Go Expat In… Moving To Marbella

This week’s article discusses one of the most affluent areas of Spain… enjoy the latest from Matthew: Moving to Marbella

Have fun if you’ve got the cash to splash in the playground of the rich and famous

Ups
If you’ve got capital, you’re never short of an investment opportunity in Marbella. And if you haven’t but have got business acumen,  there will always be career opportunities. Forget Down Under, this really is the land of plenty.

Downs
Marbella’s where TOWIE cast members go to swap a fake tan for a natural one. Which might not please if you’re old money. Nevertheless, it suggests Marbella isn’t elitist as it once was.

In and out
Málaga airport (AGP) aka is Spain’s fourth-busiest airport. It lies just over 50km to the east of the city, which will take you around half an hour to drive. Bear in mind, however, that this route includes toll roads.

Education
Swans School have been established for more than 40 years and they educate children who represent 30 different nationalities. The primary school can be found in Urbanización El Capricho and the secondary school in Urbanización Sierra Blanca. The British School of Marbella is newer but more centrally-located, although it only admits students from 2-11.

Shop until you drop…
The main shopping street in Marbella, Ricardo Soriano, houses high-street brands and more exclusive boutiques. Still, the prices will be lower than you’re used to paying in your home country. If you prefer a totally indoor shopping experience, head to Marina Banus Shopping Centre which has got some great kid-friendly facilities including Camelot Park.

Property types
Property isn’t cheap  – no bank repo bargains here and Marbella’s the most expensive place in southern Spain to buy a house. There’s currently a shortage of quality properties in good locations, which means prices are going up again. They’re set to rise even higher in spring 2014 when the first stone of the new Al-Thani port’s scheduled to be laid.

Market watch
One-three bedroom apartments, €100,000-€1,500,000. Detached Villas, €400,000-€14,000,000. Country fincas €350,000-€16,000,000.

In Praise Of

“Marbella isn’t known as the California of southern Europe for nothing. Its year-round great climate, beautiful surroundings, and the fact there’s plenty to do makes it a favourite with Spaniards and expats. Plus it’s quick and easy to get to and from anywhere in Europe.” Joanna Styles (freelance writer and author)

“Marbella has been established for many years as an international trademark and the climate’s unbeatable with 300 sunny days per year. You’re less than three hours from the main European destinations. Enjoy the beauty of Andalucia, a land with different climates (skiing in Sierra Nevada only 2 hours away) and some historic cities (Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba, Cádiz and Ronda).” Daniela Derin (Marbella Holidays)

• Are you an expat in Marbella? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.