Buying property in Marbella as a UK foreigner

Love the idea of having your own holiday home in sun-soaked Marbella? Or perhaps you’re looking for property to let out to tourists and earn some extra income.

This cosmopolitan Spanish resort is a popular spot for both holidaymakers and investors, thanks to its year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Read on for a practical guide to buying property in Marbella as a foreigner. This includes info on Spanish mortgages, fees and taxes, the latest Marbella property prices, where to start your search and the pitfalls to avoid.

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Can you get a mortgage from a Spanish bank as a non-resident?

The first thing to think about is how you’ll finance your property purchase in Marbella. Unless you have the cash upfront, you’re likely to need a mortgage.

Some Spanish banks do provide mortgages to foreign nationals and non-residents.

However, as a non-resident, you’re likely to get a lower loan-to-value (LTV) rate than a local applicant. This means you may only be able to borrow around 70% of the property’s value,¹ or up to 50% for luxury properties.² This means you’ll need a larger deposit.

It’s a good idea to start shopping around for mortgages before starting your property search. You might want to use a specialist broker, who can help you find the right mortgage for your circumstances.

Read more: How to buy and finance a house abroad (UK guide)

Taxes and fees for owning property in Marbella

In order to set your budget for the purchase, you’ll need to factor in legal fees, property taxes and other costs. This is important, as it can add a significant chunk to the overall cost - on top of the purchase price.

Here are the main fees to know about when buying property in Marbella:²

You may need to pay:

• Mortgage valuation and arrangement fees
• Building survey/inspection fees
• Non-resident income tax - a small tax if you are not a Spanish tax resident and do not rent out the property.

There are also ongoing community fees for apartments with shared facilities, as well as the Basura tax which covers waste collection. The rates for these can vary depending on the exact area and the property.

What’s the property market like in Marbella?

The Marbella property market is booming, having experienced significant growth in the last few years.

As of September 2025, house prices increased by around 9%. Analysts predict that the upward trend will continue into 2026, although at a more sustainable pace - price increases of around 3.5% to 8% are expected.⁴

The main driver for these price rises is demand outstripping supply, along with the scarcity of land for building (and the slowness of building permit approvals) in the Costa del Sol.

Marbella remains extremely popular with international buyers, not just those looking for holiday homes - but also retirees, couples and families interested in year-round living in Spain.

Can foreigners buy property in Marbella?

Yes, foreign nationals can freely buy property in Spain - including Marbella - without any restrictions, and you don’t need to be a resident there either.

All you need is a tax identification number (NIE), valid ID and the funds or finance to support your purchase.

Can you buy property in Marbella and get residency?

No, there is no longer a direct route to residency through buying a property in Spain.

Spain was one of a number of countries with a ‘Golden Visa’ scheme, which allowed foreign citizens to gain residency through making an investment in the country. This included investing in property.

However, the Spanish government decided to scrap the scheme and it officially closed for applications in 2025.

So if you’d like to move abroad and live in Marbella permanently, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate residency visa.

Read more: Moving to Spain from the UK: Complete guide

How much are the property prices in Marbella?

Now we come to the all-important question - how much money do you need to afford your dream home in Marbella?

This is an expensive part of Spain, known for its ultra-luxury homes and prices stretching into the millions of euros.

On average, you can expect to pay around €6,075 EUR per square metre for a home in Marbella⁵ - but it varies depending on the property type and location.

Here’s a look at average property prices in different parts of the city or resort:⁵

Another thing to note when figuring out the price for property in Marbella is that international transfers could get expensive, especially if the bank or provider adds a margin to the exchange rate to convert your pounds to euros (EUR).

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Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Marbella?

Generally speaking, properties in Marbella tend to become more affordable the further they are from prime, central or beachfront locations. Areas to check out include:

• San Pedro de Alcántara
• Elviria
• Las Chapas

Buying property in Marbella as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide

Before you start your house hunt, it can be useful to know a little about how the process of buying property works in Marbella.

Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved:

1. Get your finances in order

Before you do anything, you’ll need to get your finances in order. Set a budget, get a mortgage offer (approval in principle) and get all your paperwork together.

It’s also a good idea to open a Spanish bank account.

2. Get your NIE

In order to buy property in Spain as a foreigner, you’ll need an NIE. This stands for *Número de Identificación de Extranjeros, *and it’s a Spanish tax ID number.

You can get this by visiting a Spanish police station and presenting your passport, or you can apply at a Spanish Consulate if you’re still in the UK.

3. Find a property and arrange viewings

Now it’s time to start searching for your dream home. You can use online property portals and/or local estate agents to find properties.

If you’ve found somewhere you like, arrange a viewing as soon as you can, and start researching the area in the meantime.

4. Ask to see the Nota Simple

If you’re serious about a property and ready to make an offer, it’s recommended to first ask to see the Nota Simple. This is a crucial legal document which outlines the key details of the property, such as:

• Details of ownership
• Any outstanding debts on the property
• Boundaries of the property and land
• Designated use of the property
• Rights on the property held by others (i.e. right of way)
• Community costs (if any) the owner of the property is liable for.

You can get a copy of the Nota Simple at the local property title registry, or online at the Registores website.

Always cross-check the details of the Nota Simple with the actual details of the property, to make sure there are no discrepancies. If there are any, these will need to be resolved before the sale can go through.

Read more: What is the 'Nota Simple' in Spain and how do you get one?

5. Get a survey

Just before you make an offer, you might want to get a building survey carried out. This involves hiring a surveyor to check the property for structural or other issues.

If the survey flags anything up, you may be able to negotiate on price when putting in your offer.

It’s important that the surveyor also checks details such as the size and boundaries of the property against the information recorded on the Nota Simple.

