Do you daydream about living in a place filled with sandy beaches, world-class museums and art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife scene? If so, sunny and beautiful Marbella, Spain is the ideal place for you.
Whether you seek relaxation and serenity or exploration and adventure, you’re sure to find it all here. While there are all kinds of gorgeous homes and villas to consider, one of the most economical ways to enjoy the city is by buying an apartment!
Apartment living puts you right in the heart of Marbella, where everything is accessible and within reach. Today, we’re sharing a beginner’s guide to help you get started and find the perfect property.
Do Your Research
If you’re interested in owning your own piece of Marbella real estate, it helps to do a little research, first. Before you begin touring Marbella apartments, take the time to learn more about the area and understand your needs.
Buying a home or apartment is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make, and this isn’t a decision to rush into quickly. You need to know as much as possible about the city before deciding where you want to live.
While you could explore Marbella on your own, it’s much easier and more efficient to work with someone who knows the region in and out, such as a Marbella real estate agent! The right agent will sit down with you to determine exactly what you’re looking for in a Marbella apartment. Then, they’ll show you properties that align with those expectations.
If you’re looking for an agent to help you find the best properties in and around Marbella, start with us! At Choose Marbella, all of our real estate agents are licensed and experienced, with an in-depth knowledge of the area. From luxury apartments to new development, we can help you access it all.
Set Your Budget
Before you get too far into the apartment-hunting process, sit down and come up with your budget. If you are financing this purchase, your lender should be able to tell you how much you can afford to borrow. However, it’s always smart to go under that limit.
You don’t want to wind up in a villa or apartment that you can’t afford. Today, there are online mortgage calculators and similar tools that can help you create a realistic budget you can stick to.
Make a Need/Wish List
Part of your research will include writing down all of the things you want in your new apartment. To simplify this process, it helps to make two different lists.
On the first list, write down all of the necessities that you absolutely must have in the space. These features might include:
- Location (close to work or your preferred schools)
- Pet-friendly
- Parking availability
- Number of beds/baths
- Independent vs. attached vs. semi-detached property
- Security and surveillance
Next, make a list of all the features you’d like your Marbella apartment to have. These are items that aren’t necessarily deal-breakers, but they can help you choose one property over the other if you’re torn between a few. Some items to include here are:
- Aesthetic features (modern design, open layout)
- Nearby activities (proximity to nightclubs, golf courses, fine dining)
- Community amenities (swimming pool, clubhouse, exercise facilities)
- Outdoor space
Tour Your Selected Properties
Once you share your need and wants, your Marbella real estate agent will search the available listings to find available apartments. Some might check every box on your list, while others may not.
As soon as the agent has a list of viable properties, it’s time to schedule a tour! Visiting an apartment in person is a great way to see for yourself what it would be like to live there. Online images and videos allow you to see the property in one dimension, but you’ll get a much more detailed perspective as you walk around it yourself.
Your agent can arrange for you to visit multiple properties in a day, so you can optimize your time and find the best spot as quickly as possible. However, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself and visit too many spots all at once. Around five apartment tours per day is plenty.
Take note of how you feel when you first drive up to the property. Remember that you’re not just buying an apartment. You’re moving into a community, and you need to feel comfortable and welcome the second you enter.
Look around the area and make sure it meets your needs. For instance, you may want to live close to the beach, or within a certain distance from your workplace. Or, you might want to be close to the heart of the city, where you can access all of the fun and interesting things to do in Marbella.
Consult With Your Agent
As you tour each property, don’t be afraid to point out features that you love (or don’t love) to your real estate agent. This will help them more clearly understand the type of apartment you’re looking for.
This way, they can eliminate certain properties that they know won’t be a good fit, and focus instead on the ones they know you’ll love.
Make an Offer and Sign Contracts
There are many gorgeous apartments and villas for sale in Marbella. When you find the one you love, your agent can help you make an offer to the seller. Before you do, make sure you understand everything that will be included in the sale price.
While you can make an offer directly to the seller, the process is more formal, efficient, and controlled when you work with an agent. Our agents are skilled in the art of negotiation and they can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible for your money.
Find Help Buying an Apartment in Marbella
Have you always dreamed of living in Spain? While there are many gorgeous cities and regions you could visit, few are as stunning and exciting as Marbella.
This is truly an idyllic place to call home, and buying an apartment is a great way to settle in. Our real estate agents at Choose Marbella can help you find the perfect spot that fits your needs, budget, and design preferences. Take a look at our newest properties today and contact us to get started!