Investing in Marbella: A 2025 Guide to Buying Apartments Safely
This comprehensive guide explains how to buy, sell, and invest in Marbella real estate in 2026. It covers the local market outlook, current apartment and villa prices, the best districts such as the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, Sierra Blanca, and Nueva Andalucía, as well as key purchase steps, required documents, mortgage conditions, taxes, and extra costs. You will also find practical advice on due diligence, remote buying, rental management, and expected rental income. The article is designed to help investors make a safe and profitable property decision on the Costa del Sol with support from the Globihome team.
Marbella, the pearl of the Costa del Sol, has for many years attracted investors and people looking for a second home in sunny Spain. At GlobiHome, together with a real estate market expert in this region, we have prepared a comprehensive guide to buying apartments in Marbella. We will show step by step how to safely invest in your dream property. Additionally, at the end of the article, we provide contact details for an agent we recommend if you want to talk about purchasing the perfect property for you.
Why is it worth investing in real estate in Marbella in 2026?
Marbella is one of the most prestigious locations on the real estate market in Spain. Its unique location on the Mediterranean Sea, luxurious infrastructure, and stable market make it one of the best places to buy property in Europe.
In recent years, Marbella has attracted investors not only from Europe, but also from the Middle East and North America. Luxury villas, exclusive apartments, and modern residences are an excellent investment for property rental in Marbella.
Real estate market analysis in Marbella for 2026
The real estate market in Marbella remains stable and shows an upward trend. Average property prices are rising by around 5-8% annually, which makes Marbella an attractive place to invest. Demand for luxury villas and seaside apartments remains at a high level, especially among buyers from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Scandinavia. From our observations, clients from these countries often also consider buying property in Tenerife.
At the same time, in Marbella an additional factor affecting property value is infrastructure development. In recent years, we have seen more and more new developments that improve the quality of life for residents and tourists. Developers are focusing on building eco-friendly and architecturally interesting estates, which further increases the region's attractiveness.
Current property prices in Marbella in 2026
Property prices in Marbella vary depending on the location, standard, proximity to the beach, infrastructure, and additional amenities such as pools, security, and exclusive services for residents. Apartment prices in Marbella in 2026 start at 190,000 euro, and go up to even several million euro.
Property prices in Marbella without sea view:
- Studio apartments: from 190,000 EUR
- Two-bedroom apartments: from 250,000 EUR
- Luxury apartments: from 400,000 EUR
- Penthouses and villas: from 800,000 EUR
Property prices in Marbella on the seafront with sea view:
- Studio apartments: from 300,000 EUR
- Two-bedroom apartments: from 525,000 EUR
- Luxury apartments: from 790,000 EUR
- Penthouses and villas: from 2,395,000 EUR
The best districts to buy property in Marbella in 2026
Golden Mile Marbella – luxury and exclusive properties on the Costa del Sol
This is the most prestigious part of Marbella, famous for its luxury residences, 5-star hotels, and exclusive restaurants. Villas and apartments in this area enjoy steady interest among investors. It is also an area where property prices are rising the fastest.
Puerto Banús – prestige and high short-term rental income
This is the best-known place in Marbella, full of boutiques of luxury brands, exclusive clubs, and prestigious apartments overlooking the port. Ideal for those looking for a dynamic lifestyle and high short-term rental income.
Sierra Blanca – exclusive villas with sea view
This is an exclusive gated urbanization located on the hills of Marbella, offering amazing views of the coast. Ideal for those who value privacy and prestige. It is also one of the safest areas of the city.
Nueva Andalucía – a paradise for golf lovers and investors
The district known as "Golf Valley" because it is surrounded by some of the best golf courses in Europe. The offer includes modern villas and apartments, often with private pools. The popularity of this area is due to the large number of buyers from Scandinavian and British countries.
How to buy property in Marbella step by step?
Buying property in Marbella consists of three simple stages.
Stage 1: Choosing a trusted real estate agency
It is worth using the help of an experienced agent who lives in Marbella on a daily basis, has known the local market for many years and will help you find the best property for you. If you want, you can write to or call the agent we recommend at GlobiHome. You will find the contact details at the very end of the article.
If you are a professional real estate agent in any city in the world, you can become a co-author of articles on our GlobiHome blog free of charge. Details can be found in the tab collaboration HERE >>
Stage 2: What documents are needed to buy property in Spain?
