Selling an apartment privately or with an estate agent?

Let’s start with the most important question for salespeople. Both are possible, it depends on your time. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Selling an apartment without an estate agent: the DIY challenge

Can you sell an apartment without an estate agent?

If you decide to sell your apartment without the help of an estate agent, you will need to be prepared for an intensive and time-consuming phase of work on your own. The process includes steps such as valuing the condominium, determining an offer price, compiling documents and records, creating an appealing exposé and taking photos. You will also need to familiarize yourself with online portals, communicate with potential buyers, distinguish between genuine interested parties and the curious, and conduct preliminary discussions.

You have time (and nerves) for the preparation and sales process

However, this is just the beginning. You will also need to carry out credit checks to ensure that potential buyers are able to finance the purchase. There will also be a large number of viewings, which can be time-consuming. Finally, you will also need to engage in negotiations, which may continue until the purchase contract is signed and the notary appointment is held.

Decide to sell without an estate agent if:

• You have sufficient time and patience for the entire preparation and sales process.
• You are prepared to deal intensively with the real estate market and the legal aspects of the sale.

Selling an apartment with an estate agent: professional support

Should I hire a real estate agent?

Alternatively, you have the option of hiring a real estate agent to sell your home. This can be an extremely beneficial choice, especially if you want to save time and avoid the stress that often comes with the selling process.

If you want to save time and spare your nerves, hire a real estate agent. It’s as simple as that.

By hiring an estate agent, you delegate most of the above tasks to a professional. The agent will evaluate the property, set the optimal asking price, create a professional exposé, take high-quality photos and present the apartment on various online portals. He or she will handle communication with interested parties, select only genuine potential buyers, carry out credit checks and organize viewings.

Decide on a broker if:

• You want to save your valuable time and still secure professional expertise in the sales process.
• You want to benefit from the market knowledge and negotiating skills of an experienced real estate agent.

Overall, there is no universal answer to the question of whether you should sell your home privately or use an estate agent. It all comes down to how much time, commitment and expertise you are able and willing to invest in the selling process. Regardless of your decision, it’s important that you do your research and choose the option that best suits your individual needs and goals.

Costs: buyer, seller and distribution

The costs for a real estate agent in Germany can vary, as they depend on various factors such as the region, the value of the property and the individual agreements with the agent. There are basically two types of estate agent commission:

1. Buyer’s commission: This is paid by the buyer of the property
2. Seller’s commission: This is paid by the seller of the property
3. Cost sharing: Usually half of 3% to 7% of the purchase price in each case

Purchaser principle in brokerage law

Since December 23, 2020, the so-called buyer principle has been in force in Germany under real estate agent law. This means that the person who commissions the estate agent pays the commission. In the case of apartment sales, this usually means that the seller pays the commission. In the case of apartment rentals, the costs are usually borne by the person who commissions the estate agent, i.e. either the landlord or the tenant, depending on the agreement.

Commission is negotiable

The exact commission amounts are negotiable and there are also estate agents who work with fixed lump sums. The costs can also vary depending on the estate agent and the individual agreement. It is therefore advisable to find out the exact costs and conditions in advance and obtain several offers before deciding on an estate agent.

Checklist: Find a reputable broker

Use this checklist to find reputable real estate agents in your area. And if in doubt, as you know, just write to me or give me a call: Contact.

Aspects	Recommendations
Research and recommendations	Research online and look for local advertisements. Get recommendations from friends, family and acquaintances.
Experience and expertise	Ask about the broker’s experience and how long they have been in the industry. Ask about similar transactions in the past.
References and reviews	Ask for references from past customers with similar transactions. Search online for customer reviews and feedback.
Local market knowledge	Make sure the agent knows the local real estate market well.
Professionalism	Pay attention to professional appearance, communication and punctuality.
Services and benefits	Clarify exactly what services the estate agent offers. Discuss the preparation of exposés, organization of viewings, etc.
Transparency with fees	Ask about the broker’s commission or fee structure. Ask for the costs to be set out in writing.
High-quality network	Ask about the estate agent’s network of prospective buyers and investors. This can make the sales process easier.
Chemistry and trust	Choose a broker with whom you have a good personal relationship and whom you can trust.
Comparison and selection	Obtain several offers from different estate agents and compare them. Make your decision based on facts and references.

