Cost to Build a Luxury Villa in Marbella.

Marbella, nestled in the Costa del Sol, stands as one of the world’s most exclusive locales for luxury residences. If you desire a villa in Marbella, you have two paths: building a custom villa from scratch as per your preferences and needs or purchasing one of the available properties for sale, whether new or resale in high-end developments. How much does it cost to build a villa in Marbella?

Definitely building a villa is one of the alternatives for people who consider moving to Marbella, as well as those who want to invest or live here but wish to build a home to their taste- with the size, number of bedrooms, distritbution, kitchen, parking and terrace spaces, and so on.. they need and like it. But,… What is the cost of building a villa in Marbella?

Steps / Costs to build a luxury villa in Marbella.

Building a villa in Marbella offers a unique chance to create a bespoke luxury home in an idyllic location. It requires meticulous planning and execution. The process starts with selecting a prime plot, securing permits, finding a suitable plot, and hiring an architect. Collaborating with top architects ensures a design that blends modern elegance with functional luxury, featuring open-plan layouts and high-end materials. Construction emphasizes attention to detail, integrating smart home technologies and sustainable solutions. Outdoor spaces typically include infinity pools and landscaped gardens. Beyond personal enjoyment, building a villa in Marbella promises excellent investment potential, with strong property value appreciation and high rental demand.

How much does it cost to build a villa in Marbella?

Lets break it down in detail:

1. Plot of land for sale in Marbella.

Choosing the area and plot of land is the first step to building a villa in Marbella. Decide whether you want it near the sea or surrounded by nature in the mountains, close to urban centers and amenities..

Location of your future Home in Marbella.

Marbella offers options for all preferences in one of the world’s most coveted and exclusive locations. Plot prices vary not just by size, but also by location and views, accesses, leisure places, amenities, shopping areas, etc., as well as the seller’s need to sell the plot.

At LuxuryForSale.Properties, we have an array of plots of land for sale in sought after locations to offer our dear clients the opportunity to build their dream homes from scratch. Here are some examples of the plots we manage:

In Sierra Blanca, one of Marbella’s most exclusive gated communities, a buildable plot of land prices start from approximately 2,000€/ m², and the average plot size is around 2,000 m².

A plot in the Golden Mile beachside, plot prices start from an average of 6 million euros for around 2,000 m² and can reach up to 20 million euros for those with sea views and over 5,000 m².

A plot in Nueva Andalucia of over 2,500 m², with sea views and the capacity to build up to two villas, priced at 2.6 million euros, one of the last large buildable plots available in the area.

In La Cerquilla, a luxury area within the golf valle outstanding sea views, plots start from 1.700,000 euros for 1,500 m², going over 4 million for about 2,000 m² with golf and sea views.

In Puerto Banús, a traditionally high-demanded area of Marbella, urban land of about 3,500 m² is priced around 4.8 million euros, reaching up to 20 million if the land is near the sea and exceeds 10,000 m².

La Zagaleta, one of the world’s most exclusive developments, prices of plots of land vary based on size and factors such as orientation, views, or proximity to the resort’s golf courses and gates. South oriented plots overlooking the sea and the Rock of Gibraltar are most sought after. Plots in the best locations can even reach 10 million euros for 7,000 m².

Depending of the relief of the plot, you have to think that a retaining wall can cost around 300 thousand euros. But here we will consider a flat plot of land.

Plot of land legal situation.

Before purchasing a plot of land, it’s crucial to know the legal status and urban classification of the land, which can be obtained from the Marbella Property Registry, and the information available from the Marbella Town Hall, where an urban report should be requested offering personal and online services via their website.

To facilitate the task of buying a plot to build a house, the best option is to hire a reliable lawyer specialized in real estate and urban law, who will legally advise on all transactions until acquiring the plot of land.

After choosing the area and plot, buyers must consider additional expenses such as: VAT (10%) if not already included, and the AJD Tax (1.2% of the purchase price) on new properties, subject to certain conditions. In adittion to: land registration, notary fees, and the Property Transfer Tax (ITP) at 7% of the sale price.

