At Marbella Luxury Homes, we know that buying a property isn’t just about finding a beautiful villa and signing the dotted line. It’s about making the right investment, navigating legal steps with ease, and feeling confident every step of the way.
That’s why we’ve created this buyer’s guide—to help you understand the process, avoid surprises, and enjoy a seamless journey to owning your dream home in Marbella.
Buying a home in Marbella is more than just a transaction—it’s a life decision. And like any smart investment, the key to success is preparation. That starts with knowing the market and, just as importantly, choosing the right team to guide you through it.
In today’s digital world, much of your early research can (and should) begin online. Whether you’re based abroad or already living in Spain, browsing properties and reading up on the Marbella market is a great way to get familiar with the landscape before diving in.
One thing that makes Marbella unique? Most agencies have access to the same property listings, thanks to a shared database. So what really sets your experience apart is who you choose to work with.
While it’s okay to speak with a few agents early on, narrowing it down to the right partner is essential. You want someone who not only understands the market, but also understands you—your style, your needs, and your vision for life here.
At Marbella Luxury Homes, our clients choose us because they trust us. We combine deep market knowledge with a tailored, no-pressure approach, ensuring your experience feels smooth, informed, and genuinely enjoyable from day one.
Is Marbella a good place to live?
Yes—Marbella is widely regarded as one of the best places to live in Europe, not just to visit. Its appeal goes far beyond tourism: it’s known for its fantastic year-round climate, relaxed coastal lifestyle, and excellent infrastructure. Whether you’re a retiree looking for tranquility, a family searching for safety and quality of life, or a remote worker chasing the sun, Marbella ticks a lot of boxes.
It’s also home to a multicultural community, modern healthcare, international schools, and endless outdoor activities—from golf and hiking to fine dining and beach clubs. Marbella Luxury Homes has helped clients from all over the world find their perfect home here, and many say they wish they had made the move sooner.
Is Marbella expensive when it comes to buying property?
Marbella is known for its luxury real estate, and yes, some areas come with a high price tag. Prime locations like La Zagaleta, The Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, and Los Monteros feature some of the most prestigious and expensive homes in Spain—often in the millions.
That said, Marbella offers a range of neighborhoods with different pricing. Areas like Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara, and parts of Guadalmina offer more accessible options without compromising on quality of life.
At Marbella Luxury Homes, we work with all kinds of budgets and always aim to match our clients with properties that make both emotional and financial sense.
Do I really need a real estate agent to buy property in Marbella?
Technically, you can buy a property on your own—but in practice, a professional agent can make a world of difference, especially in a unique market like Marbella.
Here’s why working with an agent is beneficial:
At Marbella Luxury Homes, we focus on more than just closing a sale. We act as your local partner, guiding you with honesty, local expertise, and personalized service from first viewing to final signature.
Once your research is complete and you’ve aligned with a trusted agent, it’s time to visit Marbella and experience the market firsthand. Whether you’re already in town or planning your first trip, property viewings are a key part of the buying journey. Here are our practical tips to help you make the most of it:
Viewing Tips for a Smooth Experience:
1. Pre-select your favourites.
Before arriving, work with your agent to narrow down a list of properties that match your criteria. This saves time and creates a focused viewing schedule.
2. Let your agent take the lead.
At this stage, you should have chosen a real estate agency you feel confident in. Allow them to coordinate a full day (or days) of viewings so you can explore different areas and home types without logistical stress.
3. Stick to 5–6 viewings per day.
Viewing too many homes in one day can be overwhelming and counterproductive. If your time in Marbella is limited, a maximum of 8–10 viewings may be possible—but keep your energy and clarity in mind.
4. Explore the surroundings.
Don’t just focus on the home—take a walk or drive around the neighbourhood. Think about what’s important to you: proximity to schools, beach access, public transport, or a quiet gated community.
5. Revisit at night.
If you’re seriously considering a property, visit again in the evening. Lighting, noise, and ambience can change dramatically after dark.
6. Be honest with your feedback.
Share your thoughts openly with your agent after each visit. This helps refine the search and avoids wasting time on properties that don’t align with your needs.
7. Expect last-minute changes.
Property viewings can sometimes shift. Perhaps a property doesn’t look as expected, or you have a change of heart about your priorities. A responsive agent—like the team at Marbella Luxury Homes—can quickly adapt and suggest alternatives to keep things moving smoothly.
While house-hunting is the exciting part, making sure you have the right paperwork in place is essential to avoid delays and seize opportunities when they arise. Marbella’s real estate process is efficient—but only if you’re well-prepared.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Get Your N.I.E. Number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)
This is your unique tax ID number in Spain, required for almost everything: purchasing property, setting up utilities, opening a bank account, and more.
