The Lifestyle in Marbella

Weather
One thing is for sure. The sun will continue to shine! The dismal Northern European climate is forcing many to rethink their lifestyle balance. With over 320 days of sunshine per year, Southern Spain enjoys Europe´s finest climate.

Accessibility
Malaga and the broader reaches of the Costa del Sol are served from every provincial airport in the UK, with an average flying time of 2 hrs 30 mins, and an average cost of £59 each way. This has opened up the very real potential for clients to visit on an ad hoc basis. We have helped many stressed out executives in securing the perfect weekend retreat in the sun. Many people are finding that a few days recharging their batteries in a warmer climate is the perfect antidote to many of the UK´s current woes.

Lifestyle
We may be biased, but we honestly cannot think of a place where you can get to so easily where you are guaranteed such a broad range of facilities and amenities, crucially on a year-round basis. We have all been to places where it´s impossible to buy a cup of coffee on the beach in the middle of January - not so Marbella, and the Costa del Sol in general! The hugely diverse, demanding and wealthy expat base ´demand´ that top quality services are available at all times, whether that be bars, restaurants, shopping malls, department stores, sporting facilities or medical centres.

Diversity
Marbella is so diverse, the best evidence being that 22 different nationalities of children are taught each day at the English International College. The cosmopolitan atmosphere breeds an air of bonhomie and sophistication, unseen even in most European capitals. In the area, you can find everything you want - ancient whitewashed Andalucian villages steeped in history like Mijas, Casares and Ronda, fine sandy beaches, picturesque yacht harbours like Sotogrande, Benalmadena, Estepona, Cabopino and Estepona, the glitzy Puerto Banus, the atmospheric old town of Marbella…..the list is endless.

Safety
Many Northern Europeans are amazed at the safe and secure environment in Marbella. There is very little crime against the person. The family values reflective of most Spaniards mean that when your children wander off along the promenade at midnight while you enjoy a walk, they are usually scooped up and delivered back to you by a smiling local family.

Sports
Golf is the number one sport of the Costa del Sol. There are 47 courses within 45 minutes drive of Marbella, and another 20 under construction. The golf season in Marbella runs from October until May, resulting in a unique year-round rental season for investors. In addition to the world-class golfing facilities, you can also enjoy tennis, horse-riding and a variety of watersports.

Migration
We are seeing more and more people from Northern Europe taking the decision to relocate permanently to the Costa del Sol. What used to be the bastion for people approaching retirement is now seeing a reduction in the population age with an influx of professional migrants seeking genuine career opportunities combined with a more rewarding lifestyle. There is very real potential for the area to become the ´California of Europe´. Even our American clients comment on the area´s similarities to Southern California.

Freedom of Movement
Europeans are now free to come and go as they please. Gone are the restrictions when it comes to work, visas etc.

Conclusion
We haven´t mentioned money in the paragraphs above……because we haven´t needed to. The forces that are driving the Marbella property market are all listed above. There is a scarcity of land in the area, and further population growth means that land prices will continue to rise. People also want an investment they can actually touch - even if your property is not increasing in value, you can still sit on your balcony admiring the view in the sunshine, or earning a rental income to cover expenses - much more interesting than stocks and shares! Added to all of this the fact that health and leisure have become so important to everyone, Marbella offers an unrivalled quality of life.