Marbella has been a destination for international families for decades, and its best addresses are often traded quietly. For a buyer, the difficulty is less finding a villa than understanding which part of the coast fits the intended use, and what the purchase will really cost.
Choosing the right setting
- The Golden Mile and Sierra Blanca: close to town and the sea, with an established residential character
- Nueva Andalucía and Benahavís: golf, mountain views and larger plots, including gated estates
- Guadalmina, Los Monteros and the eastern coast: a quieter, more beachfront rhythm
Each area differs in privacy, security, distance to the airport and the quality of local services. A short visit often changes the brief.
Taxes and costs to anticipate
In Andalusia, a resale home is generally subject to a 7% transfer tax (ITP), while a new home bought from a developer carries 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty (AJD). The region has announced a plan to lower the resale rate to 6.75% in 2027, subject to approval of its 2027 budget. Notary, registry and legal fees come in addition.
A proposed 100% tax on property purchases by non-EU, non-resident buyers has been discussed, but it has not become law. It is worth monitoring, and a good reason to structure a purchase with local counsel. Spain’s investor residence route for property purchases has also closed, as I explain in my article on the Golden Visa and property.
A private approach
Many of the most desirable homes on the coast change hands without a public listing. Working by introduction allows an owner to remain discreet and a buyer to see only what matches the brief. See also my overview of the Real Estate markets, or Contact Vincent for a confidential conversation.
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change, so confirm them with your own advisers before committing.