Marbella is very often considered to be a millionaire’s playground reserved exclusively for the rich and famous. It has been associated with images of luxurious yachts, mansions, super cars, exclusive country clubs and glamorous resort hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, celebrity nightclubs and also trendy beach venues for a long time now, and with this comes the perception that only the rich can live or own a property in Marbella.
While it is certainly true that this region at the southern tip of Spain is a favourite of millionaires, business tycoons, celebrities, sportsmen and royals from different parts of the world, the Costa del Sol in general has a lot more to offer than multi-million euro penthouses, villas and mansions alone. The list of famous names that does or has owned property in Marbella is extensive, ranging from Audrey Hepburn and Rod Stewart to Sean Connery, Hugh Grant, Prince, Ronaldo, Novak Djokovic, Bjorn Borg and James Hunt, to name just a few, but it also includes normal people such as you and me.
More affordable than you think
The truth is, Marbella and the Costa del Sol are among the finest luxury resort destinations internationally, but when compared with others such as the Cote d’Azur, Mallorca, Ibiza and the Costa Esmeralda it becomes clear that this region is also more affordable, both in terms of real estate and cost of living.
These two factors are also consistently below the price levels of major European cities, such as Paris, London, Dublin, Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Zürich. So while it is possible to buy a La Zagaleta mansion in Benahavis for around €30 million and the market for modern villas in the €2 million to €12 million range is buoyant, there are also affordable lifestyle options available in and around Marbella.
The best areas for this include Calahonda, Mijas Costa and El Rosario on the east side of Marbella, where a stylish Mediterranean apartment can be found from upwards of €200.000, residential areas such as El Paraíso, Atalaya and Selwo Hills on the New Golden Mile between San Pedro Alcántara and Estepona, or indeed the coastline west of Estepona.
On the upcoming New Golden Mile, apartments and townhouses also start at €200.000 and above, though some bargains can still be found under this level, this is also true in Casares Costa, Sabinillas and La Duquesa – residential areas with investment potential that are becoming increasingly popular.
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.
Marbella’s appeal goes far beyond its beaches and blue skies. It’s where Mediterranean charm, global sophistication and a year-round outdoor lifestyle converge: creating a destination that consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live, invest, and enjoy life in Europe and the world. The ultimate luxury lifestyle in Europe. Why? We can sum it up in three words: sun, sea and culture. Add mountains, and we have it all.
Healthcare is one of the most practical questions buyers and relocating residents ask about the Costa del Sol. This guide covers the main hospitals, private clinics and health centres across Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona: helping you understand what is available, where, and how Spain’s public and private healthcare systems work in the region.
After 15 years without a valid urban plan, Marbella has just reached a turning point. The city’s new General Plan, the PGOM, has received formal approval from the Junta de Andalucía, making Marbella the first municipality in Andalusia to achieve this under the new LISTA framework. Read about the PGOM and POU progress, details and what it means in practice.
