Top 10 New Luxury Developments in Marbella 2025-2026: Investment Analysis

Last updated: November 2025


Marbella’s €3.2bn development pipeline represents the most significant luxury construction wave since the pre-2008 boom. Design Hills Dolce&Gabbana secured building licenses in July 2025. UNO Beach approaches completion with limited remaining inventory. Epic Marbella’s first phase has already welcomed residents. For UHNWI buyers considering €3M-€25M off-plan commitments, understanding developer credentials, realistic timelines, and pricing relative to comparable resale becomes essential due diligence.

This analysis examines ten developments completing 2025-2028: verified pricing, construction status, and investment considerations. No promotional content from developers or agencies.


Contents


Which developments offer the strongest investment fundamentals?

Systematic ranking across developer track record, location quality, pricing relative to comparable resale, construction progress, and amenity standards.

Investment Potential Rankings (November 2025)

RankDevelopmentLocationPrice RangeScorePrimary Strength
1Design Hills Dolce&GabbanaGolden Mile (Istán Road)€4M-€20M+9.3/10First D&G European residence, €300M+ pre-sales
2UNO Beach ResidencesGolden Mile (Puente Romano)€4M-€13.5M9.1/10Final beachfront site, approaching completion
3Epic Marbella by Fendi CasaGolden Mile€4M-€15M8.9/10Phase 1 delivered, proven developer
4Karl Lagerfeld VillasGolden Mile€8M-€18M8.7/10Only KL residential project globally
5Finca Cortesín Green 10Casares€4.5M-€8M+8.5/10Five-star resort integration
6The Edge EsteponaNew Golden Mile€2M-€6M8.2/10Emerging location value play
7Reserva de AlcuzcuzBenahavís€2.5M-€7M8.0/10Nature reserve setting
8La Quinta Golf VillasBenahavís€3M-€7M7.8/10Golf community integration
9Marbella LakeNueva Andalucía€2.5M-€5M7.6/10Family-oriented lakeside
10Ocean Suites Puerto BanúsPuerto Banús€3M-€8M7.4/10Marina proximity, rental yield focus

Scoring methodology: Developer reputation (25%), location quality (20%), pricing vs comparable (15%), sales velocity (15%), completion certainty (10%), amenities (10%), resale liquidity (5%)


Development #1: Design Hills Dolce&Gabbana Marbella

Status: Construction commenced July 2025, completion H2 2028

Developer: Sierra Blanca Estates (partnership with Dolce&Gabbana)
Location: Istán Road, Las Lomas del Marbella Club, Golden Mile
Property Types: Luxury apartments across five buildings (Venezia, Firenze, Palermo, Napoli, Como)
Unit Count: 92 residences
Price Range: From €4,000,000
Size Range: 280m² to 900m² internal, plus terraces

Why does Design Hills command attention?

This is Dolce&Gabbana’s first residential development in Europe, with only one other project globally (Miami). Sierra Blanca Estates, the developer, has delivered luxury projects on the Costa del Sol for over 40 years. Pre-sales exceeded €300 million before construction commenced, validating demand at premium pricing.

Key Features:

  • Full D&G Casa interior design and furniture packages
  • 90,000m² hillside plot with Mediterranean views
  • Five low-rise buildings surrounded by landscaped gardens
  • Amenities include spa, golf simulator, covered football pitch, cinema, pool club
  • Commercial boulevard with restaurants and retail
  • 24-hour concierge and reception

Is the brand premium justified?

Branded residences typically command 15-25% premiums over comparable non-branded developments. Design Hills pricing from €4M for 280m² (approximately €14,300/m²) compares to Golden Mile resale averaging €6,000-€8,000/m². The premium reflects both brand value and superior amenity provision.

Completion Risk: Moderate. Sierra Blanca Estates has strong delivery track record, though 2028 completion represents extended timeline. Building license secured July 2025.

Target Buyer: Fashion-conscious UHNWI, Italian expats, buyers seeking lifestyle community over pure investment returns.


