Marbella
Marbella is the Costa del Sol's most renowned address, with 172,063 residents (INE 2025), around 3,200 hours of sunshine per year and an average property price of €5,410/m² (Idealista 2025). The city draws wealthy international buyers through Golden Mile villas starting at €3 million, whilst also offering more affordable districts such as San Pedro and Las Chapas.
Quick facts Marbella
Population
172 063
2025
Source: INE/Local Registry
Foreign residents
30%
Source: INE
Estimated Swedes
2 500
Registrerade (mörkertal finns)
Distance to airport
45 min
Málaga (AGP)
Price per m²
5 410 €
Source: Idealista/Notaries
Sunshine hours per year
3200
Average temperature
17.3°C
Average temperature
Lifestyle in Marbella
Marbella has around 30% foreign residents (INE) and a well-established Scandinavian community. The Swedish School in Nueva Andalucía is a magnet for families with children, and daily life moves between beach clubs (Nikki Beach, Trocadero Arena), Michelin-starred restaurants and designer boutiques along the Golden Mile.
Why Swedes love Marbella
- ✓Unbeatable quality of life with 320 sunny days and the best golf in Europe.
- ✓The Swedish school in Marbella (Nueva Andalucía) is a magnet for families with children.
- ✓The well-established Scandinavian community – you can get by easily in Swedish/English.
- ✓The sense of luxury and security in the many gated communities available.
🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?
- •Those looking for budget housing (look at Estepona or Fuengirola instead).
- •Those wanting to experience "original, simple Spain" without an international flavour.
- •Those who dislike car traffic – Marbella is spread out and often requires a car.
- •People wanting complete silence (in summer the pace is high everywhere).
Districts in Marbella
Golden Mile
Exclusive, luxury villas, beachfront promenade and 5-star hotels.
Pros
- +World-class status
- +Beachfront
- +Best restaurants
Cons
- −Extremely expensive
- −Heavy traffic in summer
Nueva Andalucía
The Golf Valley. The top Swedish colony with villas and nightlife.
Pros
- +Swedish school
- +Close to Puerto Banús
- +Fantastic golf
Cons
- −Requires a car
- −High prices
Elviria
Lush, quieter, fine sandy beaches and a climbing park.
Pros
- +Best beaches
- +More affordable
- +Relaxed pace
Cons
- −Further from the centre
- −Fewer nightclubs
San Pedro
Authentic Spanish town feel with a modern boulevard and beach.
Pros
- +Flat and walkable
- +Good prices
- +Lively year-round
Cons
- −Less "glamour"
- −Further from the airport
Climate in Marbella vs Stockholm
2800
Sunshine hours/year
50
Rainy days/year
28°C
July avg
25°C
Sea temp July
| Month | Marbella | Stockholm | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C | -2°C | +19°C | |
| Apr | 20°C | 5°C | +15°C | |
| Jul | 29°C | 18°C | +11°C | 24°C |
| Okt | 23°C | 8°C | +15°C |
Property market in Marbella
Price trend (5 years)
+9%
Steadily increasing trend since 2020
Estimated Rental Yield
4.5%
Gross yield for long-term rental
Tourist license
Possible
Generally possible to obtain a short-term rental license.
What does a property cost?
Average price ranges for standard properties in good condition.
* Prices are estimated averages and may vary depending on location, condition and view.
Attractions & experiences in Marbella
Marbella blends Andalusian charm with jet-set attractions. The Old Town offers whitewashed lanes and orange trees, the luxury marina Puerto Banús lies 15 minutes away, and the Golden Mile promenade stretches between central Marbella and Puerto Banús. Golfers have 15+ courses within 20 minutes, and the coast offers beach clubs (Ocean Club, Nikki Beach) and Michelin-starred restaurants such as Skina and Dani García.
