How does the property process work in Spain?
The process of buying property in Andalusia may seem complicated at first, but you don’t have to go through it alone. It’s a good…
According to the latest reports from the premium property sector, such as The Wealth Report 2026* and the French *Barnes Global Property Handbook, Spain is the world’s fastest-growing luxury property market. The authors of these reports focus most of their attention on two Spanish cities, including Marbella.
What will you read about in this note?
Marbella in the top 5 most luxurious cities in the world in 2026
The Barnes Global Property Handbook 2026 identifies the five most sought-after destinations on the global luxury property map. These cities stand out for their attractive balance between property prices, quality of life and the prestige of their locations. Forecasts for 2026 predict a further rise in prices per square metre in these locations.
Marbella came fifth in the Barnes ranking, thereby confirming its status as one of the world’s fastest-growing cities in the luxury property market. Madrid once again topped the ranking, having recorded a 40 per cent increase in revenue from the sale of prestigious properties in 2025.
Marbella ahead of Paris, New York and Monaco
Furthermore, the PIRI 100 index, used in Knight Frank’s study and published in The Wealth Report 2026, highlighted trends in the global luxury property market. According to the report, Marbella ranked 12th amongst the most prestigious locations, recording an 8.1 per cent increase in prices per square metre over the past year. Consequently, the rate of property price growth in Marbella has already outpaced that of the world’s major capitals, such as Paris, New York and Monaco.
Not only is Marbella growing faster than the world’s largest markets, but it also plays a key role in strengthening Spain’s position in the global property market. This has an impact on the national economy, thereby supporting the economic development of the regions.
See also:
Eastern and western Costa del Sol: location is a key decision
The Costa del Sol is one of the sunniest parts of Europe. At the same time, thanks to its unique location – between the…
Why is it worth investing in property on the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol boasts over 320 days of sunshine a year, and its pleasant, mild winters and warm summers attract hundreds of tourists from all over the world every year. The region also boasts a very varied landscape – from mountains, through gorges, to the sea – which means there is a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy.
According to the Barnes City Index, Marbella, one of the most popular coastal resorts, has been ranked 5th among the most attractive places to live. Factors taken into account included: the dynamics of the property market (transaction volume, price changes), international appeal (influx of foreign buyers, diversity of nationalities), quality of life (safety, education, healthcare, dining, culture), connectivity (airports, road infrastructure) and taxation. In this ranking, Marbella outperformed cities such as Paris, New York, Geneva and Singapore.
The southern coast of Spain – due to its location – is regarded as one of the most stable investment regions in Europe. As the region in Europe situated furthest to the south-west, located furthest from the war in Ukraine in Eastern Europe and far removed from the protracted conflict in the Persian Gulf, it is regarded as an attractive and safe haven for investment.
Who buys premium property in Marbella?
The dynamic growth of the luxury property market on the Costa del Sol, including Marbella, is driven mainly by foreign investors. The largest groups of buyers are British (accounting for 7.96 per cent of the foreign market for house and flat purchases in Spain), Germans (6.52 per cent) and Dutch (6.31 per cent of the foreign market in Spain). Poles also constitute an increasingly significant group; according to the 2025 report by the Consejo General del Notariado, they rank seventh among foreign investors in Spain.
Unlike many foreign resorts, Marbella is no longer just a holiday destination. An increasing number of foreign investors are choosing to buy property on the Costa del Sol as a second home, or even as their primary residence. They are drawn by the high standard of living, the well-developed infrastructure and access to international airports – offering numerous connections to Europe’s major cities.
Marbella’s rising position in global rankings of premium property shows that Spain has become one of the most important investment destinations not only in Europe, but also worldwide. The combination of good weather, extensive infrastructure and transport links to key European capitals, together with the high quality of services and higher education, means that interest from overseas property buyers is growing year on year. The most authoritative luxury property market surveys forecast further growth in both prices and demand for property in Marbella.
FAQ
Is buying property in Spain complicated?
No, but it is worth drawing on the expertise of those who specialise in the Spanish market, particularly estate agents. It is worth using the services of an estate agency based in Spain – ideally one that specialises in a specific region. Drawing on the expertise of a professional who knows the market and the legal regulations will save you a great deal of time and may help you avoid many formal or administrative problems.
How has the luxury property market changed compared with previous years?
Luxury property market experts at Barnes point out that there has been a noticeable increase in investors’ awareness and maturity in recent years. As they emphasise, 10 years ago clients were primarily looking for financial returns. Today, they are looking for meaning – a sense of place, heritage, and the ability to pass it on. Luxury property has become a vehicle for value, rather than merely an asset.
Is now a good time to buy a property on the Costa del Sol?
According to Barnes or Knight Frank, Marbella – situated on the Costa del Sol – is one of the most promising markets in the world and continues to record some of the highest price rises in the luxury property sector. The region’s appeal is driven, amongst other things, by its geopolitical location, an international airport with an extensive network of connections, and world-class universities.