Development #2: UNO Beach Residences

Status: Under construction, completion late 2025/Q1 2026

Developer: CTH Capital
Location: El Ancón, Golden Mile, adjacent to Puente Romano Beach Resort
Property Types: Beachfront apartments and penthouses
Unit Count: 50 residences across 5-7 low-rise buildings
Price Range: €4,000,000 – €13,500,000
Size Range: 208m² to 364m² internal, plus terraces up to 280m²

What makes UNO Beach significant?

UNO represents the final beachfront development site on Marbella’s Golden Mile. The 60,000m² plot spans 300 metres of coastline directly adjacent to Puente Romano, providing proximity to established five-star hotel infrastructure. Described as “by invitation only” marketing reflects limited availability and premium positioning.

Key Features:

  • Direct beach access via private beach club
  • 9,000m² communal gardens and pools
  • Smart home technology throughout
  • BREEAM sustainability certification
  • Underground parking (double garage included)
  • Architecture by Tobal Arquitectos

What availability remains?

Marketing materials indicate “very limited availability” with most units reportedly sold during construction phase. Remaining inventory concentrated in larger configurations (4-5 bedroom penthouses).

Completion Risk: Low. Construction well advanced with late 2025/Q1 2026 delivery realistic. Developer CTH Capital maintaining construction timeline.

Target Buyer: UHNWI seeking turnkey Golden Mile beachfront with hotel-adjacent services. Particularly attractive to Middle Eastern and American buyers valuing Puente Romano proximity.


Development #3: Epic Marbella furnished by Fendi Casa

Status: Phase 1 delivered (April 2024), Phases 2-3 under construction

Developer: Sierra Blanca Estates
Location: Golden Mile, 800m from beach
Property Types: Luxury apartments across three phases
Unit Count: 54-56 residences total
Price Range: €4,000,000 – €15,000,000+

Why has Epic Marbella achieved record prices?

Epic Marbella was the first branded residence on the Costa del Sol. Properties have reportedly sold for three times their 2019 launch prices, reflecting both brand premium and market appreciation. Phase 1 delivery in April 2024 demonstrated Sierra Blanca Estates’ execution capability.

Key Features:

  • Fendi Casa interiors with signature kitchen and wardrobes
  • Italian travertine marble throughout
  • 25-metre indoor and outdoor pools
  • Spain’s only authentic wooden basketball court
  • Golf simulator, spa with hammams and saunas
  • “Angel” concierge service (Four Seasons-trained staff)
  • Social club for private events

How does Epic compare to Design Hills?

Epic Marbella: Delivered product, proven concept, higher current pricing reflecting appreciation. Design Hills: Larger scale, more extensive amenities, longer timeline, lower entry price.

FactorEpic MarbellaDesign Hills D&G
StatusPhase 1 deliveredConstruction commenced
Entry Price~€4MFrom €4M
CompletionPhases 2-3 completing 2025-2026H2 2028
BrandFendi CasaDolce&Gabbana
Total Units54-5692

Completion Risk: Low for remaining phases. Developer has demonstrated delivery capability with Phase 1.


What are current prices across Marbella’s major developments?

Price Per Square Metre Comparison (November 2025)

DevelopmentLocationPrice/m²Premium vs Resale*Justification
Design Hills D&GGolden Mile€14,000-€22,000+75-175%Brand, amenities, views
UNO BeachGolden Mile€12,000-€18,000+50-125%Beachfront scarcity
Epic MarbellaGolden Mile€12,000-€20,000+50-150%Brand, delivered product
Karl Lagerfeld VillasGolden Mile€15,000-€25,000+90-210%Only KL project globally
Finca CortesínCasares€7,000-€12,000+40-100%Resort integration
The EdgeEstepona€6,000-€9,000+20-50%Emerging location

Premium calculated versus Golden Mile resale average €8,000/m² and Estepona average €6,000/m²

Value Assessment

Strongest value proposition: Finca Cortesín delivers five-star resort integration (golf, spa, Michelin-star dining) at 40-50% discount to Golden Mile pricing. Distance from Marbella centre (15km) is the trade-off.

