Do I need to speak Spanish to buy property in Marbella?

Thinking about buying a property in Marbella?

It’s a big decision. Relocating to a different country – with a different culture and way of life – is a huge change, for both retirees and young families alike. And if you’re not au fait with the local lingo, taking that leap and moving permanently can be a very daunting prospect.

But do you really need to speak Spanish to live in España?

Here at Bromley Estates Marbella, we believe the answer to this question is no.

You don’t need to be fluent in the language to realise your dream of moving to Spain, particularly the Costa del Sol. And with our assistance, you could be settled into your new home and enjoying a typical Spanish lifestyle – before you have time to say ‘Hola!’.

Marbella – a magnet for English-speaking expats

Spain is a very popular destination amongst emigrants.

Around 5.5 million of its residents are foreign-born. According to official figures, there are now more than 360,000 Brits registered in the country – with the majority living in the Costa del Sol. And the likelihood is, most of these will have relocated without being fluent in Spanish.

Costa del Sol has a particularly large expat community. So if you’re interested in property for sale in Marbella, or the surrounding areas, speaking Spanish isn’t that big of a deal. English is very widely spoken. And most people find they can live comfortably and easily navigate their day-to-day activities, without having to utter a single word of the local dialect.

Don’t get us wrong – learning a few conversational phrases can be beneficial and may even enhance your experience of living in Marbella. But as an expat, you’re likely to pick these up naturally as you go about your daily life. Fluency in Spanish certainly isn’t a prerequisite for relocating to this area. And you shouldn’t let fear of a potential language barrier put you off moving.

Rely on us to do the talking

Buying property in Spain is slightly different to other European countries, as it requires both a notary and a lawyer. And for someone who doesn’t speak Spanish, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed by the legal process. But the good news is, you don’t have to do it alone.

As a leading real estate agency, we can act as the ‘middle man’. Wherever you’re currently located in the world – and whatever your first language – we can guide you step-by-step.

Not only do we have unrivalled experience in Marbella real estate, our estate agents are fluent in 8 different languages. Which means, with our help, there’s no need to worry about communication difficulties or language barriers throughout the buying process. From arranging the viewings to negotiating a price and completing the sale, we can oversee everything on your behalf.

Here at Bromley Estates, professional customer service is at the heart of everything we do.

We strive to make buying a property in Marbella as hassle-free as possible for all of our clients – whether you know the local language or not. And we’ll happily liaise on your behalf, explaining everything clearly and keeping you up-to-date on the progress of your purchase at all times.

What’s more, we also offer a fantastic after-sales service.

Having completed the sale and relocated to Spain, we will continue to offer our support, to ensure your transition is as smooth as it can be. Backed by a network of companies and collaborators – who have partnered with us for many years – we can recommend reputable companies in the area, advise on local amenities and help you settle into your new life in the sun.

Spanish certainly isn’t essential to live in Marbella. But if a situation does arise and you’re having any sort of difficulty with communication, we’re happy to help. If that means picking up the phone to chat to a Spanish builder, drafting a response email to the local school, or arranging a long-term car rental on your behalf, no problem. You can always rely on us to do the talking. 

Get in touch today

If you’re interested in property in Marbella and have any questions or concerns – about the language, lifestyle, properties, visas or anything else – please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We appreciate that relocating to Spain can be a steep learning curve, and we’re more than happy to share our expertise. Not only do we have unparalleled knowledge of this region of the Costa del Sol, we have fantastic insight into the property market – and our online portfolio features an extensive range of villas, townhouses and apartments in Marbella, with something to suit all needs and wishes. So, for more information, why not pick up the phone and say ‘Hello!’? Just give us a call on

So, for more information, why not pick up the phone and say ‘Hello!’? Just give us a call on +34 952 939 460 (+44 208 068 7606), or send your enquiry to in**@br********************.com and a member of the team will respond as soon as possible.