Why experience from others?

Each story highlights typical mistakes to avoid while showing how smart decisions and practical actions can lead to a successful outcome.

Most people sell 1 property in their lifetime, which is why it is so important to gain experience. Over 67% ultimately choose a good real estate agent, and in large cities as many as 80% use a good real estate agent.

These are not songs of praise for our and my work. I have compiled a few private experiences.

Of course, here are the fictitious experience reports in a more detailed form with headings:

“Avoiding the price trap” – Experience #1

Field report 1: Karin Müller
Age: 32

I thought I had estimated the price of my apartment correctly. But hardly anyone showed any interest. I was frustrated and didn’t understand what I had done wrong. Then I met a real estate agent. He seemed to sense my frustration and offered to take a look at my situation. He analyzed the market, inspected my apartment and then came to me with a new price proposal.

I found it difficult to adjust my expectations because I wanted to get the best out of the sale. But the estate agent explained to me that the original price was not in line with the market situation. I trusted his advice and adjusted the price. Lo and behold – suddenly there were more inquiries and interest. In the end, I was able to sell my apartment at a fair price. The estate agent showed me how important it is to find the right asking price.

• Apartment with 72m²
• 4 rooms
• Frechen in NRW
• Balcony with a view of the park
• Modern kitchen
• Proximity to public transportation

“Structured analyses lead to better presentation” – Experience #2

Field report 2: Hans Werner-Meier
Age: 45

I was always aware that my apartment had accumulated a few scratches and signs of wear over the years. Initially, I tended to dismiss these as minor defects. But my perception changed drastically when potential buyers came to view the apartment. Suddenly, the impression of neglect seemed to be omnipresent, and these signs of wear and tear were reflected in the offers – in a negative way.

In this matter, a trusted friend who works in real estate advised me to invest in targeted repairs and renovations. Initially, I felt a certain skepticism about this recommendation, as I wasn’t sure whether the effort would be worth it. Nevertheless, I decided to follow the advice and embark on a systematic preparation. This included measures such as fresh coats of paint, repairing minor defects and thorough cleaning.

The results of these measures were quite impressive. The response to the redesigned and carefully prepared apartment was significantly more positive. Potential buyers now showed significantly increased interest. This ultimately enabled me to successfuly sell my apartment at a reasonable price. This experience made it impressively clear to me that careful preparation and presentation play an essential role in a promising sale.

• 85m² apartment
• 2 bedrooms
• Central location in Hamburg
• Spacious living room
• High-quality equipment
• Proximity to shopping facilities

“Photos and descriptions” – Experience #3

Field report: Murat T.
Age: 28

I sold my small apartment in Cologne and thought a few snapshots with my cell phone would be okay to show my apartment. But when I put the ad online, not many people were interested. The photos were shaky and the text was hard to understand. I was really disappointed because I knew my apartment was really great. Then I met Maria, a friend who works in advertising. She showed me how important it is to show the apartment well. So I hired a professional photographer and wrote a better description. The result blew me away! Suddenly I was getting a lot more inquiries and people loved my apartment. In the end, I found the perfect buyer who was totally impressed with the photos and description. This story shows how important photos and texts are for successful selling.

• 50m² apartment
• 1 bedroom
• City center location in Cologne

“Forgotten documents” – Experience #4

Field report: Aurora Giurgiu
Age: 50

I was so excited about selling my apartment that I had forgotten to prepare the necessary documents. When a potential buyer showed serious interest, I started to sweat. He wanted to see documents that I didn’t have to hand. It was embarrassing and frustrating at the same time. That was the moment I realized how important thorough preparation is. Now I’ve created a checklist for all the necessary paperwork – land register extracts, declarations of division, energy certificate and more. Being smart right from the start not only saves trouble, but also time and nerves.

• 110m² maisonette
• 3 bedrooms
• Outskirts of Stuttgart
• Large balcony with a view
• In need of renovation

“Negotiations? No problem” – Experience #5

Field report: Julia R. Becker
Age: 37

Negotiations? No problem. But when I spoke to a potential buyer, I realized it was more difficult than I thought. I agreed to a lower price just to close the deal. But then I met Mark, a real estate consultant. He helped me learn negotiation tactics and boost my confidence. I was better prepared for the next buyer. I negotiated professionally, maintained my position and achieved the price I had in mind. This experience taught me how important it is to prepare for negotiations in order to get the best deal.

