Buying Property on the Costa del Sol with Marbella Living
At Marbella Living, we make your property journey easy and informed. Whether you’re searching for a luxury villa, beachfront apartment, or new development, our team offers expert guidance every step of the way. With an exclusive portfolio of high-end properties and a deep understanding of the Marbella market, we help you find the right home—whether it’s a main residence, a holiday escape, or an investment opportunity.
Research & Defining Your Requirements
Engage a Reputable Estate Agent
Seek Independent Legal Advice
Property Due Diligence
Make an Offer & Begin Negotiations
1.
Research & defining your requirements
The first step in your Marbella property journey is all about clarity. At Marbella Living, we begin by understanding your goals—whether you’re looking for a permanent home, a holiday retreat, or an investment opportunity. Together, we explore your preferences on location, style, budget, and lifestyle needs, from sea views and golf proximity to gated communities or modern architecture. Our local market knowledge and curated portfolio help narrow down your options quickly and effectively, ensuring that your search is focused, efficient, and aligned with your vision. This foundational stage sets the tone for a smooth and successful buying experience.
2.
engage a reputable real estate
Partnering with the right estate agent is key to a successful property purchase in Marbella. At Marbella Living, we offer more than just listings — we provide trusted advice, in-depth market knowledge, and a personalised approach tailored to your unique needs. As a well-established and reputable agency with years of local expertise, we guide you through the entire process, from initial viewings to final negotiations. Our team acts in your best interest, ensuring transparency, access to exclusive properties, and expert support at every step. With Marbella Living, you have a dedicated partner focused on finding the perfect property for you.
3.
seek legal independent advice
Once you’ve found the right property, securing experienced legal representation is essential. Marbella Living strongly recommends working with a qualified, independent lawyer who specialises in Spanish property law. Your lawyer will carry out thorough due diligence, review contracts, confirm legal ownership, check for any debts or encumbrances, and ensure that the property complies with all local regulations. This step protects your interests and gives you complete peace of mind throughout the transaction. We’re happy to recommend trusted legal professionals we work with regularly, ensuring you have reliable support from the very beginning.
4.
property due diligence
With your legal representative in place, the next step is thorough property due diligence. This critical stage ensures that the property you intend to purchase is legally sound and free from any hidden issues. Your lawyer will verify the title deed, ensure the property is correctly registered in the land registry and cadastre, check for existing mortgages, debts, or building infringements, and confirm that all licenses and planning permissions are in order. At Marbella Living, we work closely with your legal team to provide all necessary documentation promptly, helping to ensure a transparent, smooth, and stress-free transaction from the outset.
5.
make an offer & begin negotations
Once you’ve found the right property and completed the necessary due diligence, it’s time to make a formal offer. At Marbella Living, we use our in-depth market knowledge and negotiation expertise to help you secure the best possible terms. We liaise directly with the seller or their representative to manage expectations, present your offer professionally, and guide you through any counteroffers. Our goal is to achieve a fair outcome while protecting your interests throughout the negotiation process. Once an agreement is reached, we coordinate with your legal advisor to move swiftly toward contract signing and completion — making your Marbella property purchase smooth, secure, and rewarding.
FAQ : Frequently asked questions and answers about buying in Spain.
1. What costs are incurred in purchasing a property in Spain?
As a rule we recommend allowing 10% of the agreed purchase price to cover all your buying fees and taxes, around 2% more if you are obtaining a mortgage.
The costs are generally:
Transfer Tax
The Transfer Tax in Andalcia is currently set at 7%. There is no Transfer Tax for new homes, instead they are subject 10 % Value Added Tax (known as IVA in Spain) plus 1.5% stamp duty (reduced temporarily to 1.2% following Covid-19) . The purchase of plots, commercial premises and garages remains subject to 21% VAT (IVA).
Notary and Land Registry fees:
Fixed by law on a sliding scale, around 1% to 1.5%.
Lawyer’s fees:
Typically 1% of the purchase price (plus VAT (IVA) of 21%) however for larger transactions we can usually negotiate a reduction from one of our recommended panel firms.
Mortgage fees:
An arrangement fee of around 1% of the advance is typical. In addition mortgages are taxed at around 1.5% of the advance.
