With an abundance of astronomical delights, sandy beaches, a relaxed way of life and a mild climate all year round, it’s no surprise that the Costa del Sol is so well-loved and renowned by tourists and residents alike. For many, Marbella is simply a holiday destination, but for an ever-increasing number of retirees, it’s now becoming a place to call home. If you’re wondering whether to retire to Marbella, let us help you decide.
Accessible location
Marbella is in a prime location on the Costa del Sol, based within an hour of both Malaga and Gibraltar airports, serving hundreds of destinations across Europe and beyond. Road and public transport links are also well-established across the Costa del Sol, allowing you the freedom to travel with ease.
Fantastic food and drink scene
It’s no secret that the Spanish way of life is something many of us dream about. Whether it’s a cocktail on the beach or tapas on the cobbled streets of Marbella’s Old Town, the food and drink scene in Marbella is what has contributed to the area’s glowing reputation over the years. Though contrary to popular belief, Marbella’s food and drink scene isn’t just catered to the rich and famous – you’ll find a huge variety of eateries and cuisines to suit every budget here.
Plenty of things to do
Now that you’re retired, you’ll have more time on your hands to enjoy the plethora of activities that are on offer. From sporting activities such as golf, padel tennis, yoga, hiking, swimming, padel boarding and sailing to more cultural activities such as excursions to museums, galleries and places of historic interest. In addition, there are a variety of social clubs and associations you can join, which offer a great opportunity to meet new and socialise with other people.
Large expat community
The expat community in Marbella is incredibly vast so you won’t struggle to make friends if you move here. The area is home to expats from all around the world including the, UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and beyond, and with so much going on in the way of socialising, you’ll find something different to do every night of the week.
Retirement Visa (Non-Lucrative Visa)
Anyone wanting to retire to Marbella with a non-EU passport (including British citizens) must apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) before moving to Spain. To meet the entry requirements, you must be able to prove that you have the economic means to support yourself and/or any dependents. We highly recommend obtaining immigration advice from a trusted lawyer – we are happy to help with recommendations if needed.
Where to live in Marbella
The municipality of Marbella is considerably large and varied, covering some 117 square kilometres in total, so there’s plenty of locations to choose from. Many people might have an ideal location in mind, but for others it’s worth visiting these areas first to get a feel for them. Popular areas for expats living in Marbella include Puerto Banus, Guadalmina, Benahavis, San Pedro de Alcantara, Nueva Andalucia, El Rosario, Elviria, and Cabopino. Each area offers a variety of properties, from uber luxurious villas, apartments and penthouses to traditional townhouses, so whatever your budget, you’re sure to find a property that best suits your budget and lifestyle.
Buying a property in Marbella
The process of buying a house in Marbella is much easier when you use a reputable real estate agent, as it really makes all the difference when you have a real estate team on your side to guide you through the whole process. Buying a property in your home country can be daunting, so navigating bureaucratic procedures might seem overwhelming here, especially when the laws, customs and language are unfamiliar to you.
At Winkworth Spain, we aim to make the buying process as simple and stress-free as possible. Our team are on hand to help you through the entire process, from start to completion, handling everything for you along the way and navigating all the complicated steps on your behalf.
Whether you’re thinking of retiring to Marbella, or if looking to buy a holiday home you can visit at your leisure, get in touch with us.