• 65m² apartment
• Open room concept
• Industrial style in Berlin Kreuzberg
• High ceilings and large windows
• Creative workspace
• Proximity to art galeries and cafés

“When friends draw up the purchase contract” – Experience #6

Field report: Thomas Fischer
Age: 60

Well, I had a friend draw up the purchase contract. But that led to misunderstandings and uncertainties. When the buyer asked questions, I was overwhelmed. That was a wake-up call. I realized that the legal protection of the sale was of the utmost importance. I sought professional help in the form of a lawyer. He reviewed the contract, made sure all the legal aspects were covered and gave me the confidence I needed. The sale went smoothly and I learned that expert legal support is essential.

“Season and time” – Experience #7

Field report: Samuel Chukwuaze
Age: 29

Apartments are always in demand, aren’t they? But when I put my apartment on the market, there was surprisingly little interest. This disappointment was hard to swallow, especially because I had hoped to sell my apartment quickly.

Then I met an experienced estate agent who gave me a completely new perspective. She explained to me in detail how the real estate market reacts differently in different seasons and that the right time is a decisive factor for the success of a sale. Her insight convinced me to rethink my original sales plan.

The estate agent recommended that I postpone the sale and keep a close eye on the market. I was skeptical at first – I didn’t want to waste any more time. But she explained to me that patience and a strategic approach can lead to better results in the long term.

Fortunately, I had the time at the sale.

In the end, I followed her advice and waited until the following spring, when demand was known to be at its highest. And she was right – at that time I found the perfect buyer who was delighted with my apartment. The sale went smoothly and I achieved a good price. This experience made it clear to me that the right time to sell a house or apartment can be crucial. Sometimes it simply pays to listen to expert advice and wait patiently for the best moment.

• 90m² Penthouse
• 2 bedrooms
• Luxurious furnishings in Düsseldorf
• Private roof terrace
• Old building with character

Return leverage: equity and interest

The biggest levers within the return are 1) equity share, 2) interest rate and 3) fixed interest period. The “higher the costs” the worse the return.

A complementary guide to buying and renting a villa.

What does yield mean?

Return, simply put, compares your capital investment to what you earn from your property (renting). If the return (income / investment) is 6% or more annually, your villa is generating enough for the tenant(s) to pay for your villa.

Negative return effects due to interest rate & Co.

The higher the monthly costs (repayment, interest and maintenance), the lower the return. So if the interest rate you have to pay for a loan increases, this has a negative impact on the return.

Negative effects at a glance:

1. Equity investment
2. Repayment
3. Interest
4. Maintenance

It’s the same with equity, of course. Because, as you will learn in a moment, you have to provide significantly more equity as collateral abroad. The more equity you have to provide, the more assets are tied up in your property.

Rentals and extras in the south: pool, garden & co.

In addition, there are the typical maintenance costs, of course extended and aspects such as garden service and pool service. For example, if you use your villa only 2, 3 or 4 months a year yourself and rent it out the other time.

Learn here everything first and important about financing a villa in Spain.

Equity investment abroad: Spain

The use of equity capital differs considerably abroad. The main reason for this is that, in case of doubt (default), banks can only access the property with increased effort. Accordingly, German banks rarely finance foreign real estate and refer you to a local partner.

Equity comparison: Germany, Spain and USA

For a real estate financing in Germany you need, for the first, second and also third real estate about 15% equity.

In Spain, whether Mallorca, Ibiza, Marbella or other hotspots, the bank charges significantly more, usually 50-60%.

• Equity in Germany: 10-15
• Equity in Spain: 50-60%
• Equity in USA: 100%

If you want to buy your property in the USA, you have to expect even more. Often you even have to buy with 100%. Why is that?

Security, access and legal systems

As already described in the introduction: Equity serves as collateral for the bank. The more “risky” the loan, the worse the conditions. In this country, a good credit rating is sufficient to obtain the usual conditions of 10-15%. Abroad, many factors are added, for example, the legal system. Within Europe, or the European community, it is still a little easier than with third countries, such as the USA.

