A guide to moving to

Marbella

Browse properties in Marbella

Why move to Marbella?

With its cosmopolitan confidence and an unbeatable climate, Marbella has been Spain’s most desirable resort for over 50 years. Marbella might be chic but it’s not exclusively for the wealthy.

Essentials

Loved for its glamour, golf and a golden mile of hotels, clubs and casinos, Marbella is popular for good reason; sheltered by a coastal mountain range, you’ll be basking in a microclimate which provides an average annual temperature of 18°c and enjoys amazing views of the sea and mountains.

And there is still plenty of the city’s original beauty to be discovered in the old town. Pass through spotless alleys, fancy shops and classic Spanish churches to find the soul of old Marbella, Plaza de los Naranjos. On hot summer nights, it turns into a buzzing open air restaurant: just sit back and drink in the atmosphere.

Community

Even by the standards of the Costa del Sol you’ll be mixing with an incredible array of nationalities. 40,000 of the 142,000 strong population hail from 127 different countries with a British majority. Together they are known as ‘Marbelleros’.

Amenities

Beyond the sea (16 miles of beach and four marinas), the golf courses (15) and the restaurants (600), there is one more thing Marbella is known for: shopping. There are countless designer clothes and jewellery shops for you to peruse along with a giant mall, hypermarkets, specialty food shops, accessory shops, interiors…you won’t run out of places to spend your money!

Transport

Marbella has a reliable bus service taking you along the A7 motorway which connects you with the closest airport at Malaga and all the towns along the Costa del Sol.

Employment

Marbella is the most dynamic city in the province of Malaga for business, accounting for 14% of trade in the region. You’ll find most jobs in the service economy, with real estate and construction also thriving. Because of the general levels of wealth this is a great place to be if you’re looking to network and cut a deal between a few rounds of golf.

Property

You’ll find plentiful property, ranging from expensive to the astronomical along the city’s golden mile, with its luxurious villas and estates. But don’t despair more affordable apartments are available in developments along the coast and into the mountain areas.

Health

If four rounds of golf followed by a five-course lunch and forty winks on the beach isn’t enough to keep you at the peak of physical fitness, you will find access to health care very straightforward. The region’s main resource, the Costa del Sol hospital is situated just out of town and is one of the best equipped in Spain. In addition, there are private hospitals, specialist clinics and numerous alternative therapies to choose from.

Schools

Marbella has no less than ten international schools to choose from, including a British school, a German School and a Swedish school.

Cost of Living

As you might expect, Marbella is a little on the expensive side compared to some of the neighbouring resorts. But the abundance of retail outlets will help keep the price of your weekly shop down.