Marbella’s Up-and-Coming Neighbourhoods: Where to Buy Now for Future Gains
Opportunities are emerging for property investors in neighbourhoods outside Marbella’s long-established high-end zones.
· 9 min. read
New high-end neighborhoods in Marbella
New opportunities are emerging for both lifestyle buyers and property investors in neighborhoods outside the Marbella’s long-established high-end zones. While areas like Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile have long attracted the elite, there are lesser-known areas in Marbella with unique characteristics and untapped potential for growth.
We spoke to Sean Cannon, Panorama’s Sales Director, to explore some of Marbella’s up-and-coming neighborhoods that are generating a buzz among discerning buyers.
- Table of contents
- New high-end neighborhoods in Marbella
- 1. Marbella East – the Golden Mile of tomorrow?
- 2. San Pedro de Alcántara – Traditional Meets Trendy
- 3. Real de la Quinta – A Haven for Nature and Luxury Living
- 4. Monte Mayor
- 5. Benahavís Road
- 6. The Istán Road
- 7. Ojén Road – Palo Alto
- New investing opportunities in Marbella
1. Marbella East – the Golden Mile of tomorrow?
This area’s peaceful atmosphere and easy access to Marbella town centre, combined with a steady growth in luxury developments over recent years, plus the investment of hundreds of millions of euros in new branded luxury developments makes it a top choice for property investors.
Marbella East is not new to the Marbella scene, it started to be developed in the mid sixties and has something to suit most tastes and budgets. You can find luxurious and opulent villas, modern apartments and typical Andalusian homes, including fincas and country houses.
Take a look at our properties for sale in Marbella East
Coming soon to the area
Coming very soon to the area is the exclusive Four Seasons development, designed by the world-famous architect Richard Meier which will start construction during the last quarter of 2025. The project includes a Four Seasons Hotel, 130 private residences and 30 hotel residences consisting of villas, townhouses and apartments.
Marriott’s W brand is also developing the W Resort Marbella, a €200 million hotel and residential resort on one of the last available beachside plots in the area. The project will include a luxury W hotel, two buildings with 89 apartments, and an additional 109 upmarket residences, all managed by Marriot.
These famous, brand name luxury projects will undoubtedly attract further investment in the near future making this area an obvious choice for investors.
Natural beauty
The area has some of Marbella’s most beautiful beaches, including the Las Dunas de Artola, 1,200 metres of protected natural beach area in Cabopino, declared a Natural Monument in 2001, first-class golf courses and green zones covered by pine trees and cork oaks.
See some properties for sale in Artola.
This residential, mostly family, area offers stunning communities such as the Río Real golf development, La Reserva de Los Monteros, Los Altos de Los Monteros, Bahía de Marbella, Los Monteros, Costabella, El Rosario, Elviria, Las Chapas, Hacienda Las Chapas, Marbesa, the natural reserve of La Mairena, and many more, up-to and including Cabopino and its pretty little sporting marina.
Along the coastline we find some of the most trendy beach clubs such as Nikki Beach, La Cabane and Trocadero Arena among others. The area also boasts international schools, tennis & leisure clubs, clinics, vets and many of the finest restaurants, cafés and shops. Marbella East is also ideal for golf lovers with four 18-hole golf courses and three 9-hole golf courses on a stretch of 10 kilometres.
2. San Pedro de Alcántara – Traditional Meets Trendy
San Pedro has really come into its own over the last few years. The boulevard is such a lovely area – it’s the perfect spot for those who want to be close to Marbella but enjoy a more laid back lifestyle. There’s plenty of room for growth and return on investment.
San Pedro de Alcántara, once a traditional Spanish village, is quickly establishing itself as a desirable hub for both locals and international buyers. Its charming pedestrian boulevard, dotted with contemporary sculptures, bustling cafes and trendy eateries has become a focal point for the community. This beachfront promenade and recent investments in new residential and commercial developments make San Pedro a strong choice for buyers who want the authentic Andalusian experience combined with modern conveniences.
Real estate in San Pedro offers a blend of older, renovated properties, brand-new developments in San Pedro de Alcántara and plenty of virgin plots still for the taking. Investment is pouring into the area and Taylor Wimpey is also developing here catering to a range of budgets.
3. Real de la Quinta – A Haven for Nature and Luxury Living
This is a brand-new area that hasn’t yet reached it’s potential as it’s still under construction. As an investment choice, it’s certainly a winner due to the incredible facilities being built. There will be nowhere like it on the Costa del Sol.
Real de la Quinta is a cutting-edge residential project of 200 hectares bordering a UNESCO biosphere reserve, with a focus on sustainable living, luxurious villas, and premium amenities. It was the first project in Spain certified with the BREEAM seal, meaning that it has been recognised for its environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
A lifestyle destination
Real de La Quinta is designed to be much more than just a residential community—it’s a lifestyle destination. One of the most impressive features of this project is the man-made lake, which will span 35,000 m². Residents and their guests will be able to enjoy all sorts of water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and even sailing. Encircling the lake is an executive golf course and running/walking track. Alongside the lake is El Lago Club development, a club for residents and guests that will offer a bar, exclusive restaurant and event space.
A new hotel is also being developed here, the Angsana Real de La Quinta, complete with a wellness centre and spa, providing residents with access to five-star services right on their doorstep. This will be developed and managed by one of the world’s leading multi-branded independent hospitality groups, the Banyan Tree Group, marking the group’s debut in Spain.
The combination of upscale living, green landscapes, and easy access to Marbella makes Real de la Quinta an appealing option for investors.