2. Architect. Villa Design.

To design your dream home, you need a good architect, and for the construction two key professionals: the technical architect, and the project manager. Choosing reliable professionals with experience and management skills is crucial to ensure the project’s success.

The architectural studio will be responsible for design the project from scratch, modelling what we need. Considering preferences, the desired style, and the land’s characteristics, the architect will custom-design the home, setting guidelines for all the professionals involved.

Environmental Impact Study. If our future house is near protected natural areas or the project is of significant impact, an Environmental Impact Study is necessary, along with the required permission from the Junta de Andalucia: www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/sostenibilidadmedioambienteyeconomiaazul.html.

Geotechnical and Structural Studies. To ensure the construction is safe and complies with all regulations, geotechnical and structural studies of the project and the sole is required.

The architectural project for a villa normally cost between 6% and 7% of the project´s total cost. Therefore, for a luxury villa priced at around four million euros, it would be around 240,000€.

Each architect has their personal style and signature, so it’s highly recommended to view their portfolio of works before choosing the professional who will undertake your project. Some of the top studios in Marbella are:

• Diego Tobal. Blend contemporary and classic architecture, creating unique villas that integrate with the landscape, boasting over 40 years of experience in high-end architecture in La Zagaleta and other prime locations of Marbella.
• Kloster&Notenson. Based in Marbella, offering international services, undertakes comprehensive projects encompassing architecture, interior design, and decoration. Their projects combine avant-garde nuances with more eclectic elements in textures and materials.
• Pablo Villarroel. The second generation of an architecture firm with its Puente Romano hallmark started by their father Melvin Villarroel, emphasizing landscaping and the Mediterranean style. The studio boasts 50 years of experience in Marbella.
• Ames Studio. Specialised in residential projects combining architecture, interior design, and landscaping, as well as engineering, planning, and urbanism. The architects combines functionality with design to realize the dreams of their clients.
• Juan Salvador Shvartzberg. Specialising in traditional and contemporary architecture, he is skilled at creating projects in harmony with the environment, with numerous works in La Zagaleta.
• ARK Architects Based in Sotogrande offer more than 20 years of experience in the sector and led by Manuel J. Ruiz Moriche with a team of professionals and a portfolio of ultra luxury properties.

Technical Architect.

The technical architect, also known as the construction manager, is part of the “direccion facultativa” and will oversee aspects like technical supervision and control of the work, document management, coordination of subcontracted services, quality supervision, cost control and adherence to the budget. In short, the technical architect is essential for technical supervision, construction coordination and financial management (the last one when there is not a project management involved in the project).

Do I Need a Project Manager?

A project manager is not mandatory. These professionals plays a crucial role in luxury home construction, ensuring quality standards, deadlines, and budget compliance, and that the owners are satisfied with the final outcome ensureing the construction of our home follows the agreed conditions and parameters. They coordinate with all professionals and companies involved in the construction process.

Undoubtedly, a fundamental objective of this role in a housing construction project is to ensure client satisfaction, necessitating constant communication to report progress.

3. Construction Company. Costs of Building the Project.

Building our home, is undoubtedly the core step in this process, bringing to life the architect’s design following all the guidelines set by the professionals. The cost of building a luxury house in Marbella depends on various factors, such as: size, location,.. and quality and finishes. The average cost for a standard-size villa with outdoor areas pools, gardens, are around 2.000 euros m2, although this amount can increase with more exclusive materials.

First, construct the foundation, followed by framing and roofing. Finish with interior and exterior finishes, landscaping, and final inspections for a luxurious retreat.

With the rise of luxury, many construction companies in Marbella have specialized in recent years in building exclusive villas. Here are some of the companies specialized in luxury construction in Marbella:

• B. Solis. The company has built more than 200 high-end homes in the most exclusive areas of the Costa del Sol during the last 25 years.
• Jamena Construcciones. A company with 40 years of experience and over 100 professionals dedicated to high-quality building.
• Prinza. Based in Marbella. This company specializes in the new concept of luxury, focused on high-end design with technological advancements.
• Atlas Group. A company specializing in the design and construction of luxury villas in premium areas of the Costa del Sol, with some international projects in the south of France.

