The Relocation Dream: How Families Build a New Life on the Costa del Sol
- Eva Walstad
- Nov 3
- 5 min read
From Stockholm to Singapore, London to Dubai — more families than ever are trading grey skies and tight schedules for year-round sun, freedom, and a new rhythm of life in Southern Spain.
Dream boldly. Plan wisely. Live beautifully.
On the Costa del Sol, the dream of a better balance between work, wellbeing, and wealth isn’t fantasy — it’s logistics.
1. The Global Appeal of Marbella and the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol has long been Europe’s sunshine playground — but in 2025, it’s also a global relocation hub.
With over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, direct flights from major European, Middle Eastern and U.S. cities, and a thriving digital-work infrastructure, Marbella and its neighboring towns attract entrepreneurs, investors, and families who want both climate and connectivity.
What draws them?
Weather and lifestyle: mild winters, vibrant summers, outdoor living all year.
Infrastructure: international schools, world-class healthcare, reliable digital networks.
Cultural blend: Scandinavian calm meets Mediterranean warmth — a cosmopolitan balance rare elsewhere.
Family Life in the Sun
Marbella isn’t just yachts and golf. It’s also morning walks to international schools, padel tournaments for teenagers, and yoga by the sea. Families find that life here slows down — not out of laziness, but because quality replaces quantity.
The area offers over 20 international schools, from the British curriculum to IB and Scandinavian options. Many families plan the move around school enrollment, and end up staying because their children thrive in a multilingual, open-minded environment.
Healthcare, too, is excellent. Spain’s system consistently ranks among the world’s best, with both public and private options accessible to residents and non-residents alike.
From Dream to Decision: Buying Property
Buying as a non-resident is straightforward — but different.
You’ll need:
An NIE number (foreigner identification).
A Spanish bank account.
A lawyer who ensures due diligence and handles the notary signing.
Legal clarity protects your dream — we’ll ensure you have the right professionals by your side.
Taxes and costs:
For resale properties, expect around 7 % transfer tax in Andalucía.
For new builds, plan 10 % VAT (IVA) plus approximately 1.2 % stamp duty (AJD). Including legal and registry fees, most buyers budget an extra 10–12 % on top of the purchase price. (LEGG TIL Read more about the buying costs here)
What stands out compared with northern markets is value for quality — even high-end villas often cost less per square meter than premium homes in Oslo, London, or Zurich.
Read also:
The Smart Investor’s Angle
Many families see their move as both a lifestyle and portfolio decision. Rental yields in prime coastal areas remain strong due to tourism, hybrid-working professionals, and year-round demand.
However, short-term rentals now require registration (Vivienda con Fines Turísticos) in Andalucía — a sensible measure that protects guests and neighborhoods alike. Investors who manage properties correctly (with proper licensing and service quality) often achieve consistent occupancy and strong resale value.
Remote Work, Real Life
The Costa del Sol isn’t just for retirees or second-home seekers. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa and modern co-working infrastructure have opened the doors for globally mobile professionals. Fast fibre internet, international schools, and frequent flights mean you can work globally and live locally — from morning swims to afternoon video calls with New York or Singapore.
For northern Europeans used to long commutes and dark winters, the difference is transformative: energy, creativity, and family time increase noticeably.
What is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Allows non-EU/EEA remote workers to legally live and work in Spain while employed by a foreign company or self-employed with international clients. Applicants must earn a stable income (approx. €2,760/month), hold private health insurance, and have a clean criminal record. The visa is initially issued for up to 1 year (if applied abroad) or 3 years (if applied within Spain), and can be renewed for a total stay of up to 5 years.
(Global Citizen Solution 2025)
Choosing the Right Area
Each corner of the coast has its personality:
Marbella Golden Mile – timeless prestige, fine dining, beach clubs, gated serenity.
Nueva Andalucía – golf valley meets family life, ideal for villas with space and privacy.
Estepona – blossoming creative town with new developments and vibrant promenades.
Benahavís – mountain calm with panoramic views, 10 minutes from the coast.
Málaga City – culture, airport proximity, and an emerging tech scene.
Cultural Blend: Where North Meets South
One reason the Costa del Sol resonates with Scandinavians, Americans, and Middle Eastern buyers alike is its balance.
It’s international enough to feel familiar, yet authentically Spanish in rhythm and hospitality. Dinner starts late, yes — but people talk to one another, kids play outside, and there’s a sense that success includes peace of mind.
Here, luxury is not loud. It’s the quiet confidence of space, sunshine, and time.
Practical Steps for a Smooth Relocation
1. Plan 6–12 months ahead. Research visas, schools, and healthcare.
2. Visit twice. Once to explore, once to decide — use those trips to feel neighbourhood energy.
3. Engage local experts. Lawyer, property advisor, and relocation consultant.
4. Think long-term. Decide whether this is a 3-year adventure or a permanent base — it shapes your tax and education choices.
5. Design your lifestyle. Schedule balance first, then the house around it.
The Emotional Payoff
Moving countries is never only about real estate. It’s about regaining time, reconnecting as a family, and creating a home that feels like a daily privilege.
For some, it’s the sunrise jog along the promenade. For others, it’s seeing their children thrive in sunlight and multilingual friendships.
And for investors, it’s that rare sense of owning something that feels good and performs well.
Final Thoughts
The Costa del Sol represents more than luxury — it’s freedom, connection, and renewal. It invites you to live the life you imagined, without compromising on education, healthcare, or financial logic.
Whether you arrive from Stockholm, Dubai, New York, or Zurich, the feeling is the same when you step off the plane in Málaga:
The air is softer, the light is warmer, and suddenly… life feels wide open.
Need help navigating the Spanish property market?
The 63ºNO team works with both private buyers and investor groups to find, assess, and structure the right deals – on and off the market.
Disclaimer:
The content of this article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date insights based on our experience in the Spanish property market, laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances may vary.
Before making any decisions related to property purchase, sale, or investment on the Costa del Sol, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified local lawyer or tax advisor. If you do not already have one, we are happy to recommend trusted professionals we work with.
Images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent specific properties, people, or situations referenced in the content.
63ºNO assumes no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information provided in our articles.
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