For those not so familiar with Marbella, Nueva Andalucía is the large suburb just north of Puerto Banús and north-west of the downtown area – placing it within a five-minute drive of both. The largest residential area within the greater Marbella area, it is also one of the most popular thanks to its fantastic properties and leisure amenities.

 

If you want to be in the heart of the Marbella area, with beaches, shops, restaurants, golf, sports clubs and nightlife on your doorstep, you’ll understand why Nueva Andalucía is so sought after by homebuyers and holiday guests alike.

 

Marbella’s Golf Valley

The residential areas within Nueva Andalucía include the charming apartments, townhouses and villas that face the Aloha Golf Club – close to the shops and eateries of Aloha, which also includes some of the most popular nightlife spots in Marbella.

 

Aloha Hills is another sought-after area, endowed with spectacular sea and mountain views, with nearby the leafy streets and select ambience of Las Brisas Golf, and the large luxurious villas of the La Cerquilla suburb. The apartments and villas surrounding the Los Naranjos course enjoy stunning golf and views.

 

Magna Marbella is a stylish restaurant and café overlooking San Pedro Alcántara, the sea and the club’s own nine-hole course, with the nine-hole Dama de Noche course is surrounded by apartments and close to the lively Puerto Banús yacht harbour, with its many restaurants, bars and designer boutiques.

 

Together, this large area dominated by three of the Costa del Sol’s most famous golf courses is known as the Golf Valley, one of the most important concentrations of the game in Europe.

 

Leisure amenities on your doorstep

In addition to attractive apartments, townhouses and villas overlooking beautiful golf courses close to their clubhouses, Nueva Andalucía is also home to tennis clubs, fitness centres, gyms, shops, supermarkets, banks, beauty salons, cafés, restaurants and nightlife spots – as well as being close to Puerto Banús, beaches and open hillside nature just made for hiking.

 

View the Esenzia Homes collection of Nueva Andalucía holiday rentals 2023!

If you own a property in Marbella and are thinking of renting it out part of the year there are things to consider that will make the difference between convenience, security and financial success on the one hand, and a handful on the other. In this article we offer advice based on many years of experience and focused specifically on short-term holiday rentals.

 

If you’re like most owners of a second residence, or holiday home in Marbella, you will most likely – and almost by definition – not use it throughout the year. Occupation by owners varies but can extend from many months to as little as a few weeks per year, so many homeowners make use of a high degree of demand to earn back money from their property through holiday rentals. In the first instance, this can cover the cost of owning such a property, such as maintenance, security, utilities, insurance, rates, taxes and possibly the property management firm that takes care of the above for you in your absence.

 

Earning income from your Marbella property

However, if done correctly, the earnings can be such that your Marbella property – ultimately an economic asset like any other – actually earns you money. Returns, after expenses, range between 3% to 5% or more, helping to amortise the home in question, and thanks to a bumper summer and year-round market in Marbella, the scope is excellent regardless of whether you have an apartment, penthouse, villa or townhouse. There is demand for each property type, as long as the location is attractive, the home in good condition and well-presented and equipped.

 

This is where a professional rental service company comes into it. A lot of property owners try to manage it all themselves but keeping track of a bookings calendar – including reserving weeks for your own use – arranging for maintenance, cleaning, preparation of the property between guest visits and dealing with possible requests, enquiries and problems to solve is like a full-time job, especially for those owners who work and/or live abroad. Many real estate companies offer this service, but as they are fully focused upon property sales, rentals is a chore and an afterthought for them, and consequently they lack both enthusiasm, expertise and the right infrastructure.

 

Professional advice and service

A specialist rental service blends real estate and hospitality skills to manage your property in your absence, present it in a way that will make the difference between moderate and high income (i.e. ensuring the highest possible prices and occupancy rates), as well as having the marketing channels to guarantee a steady stream of clients and the trained staff to deal with enquiries, rental turnovers and any problem-solving that may be required.

 

Esenzia is a specialist in luxury Marbella holiday and long-stay rentals, covering all the above, concierge services and more. In the next article, we explain the exact dos and don’ts of successful holiday rental in Marbella. Or contact us for more information about the convenient, secure and value-added optimising of your property.

If you want to rent out your Marbella property to holidaymakers, insurance is one of the important things to take into consideration. It pays to be well-informed from the outset, to ensure that you have all the cover you need without paying too much. Here are some industry tips.

 

The need for insurance is to provide legal and financial coverage in the event of injury, claims or damages. We take steps and follow operational procedures aimed at avoiding such eventualities, but the fact that they occur is the very reason that insurance exists, so one has to accept this risk as a part of life and prepare for it.

 

For this reason, the insurance you take out will serve to protect:

• Your rental property
  and
• The guests staying there

 

Liability Insurance

When assessing a potential holiday rental property, we look at a variety of factors, ranging from its location, features, décor, amenities, state of upkeep and equipment to any points that will make it safer and more convenient for guests. This includes reducing the number of sharp edges, ensuring steps and terraces have railings, pool areas are anti-slip and more.

