There are many reasons why Spain is proving to be an attractive proposition to Americans who want to relocate overseas, ranging from the cost of living to the climate, gastronomy, culture, history and the opportunity to own a luxury beachside villa…. you name it, Spain has it! Quite simply, Spain offers a better quality of life.
The main areas of interest are; Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and unsurprisingly the Mediterranean coast of the Costa del Sol. The Costa del Sol is now much easier to access since United Airlines increased the number of non-stop flights between Málaga and the USA, making it a more realistic option for holidays or a more permanent move. And Marbella, often referred to as the ‘jewel in the Costa del Sol’s crown’ and the surrounding areas of Benahavís and Estepona (collectively known as the Golden Triangle) are by far the most popular destination amongst American tourists and investors.
Types of US Investors
The number of Americans purchasing property for sale on the Costa del Sol, increased by 4% between 2018 and 2024. There are several different investor profiles emerging when it comes to US citizens investing in property in Spain. There are those who are looking for real estate on the Costa del Sol as they wish to move to Spain in order to distance themselves from the current administration and families who are looking for a luxury villa in Marbella as a holiday home. Interest is also evident in the rental and commercial sectors and investors who are considering buying investment property as a means of diversifying their portfolio.
Marbella lifestyle
First and foremost, a unique beachside city with a rich history and a reputation dating back to the heading days of the 1950s when it became a luxury playground for the rich and famous. The likes of the Marbella’s Old Town with its quaint cobbled streets and Moorish fortifications cannot be found anywhere in the US, which as a relatively new country has a different perspective on history.
In addition to the obvious attractions of all year-round sunshine, sea and sand, Marbella also offers both cosmopolitan luxury and Spanish traditions, which together combine to create the ideal lifestyle. The perfect mix of easy access to 5-star services and world-class amenities of large resorts existing side by side with traditional white villages, and the opportunity to enjoy the rich tapestry of a family orientated society, exciting tastes, flavours, sights and sounds.
Red hot property market
Around 40 per cent of all property purchases in Marbella and the surrounding areas were cash transactions, due to the large number of wealthy international buyers (33.5 per cent according to APCE – Association of Developers and Builders in Spain). As a result, Marbella’s property market was largely untouched by the recent cost of living crisis. Marbella property prices are forecast on their upward trajectory due to continued high demand and lack of supply (BBVA).
World-class healthcare
Unlike the US, Spain has a public health care system which provides healthcare (free or low cost) to all legal residents, including expats. Private healthcare insurance is also available for expats, offering quick and efficient access to medical services, including specialists and cancer treatment. Health insurance in Spain is much cheaper than in the US and offers much broader coverage.
Business opportunities
Malaga province is ranked as the second favourite destination for Executive Digital Nomads, second only to Dubai and ahead of Miami. The mix of superb weather, beaches, first-class infrastructure and high standard of living are the reasons that people who could work anywhere in the world would choose Málaga.
Málaga Technology Park (Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía) was opened in 1990 to promote innovation and research. Today it is home to 687 companies and employs 235,101 people, enticing the world’s brightest and best in the field of technology.
As an all-year-round destination to live and work, entrepreneurs who may want to combine business and pleasure are well catered. Marbella currently offers a good range of high-quality coworking spaces, such as the award-winning Centro House (Best Office in Spain – European Property Awards 2022-2023).
World-class sports
The temperate climate on the Costa del Sol provides the opportunity for a healthy outdoor lifestyle, which includes world-class golf. The area is famed for its championship courses which play host to high profile tournaments. Tennis is also popular on the Coast; Rafa Nadal has recently opened a new tennis club in Marbella and the Puente Romano is mooted to host the next David Cup.
These are just some of the marvellous benefits tempting HNW Americans to cross the Atlantic and to invest in property in Marbella, Spain.
Whether you are looking for luxury villas for sale in Marbella, a beachfront apartment or a mansion in La Zagaleta Benahavís, if you would like more information about property for sale on the Costa del Sol, as a holiday home, Marbella & Co should be your first port of call. Visit our website www.marbellaco.com, call + 34 952 865 525 or email info@marbellaco.com.
FAQs
Marbella & Co’s is staffed by a team of international real estate agents and have many years of experience of helping overseas buyers find their dream villa for sale in Marbella, Spain. No matter what your preference, whether you are looking for a holiday home, an investment property for the rental market or you wish to relocate permanently from the USA to Spain, we can find the perfect property for you.
Investors are currently looking towards the Golden Triangle on the Costa del Sol, as one of the best areas for luxury real estate in Marbella and the surrounding areas. The Golden Triangle, spans Marbella and the neighbouring towns of Estepona and Benahavís, which together offer the largest concentration of premium quality homes which are constantly in high demand, making it the perfect area to start your search for investment property that will deliver the required return on investment.
Marbella&Co has extensive experience within the Marbella real estate market and we have forged a network of related professionals, including lawyers who specialise in Spanish property law. This means that although Marbella&Co doesn’t offer in-house legal services, we can recommend trusted legal professionals who can advise you on the financial and legal requirements when buying property as a non-EU national.