Lending factors:

• Interest rate
• Fixed-interest period
• Equity share

Interest rate and fixed interest rate

Interest rate and fixed interest rate – The fact is, as a foreigner you get worse conditions in other countries, after all the risk increases. Interest rates, or higher interest rates, have an extreme effect on profitability.

Interest effect: cost increase at only 1% plus

Let’s say you borrow 500,000 euros as a loan for financing. Every year (every month) you pay off a little of the loan amount. The smaller this remaining debt, the smaller the amount you pay for interest.

Interest rate example in 1st year:

• 500.000 Euro at 1% pa. = 5.000 Euro / 1st year
• 500.000 Euro at 2% pa. = 10.000 Euro / 1st year
• …

Remaining debt and interest calculation p.a. (per year)

Let’s say that after year 1 you have repaid 5% of the loan amount, i.e. 25,000 euros. This leaves a remaining loan of 475,000 euros. The basis for the interest calculation in the following year.

Interest rate example in the 2nd year:

• 475.000 Euro at 1% pa. = 4.750 Euro / 2nd year
• 475.000 Euro at 2% pa. = 9.500 Euro / 2nd year

Conclusion: 1% more interest adds up

The difference adds up with each year your loan runs.

• 1st + 2nd year at 1% pa = 9,750 euros interest
• 1st + 2nd year at 2% pa. = 19,500 euros interest

Fixed interest rate briefly explained

At 5% repayment pa. you assume (without unscheduled repayment) a loan with a term of 20 years. This is where the fixed interest rate comes into play.

That is why the fixed interest rate (borrowing rate) is so important. Here, the interest rate is fixed for period X and remains unchanged within the period. After X years, you then have to look for follow-up financing.

So you know more about the required equity, repayment and your interest block. On the subject of maintenance of villas, in countries like Spain, I have written an extra guide.

Negative effects at a glance:

1. Equity investment
2. Repayment
3. Interest
4. Maintenance – more in the guidebook:

Buy and rent villa abroad

Yield, season, service charges, renovation, financing… Villa buy and rent – A popular model among many owners, especially villas located in places where others go on vacation. For example, Spain as a hotspot, especially Mallorca, Ibiza but also Marbella, depending on the personal ties you have to one of the places.

Who wants to rent out his villa, buys not only for personal use, but also classically as an investment with the goal that the property generates income. So much (yield) that the costs are covered (loan repayment, interest and maintenance of the villa). Learn here everything you need to know about the return on investment, the seasonal rental of a villa, your utilities from maintenance to pool service and facts about financing. Also, the Spanish property tax when buying real estate.

• Buy and rent villa

Real estate agents: Villa Portfolio Ibiza, Mallorca & Marbella

As a real estate agent I am on canvassing for clients, we provide exposés, schedule viewings and help with the buying process on site, from notary to financing if needed. A small selection and choice of my villas in Mallorca, Marbella and also Ibiza, you can find here:

• Lukinski: Villas

Hotspot Research: Balearic Islands & Marbella

Temporarily living in Spain, maybe renting in the off times, here you will find the main Spanish hotspots compared. In addition, I take you to the cities and regions, on Villa Tour, with all the villa neighborhoods and districts, communities that you should consider in your purchase decision. Depending on your personal goals, you can find tranquility in the “hinterland” in all hotspots, but also the city life with proximity to the airport and numerous destinations worldwide.

Tip. After the 3 hotspots I still have practical buyer tips on purchase price, condition (especially the roofs) and location

Quick check: Which location offers which advantages?

Volcanic island Ibiza, small city Palma de Mallorca or golfer’s paradise Marbella?

• Mallorca – Big island, many small towns and a lot of tourism
• Ibiza – volcanic island, breathtaking nature, small communities
• Marbella – coastal strip for golf fans

My consultation always starts with a café

So that I can optimally support and advise buyers in your purchase situation, it is important to me to really know the places, also the people. For example, I drink 3x daily in different places Café, so you get to know people, but also the smallest micro locations.

Here in the comparison, you will find each an insight & further links:

1. Macro Perspective – Situation in Spain
2. Mesolocation of the city or “island capital”.
3. Villa district – example in the region

Villa Tour: Evaluation criteria

Under the respective regions, you will find further links to the region and the respective villa tour. By the way, the villa tours are always created parallel to real visits, like here, the Villa Tour Ibiza.

