Gecko Towers
We’re continuing our Buyer’s Guide series with an edition titled “Buying a Property in the Marbella region”.
This guide aims to be simple and practical, offering a quick reference for anyone thinking about buying a home on the Costa del Sol.
What do Estate Agents do in Marbella?
Estate Agents aren’t yet regulated by a national licensing system and many represent both buyers and sellers. Always clarify who the agent represents, their experience in the Marbella market, whether they work with international buyers and any professional associations they belong to.
A good agent is transparent, responsive and happy to answer your questions. You might already have some ideas about preferred areas of the Costa del Sol. To save time for both you and the estate agents, try to direct them to those areas you’d like to focus on. Before you start searching, consider your property preferences and budget in detail. There are many online resources that can help you compare apartments, townhouses and villas, including the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether they’re in a community or standalone and so on.
Check the Property’s Legal Status
Marbella has a complex planning history, so it’s important to ensure the property is fully legal before making an offer.
Ask for: Title Deed (Escritura), a Nota Simple from the Land Registry, Planning and habitation licences (LPO, First Occupation Licence or equivalent). Confirmation that all extensions or modifications were approved. Proof of no outstanding debts (IBI, community fees, utilities).
Your independent and experienced local lawyer (Abogado) will verify these documents but the agent should provide them upfront.
Assess Construction Quality and Condition
Marbella properties vary widely in age and build quality. Always check:The property’s construction date and any major renovations. Known issues like dampness, insulation, plumbing, structural concerns. Community maintenance obligations. Energy Performance Certificate. Expected upkeep for features like pools, gardens and terraces.
This helps avoid unexpected expenses after purchase.
Understand the Real Costs of Buying in Marbella
Beyond the agreed purchase price, expect 10–13% in buying costs, especially if you’re buying with a mortgage. This comprises: Transfer Tax (ITP) for resale properties, VAT and Stamp Duty for new builds, Notary, Stamp Duty and Land Registry fees, Bank or mortgage fees (if applicable), Community fees and Annual local taxes (IBI and basura).
Request a personalised cost breakdown before committing.
Choose the Right Location Within Marbella
Marbella offers several distinct micro-areas. Consider: Access to amenities like schools, hospitals, shops and beaches, Lifestyle differences between areas such as the Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcantara, Benahavis, East Marbella, La Zagaleta, Elviria and so on, Seasonal population changes, Future developments nearby. If you plan to rent the property, be aware of short-term rental regulations. Local insight is crucial as street-by-street conditions can vary.
Understand the buying process. A professional estate agent should guide you through:
The Reservation Agreement, often a few thousand euros to secure the property – it demonstrates seriousness – and to delist it from being available to the market. The Arras contract or Private Purchase Contract (PPC), which often requires a 10% deposit. How and where the deposit is to be held? Required documentation. Typical timelines to completion. Coordination with your Lawyer and the Notary.
This should prevent delays and protect your interests.
Watch out for red flags: If the property is suspiciously cheap. If you can’t obtain full documentation. If you’re discouraged from using your own lawyer. If deposits are requested into personal accounts. If the agent can’t explain planning issues clearly.
Transparency is a strong indicator of trustworthiness.
With the right questions and a clear understanding of the process, buying a property in the Marbella region should be straightforward and enjoyable. My best advice is to work with transparent professionals, rely on an experienced, local, bi-lingual and responsive lawyer (Abogado), and take the time to understand the area.
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Should you be interested in discussing the process involved in buying a property on the Costa del Sol, we would be delighted to assist you. Our experience-qualified and best of breed MarbellaPropertyLawyers Associates Network (M-Plan) comprises professionals focused on the western Costa del Sol (Malaga to Tarifa) property market. Their services include property search, mortgages, legal and tax services, visas, surveying, insurance and currency brokerage.
Please note that our posts are for general interest. There is no substitute for proper advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law. Nothing contained in this article should be seen or taken as legal, tax or financial advice and cannot be relied upon as such. Neither the writer nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for liabilities arising as a result of reliance upon the information given.
All details have been reasonably fact-checked and all efforts have been taken to ensure that facts are accurate as at the date of publication.
My details: Mark FR Wilkins, Direct: +34 600 343 917 or e-mail me at mark@therightsgroup.com
© Mark FR Wilkins 2026. All rights reserved.