Marbella homes turning foreign buyers’ heads, data shows

Marbella’s beauty, atmosphere, accessibility, glamour and culture has always proven attractive – for both Spaniards and international visitors.

Marbella wouldn’t be the place it is today without the sustained interest of foreigners. From the resort’s rather humble beginnings in the 1950s – when it was little more than a sleepy fishing village – to today’s playground for the rich and famous, Marbella has always been more of an international resort than a Spanish one…

So it comes as little surprise that new research published by the Spanish Registrars shows that more than 80% of properties bought in Marbella in 2015 were sold to non-nationals. 

The data for last year shows that overall, foreigners purchased 13.8% of homes in Spain, of which 60% were from the European Union. But a separate report focusing just on Marbella – and using data from the Spanish Registrars – shows just how popular the region is with international buyers.

According to the report, Marbella’s demographic has, however, begun to change, with more and more native Spaniards returning to the resort and its neighbouring towns.

In 2006, the number of Spanish residents who visited Marbella stood at more than 350,000 per year. But that figure had plummeted dramatically by 2013, when little over 100,000 Spaniards would visit the resort. A combination of factors – the poor economy, the relatively high costs of the place, and the general whims of fashion – meant that these numbers dropped off.

But last year, the number of Spaniards visiting Marbella shot up to 250,000 – and even more are expected this year.

In terms of property transactions, Marbella appears to be returning to rude health. Last year, the town saw 4,390 homes bought and sold – a figure that is just 1% off the 4,432 sold in 2006, when the market was at its peak.

Experts put this down to strong pent-up demand for homes in the region, stable price increases, a return of buyer confidence and generally sound economies across Europe and beyond.

Recent data suggests, however, that homes in Marbella are still priced some 20% below their peak values, which were recorded in and around 2005.