When the world’s leading luxury marketplace wanted to understand the future of European real estate, they came to Marbella.
This week, JamesEdition the premier global platform for high-net-worth assets, featured Engel & Völkers Marbella in an exclusive market analysis. In a wide-ranging discussion, our Managing Director Smadar Kahana sat down with JamesEdition CEO Eric Finnas Dahlstrom to unpack the “Prime Shift” transforming the Costa del Sol.
The feature, titled “Marbella’s Prime Shift and the Rise of Lifestyle-Led Luxury,” explores how our city has evolved from a seasonal retreat into one of the most dynamic 12-month luxury hubs in the world.
For those who haven’t tuned into the podcast or read the full feature yet, here are the defining takeaways that are shaping the value of your property today.
The End of the “Retirement” Myth
For decades, Marbella was viewed as a quiet haven for retirees. The JamesEdition feature confirms that this era is officially over.
As noted in the interview, the average buyer profile has shifted dramatically from the traditional 50-70 demographic to a younger, more dynamic 35-55 age bracket.
“The ability to work remotely made people realize they could choose where to live,” Smadar explains in the feature. “We witnessed an influx of families… reflected in the continuous opening of international schools to meet demand.”
What this means for you: Homes with “digital nomad” amenities (high-tech offices, fiber optics) and proximity to international schools are seeing premium valuations.
A 12-Month Lifestyle (Unlike St. Tropez)
One of the key distinctions highlighted in the discussion is Marbella’s dominance over traditional competitors like Saint-Tropez or Ibiza.
While other Mediterranean hotspots shutter their boutiques and restaurants in October, Marbella operates year-round.
- The Culinary Shift: The arrival of global heavyweights like Nobu, Gaia, and Cipriani has cemented the city’s status as a gastronomic capital.
- The Climate Advantage: With a microclimate offering 320 days of sunshine, the “season” never truly ends.
As JamesEdition notes, this “consistent quality of life” is the primary driver for the surge in permanent relocations rather than just holiday home purchases.
The New Benchmark: €5,000/m² and Beyond
The interview provided a stark look at the financial evolution of the coast.
- Then: Construction costs and market values hovered around €1,500/m² in the early 2000s.
- Now: Luxury construction standards have pushed values to €3,500–€5,000/m², with prime locations on the Golden Mile commanding significantly more.
This shift isn’t just inflation; it is an evolution of quality. Today’s buyers demand (and pay for) self-sufficiency: home gyms, spas, hammams, and secondary kitchens are no longer “extras”—they are the standard.
The American Wave
Perhaps the most exciting trend discussed is the “transatlantic shift.” Engel & Völkers has seen a significant rise in US buyers, driven by a strong dollar and the desire for a European foothold.
“The concept of maintaining a European second home is generating significant demand from the United States,” Smadar noted, highlighting how accessible Spain has become for North American investors compared to previous decades.
Read the Full Story
We are proud to be the voice of Marbella’s evolution on the global stage. This feature with JamesEdition is a testament to the resilience of our market and the trust that high-net-worth individuals place in the Engel & Völkers brand.
To listen to the full podcast and read the complete transcript of the interview, visit the link below:
Read “Marbella’s Prime Shift” on JamesEdition.com
Looking for a Property That Fits This “New Era”?
Whether you are looking for the lifestyle-led investments mentioned in the article or a Private Office consultation for a trophy asset, our team is ready to guide you.