Required Documents for Andalucía:
Open a Spanish Bank Account
After securing your N.I.E., the next step is to open a Spanish bank account. You’ll need this to handle the financial side of the transaction, such as making deposits or issuing a banker’s draft—a common method of payment for property in Spain.
Documents you’ll typically need:
Note: Some banks may require translations or Apostille stamps on foreign documents. Also, keep an eye on fees for international transfers and account maintenance.
We often guide our clients through this process, and can recommend banks experienced in working with international buyers.
Hire a Solicitor and Tax Advisor Early
We can’t stress this enough—engage with a qualified lawyer and tax consultant before making any offers. Your solicitor will handle due diligence, ensure the property is legally sound, and manage contracts and negotiations on your behalf. A tax advisor will help you understand the fiscal responsibilities tied to your purchase and future ownership.
If you don’t speak Spanish, look for professionals fluent in your language—Marbella is home to many multilingual legal experts, and at Marbella Luxury Homes, we work alongside some of the most reputable firms in town.
Pro tip: Many buyers miss out on exceptional opportunities because their documents or finances weren’t in order in time. If you’re serious about buying, start preparing now—even before your first viewing.
Can foreigners open a bank account in Spain?
Yes, foreigners can open a Spanish bank account, but there are specific requirements. The first step is obtaining your N.I.E. number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), which is essential for most official processes in Spain—including banking.
Once you have your N.I.E., banks will typically request:
Several banks in Spain are well-adapted to work with international clients—Sabadell, CaixaBank, Santander, Bankinter, and others regularly assist foreigners in setting up accounts. Some, like BBVA, may also require a Certificado de No Residente (non-residency certificate), which you can obtain through a police station.
At Marbella Luxury Homes, we often assist our clients through this step, connecting them with banks that offer multilingual service and streamlined processes for international buyers. With agents fluent in 15 languages, we ensure you won’t face language barriers at any stage.
Should I buy a new home before selling my current one?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your financial flexibility and personal timeline. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons:
Buying before selling:
Risks:
Selling before buying:
Considerations:
At Marbella Luxury Homes, we help clients weigh these decisions based on their unique circumstances, offering personalised timelines and flexible strategies—again, in a language they’re most comfortable with
Once you’ve found a property that feels like home, it’s time to move into the negotiation stage—a critical part of the buying journey, especially when dealing with a private seller. Here’s how to approach it strategically and effectively:
Making a Serious Offer
When you’re ready to make an offer, always do so in writing, usually in the form of an offer letter submitted through your real estate agent. This document should clearly outline:
A clear, professional offer conveys seriousness and helps establish a strong starting point. Keep in mind: the more solid and realistic your offer appears, the better your chances of securing a favorable deal.
Pro tip: Clarify from the beginning what’s included in the sale—this avoids surprises later in the process.
Agent vs. Direct Negotiation
While some buyers prefer sitting down face-to-face with the seller, we’ve found that direct negotiations often become emotional and unpredictable. Negotiating through your agent, on the other hand, provides a structured, objective, and strategic process.
At Marbella Luxury Homes, our multilingual agents are trained in negotiation techniques and understand how to protect your interests—ensuring that the deal is not only fair but also aligned with your goals. With specialists covering 15 different languages, we make sure nothing is lost in translation, especially in critical discussions.
Including Special Conditions
If you have any specific requirements or conditions—such as timing flexibility, repairs, or legal clauses—these must be clearly stated in the initial offer. Transparency upfront helps avoid complications later and ensures all parties are aligned from the start.
Request a Technical Due Diligence
Whether before or during the offer phase, you have the option to request a technical due diligence report. This thorough inspection gives you insights into both the cosmetic and structural condition of the property.
A full review may include:
These findings can directly impact your offer or even become negotiating tools should any major concerns arise.
What’s the best way to make an offer on a property?
The most effective way to make an offer is to put it in writing—usually through your real estate agent. A written offer should be clear, reasonable, and well-structured, including details like the price, terms, and any specific conditions. The more professional and serious your proposal appears, the more likely it is to be taken seriously by the seller.
That said, face-to-face negotiations can sometimes work, especially if both parties are comfortable with open discussion. However, based on our experience, the most successful outcomes tend to come through agent-led negotiations. At Marbella Luxury Homes, our multilingual agents bring experience and strategy to the table—helping you communicate your offer effectively and navigate counteroffers with confidence.
How many properties should I view before making an offer?
There’s no magic number. The number of viewings you should do depends on several factors, such as:
The main goal is to understand the market and compare value. Sometimes buyers find their perfect match quickly, while others prefer to explore more options before making a decision. Either way, keeping an open mind and listening to your agent’s insights can be incredibly helpful during this stage.
