Luxury Off-Plan & New Build Property Marbella Buyers Guide

Top 10 Marbella Property FAQs

1. Can foreigners buy property in Marbella?

Yes. Foreign nationals, including UK buyers, can purchase property in Marbella without becoming Spanish residents. You will generally need a Spanish NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) for the purchase and related tax/administrative procedures.

Buying a property does not, by itself, give you Spanish residency. It is advisable to appoint an independent Spanish lawyer before committing to a purchase.

2. What are the costs of buying property in Marbella?

The costs depend on whether you are buying new-build or resale.

For a typical new-build property, buyers should budget for 10% IVA (VAT) plus AJD (stamp duty), currently generally 1.2% in Andalucía, as well as legal, notary, Land Registry and other transaction costs.

For a resale property, the main purchase tax is generally ITP, with the general rate in Andalucía currently 7%, subject to the applicable rules and any reductions.

3. What is the process for buying a property in Marbella?

The usual process is:

Property search → reservation → legal due diligence → private purchase contract → agreed stage payments → completion before a Spanish notary → registration of ownership.

With an off-plan development, there will normally be a payment schedule linked to the construction process.

A buyer should have their independent lawyer review the reservation and purchase documentation before committing significant funds.

4. Is it safe to buy an off-plan property in Marbella?

It can be, but due diligence is essential.

Before buying off-plan, check:

• the developer’s track record
• ownership of the land
• planning permissions
• building licence
• specification and plans
• construction timetable
• payment schedule
• contractual completion date
• cancellation provisions
• protection of stage payments
• guarantees
• what happens if the development is delayed.

The attraction of buying early is that you may have the best choice of units and specifications, but you also take more development and delivery risk.

5. Should I buy new-build or resale property in Marbella?

It depends on your priorities.

New-build can offer modern architecture, energy efficiency, contemporary facilities, warranties and lower immediate renovation requirements.

Resale can offer established locations, larger plots in some areas, mature gardens and the ability to see exactly what you are buying.

For an investment or second home, I would compare location, price per m², specification, running costs, rental prospects and future resale potential rather than automatically choosing one over the other.

6. Which are the best areas to buy property in Marbella?

There isn’t one “best” area—the right location depends on what you want.

Golden Mile: prime location, beach access and established luxury market.

Nueva Andalucía: popular with international buyers, golf, restaurants and proximity to Puerto Banús.

La Quinta/Benahavís: elevated properties, golf and views, with a quieter residential environment.

Marbella East: beaches, newer developments and areas such as Los Monteros, Río Real and Cabopino.

Marbella town: convenient for restaurants, shops, culture and everyday living.

The micro-location can be just as important as the wider area, particularly for views, walking access, traffic, privacy and resale.

7. What can I buy in Marbella for €1 million–€2 million?

A €1m–€2m budget can give buyers access to a wide range of high-quality new-build apartments, penthouses, townhouses and, depending on location and specification, villas.

The amount of property you get varies considerably depending on the location.

For example, €1.5m in a prime Golden Mile development may buy a very different property from €1.5m in Benahavís or Marbella East.

For buyers in this range, I would compare at least 5–10 developments rather than buying the first property that looks attractive.

8. What should I check before buying a new-build property in Marbella?

At minimum, investigate:

Developer: track record and previous projects.

Legal: land ownership, planning and building permissions.

Specification: exactly what is included in the purchase price.

Location: views, orientation, road noise, neighbouring plots and future development.

Costs: purchase taxes, community fees, property taxes and maintenance.

Completion: expected completion date and contractual protections.

Payment schedule: exactly when deposits and construction-stage payments are due.

Exit: potential resale and rental appeal.

For an off-plan purchase, don’t rely solely on the developer’s brochure—have the contractual and technical documentation independently reviewed.

9. Is Marbella property a good investment?

Marbella can be attractive for investors because of its international buyer base, established luxury market, tourism, lifestyle appeal and limited supply in some prime locations.

However, not every Marbella property is a good investment.

I would assess:

• purchase price per m²
• location
• developer
• property specification
• supply of competing properties
• rental demand
• community costs
• taxation
• expected resale market
• liquidity
• future development around the property.

A beautiful property isn’t necessarily a good investment.

10. What are the best new-build developments in Marbella?

There isn’t one universally “best” development. The right development depends on budget, location, property type and intended use.

For example, a buyer looking for a €1m–€2m holiday home within walking distance of the beach should have a different shortlist from someone looking for a €5m villa as a long-term investment.

A good Marbella property adviser should compare developments on:

Location + developer + price + specification + amenities + views + completion date + running costs + resale potential.

This is actually where Property Wealth could differentiate itself: instead of simply listing developments, create a regularly updated “Property Wealth Top New Developments in Marbella” ranking, explaining why each development makes the list.