Transport & getting around in Marbella
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) lies 51 km (45 min by car) from central Marbella, with direct flights from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Copenhagen multiple times per week. Transfer options: Avanza coach (~€9), taxi (~€70-90) or helicopter. Most residents rely on a car inside Marbella, as the town stretches roughly 27 km along the coast.
The best of Marbella
Ultra lyx
Europas mest exklusiva
Puerto Banús
Ikonisk marina
15+ golfbanor
Golf Valley
Jet-set
Internationell elit
Practical for Swedes
Travel from Sweden
SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair
Flera dagligen
Norwegian, Ryanair
Dagligen
SAS, Norwegian
Dagligen
Transfer to the area:
Bus (Avanza) runs directly from AGP to Marbella Bus Station (approx. €9). Taxi costs approx. €70–90. Car hire is standard for residents here.
Healthcare & Health
Hospital Quirónsalud is the region's leading private hospital. There are also many Swedish doctors and dentists in Nueva Andalucía.
NIE number & Legal
NIE is required. Can be applied for at the Policía Nacional in Marbella (C/ Duque de Lerma). Very long waiting times – hire an agent (gestoría).
Swedish services on-site
Compare with nearby areas
💡Tips for buying in Marbella
Choose your district by lifestyle: Golden Mile for prestige and beachfront, Nueva Andalucía for golf and the Swedish School, Old Town for authentic charm, San Pedro or Elviria for better price per square metre. Always engage an experienced Spanish solicitor (abogado). The Marbella market has historically had issues with unlawful building permits, so always verify the Licencia de Primera Ocupación before buying.
Watch out for
"Those looking for budget housing (look at Estepona or Fuengirola instead)., Those wanting to experience "original, simple Spain" without an international flavour., Those who dislike car traffic – Marbella is spread out and often requires a car., People wanting complete silence (in summer the pace is high everywhere)."
Common questions about Marbella
Nueva Andalucía is undoubtedly the Swedish favourite, often called "Little Stockholm". Elviria and San Pedro are also popular.
The cost of housing is high, but living costs (food, drink, services) are still lower than in Sweden. Golf and luxury restaurants, however, push up the average.
Top class. In addition to the Swedish School, there are Aloha College, Swans, and Laude offering an international curriculum (IB/British).
Not really. If you live in the actual centre or right by the promenade it is possible, but to reach golf courses, shopping centres and schools a car is almost essential.
For houses/villas the same costs apply as for apartments, but usually higher amounts:
- •Transfer tax: 8–10% (resale) or 10% VAT (new build)
- •Notary: €1,000–€2,000 (higher for more expensive properties)
- •Registration: €600–€1,200
- •Legal advice: €1,500–€3,000
- •Survey: €300–€600 (strongly recommended)
Total: 10–15% of the purchase price.
Step-by-step guide:
Preparation (1–2 weeks)
- •Apply for NIE number (tax number)
- •Open a Spanish bank account
- •Hire a Swedish-speaking agent
Find a property (2–8 weeks)
- •View properties
- •Compare prices and areas
- •Get a survey (recommended)
Preliminary contract (1 week)
- •Sign the preliminary contract (contrato de arras)
- •Pay deposit (10% of purchase price)
Completion (4–8 weeks)
- •Notary appointment
- •Pay remaining amount + costs
- •Collect keys!
Total time: 2–4 months from start to finish.
In addition to the purchase price, the following costs apply:
Mandatory costs
- •Transfer tax (ITP): 8–10% of purchase price
- •Notary fees: €600–€1,200
- •Registration: €400–€800
- •Legal advice: €1,000–€2,000
Total: Allow for 10–13% of the purchase price in additional costs.
Yes, an NIE number is MANDATORY to purchase property in Spain.
What is NIE? - Número de Identificación de Extranjero - Spanish tax number for foreigners - Required for all financial transactions
How to get an NIE? 1. Book appointment at Spanish consulate in Sweden 2. Complete application form (EX-15) 3. Pay the fee (~€10) 4. Wait 2–4 weeks
Interested in living in Marbella?
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