And with Marbella Luxury Homes offering agents fluent in 15 different languages, you’ll always feel understood and well-guided—no matter where you’re from.
Once your offer is accepted, the legal process begins. In Marbella, property purchases typically involve three key documents:
At Marbella Luxury Homes, our international team—fluent in 15 languages—guides you through each step, ensuring clarity and confidence in every signature.
1. Reservation Contract: Securing Your Dream Property
To take a property off the market, buyers sign a Reservation Contract and pay a fee (typically €5,000–€20,000 or 1% of the price). This deposit is deducted from the final price if you proceed.
2. Private Contract: The 10% Deposit
After reservation, you’ll sign a binding contract and pay 10% of the purchase price (including your reservation fee). In rare cases, high-value purchases skip straight to this stage.
Types of 10% Contracts in Spain
Note: Contracts are defined by their clauses—not their titles. Our multilingual legal partners review all terms to safeguard your investment.
3. Financing Your Marbella Home
Spanish mortgages for international buyers typically offer:
Tip: Begin the process early—approval can take up to 2 months.
4. Completion: The Keys to Your Luxury Lifestyle
At the Notary, buyers, sellers, and lenders (if applicable) sign the Title Deed (Escritura).
Why MLH? From contract review to closing, our team eliminates language barriers and simplifies the process—so you focus on the joy of ownership.
1. What happens after I complete my property purchase?
The moment you sign the Escritura Pública (Title Deed) at the Notary, legal ownership transfers to you immediately. You’ll receive the keys and full responsibility for the property.
MLH Tip: Our concierge team can handle all post-purchase admin in your preferred language.
2. What is a Reservation Contract in Spain?
A Documento de Reserva temporarily removes the property from the market (usually 7-30 days) upon payment of a reservation fee (€5,000-€20,000 or 1% of price).
3. What if the seller withdraws after I pay the reservation?
Standard contracts require the seller to refund double your deposit. However:
Did You Know? Our legal team reviews all contracts in 15 languages to safeguard your interests.
4. When must the seller vacate the property?
By default, possession transfers at Notary signing. However:
MLH Service: We mediate move-out timelines to ensure smooth transitions.
5. What are current mortgage terms in Spain?
| Type | Fixed Rate | Variable Rate |
| Rate | 1.5-2.5% | EURIBOR + 1%* |
| Term | Up to 25 yrs | Up to 25 yrs |
| Max LTV | 50-70%** | 50-70%** |
*Example: EURIBOR 0.2% + 1% bank margin = 1.2% (adjusted annually)
**Lower for non-residents
Key Considerations:
MLH Partners: We connect you with English-speaking mortgage advisors for competitive terms.
WHY CHOOSE MARBELLA LUXURY HOMES?
✓ 15-language support for seamless communication
✓ White-glove contract negotiation
✓ Concierge services from purchase through ownership
Once your property purchase is complete, there are several important administrative and financial considerations to address.
1. Registering Your Property
After signing the title deed (Escritura Pública), the property must be registered at the local Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). This process typically takes 2-3 months.
Required Documentation:
Your lawyer can handle this process, but you should also:
✔ Update all utility bills (electricity, water, community fees) to your name
✔ Verify community fee payments if applicable
2. Ongoing Property Expenses
A. Property-Related Costs
B. Taxes for Homeowners
3. Golden Visa Opportunity (For Non-EU Buyers)
A €500,000+ property investment in Spain grants:
✔ Residency for 2 years (renewable)
✔ Schengen Zone travel freedom
✔ No minimum stay requirement
Key Conditions:
Final Recommendations
For detailed tax guidance, refer to our [Purchase Taxes Guide] or consult your legal representative.
(Note: MLH’s multilingual team can assist with referrals for tax advisors and utility setups upon request.)
Purchasing a home in Marbella is an exciting but complex process, requiring careful planning and expert guidance. From legal contracts to taxes and registration, each step demands attention to detail.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
A knowledgeable real estate advisor simplifies the journey by:
✔ Clarifying each stage of the purchase process
✔ Connecting you with trusted lawyers, tax specialists, and mortgage brokers
✔ Negotiating the best terms on your behalf
✔ Providing local insights on neighborhoods, pricing, and market trends
At Marbella Luxury Homes, we combine decades of experience with a personalized approach, ensuring your transition into Marbella life is seamless. Our clients—whether investors, retirees, or second-home buyers—rely on us not just as agents, but as long-term partners in their property journey.
Your Next Steps
When you’re ready to begin—or simply have questions—we’re here to help.
Charline Vandeven