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.
Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
September 13, 2013 @ 9:44 am
Actually there are bank repos in Marbella, loads, you wouldn’t get a property for 100k if it wasn’t a bank repo. And there are loads more schools, the public schools are really good. My daughter goes to a public school and it is like an international college, her friends are Spanish, Swedish, Germany, French, it’s an amazing environment for them to grow up.
January 3, 2014 @ 7:30 pm
Thanks for the feedback, Louise. Only just noticed your comment. Else, I would have replied earlier.
March 31, 2022 @ 8:58 pm
I have owned a holiday home in Puerto Banus for twenty five years. Of late, the problem with tiger mosquitos are such that I do not want to visit there anymore. Especially in what was my favourite months to visit namely August, September and October. I was reared in Africa and therefore was very accustomed to mosquitos. The type now being experienced around Marbella and in other regions of Spain I believe, leave infections which regularly need doctors attention.
May 3, 2022 @ 11:12 am
Patrick i relate so much. Around my area there are a lot of mosquito like flies that bite and the itches are twice as bad. Also if you are moving might you consider selling that house for a fair price and if it was reasonable for you? Lets carry on on whatsapp. +34 638 217 838