 

Once all such measures are in place, the property is ready to receive paying guests, yet even so you will need to take out liability insurance to cover any medical expenses that could arise from an incident on the property, as well as legal fees resulting from possible claims. Setting the right level is a skill in itself, and focuses upon balancing sufficient coverage with the lowest possible cost.

 

The coverage should also apply to possible damage to guests’ belongings that could be affected in the case of a water leak or similar occurrence.

 

Property Insurance

The next and rather obvious insurance protection revolves around the need to provide a financial hedge against possible damage to the property and/or breakage of contents or equipment. This could result from normal usage or accidental breakage, but also potentially from incorrect usage, vandalism or theft – though this is unlikely as we thoroughly vet guests before confirmation of booking.

 

Most people already have home insurance that provides coverage in the case of leakages, electrical faults and natural disasters. A separate form of coverage, additional and complementary to property insurance, will also specifically cover your personal possessions in the property, such as furniture, artwork and appliances.

 

Protecting your income

While less common, insuring your rental income is prudent too, especially if you approach the renting out of your Marbella home as a business and wish to maximise your income through this asset. Essentially, Vacation Rental Income Insurance is taken out to ensure that you don’t lose out if there is a sudden rush of cancellations or the rental business is interrupted for whatever reason, as was the case during the Covid lockdowns.

 

Which insurance companies and product packages to opt for is a decision that should be built upon thorough research, but as this can be a time-consuming task that would also benefit from understanding Spanish, Esenzia Homes can assist in the process and recommend the insurance brokers that we have selected based upon years of experience and positive working relationships. In this we always look to optimise coverage combined with attractive rates and good, swift service.

If Marbella is famous for one thing it a lifestyle that few places in the world, let alone Europe can equal. One of the best things of all is that the region offers something to suit so many different tastes and preferences. 

 

Packed within a beautiful zone set between the Mediterranean Sea, coastal greenery and mountain ranges is a world full of options – from beaches and water sports to nature, hiking, social life and fast-paced activities of a wide range, be it hang gliding, mountaineering, golf or motor racing.

 

The well-known elements of Marbella include its beaches, resorts, golf courses, yacht harbours, fine dining, luxurious country clubs, trendy beach clubs and vibrant nightlife, but in reality there is so much more to discover as well.

 

Marbella offers so much variety

From the glamorous multi-millionaire yachts and villas to traditional country villages and open tracts of nature, it’s a large area with so much to offer. You can organise a picnic on the beach or in the countryside, go on 4×4 safaris, hike, mountain bike or extreme sports.

 

The coastal region also offers yoga retreats, ski, surfing, eco-tourism, wine-tasting in the vineyards of the Ronda area, as well as the chance to explore the rich history and cultural/gastronomic offering of beautiful cities such as Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, Seville and Cádiz – all within a two-hour radius of Marbella.

 

It is a region where present and past intermingle, where different cultures form a vibrant cosmopolitan community, and where you can watch romantic sunsets, be active and sporty, relaxed, sociable or entertain the kids at one of a variety of fun parks.

 

Staying at an Esenzia holiday rental property in Marbella you will be looked after and offered a five-star experience, complete with optional concierge service and personalised activities that give you the opportunity to design your own ideal Marbella vacation.

In the first part of this article, we explained the main elements of holiday property rental in Marbella and the Costa del Sol – what is required and how if done properly it can not only cover the costs of owning and maintaining the home, but also earn you income. In this second part of the article, we look at the details that make the difference between success and inconvenience.

 

If you own a holiday home in Marbella that you only use for part of the year and wish to rent to during the remaining weeks and months, it is important to orientate yourself first and find out how the market works. The best way to do this is to inform yourself through articles and reports of the kind you are reading now, as well as speaking with both professionals and homeowners who have practical experience in the field. It is from this combination of facts and opinions that you will build a picture of how you would like to approach what can be a highly rewarding optimising of your Marbella asset.

 

Preparing your property for the market

Some people think the process is as simple as advertising your holiday home and counting the money, but unfortunately that is not the case. Indeed, it is seldom the case, regardless of the business enterprise or sector. Your property will be one of many that is available for rent in the market, so in order to achieve the highest possible rental rates and occupancy levels – i.e. to earn you the most income – it has to be properly and attractively presented. When we visit a potential holiday rentals property for the first time, we look for the following points:

 

• A good location – holidaymakers want to be close to beaches, golf, views and amenities
• A well-maintained property – the home has to be in good condition technically and aesthetically
• Décor – the furniture doesn’t have to be expensive or luxurious, but it should be modern, comfortable and attractive
• Equipment – when you rent out a property short-term it is required by law to provide a fixed set of bedding, towels, kitchen appliances and practical utensils, as well as a first aid kit, Wi-Fi connection and tourist information, but we look beyond that to ensure that the home really does offer what we would all want and need when on vacation
• Amenities – these are not a must-have requirement, but it stands to reason that the better the parking and greenery, privacy, views and especially such leisure amenities as a swimming pool, tennis/paddle courts, etc, the more you can charge and the more in-demand your property will be

 

These five elements form the basis of any rental property assessment we make, and if a home falls short of any of the above requirements we offer clear and honest advice aimed purely at helping to achieve the best prices and occupancy rates. This is based upon the many years of experience that also enables us to not only offer advice but also practical support – from decluttering and decoration to equipping and the marketing and presentation of the property.