Factors that are important in my tours:

• Arrival / departure times
• Cities and Surrounding (Shopping to Doctor)
• People and spirit of the region

In the end, you decide:

Your personal wishes and goals

This brings us back to the big question: volcanic island Ibiza, small metropolis Palma de Mallorca or golfer’s paradise Marbella:

Mallorca: villa, finca, country house – all styles

Buy Villa Mallorca – Villa with pool, unique views of Palma, secluded coves or hotspots like Son Vida (suburb of Palma) and Port Andratx, in the west of the island. Mallorca is the buyer magnet in the Mediterranean when it comes to real estate. There are many hotspots, but only this island combines “the big city life” with beach, nature, sun and tranquility – in the secluded villa neighborhoods. Some have been visiting the island for 5 or 10 years and know exactly in which area of Mallorca they want to buy, others are still undecided about the right location in Mallorca.

All the main villa districts of Mallorca at a glance:

• Buy Villa Mallorca

What makes Mallorca so special for most buyers?

• Arrival / Departure: Fast flight time ~ 3h (6h round trip)
• Largest island of the Balearic Islands, much to discover
• Palma de Mallorca as a small big city
• Many other towns on the island, such as Sóller, Inca, Alcúdia, Pollença, Manacor

While the area around Marbella is manageable and Ibiza can be explored relatively quickly, it takes a while to discover all the corners in Mallorca. Of course, the number of beaches is also much more extensive. Here is a look at the climate in Mallorca:

Ø Lowest temperature / Ø Highest temperature

• Winter (January): 7 °C / 15 °C
• Summer (August): 31° / 21°

Where to buy in Mallorca? Macro location

Mallorca has many beautiful corners, but especially interesting for you will be the sections around Palma, with a focus on the southwest of the island, around Santa Ponsa and Port Andratx.

Villa in Mallorca in classic finca style.

So dreamlike are the bays in Mallorca.

Tip! Mallorca is tauch a paradise for golfers. Get to know the most beautiful golf courses in Mallorca here.

Palma de Mallorca: Small big city

The island “capital” of Mallorca is also located in the southwest of the island. Why? Here you have the most sun, in southern exposure. In the west of the island you also have the advantage of enjoying the evening sun and the sunset over the sea.

Son Vida: Palma suburb (city and luxury)

As already announced, Son Vida is the villa district of Palma de Mallorca. Son Vida is one of the best areas ever on the Balearic island. Here you will find among the highest number of villas Mallorca. The golf club is on the doorstep, as well as the old town of Palma de Mallorca and also the airport is only 20 minutes by car, across the city.

Of course, also for golf fans, one of the hotspots combined with city life / fast transfers to the airport.

Get to know the most exclusive and expensive places in Mallorca:

• Buy Villa Mallorca

Villa Tour Mallorca: The villa neighborhoods

Come with me on a virtual tour, with all the main villa neighborhoods of Mallorca:

• Buy Villa Mallorca

Ibiza: Villas in rough landscape

Villa in Ibiza – You want to buy a villa in Ibiza? Villa with pool, close to the beach and / or airport, quiet near the bay or close to the city with all shopping hotspots. Here you will get to know the right and important parts of the island. In addition, at the beginning I have a few common questions from my customers. Which location is worth buying according to my experience? Which parts of the island do I recommend to customers? So that you have a quick overview in Ibiza, divided into A, B and C location. Maybe you already know our Lukinski Real Estate Rating, in which we rate cities in Germany with over 50,000 inhabitants, in 3 categories: From good A-locations to more affordable C-locations. From Eivissa and gated community in Es Cubells, to Cala Vadella, to Sant Antoni.

Come with me on a virtual tour, with all the main villa neighborhoods of Ibiza:

• Buy Villa Ibiza

Ibiza at a glance, what makes Ibiza so special?

• Relatively fast flight time (except winter, stopover Barcelona/Madrid) ~ 4h (8h round trip)
• Volcanic, rugged landscape
• Small island community as Mallorca

Ø Lowest temperature / Ø Highest temperature

• Winter (January): 7 °C / 15 °C
• Summer (August): 30° / 21°.

