It’s official, Marbella has been awarded the title of the ‘Best European Destination in 2024’. A survey undertaken by the European Best Destinations organization polled over 1 million holiday makers to find the 20 most popular locations, out of a list of 500. Marbella comfortably won first prize, with a clear majority of votes, as being the best place to visit in 2024. Marbella comfortably won first prize, with a clear majority of votes, as being the best place to visit in 2024.
This award has come at just the right time to remind us why Marbella and the Costa del Sol continue to entice holiday makers, expats and investors, who are keen to reap the rewards of the coveted sunshine lifestyle and return on investment.
A spokesperson for the European Best Destinations organisation explained Marbella’s enduring appeal can be attributed to the all-year-round sunshine, superb five-star facilities, sports, natural beauty and gastronomy, that will please even the most demanding. This is no surprise to high-end real estate agents, who are only too aware that premium quality villas for sale in Marbella, Spain, are snapped up instantly, due to the consistent high demand and limited supply.
Marbella and the Golden Triangle
The high demand for Marbella real estate is only part of the story. Marbella and the adjacent areas of Estepona and Benahavís are referred to 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. Within this small area on the western side of the Costa del Sol, around 35 per cent of the homes for sale are priced in excess of 1 million euros, and 3 per cent are valued at over 10 million euros.
Yet, this is just one of the many sought-after locations, head west towards the Casares, you will find exquisite luxury residential resorts, such as Finca Cortesin, offering access to an award-winning golf course, the 5-star Finca Cortesin Hotel and the plethora of services offered to guests, including sports, 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 beachside apartments for sale in Málaga city.
What attracts holiday makers to the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol holds a very special place in the hearts of many travellers, it was the birthplace of mass tourism in the 1970s. It is still as vibrant, colourful, exciting and bursting with natural beauty, such as Blue Flag beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers and countryside, and the perfect climate to enjoy a relaxed healthy outdoor lifestyle.
Have you considered investing in golf properties?
One of the many outdoor activities is golf. The entire length of the ‘Costa del Golf’ is lined with world-class celebrity designed golf courses. Golf lovers could choose a different course to play on each day, ranging from possibly one of the most famous golf clubs in the world; Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande to Benalmadena Golf, many offering stunning panoramic views, water features and club houses. The temperate weather is perfect for playing almost all-year-round, which makes investing in golf apartments or golf villas for sale a popular option.
Costa del Sol Marinas
If your preference is for watersports, sailing or simply enjoying a relaxed meal or cold drink around the waterfront, there are many marinas dotted along the Costa del Sol. Arguably the most famous is located at Puerto Banús, often associated with luxury brands, designer boutiques, super yachts and nightclubs. There is also a marina in Marbella, another at Puerto de la Duquesa and a fairytale Arabian style marina development at Benalmadena to name but a few.
Gastronomy
The lifestyle on the Costa del Sol is a unique mix of Spanish exuberance and warmth, with cosmopolitan influences from the many different nationalities who visit the region and have made it their home. This intoxicating mix can be seen in the choice of restaurants and cuisines available along the Coast, from fine dining, Michelin starred restaurants to international, fusion, modern European and traditional rustic Spanish tapas and sardines on the beach.
Why invest in property on the Costa del Sol?
Anyone looking for an investment property in Spain, can rest assured that the Costa del Sol is still at the top of the list for savvy investors. . According to figures published in 2023 by the Registrars Association, the Costa del Sol is the fifth most buoyant property markets in Spain (behind the large cities of Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid and Alicante).
If we drill down further, we can see that Marbella (and the Golden Triangle) has the most buoyant market on the Costa del Sol. This is due to the percentage of luxury properties in the area, as these buyers are least affected by the cost-of-living crisis or bank interest rates.
Property prices in 2024
Idealista reported that property prices in 2023 increased by 13% on the eastern Costa del Sol, which is 6% higher than the national rate, compared to the same period in 2022. The western Costa del Sol experienced a slightly higher increase of 15% and this upward trajectory is expected to continue throughout 2024, buoyed by consistent demand and a lack of new buildings.
International interest
Foreign buyers accounted for 38.01% of sales in Málaga province. This tallies with the figures provided by Málaga Airport, which reported almost 21 million people taking flights throughout November 2023, which is 26 per cent higher than the same month in 2019. This is a record for the airport dubbed the ‘gateway to the Costa del Sol’, showing that 2023 was the best year for tourism since the Covid-19 pandemic.
MDR Luxury Homes offers a personalised 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 Marbella beachfront or la Mairena property for sale, working together we can find the perfect property to suit your requirements and budget.
If you would like to find out more about luxury homes for sale in Benahavís or the wider Costa del Sol, please contact with Myriam at Myriam@mdrluxuryhomes.com.
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