- NIE identification number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) - Foreigner Identification Number
- Passport or identity card
- Bank account in Spain (you can open a bank account in person or online)
- Documented source of income
Stage 3: Property purchase process in Marbella – formalities and fees
Initial reservation
- Signing the reservation agreement
- Payment of the deposit (6,000-10,000 EUR)
- Time for due diligence: 14-30 days
Preliminary agreement (Contrato de Arras)
- Payment of 10% of the purchase price
- Setting the date for signing the notarial deed
Notarial deed
- Signing before a notary
- Payment of the remaining amount
- Handover of the keys
NIE number in Spain - a key document for property buyers
The NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a unique identification number for foreigners in Spain, necessary for buying property, opening a bank account and carrying out financial transactions. Anyone planning an investment in Marbella must obtain identification number NIE before signing the notarial deed.
How do you obtain a NIE number in Spain?
- Submitting the application – this can be done in person at the Spanish immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) or at the Spanish consulate in your country.
- Waiting time – usually up to 3 weeks.
- Possibility of obtaining it through a representative – if you cannot appear in person at the office, the NIE number can be obtained through a representative (lawyer or tax advisor).
The NIE number is issued once for life and is a necessary element of every property purchase transaction in Spain. It is worth applying for it in advance to avoid delays in the property purchase finalization process.
Remote property purchase in Marbella
Physical presence is not necessary when purchasing property in Marbella. It is possible to:
- Grant a notarized power of attorney (about 100-150 EUR)
- Complete the entire transaction remotely
- Virtual property viewing
Mortgage for purchasing property in Marbella - current terms 2026
The purchase of property in Marbella can be financed either with cash or with a mortgage in Spain. Banks in Spain offer attractive lending terms, also for foreigners.
Current lending terms:
- Maximum financing: up to 70% of the property value
- Required down payment: 30-40% of the property price
- Loan term: most often up to 25 years
- Interest rate: most often 2.5-3.5% (fixed or variable)
Documents required for the loan:
- Passport or ID card
- Proof of income
- Tax returns
- Credit history
- NIE identification number
- Investment financial plan
Costs and fees when buying property in Marbella
Buying property in Marbella involves additional costs that should be included in the investment budget. Below you will find detailed information on taxes, purchase-related costs and expenses associated with maintaining property in Marbella.
What taxes must be paid when buying an apartment in Marbella?
- VAT tax (for new properties): 10%
- ITP tax (for second-hand properties): 7%
The amount of ITP tax in Spain depends on the region and is not uniform throughout the country. For example, in Alicante it reaches 10%, in Andalusia it is 7%. ITP tax for second-hand property in Marbella is 7%.
Additional costs: notary, translations, property registration
- Notary: 0,5-1%
- Registration: 0,5-1%
- Lawyer: 1-1,5%
- Translations: 200-500 EUR
Property maintenance costs in Marbella
- Property insurance: 200-800 EUR per year
- Administrative fee (comunidad): 100-400 EUR per month
- Electricity: about 120 EUR per month
- Water: about 30 EUR per month
- Waste collection: about 15 EUR per month
Practical tips from GlobiHome
Transaction security
- Always use the services of a trusted lawyer
- Check all documents before paying the deposit
- Confirm that the area matches the documentation
Tax optimization
- Consider setting up a Spanish company
- Plan the ownership structure in advance
- Consult a tax advisor
Due diligence
- Check zoning plans
- Verify the legality of the building
- Check mortgage encumbrances
- Confirm the owner's status
Property rental management in Marbella and rental income
The average annual return on property rental in Marbella is at the level of 5-9%.
Property rental in Marbella – income
- High season (June-September): 150-400 EUR/day
- Mid season (April-May, October): 100-300 EUR/night
- Low season (November-March): 80-200 EUR/night
Property rental management in Marbella
Professional companies offer a comprehensive rental management service:
- Reservation management
- Cleaning
- Marketing
- Customer service
- Financial reports
Monthly cost: from 200 EUR + 15-25% commission from rental income
Weather in Marbella by month
Average temperatures by month:
- January: 12-17°C
- February: 13-18°C
- March: 14-20°C
- April: 16-22°C
- May: 18-25°C
- June: 21-28°C
- July: 24-32°C
- August: 24-33°C
- September: 22-30°C
- October: 18-26°C
- November: 15-21°C
- December: 13-18°C
Average number of sunny days: 320 days a year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – buying property in Marbella 2026
Summary: is it worth investing in property in Marbella in 2026?
Buying an apartment in Marbella is an excellent investment, both in terms of a luxurious lifestyle and financial potential. However, it is important to plan the entire process well and carefully check the legal and technical aspects of the property.
Looking for property in Marbella? Contact the expert recommended by GlobiHome to get the best offers tailored to your needs. We recommend only professional and verified real estate agents. Contact details below:
