Steps To Buying Your First Home In Marbella

Marbella has not only been crowned Europe’s best travel destination for 2024, but it’s also become one of the top destinations for homebuyers. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, stunning beaches, and year-round sunshine, Marbella appeals to those seeking both quality of life and investment opportunities. Recent trends show a surge in demand, especially from international buyers drawn by Marbella’s stable market and tax incentives. With its potential for appreciation, owning property here offers not just financial rewards but a premier lifestyle experience. However, understanding Marbella’s unique real estate market is essential to making informed decisions and maximising your investment.

*Homerun Brokers listing Villa Elba, located frontline to Los Naranjos Golf course in Nueva Andalucía*

Research the Marbella Property Market

Before beginning your search, familiarize yourself with Marbella’s diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique amenities, property types, and atmospheres. For example:

Puerto Banús: Known for its marina, luxury shopping, and nightlife.
Golden Mile: Home to some of the most exclusive and upscale properties in the region.
Nueva Andalucía: Called “the Golf Valley,” ideal for golf and outdoor enthusiasts.
Sierra Blanca: An exclusive gated area with panoramic views and proximity to the Golden Mile.
La Zagaleta: Known for ultra-luxury estates and private amenities.

Understanding the range of properties—beachfront villas, modern apartments, mountain-view estates—helps identify the type best suited to your needs. Market insight is essential, as certain areas appreciate faster and yield higher rental returns. It’s also beneficial to review local amenities, such as schools, transportation, and recreational facilities, to find a neighbourhood that complements your lifestyle.

Establish Your Budget and Financing Options

Set a realistic budget, factoring in not just the property’s price but also taxes, legal fees, and ongoing maintenance costs. Foreign buyers in Marbella have several financing options, including mortgages from Spanish banks, which often cover up to 70% of the property’s value. Key expenses include:

Property Transfer Tax (ITP): Ranges from 8-10%, depending on the property’s value.
Notary and Legal Fees: These can add another 1-2%.
Recurrent Taxes: Include local property tax (IBI), which varies by municipality.

If you plan on residing for more than six months per year, it’s worth consulting a tax advisor regarding Spain’s residency requirements and potential Golden Visa benefits, which can offer additional perks for property investments of €500,000 or more.

Engage a Local Real Estate Agent

Working with a reputable, experienced real estate agent is essential in navigating Marbella’s competitive market. A local agent can offer access to off-market listings, provide insights on price trends, and guide you through the entire process. Ensure that your agent is registered and well-versed in the legal and administrative aspects, especially regarding foreign buyers. Their knowledge will be invaluable for securing the best property at the right price and for putting you together with the best lawyers and mortgage brokers, which adds peace of mind during your purchase. At Homerun Brokers we have several talented agents available to help you throughout the buying process.

*Homerun Brokers team*, including Sales, Rentals, Marketing, Administration and Homerun Developments

Due Diligence and Market Insight Gathering

Navigating the legal process in Spain requires thorough due diligence. Hiring a local lawyer is essential, especially to obtain your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros), a tax ID needed to purchase property. Key due diligence steps include:

Legal Checks: Your lawyer should confirm that the property has no outstanding debts, liens, or legal issues.
Community Fees and Urban Planning: They should also check for any community fees or upcoming developments that could affect the property’s value.
Market Insight: Consulting market reports or working with your agent to understand recent price trends and rental yields will help in making an informed choice.

Thorough due diligence ensures your investment is secure and free from hidden risks, setting you up for a seamless buying experience. We are in contact with the best lawyers on the coast which we will happily introduce you to.

Property Viewing and Choosing Your Home

After researching and setting your budget, start viewing properties. Whether in-person or virtual, consider the following:

Property Quality: Check the property’s structural integrity, water pressure, and finishes.
Location Benefits: Assess proximity to amenities like schools, transportation, and recreation.
Seasonal Suitability: Decide if the property suits your needs for seasonal or year-round living.
Investment Potential: Consider demand for rentals and long-term resale potential, as these factors can vary by area.

Prepare a checklist to guide your viewings and ensure that the property meets both your lifestyle and investment expectations.

Making an Offer and Negotiating the Price

Once you find the ideal property, it’s time to make an offer. In Marbella, a negotiation margin of around 5-10% below the asking price is generally expected, though this can vary based on market conditions. After agreeing on a price, you’ll sign a reservation contract and make a deposit of approximately 10% to secure the property while legal checks are completed. This deposit not only secures your interest but also formalises the intent to proceed.

Signing the Reservation Contract

The Reservation Contract is a preliminary contract that outlines the terms of the sale. It includes the payment of a reservation fee and details penalties if either party withdraws. Ensure that your lawyer reviews all contract terms, confirming that all legalities are in place and both parties fully understand the agreement before moving to the final steps.

Securing Financing and Finalising the Mortgage

If financing is needed, work with a bank experienced with foreign buyers and a good mortgage broker. Spanish banks typically require documents like proof of income, bank statements, and a valuation report. Reliable mortgage providers for non-residents include BBVA, Banco Santander, and Sabadell, which are known for handling international clients. Finalise your mortgage agreements before the final transfer to ensure everything is ready for the closing process. We are here to help you and can put you together with one of the best mortgage brokers.

Finalising the Purchase with a Notary

In Spain, property transactions are finalized before a notary, who legally binds the final contract, or Escritura. The notary ensures both parties understand the contract, which is signed in their presence, along with your lawyer and the seller. At this stage, ownership is officially transferred, and once all fees are paid, you’ll receive the keys to your new home. Notary fees typically range from 0.1-0.5% of the property’s value.

Post-Purchase Steps

After finalizing the purchase, several steps remain to complete ownership:

Land Registry: Register the property with the Registro de la Propiedad.
Set Up Utilities and Taxes: Transfer utilities and set up local property tax (IBI) payments.
Property Management: If you’re a non-resident or plan on renting seasonally, consider hiring a property management firm for maintenance, tenant management, and local service coordination.

Also, arrange for home insurance and consult with a tax advisor if you intend to rent the property to ensure compliance with Spanish rental tax requirements.

Are You Ready to Start The Process?

Buying a home in Marbella an investment in a luxurious lifestyle and a pathway to financial growth. Marbella’s appeal to international buyers, favorable tax policies, and strong market appreciation make it one of Europe’s most desirable destinations. The process of buying property here involves many steps, but with the right support—from knowledgeable agents, lawyers, and advisors—you can navigate each phase smoothly and confidently.

At Homerun Brokers, we’re here to guide you through every phase of the buying process. Whether you're drawn to Marbella for a family retreat, a vacation home, or a long-term investment, we believe that selecting the right agency is essential. Whether you choose us or another reputable agency, having experienced professionals by your side will ensure you make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle and financial goals.