4. Licenses and taxes expenses.

Once We have the project of the villas the next step is applying for all necessary permits and licenses. The first step is to contact the urban planning department of the relevant Town Hall: Marbella, Benahavís o Estepona depending on where the plot is.

Regardless of each municipality’s urban planning, the essential permits required for building a villa in Marbella are:

1. Building Permit. The main permission to carry out the construction. We must apply for it at the Town Hall, presenting the plans and all technical documents describing the project. The price of this license varies based on the project parameters, its size, and its cost.
2. First Occupation License. Once construction is complete, to inhabit or rent,.. the property, you must obtain the FOL, which verifies that the building meets all necessary regulations. The city Town Hall also grants this license, and its price (averaging around 500€) varies depending on the municipality and the project.
3. Permission and Registration for Public Services. To equip our home with water and energy supplies, we must register these services with the companies operating in Marbella. Acosol The public company managing water services on the Costa del Sol, where we can find everything needed for home registration. Hidralia. A water management company serving the Golden Triangle (Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona) where we can directly process the license. For electricty supply, we must register directly with the chosen company. Iberdrola and Endesa are two multinationals providing services in the area
4. Activity License. If we intend to use our new house for commercial purposes, such as tourist rentals,.. we will need an activity license, which must be applied for with the Andalusian Government.

Normally, the owner through the construction company or the project manager handles all these license applications.

5. Interior design and decoration Costs.

The style of our villa are defined from the architect’s first sketch, but it will be the interior design team’s work that really determines the personality and character of our new home. Decoration will be key to making this project a top home, whether for year-round living, holiday stays, or to earn income through rental. Interior design nowadays have with a strong commitment to innovation and incorporating smart technology into the home. Here are some of the key trends shaping interior design:

– Eco-friendly. The focus on environmental care means construction is increasingly eco-friendly, a trend also evident in home interiors with a strong emphasis on sustainable, natural elements like wood and greater importance on green areas.

– Luxury Interiors. Exclusive interior design, features noble and high-quality materials, art pieces, and designer jewel-like furniture that shy away from ostentation and overexposure of logos.

– Smart Homes. Domotic and Home automation advance to control everything from apps in your mobile, and the design of devices has also evolved to integrate seamlessly into a home’s interior design.

The cost of an interior design project for our villa depends on factors like: the style, size, and finishes and the services offered by the interior designers. The average cost starts at around 2,000€/100 m².

“For a 500m2 built villa, the fees for a good interior design project are approximately 40,000 €, to which is added about 500,000-600,000 € for the cost of materials, although these amounts can vary significantly depending on the chosen materials and the interior design firm.

Marbella boasts a wide range of top interior designers, here are some of the reference firms:

• Pedro Peña. Starting over 50 years ago, it now has a showroom of over 3,500 m2 the Marbella Golden Mile where clients can view its work.
• Sandon. Located in the heart of the Golden Mile, it has a 1000 square meters showroom and specializes in bespoke projects. A showroom specializing in high-end decoration, specialists in comprehensive work in products and services.
• Fermont Galvan Design. A boutique studio based in Marbella Club, specialized in high-end residential projects.
• Gunni&Trentino. Located in Marbella Club, Its spaces feature a selection of the top design brands in kitchens, indoor and outdoor furniture, wardrobes, flooring, taps, sanitary ware, and lighting.

6. Smart Home.

The comfort level of our home will depend on the quality of the installations and home automation. Having a smart home that allows interconnection between home automation system, as well as with Alexa, Siri and Google Dot assistants, will make our life easier and also have a significant impact on efficient energy use.

When building a villa in Marbella, incorporating Smart technology offers multiple advantages to our home:

• Comfort. An automated home allowing us to control parameters like climate, sound, lighting, audiovisual equipment, the pool, or garden watering from an app is just amazing.
• Energy efficiency. A smart home manages resources efficiently, leading to less environmental impact and significant cost-savings for the owner.
• Security. Home automation enables the implementation of sensors and video surveillance cameras capable of detecting any incidents and notifying both the owner and the private security forces.

