Buying in Marbella: what overseas buyers should know
Marbella is the best known destination on the Costa del Sol, drawing UK buyers looking for a prime holiday home, a permanent base or a lettings investment. Its climate, golf, marina life and established international community have made it a long-standing choice for British purchasers. Property spans apartments close to the beach, townhouses in gated communities and villas in the hills, across both new-build and resale.
What buyers are looking for in Marbella
Marbella sits at the prime end of the coast, with demand concentrated along the Golden Mile, around Puerto Banus and in the hillside urbanisations behind the town. Buyers can choose frontline beach apartments, contemporary villas with sea views and homes within secure golf and residential communities. Interest is steady year-round, supported by second-home owners, relocating families and investors.
Buying as an overseas buyer
UK buyers can own freely in Spain. Visitors can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area, with non-lucrative and digital nomad visas available for longer stays. You will need an NIE number and a lawyer, and completion takes place before a notary. The main costs are a transfer tax on resale homes or VAT on a new-build, plus the annual local property tax (IBI), and Spanish banks lend to non-residents, usually with a larger deposit. Treat this as a general summary and take current local advice. Start your search to see property for sale in Marbella, or contact our team to be connected with a local partner agent.
Where to find property for sale in Marbella
Marbella is best understood through its neighbourhoods. The Golden Mile links the old town to Puerto Banus and gathers many of the area's prime frontline villas and apartments. Above the town, gated communities such as Sierra Blanca and La Zagaleta offer large villas with sea views, privacy and security. To the west, Benahavis adds golf estates and country villas within easy reach of the coast.
Property types range from marina and beachfront apartments to detached villas and homes in golf communities. Buyers can weigh central, walkable living near Puerto Banus against the space and seclusion of the hillside urbanisations. Explore our collections to shortlist by the way you want to live.
