It’s official, Marbella has the title of “Best European Destination in 2024. A survey conducted by the organization European Best Destinations asked more than 1 million vacationers to vote for the 20 most popular locations from a list of 500. Marbella easily won first prize, with a clear majority of votes, as the best place to visit in 2024.
This price is timely in reminding us why Marbella and the Costa del Sol continue to entice vacationers, expats and investors interested in enjoying the benefits of the sought-after lifestyle with sun-drenched days and return on investment.
A spokesman for the European Best Destinations organization explained that Marbella’s enduring appeal can be attributed to year-round sunshine, excellent five-star facilities, sports facilities, natural beauties and gastronomy that will please even the most discerning. It comes as no surprise to high-end real estate agents, who are all too aware that premium quality villas for sale in Marbella, Spain, are being snapped up immediately due to sustained high demand and limited supply.
Marbella and the Golden Triangle
The high demand for real estate in Marbella is only part of the story. Marbella and adjacent areas of Estepona and Benahavís are known as the ‘Golden Triangle’, one of the most affluent and sought-after regions for anyone looking for luxury property for sale on the Costa del Sol. In this narrow area on the western Costa del Sol, about 35% of the houses for sale have a price of over 1 million euros, and 3% are priced at over 10 million euros.
However, this is just one of many sought-after locations, head west towards the Casares area and you will find beautiful luxury residential resorts, such as Finca Cortesin, which offers access to an award-winning golf course, the 5-star Finca Cortesin Hotel and a range of services for guests, including sports facilities, wellness and gastronomy. In the opposite direction, there are many different types of resorts and developments, ranging from the Mijas golf resort to the exclusive residential enclave of Reserva del Higueron above Benalmadena and beautiful beach apartments for sale in Malaga city.
What attracts vacationers to the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol holds a special place in the hearts of many travelers; it was the birthplace of mass tourism in the 1970s. It is still vibrant, colorful, exciting and bursting with natural beauty, such as Blue Flag beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers and countryside, and the perfect climate to enjoy a relaxed and healthy outdoor life.
Have you considered investing in golf real estate?
One of the many outdoor activities is golf. The entire length of “Costa del Golf” is lined with world-class golf courses designed by celebrities. Golf lovers can choose between several courses to play each day, ranging from possibly one of the most famous golf clubs in the world; Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande, to Benalmadena Golf , with many offering breathtaking panoramic views, water features and clubhouses. The weather is perfect for year-round play, making investing in golf apartments or golf villas for sale a popular option.
Costa del Sol Marinas
If your preference is water sports, sailing or just enjoying a relaxing day with a meal or a cold drink on the waterfront, there are many marinas scattered along the Costa del Sol. Perhaps the most famous is in Puerto Banús, often associated with luxury brands, designer boutiques, superyachts and nightclubs. There are also marinas in Marbella, Puerto de la Duquesa and a marina in a fairytale Arabic style under development in Benalmadena, just to name a few.
Gastronomy
The lifestyle on the Costa del Sol is a unique blend of Spanish exuberance and warmth, with cosmopolitan influences from the many different nationalities that visit the area and have made it their home. This intoxicating mix is reflected in the diverse choices of restaurants and cuisines along the coast. Ranging from gourmet restaurants, Michelin-starred restaurants to international, fusion dishes, modern European and traditional rustic Spanish tapas and sardines on the beach.
Why invest in real estate on the Costa del Sol?
Anyone looking for an investment property in Spain can rest assured that the Costa del Sol continues to top the list of experienced investors. According to data published in 2023 by the Registrars Association, the Costa del Sol is the sixth most vibrant real estate market in Spain (After the major cities of Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid and Alicante).
Going deeper, we can see that Marbella (and the Golden Triangle) has the most vibrant market on the Costa del Sol. This is due to the percentage of luxury properties in this area, as these buyers are least affected by the cost of living or bank interest rates.
Real estate prices in 2024
Idealista has reported that property prices on the east side of the Costa del Sol rose 13% in 2023, 6% higher than the national rate, compared with the same period in 2022. On the western side of the Costa del Sol, there was a slightly higher increase of 15%, and this upward trajectory is expected to continue through 2024, supported by sustained demand and a lack of new buildings.
International interest
Foreign buyers represented 38.01% of sales in the province of Málaga. This corresponds to figures from Malaga Airport, which show that nearly 21 million people took flights in November 2023, which is 26% higher than the same month in 2019. This is a record for the airport known as the “gateway to the Costa del Sol,” this shows that 2023 was the best year for tourism since the Covid-19 pandemic.
MDR Luxury Homes offers personalized services to help clients find their dream home, second home or investment property to generate rental income. Whether you are interested in villas for sale in Estepona, apartments for sale on the beach side of Marbella, or properties for sale in La Mairena, by working together we can find the perfect property to suit all your needs and budget.
If you would like to know more about luxury homes for sale in Benahavís or elsewhere in the vast Costa del Sol, please contact with Myriam at Myriam@mdrluxuryhomes.com .
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