The cost for home automation systems of a luxury villa depends on its size, installations, and the quality of the devices used. Currently, a complete home automation control for a 1,200 m² house is around 85,000€.

This adds to the rest of the technical installations necessary to ensure maximum comfort in a villa. Underfloor heating around 85,000€, centralized air conditioning is priced at about 200,000 euros, the complete electrical system about 80,000€, and intelligent lighting inside and outside the villa approximately 120,000€. Collectively costing around 470,000€ with the domotic systems.

Some of the reference companies in technical installations specialized in the luxury villa segment.

• Proinsermant is a leading company in Marbella for home automation installation and design and creation of high-end residences. It designs the complete installation of the house, including climate control, plumbing, electricity, home automation, and audiovisuals.
• TecnoClima. An engineering, installation, and maintenance company specializing in smart, luxury homes. It also offers services in home cinemas, energy control, plumbing pools, and telecommunications.

7. Designer Kitchens Costs.

The kitchen, is one of the main rooms of a luxury house, also involves an high investment within a project. Its final price depends on multiple aspects like size, appliance brand and features, and material quality. For a 500 m2 standard-sized villa with high-end equipment and appliances, the price currently ranges between 70,000€ and 80,000€ although this figure can increase considerably based on our preferences and brands.

Marbella has a wide range of top firms specialized in the design and installation of luxury kitchens, here are some of them:

• Danespan. Designs and manufactures bespoke kitchen and barbecue furniture for luxury villas. It also has a dedicated section for bathroom furniture, dressing rooms, closets, and living rooms.
• Boffi. An Italian firm specializing in luxury kitchen furniture.
• Bulthaup. A German designer kitchen brand with presence in Marbella, where it carries out bespoke projects for clients in the Golden Triangle.
• Puya. A family company with over 40 years of experience, specializing in the design of indoor and outdoor bathrooms and kitchens.
• Fernando Moreno. Offers 5,000 m2 of exhibition space for bathroom and kitchen supplies and decor.

8. Building the Villa´s Outdoor areas.

Marbella’s weather, with over 320 sunny days a year and pleasant temperatures across all four seasons, makes outdoor areas a key aspect of a villa. Designing the outdoor areas: garden, pool, and terrace, is a crucial step in defining the villa’s personality and style. The first step is finding a landscaper to design the garden efficiently and sustainably. The price of a landscaping project for a villa on a 1.200 m2 plot of land ranges between 3,000€ and 5,000€.

In Marbella, there is a wide range of professionals to help us with our desired garden design, here are some of them:

• Beatrice Perlac. Beatrice has a unique style that fuses beauty and functionality in gardens in harmony with nature.
• Juan Pedro Sacedón. A team of professionals offering landscaping, and design services, especially focused in high-end residences.
• Laura Pou. A leading landscaper in the Costa del Sol, boasts decades of experience designing gardens for residential developments.

Once our garden project is designed, we have to make it a reality. Executing the gardens of a medium-sized villa costs between 40,000€ and 50,000€, but can reach even 200,000€ euros in larger estate in developments like: La Zagaleta or Sierra Blanca.

In Marbella, there are numerous companies for landscaping and maintaining gardens, many of which specialize in bringing to life and creating green areas in majestic mansions. Here are some of the leading companies:

• Agrojardín. A leading company in creating and maintaining gardens and green areas, also offers design consultancy.
• Viveros Gúzman. One of the largest plant producers on the Costa del Sol, also undertakes custom projects for villas and residential developments.

The pool construction normally is done by the villa´s main constructor. Its cost depends on the chosen materials and features. Pool salinization and LED lighting equipment are basic features, but Infinity Pools, with covers, heating systems, or controlled through home automation are also common.

Prices for these pools start from between 40,000 and 60,000 and reach even 250,000 euros for the most equipped and exclusive ones.