Why Marbella is called the Los Angeles of Europe
Marbella offers much of what Americans love about Southern California — a sunny Mediterranean climate, sea views with mountains behind the coast, golf, beach clubs and an outdoor lifestyle — combined with the history and food of Southern Europe.
Ax Avenue is a boutique real estate agency based in Nueva Andalucía, Marbella, that helps international buyers, including Americans, buy villas and apartments in Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona, with an English-speaking team.
Marbella neighborhoods compared to Los Angeles
These comparisons describe the lifestyle of each area, not prices or market data.
The Golden Mile is Marbella's Malibu: beachfront estates between Marbella town and Puerto Banús, home to Puente Romano and Marbella Club.
Sierra Blanca is Marbella's Beverly Hills: a gated hillside enclave of contemporary villas just above the Golden Mile, minutes from the town centre.
La Zagaleta in Benahavís is Marbella's Bel Air: a private gated estate with its own golf courses and round-the-clock security.
Nueva Andalucía is Marbella's Brentwood: the Golf Valley, with family villas, international schools and restaurants close to Puerto Banús.
Prices and running costs
Prices vary widely by street, view and build quality. For current asking prices per square metre in each Marbella area, see our market report, which is based on the homes we have for sale today.
In Spain the annual property tax (IBI) is set by each municipality on the property's cadastral value. When buying, budget roughly 10–13% on top of the price for purchase taxes and fees — see our guide to purchase costs and taxes.
Visas and staying in Spain
US citizens can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Owning a home in Spain does not extend this limit.
Spain's investor residence permit known as the Golden Visa — previously available to buyers of property worth €500,000 or more — was abolished by the 21st final provision of Organic Law 1/2025 of 2 January. It took effect on 3 April 2025; since then, buying property no longer gives a right to residence.
For longer stays, the main routes today are the non-lucrative residence visa (for people living on their own savings or passive income, without working in Spain) and the international telework or digital nomad visa created by Law 28/2022 (for remote workers employed by or contracting with companies outside Spain). Requirements change, so always confirm with the Spanish consulate in the US or a Spanish immigration lawyer before you plan around a visa.
Getting here
Málaga airport is roughly 30–45 minutes by car from Marbella. Direct flights from the US East Coast run in some seasons; otherwise connections via Madrid, London and other European hubs are easy.
How buying works for Americans
Foreigners can buy property in Spain freely, with full ownership. You need an NIE tax number and a Spanish bank account; an independent English-speaking lawyer handles due diligence and the notary signing, and a power of attorney means you do not need to fly in for completion.
Ax Avenue can introduce you to independent lawyers and tax advisers, arrange video viewings, and our Property Finder service searches the market for you, including homes that are not publicly advertised.
Thinking about buying in Marbella? We would be happy to help.