by the seller and the buyer and other types of agreement can be made.

3. The Contract (Escritura de compraventa)

Before a non-Spanish purchaser can buy a Spanish property they will need to have set up a Spanish bank account and obtained a Spanish tax number (NIE). The completion will take place in the presence of a Notary Public. This is a Spanish public official, by law the deed of sale must be witnessed by a Notary Public. You will also need your own independent, expert legal advisor to act on your behalf. On Completion the buyer must pay the balance, that is the price agreed after the deposit has been deducted, plus any other fees on the completion date. Both buyer and seller must sign the Escritura de compraventa contract, (this is the Spanish equivalent of the title deeds). The title deeds (escritura) will be given to the buyer, this will be done in the presence of a Notary Public, they will certify that the transfer has taken place. The tax office will be sent a copy and the property registry will be informed of the transfer.

IMPORTANT - Disclaimer :
All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.

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