Highest premium: Karl Lagerfeld Villas command €15,000-€25,000/m² as the only residential project globally bearing the late designer’s creative direction. Only five villas in total.

Middle ground: UNO Beach and Epic Marbella price at Golden Mile levels with genuine differentiation through beachfront location or brand partnership.


Which projects have available inventory versus sold-out status?

Sales Status Overview (November 2025)

DevelopmentTotal UnitsEstimated SoldAvailabilityStatus
Design Hills D&G92~30-40%GoodSales ongoing, construction started
UNO Beach50~70-80%LimitedInvitation-only for remaining units
Epic Marbella54-56~80%+Very LimitedPhase 1 delivered, premium resales
Karl Lagerfeld5UndisclosedEnquiry basisUltra-limited supply
Finca Cortesín Green 1016~50-60%AvailableReady-to-move and off-plan options
The Edge Estepona68~30-40%GoodConstruction ongoing

Note: Sales percentages are estimates based on available market information and may not reflect exact developer figures.

What drives sales velocity?

Developments with strongest sales velocity share characteristics: established developer track record, recognisable brand partnership, limited unit count, and genuine location scarcity (beachfront or resort-integrated).

Slower-selling developments typically face one or more challenges: emerging location requiring buyer education, higher price sensitivity in €2-4M segment, or developer with shorter local track record.


How do branded residences compare to traditional developments?

Marbella has become Europe’s branded residence capital. Understanding the trade-offs helps buyers decide whether brand premium delivers proportionate value.

Branded vs Traditional Comparison

FactorBranded (D&G, Fendi, KL)Traditional
Price Premium20-40% above comparableBaseline
Service StandardsGuaranteed by brand reputationDeveloper-dependent
AmenitiesCurated to brand standardsStandard luxury
HOA/Service FeesHigher (€800-€1,500/month typical)Lower (€300-€600/month)
Resale ValuePremium maintained if brand strongMarket-driven
Rental AppealBrand recognition aids marketingLocation-dependent
Target BuyerLifestyle-focused, brand-consciousInvestment-focused, value-conscious

When does branded make sense?

Choose branded if:

  • Service consistency matters more than cost optimisation
  • Brand alignment enhances personal lifestyle
  • International owner requiring reliable property management
  • Rental income secondary to personal enjoyment

Choose traditional if:

  • Value optimisation is primary objective
  • Lower HOA fees important for rental yield
  • Flexibility in property management preferred
  • Pure investment focus (IRR over lifestyle)

What completion timelines should buyers expect?

Construction Timeline Summary

DevelopmentConstruction StartExpected CompletionRisk Level
Epic Marbella Phase 12020Delivered April 2024N/A
UNO BeachQ1 2023Q4 2025/Q1 2026Low
Epic Marbella Phases 2-32022Q2 2026Low
Finca Cortesín Green 10VariousReady-to-move + 2-year deliveryLow
The Edge EsteponaQ3 2023Q1 2026Low-Moderate
Design Hills D&GJuly 2025H2 2028Moderate
Karl Lagerfeld Villas20242026-2027Low

What causes delays?

Spanish coastal construction faces potential delays from: permit modifications (environmental compliance), material supply chain disruptions, labour availability (seasonal construction workforce), and weather (winter rainfall affects coastal sites).

Buyer protection: Spanish law requires developers to provide bank guarantees for off-plan purchases. If a developer fails to complete, buyers can recover deposits. However, opportunity cost (alternative investment returns, foregone rental income) is not protected.


Where is development activity concentrated geographically?

Development Investment by District

DistrictMajor DevelopmentsInvestment VolumeTrend
Golden MileDesign Hills, UNO, Epic, KL Villas€2.5bn+Dominant activity
New Golden Mile (Estepona)The Edge, multiple others€800M+Emerging growth
BenahavísReserva de Alcuzcuz, La Quinta€500M+Steady
Casares/Finca CortesínGreen 10, resort expansion€400M+Premium niche
Nueva AndalucíaMarbella Lake, golf villas€300M+Family-focused
Puerto BanúsMarina-adjacent penthouses€200M+Rental-focused

Golden Mile concentration

Approximately 70% of luxury development investment concentrates on Marbella’s 6km Golden Mile stretch. This reflects: scarcity (limited remaining development land), demand (UHNWI buyers prioritise Golden Mile addresses), and economics (developers achieve highest price/m² here).

