Hollywood A-listers and tech start-ups from Silicon Valley are now flocking to the Costa del Sol. Specifically, Marbella, Estepona and Benahavis have become Europe's answer to California. The similarities between southern Spain and California are striking, from the beaches, nature, and warm, dry summers and cool, mild winters. And now, Google is here.
Google has arrived
The company has announced a $650 million investment plan in Spain over five years. The tech giant is building a 2,500 m2 cybersecurity centre of excellence near the port of Malaga, which will open its doors in 2023.
Google has plans to situate Malaga as the new Silicon Valley of the Mediterranean, thus triggering a surge in demand for luxury homes in and around Malaga city.
The Costa del Sol
With Google's arrival, a wide range of tech companies will be attracted to southern Spain, and there is now a fervent buzz around the Costa del Sol.
The area has become a vital destination for those searching for 320 sunshine days per year and remote workers looking for a laidback lifestyle. The coast has now turned into a strategic market for the real estate sector.
The Costa del Sol is a region that stretches from Sotogrande to the west to Nerja to the east. In real estate terms, however, it has become steadily apparent that the luxury properties and amenities that draw many well-to-do investors and homeowners are focused on an area with Marbella at its heart but now extends to Estepona and Benahavis.
The Golden Triangle
For those looking to escape Malaga's city vibe, the paradisiacal Golden Triangle formed by Marbella, Estepona and Benahavis ticks all the boxes. These three towns and their surrounding areas are the most popular, with foreign buyers looking to establish permanent residency or holiday homes.
The three municipalities are the most hotly desired regarding real estate on the Costa del Sol and represent the core of its property market. Also excellent for investors looking to benefit from the unaffected real estate market fluctuations of the last decade.
In Marbella, Estepona and Benahavis, there are homes suited to a wide range of budgets, tastes and lifestyles. Many homebuyers want to be near good schools, safe surroundings, amenities, and an easy commute to work - and they are willing to pay for those perks. From luxury beachfront properties in Marbella to stunning sea views from the mountainside of Benahavis, potential buyers are spoilt for choice.