BRIGHT developments are developing Vista Lago Residences on one of the highest plots on the Real de la Quinta estate.
Real de la Quinta is going to be transformative for the area.
It’s designed to offer the best of Marbella’s lifestyle while remaining close to nature. It’s a full-scale leisure project that offers a level of convenience and luxury rarely found in residential developments.
4. Monte Mayor
We are starting to see prices lift in Monte Mayor, it’s beginning to take off, after years in development and establishing itself, it’s now really coming into its own. A great place for investment potential and future growth.
Hidden away in a picturesque valley in the hills of Benahavís, the Monte Mayor estate is renowned for its natural beauty and its proximity to the region’s famed culinary scene. Located within a protected area, Monte Mayor properties offer a unique combination of tranquility and accessibility, just a 15-minute drive from Puerto Banús.
The estate covers over 330 hectares, with more than half designated as a green belt zone to preserve its unspoiled environment. Its expansive layout features average plot sizes of approximately 3,000 square meters, with a low building density of 12%, ensuring that the area retains its serene and spacious character. The landscape is marked by dramatic mountains, lush greenery, and natural streams, creating an idyllic rural retreat.
Monte Mayor also encompasses the charming village of La Heredia de Monte Mayor and around 60 private villas, offering residents a blend of community living and individual privacy. With its panoramic views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, and the African coastline, this estate provides a peaceful, secure, and exclusive setting for those looking for a balance between nature and modern living.
5. Benahavís Road
The Benahavís road is becoming very popular and property values are still rising. Benahavís in general has been “up and coming” for a good few years now and still continues to attract serious investment.
The Benahavís municipality comprises about 145 km2 and encompasses some of Europe’s finest residential addresses such as La Zagaleta, El Madroñal, La Quinta, the Marbella Club Golf Resort, Los Flamingos, Monte Mayor, Real de La Quinta, Los Arqueros and Reserva de Alcuzcuz, and many others.
Situated on the south face of the Serranía de Ronda, just seven kilometres from the sea, the village of Benahavís is one of the western Costa del Sol’s most mountainous villages renowned for its gourmet restaurants with some calling it the “dining room of the Costa del Sol”. Boasting 12 of the Costa del Sol’s 70 golf courses, it is also a hotspot for golf lovers.
6. The Istán Road
This is an interesting area, a Marbella version of Hollywood Hills with some really big villas dotted around the hillsides. There are communities like Cerros del Lago with older houses that sell very quickly when they get to the market. Taylor Wimpey are currently finishing two new developments here as well and there is a definite increase in demand for this area.
The Istán Road is a picturesque and highly desirable area stretching 14 kilometers from it’s origin point on the Marbella Golden Mile. It’s well-known for its tranquil atmosphere, breathtaking natural beauty, and proximity to the shimmering waters of the Istán Lake. The region is dotted with elegant mansions and charming developments, making it a hotspot for those seeking property with a focus on nature first.
Three well-established developments, Cerros del Lago, Balcones del Lago, and Zahara de Istán, have long attracted buyers looking for peaceful living amidst spectacular views.
To add to the appeal of Istán, Taylor Wimpey has two new developments for sale on Istán Road, designed to blend in with the stunning natural landscape, while offering the latest in contemporary architecture and high-end features.
To further enhance the appeal of Istán's properties, Taylor Wimpey has two new developments for sale on Istán Road, designed to blend into the stunning natural landscape, while offering the latest in contemporary architecture and high-end features. With these additions, Istan Road is experiencing increased interest from local and international buyers. With these additions, the Istán Road is seeing a surge in interest from both local and international buyers.
At the base of the Istán Road, the upcoming Marbella Design Hills development promises to be a game-changer for the area. This luxury project, designed in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana is expected to draw significant attention due to it’s cutting-edge design and amenities – open-air art gallery, cinema, designer shopping and more. Marbella Design Hills is likely to set new benchmarks, creating a ripple effect that enhances the desirability and investment potential of all the properties along this scenic stretch of road.
7. Ojén Road – Palo Alto
We are seeing some good price lifting in Palo Alto with plenty of interest. Along with the apartments, they are also developing some villa complexes, so plenty of potential for future growth and returns in this area.
With amazing views over Marbella and built in the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves, Palo Alto is just minutes from Marbella up the Ojén road. This exclusive residential community offers modern luxury in a serene natural setting. This meticulously planned development boasts contemporary architecture, expansive views of the Mediterranean, and world-class amenities. Residents can enjoy a wellness centre, infinity pools, concierge services, and green open spaces.
The village of Ojén, 10 km up the road from Marbella, offers a tranquil escape into authentic Andalucía. This picturesque whitewashed village is known for its unhurried pace and its narrow, winding streets are lined with flower-adorned houses, creating a postcard-perfect setting. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking connection to Spain's rich cultural heritage. Nature lovers are drawn to Ojén for its proximity to the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hiking trails meander through pine forests, olive groves, and rugged mountain landscapes, offering panoramic views of the Costa del Sol and beyond.
New investing opportunities in Marbella
Marbella’s real estate landscape is continually evolving, and these neighborhoods represent exciting opportunities for both lifestyle seekers and investors. From the luxury of Monte Mayor to the charm of San Pedro, these areas offer the potential for growth and long-term appreciation.
For more information about investing in any of these areas, contact our Sales Director, Sean Cannon on (+34) 656 70 57 81 or email: [email protected]
Ensures smooth operations at Panorama with unmatched organisation and enthusiasm.