Where to buy in Ibiza? Sun = south exposure

Those who have been vacationing on the island for 4, 5 years probably know exactly which region of Ibiza he or she wants to buy in. But who has seen the island only 1 or 2 times, asks himself: Are there still places I should see?

The island itself, similar to Mallorca, is most popular in the south and around the “capital” Eivissa. In the northernmost part of the island you will hardly find any villas. Here, too, the sun and its course of the day plays a major role: in the south = sun, in the north = less sun. From quiet locations in the southwest around Sant Josep, Cala Vadella and El Cubells, to villas close to the city in Sant Jesús or Roca Llisa.

Villa with view (and pool) in Ibiza.

Uniquely beautiful, the “rough” of the island of Ibiza combined with the good local life.

Eivissa: Ibiza Town, Port, Shopping

Everything in Ibiza starts from Eivissa, the “capital” with airport, city, shopping mall. Come with me on a virtual tour, with all the main villa districts of Ibiza:

• Buy Villa Ibiza

Villa neighborhood in Ibiza: Es Cubells

Perhaps the most exclusive community in Ibiza: Es Cubells. Depending on how you interpret exclusivity, you will find villas here like from Hollywood. Directly on the cliffs of the south coast and as a gated community (below the city limits of Es Cubells). Your neighborhood is peppered with famous soccer stars from Spain and Portugal.

You can hardly get villas in this area for less than 10 million euros.

Villa Tour Ibiza: The villa neighborhoods

Come with me on a virtual tour, with all the main villa neighborhoods of Ibiza:

• Buy Villa Ibiza

Marbella: “Miami of Europe” for golfers

Villa in Marbella – Especially for golf lovers Marbella is one of the hotspots in Europe. Many call Marbella the “Miami of Europe”. Pleasant to warm climate all year round and almost exclusively sun, in all seasons. Marbella is considered one of the hotspots in the Mediterranean, along with the hotspots Mallorca and Ibiza. You want to buy a villa in Marbella? I will take you to one of the most southern regions of Europe, spoiled by sun and the good life at the Mediterranean Sea.

• Buy Villa Marbella

Arrival and times:

• Slightly longer approach of ~ 5h (10h round trip).
• 45 minutes drive airport <-> Marbella

Ø Lowest temperature / Ø Highest temperature

• Winter (January): 9 °C / 16 °C
• Summer (August): 31° / 21°

This is what Marbella looks like in winter:

Marbella is a dream for golf fans. Get to know the most beautiful golf courses in Marbella here.

Monte Paraíso: The Golden Mile

Nueva Andalucía

Villa Tour Marbella: All villa neighborhoods

Come with me to one of the most southern places of Europe, the “Miami of Europe”:

• Buy villa Marbella – Tour of villa neighborhoods

Here are some more practical buyer tips:

Buying a villa in Spain: What to look for?

Then important and frequent questions from customers:

Cost: How much does a villa cost here?

Real estate investors know: Offer price is not selling price.

I like to calculate for my clients, in a first evaluation, like this: Each square meter (with beach view) costs 10,000 euros. If recently renovated or new 15,000 euros. In addition, there is “the view”. The better the view, the more exclusive, the more expensive. Depending on the size of the villa 100,000, 200,000, 500,000. As always, upwards there are no limits.

A “nice” villa in “good” location (everything is relative and depends on your individual goals and desires) with 200 m² so 2.000.000 + “View”.

Read more here:

• Buy villa Spain: What to look for?

Buy a villa in Marbella?

Marbella has a high attraction especially for those who like warm climate, the securities of Europe and at the same time a little “paradise”. In the immediate vicinity of Marbella alone there are more than twenty golf courses. Another magnet for many who are addicted to golf. While the choice of golf courses in Mallorca and Ibiza is relatively limited, here you have all the terrains. Not for nothing, the “Miami of Europe”.

Experience Marbella from Cala de Mijas through the Golden Mile (Monte Paraíso), Nueva Andalucía, Benehavís, Estepona to Sontogrande.

The most popular are, of course:

• Villa with pool
• Villa by the sea, or at least
• Villa with sea view

Due to the narrow coastline another advantage: the large part of the villas has sea view and with the warm temperatures here, almost always the swimming pool.