2. Should I contact multiple Real Estate Agents?
Estate agencies in Costa del Sol, unlike in many other areas of the world, collaborate on the majority of both property viewings and property purchases.
Almost all listings in Marbella are shared on an inter-agency portal. Our recommendation to you is: Rather than visiting multiple offices and going over the same specifications with lots of different real estate agents, to use your time more effectively and research the agency you’d like to guide on purchasing your dream property.
3. How many properties should I view?
The answer for this one varies widely – Some people fall in love with the first property they see, others may need to see 12 properties before they even have a clear idea of what they are actually looking for. Much like trying on wedding dresses, or viewing holiday hotels online, there is no minimum requirement here.
You may also find that your priorities change once a property tour commences – Maybe seeing an area in person makes location become a higher priority or maybe be wowed by a panoramic view makes a penthouse become preferable over a townhouse.
We, at Marbella Living, are proud to have a large choice of both direct and shared listings, as well as a team that now the Marbella area very well. With a great local expertise and a good knowledge of our best listings, we always endeavour to guide you in the properties to view as best we can.
4. How do I make an offer on a property?
To make a purchase offer on a property, you can contact your estate agent in whichever way you wish – Some prefer to make a written offer by email, sometimes we receive purchase offers by phone and now some even arrive by Whatsapp!
5. What deposit is required to reserve a property?
The reservation deposit can vary depending on the size of property and it’s selling price. You will usually be expected to pay a minimum of 6,000€.
Selling Property in marbella
1. How can I list my property for sale?
Firstly, you will need to choose your preferred estate agency to list your property with.
For us, we feel that as a smaller scale agency, where all members of staff can get to know you and your property, we have an advantage.
It is important that you and confident and comfortable in the estate agency you choose to market your property, as you are likely to be in regular contact with them.
2. Who will be my person of contact within the Real Estate Agency?
The Sales Agents will be the people bringing prospective clients, and collaborating agents in to your home; The Marketing team will be creating content for your property, and The Administration team will be listing and sharing your property as well as arranging viewings with you.
3. Should I list with multiple estate agencies?
It is ultimately your choice whether you wish to list exclusively with one agency, or prefer to list directly with multiple agents.
Our recommendation of course is for you to list your property exclusively, as then we can dedicate our full efforts to marketing your property to both clients and collaborators. For you, there is also the advantage of only having one place to contact. This means that it is easy to let them know of any updates, dates when you will be away, days that are best for you for viewings etc.
As estate agencies in the Costa del Sol area work with a shared listing system, listing exclusively does not affect the visibility of your property for other agents.
Should you decide to list your property with multiple agencies, this is of course your prerogative.
All direct listings also receive dedicated marketing.
4. What can I do to help my property sell?
Presentation – The vast majority of buyers like somewhat of a blank canvas when viewing property. Of course keeping your property clean and “ready to view” is important but also tidying away any unnecessary clutter can make a huge difference. Keep rooms neutral where possible and create a homely environment.
Viewings – The more flexible you are on allowing viewings will undoubtedly assist the sale of your property hugely. Some buyers fly in for a day and want to see everything at short notice, and while we appreciate it is not always easy to accommodate for the seller, you never know when it might be the “one”!
5. What Estate Agency fees do I need to be aware of for selling?
5% of the house price + IVA.
6. Should I sell my current home before buying a new one?
If the built-up equity in your current home will be applied to the down payment on the new home, naturally the former will need to be sold first.
Some home buyers decide to turn their current home into an investment property, renting it out. In that case, the current home will not need to be sold. However, your loan advisor will still need to evaluate your risk profile and credit history to determine whether making a loan on a new home is feasible while retaining title to the old home.
Buyers often have a short time frame to sell their current home when relocating to a new city because of a job transfer. If you are moving but taking a position with the same employer, check to see if they offer relocation assistance to help offset some of the costs.
ABOUT US
At Marbella Living, we offer a bespoke real estate service from our prime location on the Golden Mile. Specialising in exclusive homes across Marbella and the Costa del Sol, our experienced team combines local insight with global connections to deliver a seamless and discreet buying and selling experience.
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