Implication: If Design Hills, Epic remaining phases, and UNO complete simultaneously (2025-2028), temporary supply increase could moderate price growth. However, pre-sales suggest demand exists at current pricing levels.


Key Questions Buyers Ask

Does the Golden Visa still apply to these purchases?

No. Spain ended the Golden Visa real estate route on April 3, 2025. Non-EU buyers can still purchase property without restrictions, but property investment no longer provides a path to Spanish residency. Alternative residency options include the Non-Lucrative Visa (requires 183+ days residence annually) or Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers).

What purchase costs apply beyond the property price?

Off-plan purchases (new developments) incur 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty (AJD). Budget approximately 11.5-12% additional costs. Resale properties pay 7% transfer tax (ITP) in Andalucía. Legal fees, notary, and registry add approximately 1-1.5%.

Can I rent out a branded residence?

Most branded developments permit rentals, though some restrict short-term tourist lets to maintain community standards. Check specific development rules before purchase. Tourist license (Vivienda de Uso Turístico) requirements in Andalucía have tightened under Decree 31/2024.

What happens if a developer fails to complete?

Spanish law requires developers to provide bank guarantees covering buyer deposits. If completion fails, guarantees protect capital return. However, buyers bear opportunity cost and potential market timing risk. Due diligence on developer financial strength is essential for off-plan purchases.

How do I verify developer claims about sales percentages?

Developer-reported sales figures should be treated with appropriate scepticism. Independent verification is difficult. Indicators of genuine sales velocity include: visible construction progress matching announced timeline, limited marketing activity (suggests reduced inventory), and premium resale pricing for delivered phases.


Conclusion

Marbella’s €3.2bn development pipeline represents genuine UHNWI demand, not speculative overbuilding. Pre-sales exceeding €300M at Design Hills before construction, limited remaining inventory at UNO Beach, and Phase 1 delivery at Epic Marbella all validate market depth.

For buyers evaluating €3M-€25M off-plan commitments, systematic assessment remains essential: developer track record, realistic completion timeline, pricing relative to comparable resale, and brand value proportionate to premium charged.

The Golden Mile dominates luxury development activity, creating both opportunity (premium addresses) and risk (concentrated supply increase 2025-2028). Emerging locations like Estepona’s New Golden Mile offer lower entry prices with higher appreciation potential, balanced against longer market establishment risk.

No single development suits all buyers. Investment-focused purchasers prioritising value might favour Finca Cortesín’s resort integration at lower price/m². Lifestyle-focused buyers seeking brand alignment and amenity excellence might justify Design Hills or Karl Lagerfeld premiums. Those requiring near-term completion and proven delivery should consider Epic Marbella’s delivered phases or UNO Beach’s imminent completion.



For exclusive access to Marbella’s most exceptional luxury properties and comprehensive market insight, contact our specialized advisory team at marbella@blackprive.com


About the Author

Alexander Thornbury MRICS analyses European luxury property markets for UHNWI buyers and family offices. With 15 years advising international clients at leading global property consultancies, he specialises in cross-border transactions and tax-efficient property structuring. Alexander holds MRICS accreditation and contributes market intelligence to Black Privé’s research library.

Disclosure: This article provides independent analysis of property developments. No developers paid for inclusion. Black Privé maintains editorial independence in all market analysis. Development details subject to change—verify with developers before commitment.


Related Articles


Sources:

  • Sierra Blanca Estates official communications (2024-2025)
  • CTH Capital / UNO Marbella project documentation
  • Finca Cortesín Real Estate listings
  • Spanish Official Gazette (BOE) – Golden Visa abolition January 2025
  • Market pricing data from multiple listing sources
  • Developer websites accessed November 2025