The key advantages at a glance:

• Mediterranean to tropical climate
• Rarely below 15° in winter, likes 35° in summer
• High density of golf courses to Gibraltar
• Only ~ 5 hours flight time

Where is Marbella? Location, Arrival and Welcome

Marbella is located in the southernmost corner of mainland Europe, in the south of Spain, immediately along the Mediterranean coast. The nearest airport in Málagais 40 minutes away by car. So to get to Marbella you need to bring a day of travel, unlike, for example, in Mallorca, with villa in Son Vida or in Ibiza, with villa in Sant Jesús.

Therefore, mostly a recommendation only for those who have either 1) personal connection to Marbella or 2) real golf fans who want to spend a lot of time on the green, even when wintering.

• Extreme south-west of Europe
• Near Gibraltar, on a good day you can see Africa’s coastline
• 40 minutes from the nearest airport (Málaga)

Temperature and Climate: Cumbre Vieja

Cumbre Vieja is a large mountain at the foot of which Marbella stretches along the coastline. The Cumbre Vieja has something magical and keeps, so it seems, the clouds from the inland to move over Marbella. It protects the place from too high temperatures of the inland, from clouds, wind and weather.

Thanks to the Cumbre Vieja you have permanently nice weather here. As you can also see from the statistics.

Ø Low temperature / Ø High temperature ° C:

• Winter (January): 9 ° / 16 °
• Summer (August): 31 ° / 21 °

Directions from the airport: 30 minutes from Málaga

From the airport in Málaga, to the Old-Town of Marbella, you need about 30 minutes by car. The compensation: The road takes you along the coastline.

• Travel time: 40 min
• Route: 51.2 km via AP-7

You want to buy in Mallorca and are looking for a consultant for purchase (and upgrading)?

Just give me a call or write to me:

• Contact

Villa Tour Marbella: The most expensive neighborhoods

Marbella is relatively small compared to other Spanish hotspots in the Mediterranean like Mallorca and Ibiza. After all, it is not an island, but a coastal strip. So your tour stretches for about 70 kilometers if you want to include all the relevant places from Cala de Mijas to Esetepona.

If you want to focus on Marbella city, you don’t have to look at the outer areas. For those who are looking for seclusion instead of city life, however, you should once drive the entire region from Cala de Mijas to Esetepona.

On the way to Marbella you will first pass through Mijas.

Cala de Mijas: Remote, near airport

In Cala de Mijas I got to know one of the first villas in Marbella, from a friend. The area is located between Málaga and Marbella. As you can see from the map, it has the best beachfront location. Directly in Beachfront you will find less villas. As in all of Marbella, the villas are always slightly in the hillside, instead of directly on the beach.

Advantages of Cala de Mijas:

• Away from the hustle and bustle of the city
• Relatively quiet beaches (comparison Marbella)
• Smaller community, faster connection
• Proximity to the airport (only 20 minutes)

Villa, pool, view – what else?

Marbella city

After Cala de Mijas you are in Marbella town. Before we look at the expensive villa districts, here is a tip for all visitors, the “Old-Town” of Marbella. Afterwards we drive to Monte Paraíso, the so called “Golden Mile” of Marbella and Nueva Andalucía, a district of Marbella, towards Estepona.

1. Old-Town for Welcome
2. Monte Paraíso: “Golden Mile
3. Nueva Andalucía

Old-Town

Not a place for villas, but for the old town romance of Marbella. Especially in the off-season (late fall, winter), you have many of the streets virtually to yourself and can enjoy the great restaurants, at 15 °, 20 °. From here you also come directly to the first hotspot of Marbella, to Monte Paraíso, the “Golden Mile”.

In the background the Cumbre Vieja, protecting behind the stand (inland heat, storms, etc.)

Romantic downtown with a southern flair.

Monte Paraíso: The Golden Mile

Monte Paraíso: The “Golden Mile” is located in the middle of Marbella. The neighborhood is located at the foot of Cumbre Vieja (big mountain to the inland). Small streets wind their way up to the gated communities. Here the prices for villas are around 3 to 15 million, depending on location and architecture.