6. Appoint a solicitor

While it’s not mandatory, it’s a good idea to find and appoint a property lawyer. They will check over and translate all documents and contracts, as well as carrying out due diligence on the transaction.

A personal recommendation is a good way to find a solicitor, but you can also find a list of English-speaking property solicitors on the UK Government website.

Whoever you appoint, make sure they are registered with the local bar association Colegio de Abogados.

7. Make an offer

The next step is to submit a competitive offer to the estate agent. You can negotiate, just like in other countries. Once an agreement is reached, a notary will summarise the offer in writing.

8. Sign the preliminary agreement (contrato privado de compraventa)

If your offer is accepted, the next step is for both parties to sign the preliminary agreement. In Spain, this is known as the contrato privado de compraventa.

You’ll also arrange a transfer for the deposit, which is usually around 10% of the purchase price.²

At this stage, you should contact your mortgage provider to finalise the financing for your purchase.

9. Sign the contract of sale (escritura de compraventa)

This is the final piece of paperwork, and it must be formally signed in the presence of a notary. You’ll also need to have your solicitor with you in the notary office (or arrange for power of attorney to be provided).

The title deed will be transferred to your name and you’ll arrange a transfer for the remaining balance. Read our helpful guide to transferring money from the UK to Spain for a property purchase.

After all that’s done, you’ll get the keys to your new home.

How can you find a property in Marbella?

The two main routes to find property to buy in Marbella are local real estate agencies and online property websites.

Property agencies and agents in Marbella

It isn’t necessary to use a real estate agent to find a property to buy in Marbella, but it could be extremely helpful.

For a commission fee, a specialist buying agent or broker can offer helpful insight into the local market and help you navigate the sales process.

Before engaging an agent, check that they are registered with the Andalusian Housing Registry*. *Not all estate agents in Spain have to be licensed, but they do in Andalucia under new laws.

Property websites in Marbella

The best way to get a head start on finding a place to buy in Marbella is to look online. Here are some popular property websites to try:

• Idealista
• Fotocasa
• Habitaclia
• Servihabitat
• Kyero
• ThinkSPAIN
• Rightmove (overseas properties).

What are some of the pitfalls of buying property in Marbella?

One of the main things to watch out for when buying property abroad are scams.

The best way to avoid these and protect yourself is to work with verified, independent and qualified professionals such as real estate agents, brokers and property solicitors.

An independent real estate solicitor is perhaps the most important to have. This is an expert who works just for you and has your interests at heart, rather than working for the seller or real estate agent at the same time.

Other important things to remember include:

• Make sure any real estate agent you use is licensed with the Andalusian Housing Registry
• Always check the Nota Simple against the actual property and its listing, and get any discrepancies rectified.
• If you’re planning to let out the property, check the local rules on short-term lets and tourist licences
• Be cautious and do your homework before sending money or a deposit.
• Ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the property - along with carrying out other due diligence checks
• Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property.

Read more: Risks and pitfalls of buying property in Spain

How do you choose the right property in Marbella?

Your dream home in Marbella will be the one that closest fits your search criteria. The most important factors will be location, the type of home and how much you can afford to spend.

If you’re not already living there, it’s worth making a trip to the specific part of Marbella you’re interested in.

You can stroll along the streets, get a feel for the local area and view properties, making sure to pay attention to local transport links and amenities.

Condition of the property

It’s a good idea to do as much research as possible before committing to purchase a property.

If you have any concerns or just want to cover all bases before purchasing, you can commission a building survey or inspection. This will flag up any major issues and give you a better idea of what you’re buying.

Type of property

Marbella offers a range of property types, and they tend to be towards the luxury end of the market. You can find everything from modern apartments to exclusive villas with private pools, as well as townhouses within gated communities.

You may even be lucky enough to find a plot of land to build on, although land is at a premium in this part of the Costa del Sol.

Moving into your Marbella property

Before you can get the keys to your new home, you’ll have a few key tasks to run through.

Insurance

It’s strongly recommended to take out a buildings insurance policy starting from your completion date. In fact, you might find it's a mandatory condition of your mortgage offer.

Setting up utilities and bills in Marbella

If you know when your completion date will be, it makes sense to get some essentials set up in advance of moving in.

A prime example is utilities, such as heating, power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.

Renovating property in Marbella

For some properties, some building work or improvements may be needed before you can move in.

Our guide to renovating property in Spain covers everything you need to know, from planning permission to finding a local builder - and some of the main costs you can expect.

Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Marbella

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your property search in Marbella. This includes those crucial first steps such as finding a broker and searching online property portals, and getting your finances in order.

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Additional FAQs about buying property in Marbella

Which is nicer, Malaga or Marbella?

It all depends what you’re looking for. Malaga is known for its culture, food, museums and authentic city vibe, while Marbella is famous for its luxury accommodation, nightlife, beaches, upscale resorts, golf courses and glamour.

Is buying property in Marbella a good investment?

Marbella is generally considered an attractive place to buy property. Although expensive, prices are predicted to continue to rise - this could mean good capital appreciation on your investment.

The area is popular with tourists - which could mean good returns on holiday lets - and there are currently no restrictions or extra taxes on foreign nationals buying property there.

How long can I stay in Spain if I own a property?

How long you can stay in Spain depends on your visa or residency permit - it’s unrelated to whether or not you own property there.

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Sources used:

1. Martin Real Estate - Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Marbella (2025)
2. Drumelia - Purchase Guide: How to Buy Property in Marbella
3. Dream Property Marbella - Cadastral tax in Spain: what is IBI and how much is it?
4. Bromley Estates Marbella - What does the Marbella property market look like in 2026?
5. Indomio - Housing prices in the municipality of Marbella

Sources last checked on date: 13-Mar-2026