Region focus · Spain · Costa del Sol · §34i

Marbella & Málaga — mortgage Costa del Sol

Premium Andalusia. The Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, Estepona, the city of Málaga. ITP just 7% — the lowest rate of all Spain's hotspots. Wealth tax in Andalusia effectively zero.

Market analysis

Costa del Sol — premium & tax advantages

Marbella · premium

Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, Sierra Blanca

The Golden Mile (Milla de Oro) — exclusive beachfront villas between Marbella and Puerto Banús. Puerto Banús — yacht-harbour glamour. Sierra Blanca — hillside villas with sea views. Price per square metre: €6,000–15,000.

Estepona & Benahavís

Growth areas

Estepona — cheaper than Marbella, fast-growing, a new marina. Benahavís — an exclusive mountain village, golf settings. Mijas — an affordable family location, well connected.

Málaga · city

A booming capital

The city of Málaga is Spain's fastest-growing city. Boutique hotels, the Picasso Museum, a gentrified old town. Young, international tenants. Lettable year-round.

Tax advantage ITP

Only 7% ITP — the lowest rate

Andalusia has a 7% flat ITP — cheaper than the Balearics (8%), Catalonia (10%) or Madrid (6% graduated). On a €500,000 purchase price: €5,000 saved versus Mallorca.

Wealth tax

Andalusia effectively zero

Since 2022 Andalusia has effectively reduced wealth tax to zero. That makes Andalusia the most attractive region for premium buyers in Spain — even with assets from €5m, no wealth tax is due.

Loan-to-value

Up to 70% LTV

Spanish banks: 70% LTV for non-residents. For premium properties (from €1.5m) private banks with better terms. Term up to 25 years, all three models (fixed, variable, mixto).

Example financings

Two realistic scenarios

Concrete sample calculations for typical foreign buyers — as a guide for your own plan.

Marbella · Estepona

Marina apartment · €380,000

  • Equity€120,000 (32%)
  • Mortgage€260,000 (68%)
  • Purchase costs (~10%)~€38,000 (ITP 7% Andalusia)
  • Loan-to-value68% LTV
  • Example payment (20 yrs, 3.1%)~€1,450/month
  • Bank typeBanco Sabadell · Costa del Sol

Model calculations without guarantee. Not binding offers. Terms vary depending on credit profile, property and bank. No tax or legal advice.

Marbella · Golden Mile

Villa · €2,500,000

  • Equity€1,250,000 (50%)
  • Mortgage€1,250,000 (50%)
  • Purchase costs (~10%)~€250,000 (ITP 7% Andalusia)
  • Loan-to-value50% LTV (premium, conservative)
  • Example payment (20 yrs, 3.1%)~€6,965/month
  • Bank typePrivate bank · Marbella branch

Model calculations without guarantee. Not binding offers. Terms vary depending on credit profile, property and bank. No tax or legal advice.

Mortgage calculator

Calculate your costs quickly

Pre-filled with typical values for this region — adjust and calculate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Marbella & Málaga

Why is Andalusia so attractive for tax?
A double advantage: ITP just 7% (vs. 8% Balearics, 10% Catalonia) and wealth tax effectively zero (since 2022). That makes Andalusia by far the cheapest premium region in Spain.
Which bank finances in Marbella?
CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, Santander, BBVA, Bankinter with good non-resident departments. For premium purchases (from €1m) private banks such as Banco Mediolanum, Andbank, Mirabaud.
How is year-round lettability on the Costa del Sol?
Mild — winters rarely below 12 °C. Winter guests (Scandinavians, Britons) complement the summer market. Effective lettability is higher than at pure summer destinations such as the Costa Brava.
Is Marbella worth it despite the high prices?
Those seeking a premium location and tax optimisation will find the best overall package in Europe in Marbella. Those seeking pure yield: the Costa del Sol hinterland (Mijas, Coín) or the city of Málaga offer better gross figures.
What purchase costs apply in Andalusia?
ITP 7% (flat) + notary 0.5–1% + land registry 0.5% + lawyer 1% + NIE = approx. 9–10% in total. Cheaper than Mallorca or the Costa Brava.

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Legal notice

Author & regulatory separation. Content author: Siegfried Perini. Mortgage brokerage in Spain and Portugal is carried out under the §34i permit of Olga Nikushkina (BAFA-notified). This page does not replace legal or tax advice.