Northern Europeans looking for a home in the sun have long viewed Marbella as a favoured destination. With prices still relatively low, but steadily rising, now may well be the time to invest in a villa, townhouse or apartment in the area. If you are thinking of buying a home in Spain here are six reasons why you should consider a property in Marbella.

1. While the rest of Spain is only now starting to emerge from its housing market slump, Marbella is already well on the road to a full recovery. Sales have been healthy for the past few years with more homes sold in 2014 than during pre-recession 2006. This means real estate values, while still well beneath their peak, have also been recovering and homes in the town offer excellent investment potential with considerable scope for capital accumulation.

2. For buyers outside the Eurozone, for example the UK and Norway, the favourable exchange rate against the Euro makes property in Marbella even better value when compared to their home countries. In the past year the cost of a villa, apartment or town house in Marbella when priced in Sterling has dropped by thousands of pounds on exchange rates alone. Buy now and the potential to make gains on those rates is high in the longer term as the Euro strengthens again.

3. Marbella Direct has seen the property market move fast in the past two to three years. Desirable, quality homes in the most sought after areas do not stay on the market for long. There is now a shortage of new build developments in good areas. Don’t miss the boat – get in early!

4. The famous Marbella lifestyle remains a top attraction for prospective buyers. The mix of celebrity haunts in Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile, along with a glitzy nightlife and Michelin starred restaurants, makes the social scene as vibrant as ever.

5. The sporting options in Marbella offer many ways to enjoy the mild winter weather and enjoy fresh air. Top of the list is the abundance of top quality golf courses within easy driving distance. Also available are tennis and bowls clubs, diving and water sports facilities, the ski slopes of Granada just over two hours away and motor sports at Jerez and Ronda.

6. Privacy and exclusivity are much prized when it comes to buying a luxury villa or apartment in Marbella. The town does not disappoint, with some of the highest quality and most exclusive estates in Europe located here. The Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía and La Zagaleta in Benahavís are some of the most sought after areas.

Tempted? If so, Marbella Direct, with its expertise in the Marbella property market, is best placed to help you find your home in the sun. Please contact us for a consultation to discuss your requirements.