Marbella Property Market Report 2026
For over 55 years, Christopher Clover’s Marbella Property Market Report is the de facto standard for obtaining up-to-date, reputable and professional Marbella real estate market information.
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Since the 1950s, Marbella has evolved into one of Europe’s most distinctive resort destinations, with one of the world’s most resilient property markets. Here, real estate transcends mere investment, embodying the lifestyle, aspirations and enduring allure of Marbella as a world-class destination.
In this report, we explore the key trends and forces shaping the market today, the challenges that come with an evolving landscape, and the outlook for steady, controlled growth in the years ahead.
Market Overview
The last twelve months have reinforced a pattern of enduring strength, one that has outpaced the cautious outlooks that followed the post-pandemic boom. Where many expected a cooldown, Marbella instead deepened its standing as a safe haven. The market’s resilience is no longer just a consequence of past momentum, it has become the new normal.
Marbella has stepped onto the world stage as never before and is increasingly recognised alongside global hubs like Dubai and Miami, in addition to every famous resort destination in Europe, for its luxury lifestyle and real estate appeal, despite its far smaller scale. Marbella is a city thriving at the forefront of its evolution, with a significant potential for sustainable and controlled growth: investment is pouring in, tourism figures continue to be strong, infrastructure projects are being accelerated, and planning regulations are adapting to achieve these ends.
Marbella’s position as a global, ultra-luxury destination
There are few destinations in the world today that can match Marbella’s transformation over the past decades. The city has not only entered, but has consolidated its place among the global elite of ultra-prime residential resort locations. This evolution is not merely symbolic: it is reinforced by international awards, high-end development, Michelin accolades, and the ever-growing presence of a truly cosmopolitan community.
In 2024, Marbella was voted “Best Overall Destination in Europe” by European Best Destinations1 based on over a million traveller votes from 172 countries, a title that highlights the city’s broad appeal and unmatched lifestyle. This followed its earlier recognition as second place winner in the same category in 20222, surpassing Monte Carlo, Capri and other renowned enclaves. Accolades such as these reflect the global spotlight now firmly shining on Marbella as a widely recognised, year-round destination.
Further reading: Marbella Ranks Top 5 in Spain’s Most Searched Areas 2025
World-class luxury hospitality
Marbella’s luxury hospitality offering continues to thrive at the highest level. The Marbella Club Hotel, that celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024, was awarded two Michelin Keys, the prestigious new distinction introduced by the Michelin Guide to recognise exceptional hotels offering outstanding hospitality.
Further reading: The beginnings of the Marbella Club
In parallel, the Puente Romano Marbella resort has emerged as a culinary epicentre of the Costa del Sol, hosting over 20 restaurants, including world-renowned names such as Cipriani, Nobu, Coya and Gaia. The opening of El Pimpi in May 2024, led by part-owner Antonio Banderas, added a touch of Andalusian authenticity and celebrity glamour to an already glittering scene.
Marbella has become a gastronomic powerhouse, with multiple Michelin-starred establishments such as Skina, Messina, Nintai and Back and a long list of fine dining experiences that now compete with the best in Europe. In fact, the city’s dining, entertainment, concerts, wellness and fashion offerings are increasingly the reason why visitors transition from holidaymakers to part time, or permanent, residents.
An essential element of this prestige is the city’s large percentage of international residents. As of January 2025, almost one-third of Marbella’s 166,999 officially registered residents are foreigners, according to the Municipal Register of Residents, from 152 different countries. To this figure one must add between 75,000 and 100,000 foreigners living in Marbella as residents, or part time tourists living in their own homes in the winter months, as well as those others staying in hotels and rented accommodations, who form the basis of Marbella’s floating “unregistered” population5, reflecting the truly global nature of this community.
