Marbella property buying guide: How to find your dream home in the sun

Buying a property in Marbella is a big investment.

Whether you’re looking for a holiday residence, somewhere to live as a family, or the perfect home for your golden years, it’s important to find somewhere that ticks the right boxes. Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to be 100% certain about your decision – but house hunting can be tricky when you live in a different country.

Which are the best areas? What type of properties are for sale? Are there any new developments? Do they meet your needs and preferences? How can you arrange a viewing? Should I buy ready built or off plan?

Unless you’re prepared to travel back and forth, identifying the ideal property can be a time-consuming (and costly!) process. So, why not let us lend a helping hand?

As a leading real estate agent, here at Bromley Estates Marbella, we have fantastic insight into the local area. We can guide you step-by-step through the buying process, making sure it’s an exciting and enjoyable experience – rather than stressful and confusing! We’ve helped countless clients find their ideal property in Marbella and we could do exactly the same for you.

Here we’ve created a quick guide to help you narrow down your options. Take a look, think carefully about what you want from your dream home in the sun, and give us a call today.

5 steps to identify your dream Marbella property

Step 1: Make a wish list

First things first, make a list of everything you need and want from a property in Marbella.

No doubt you’ll have a general idea of what your dream home looks like – e.g. traditional exterior, big pool, at least 3 bedrooms, nice view. But it helps to be specific. Try to jot down at least 10 things that matter to you; boxes that must be ticked for you to fall in love with a property.

It’s also a good idea to think about the essential day-to-day activities that you’ll need to complete and consider practical aspects, such as whether you’ll need on-site parking, nearby transport links, storage space, utility rooms etc.

Step 2: Choose an area

With your wish list in hand, the next step is to choose an area.

Marbella is a big place, and resorts vary greatly in terms of their character. So it’s crucial to do some research and identify the best one to suit you – and the type of lifestyle you’d like to lead.

Find out exactly what the different areas are like throughout the seasons. Do you want a holiday home in a popular summer destination, right at the heart of the action? Or would you like to retire somewhere a little more laid-back, with a traditional seaside atmosphere? It’s also important to note the facilities in each resort and whether they suit your needs and interests.

Ultimately, the question you need to answer is – would you be happy living there?

Lots of information can be found on our site to help you answer this, but you’re always welcome to contact our specialists for tailored advice. Just tell us how you’d like to spend your days in Marbella and we’ll point you in the right direction and suggest the ideal location.

Step 3: Select a property style

Marbella properties are incredibly diverse in terms of their size, style and features.

No matter which area you’re interested in, you’ll find a selection of villas, townhouses and apartments for sale – including both brand new developments and re-sale properties.

Some are big, some are small. Some have a contemporary design and state-of-the-art features. Others are traditional, with authentic Andalusian characteristics. Some are just a few steps away from the beach. Others can be found in secluded gardens, nestled in the mountainside.

Again, the right style for you comes down to personal preference and the type of life you wish to live. So it’s important to give it some careful thought and consideration. To get a better idea of what’s available, and the present market values, it’s worth viewing a few different options.

Step 4: Establish your ideal budget

This step is really simple. Do your sums and work it out – how much can you afford to spend on a property in Marbella? Don’t forget to factor in the buying fees, which are typically 10-13.5% of the purchase price, and consider the cost of bills once you move into your new home.

If you’re looking to mortgage a property, our advice is to shop around with the local banks and secure a deal before you start to house hunt. That way, you’ll know exactly what budget you’re working with and – by being prepared – you’re less likely to miss out on your dream property.

Step 5: Secure a visa

Due to Brexit, UK nationals are now only permitted to spend 90 days in Spain, in any 180-day period. If you’re planning to use a property as a holiday home, this is unlikely to be an issue. But if you wish to relocate permanently (e.g. to retire), you’ll need to think about visas.

Non-lucrative visas are available, which allow you to reside in Spain without working. However, to be eligible, you’ll need to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself financially. Alternatively, a ‘Spanish Golden Visa’ can be issued to non-EU nationals who make a significant investment in real estate (i.e. those who buy a property worth €500,000 or more) – permitting you to both live and work in the country.

Perhaps you have €500,000 to spend? Perhaps you don’t? But it’s certainly something to keep in mind when searching for a home in the Costa del Sol. And if you’d like further advice on visas, and the best way to obtain Spanish residency, we’re always happy to help.

Ready to discover the perfect property in Marbella?

Once you have an idea of your ‘perfect’ home in mind, the next step is to contact our team.

We have a comprehensive portfolio of properties for sale in Marbella, with something to suit everyone. By applying our knowledge of the local area, we can compile a shortlist of potentials, arrange viewings on your behalf, and help you to discover the ideal property.

To begin your ‘house hunting’ journey with us, simply give us a call on +34 952 939 460 (+44 208 068 7606). Or, if you prefer, you can send an email to

in**@br********************.com











. Our goal is to make your dream a reality and we’d love to hear from you.