Advantages of Monte Paraíso:

• Immediate proximity to the city
• Unique view over Marbella
• Exclusive neighborhood

Example from my villas in Marbella. that you already know from the cover picture. What I like especially about this villa? You see here a Night-House (left) and a Day-House (right). In the foreground with pool and artificial waterfall, in the background (not to be seen here) a more than 400 years old olive tree, which was specially brought here from Italy.

PS. You can buy this villa. See more of this villa and from Marbella here:

• Villas in Marbella

Villa in the Golden Mile:

Nueva Andalucía: Golf Clubs and Marina

In Nueva Andalucía, besides all the advantages, you have one thing directly: many golf courses. I have already written about the Golf Club Los Naranjos in my magazine. In addition, Puerto Banús (marina) is located here in the district. There

Advantages of Nueva Andalucía:

• Numerous good golf clubs
• Puerto Banús marina
• Directly at the center

Marina: Puerto Banús

Extra mention, the marina. No villas, but some nice penthouses and duplexes occasionally pop up on the market here. Ideal for boat owners, of course.

Tour of the Puerto Banús marina.

Benahavís: Villas in the “interior

You really want it quiet and secluded? Then you should not skip Benahavís on your sightseeing tour in Marbella. Benahavís is about 10 minutes inland, depending on how you drive. So it’s really just a short hop from Nueva Andalucía.

Location in / near Marbella:

Estepona: 30 minutes from Marbella

If you don’t want to buy directly in Marbella, Esetepona is a good option, only about 30 minutes by car, along the coast. The real estate offers here are somewhat more limited, accordingly, you may have to bring some time in the property search. In Marbella itself you will almost always find interesting offers, whether villa, historic finca or duplex in the city.

• Travel time (from Marbella): 28 min
• Route: 33.0 km, also via AP-7

Route: Marbella to Estepona.

Villa with pool in Estepona.

Sotogrande: More “Miami” does not go

My last tip is for those who seek tranquility, really tranquility and who like to play golf. Large courses to the left and right of the residence or even live directly on the golf course, with villa. All this is possible in Sotogrande, three quarters of an hour from Marbella.

• Travel time (from Marbella): 44 min
• Route: 58.5 km, also via AP-7

Own climate: winter / summer comparison

The 45 minutes driving time affect the climate, in winter the temperatures are already +1° / +2° higher, at 11° to 16°. At the same time, in midsummer, in August, it is a little cooler. Instead of 31 ° on average, only 28 ° and thus much more pleasant.

From Sontogrande you can already see the coast of Africa and you can be sure to live in a special place in Europe.

Route: Marbella to Sotogrande

Tip. Real estate in Marbella for golfers

Mallorca is a paradise for golfers. Get to know here the most beautiful golf courses in Mallorca.

• Golf courses in Marbella

You can also buy real estate directly on or even on individual golf courses. From very comfortable condominiums, to villas. All you need is a good real estate agent in Mallorca.

• Buy a villa in Marbella

Golf courses, almost like Miami or Hawaii.

Buy villa on the Mediterranean Sea

Get to know more, Spanish hotspots of the Mediterranean here.

Mallorca: The largest Balearic island

Buy Villa Mallorca – Villa with pool, unique views of Palma, secluded coves or hotspots like Son Vida (suburb of Palma) and Port Andratx, in the west of the island. Mallorca is the buyer magnet in the Mediterranean when it comes to real estate. There are many hotspots, but only this island combines “the big city life” with beach, nature, sun and tranquility – in the secluded villa neighborhoods. Some have been visiting the island for 5 or 10 years and know exactly in which area of Mallorca they want to buy, others are still undecided about the right location in Mallorca.

• Buy a villa in Mallorca

Ibiza: island tour and villa district

Villa in Ibiza – You want to buy a villa in Ibiza? Villa with pool, close to the beach and / or airport, quiet near the bay or close to the city with all shopping hotspots. Here you will get to know the right and important parts of the island. In addition, at the beginning I have a few common questions from my customers. Which location is worth buying according to my experience? Which parts of the island do I recommend to customers? So that you have a quick overview in Ibiza, divided into A, B and C location. Maybe you already know our Lukinski Real Estate Rating, in which we rate cities in Germany with over 50,000 inhabitants, in 3 categories: From good A-locations to more affordable C-locations. From Eivissa and gated community in Es Cubells, to Cala Vadella, to Sant Antoni.

• Buy a villa in Ibiza