 

There may be a small investment involved in getting your holiday home ready for renting, but not only will you earn it back – it also adds to the value of your property. Once ready for the market, the responsibility shifts to a property rentals specialist such as Esenzia, which knows how to market and present the home with professional descriptions and attractive imagery, as well as having the marketing channels required to ensure high occupancy rates.

 

Security

If working with a company such as Esenzia offers you income along with convenience – we can even manage the utilities and maintenance of your home for you so that it is always in perfect condition when you want to use it – there is also the element of security.

 

We have procedures in place to vet guests before any booking is confirmed, and we maintain personal contact with them when they are here – as part of our service to them, but also as part of our service to you, the homeowner. This means we are on top of the situation and also available to your guests whenever they need support or concierge services, but in addition it adds a personal element that works for all parties.

 

On top of this, Esenzia provides legal coverage in the event of any problems, offering the kind of specialised infrastructure, service and support that private homeowners and conventional real estate agents struggle to have. Search here for more reports, advice and articles on the dos and don’ts of successful holiday rentals in Marbella, or contact us directly for more information.

Marbella town, the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía are considered to be the epicentre of one of the most famous and sought-after luxury lifestyle destinations in Europe, but in reality there is far more to Marbella than this alone. Head out east and you’ll discover a whole new side to it.

 

For those who want to explore a little more of the greater Marbella area the first point of focus should be eastwards, from the area immediately after the town centre all the way to the municipal boundary with Mijas at Calahonda. This is an area that extends along the coast for 20 kilometres of sandy shoreline and for several kilometres inland, where golf courses and luxurious suburbs set among undulating terrain eventually give way to hillside country clubs with magnificent views.

 

Marbella East is home to a charming yacht harbour at Cabopino, as well as the golf courses of Río Real, Santa Clara, the Marbella Golf Club, Cabopino, Greenlife Golf, Santamaría and the El Soto de Marbella Golf Club in La Mairena. Add numerous tennis and paddle tennis clubs, the finest sandy beaches and dunes, as well as a protected coastal pine forest, and it becomes clear why Marbella East is one of the most up and coming parts of the Costa del Sol.

 

Increasingly on trend

The residential areas include Río Real, beachside Bahía de Marbella and Los Monteros, golf-facing Santa Clara, El Rosario, Las Chapas, Cabopino and Elviria, which is also home to the Aventura Amazonia tree adventure park and features the largest concentration of shops, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, banks and nightlife in the area. All along the coast are trendy beach clubs, fish restaurants and surfing centres, making this one of the most appealing parts of Marbella.

 

The exclusive hillside country club of La Mairena adds a further air of refinement, as well as luxurious modern living, golf and the newly developing Ohana Pool Club. All this, in a natural setting characterised by spectacular views of the sea, the coastal area and the protected national park that offers so many hiking routes to explore. For all that it is feels like the real Andalucía, you are just seven minutes from the sea.

 

Explore Marbella East and you will be delighted.

Apart from its beaches and coastal scenery, Marbella is maybe not so famous for its nature, but to think that would be wrong, as this luxury destination is at the heart of much scenic beauty.

 

Quite apart from the fact that it is surrounded by the incredible natural variety of Andalucía – which ranges from sandy beaches and rocky cliffs to arid desert-like terrain, soaring mountain ranges, deep green valleys, wetlands and classic Mediterranean flora, Marbella is also within a short distance of the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the wide beaches of the windsurfer’s paradise in Tarifa. Immediately to the north lie the endless green mountains, forests and valleys that make up the Serranía de Ronda.

 

But even within a short distance of Marbella itself there are plenty of natural beauty spots to explore, including the protected Sierra de las Nieves National Park, the winegrowing valleys of Ronda and the distinctive culture and scenery of the Axarquia, just north-east of Málaga city. The sights and impressions are many, and they can be admired on foot, horseback, by 4×4, biking or even from hot air balloons.

 

In the mountainous areas just inland eagles and vultures soar on thermals overhead, while mountain goats cling to rocky cliffs and the lakes and natural saltwater lagoons of the inland areas produce magical spectacles where thousands of brightly coloured flamingos group together during the breeding season. There are protected coastal areas too, best appreciated by scuba diving or from aboard a sailing boat, while a two-and-a-half-hour drive will take you to the Doñana National Park – one of the last true wildernesses of Western Europe, and home to the Iberian Lynx.

 

Venture out and you will find waterfalls, fast-flowing mountain streams, natural pools just made for a cool dip in the summer, curative sulphur baths once used by the Romans, lakes for kayaking, mountains to scale and beautiful views to appreciate. It’s all here waiting for you…