How new roads, hotels and major projects are impacting real estate appreciation
When analysing Marbella infrastructure and property values, one thing is clear… When you’re investing in the premium property market around the Costa del Sol, the house itself is only part of the story. What often drives long-term value is the infrastructure and urban development around it. At Cima, we believe that understanding how roads, transport, hotels, sporting venues and outdoor areas evolve gives you a real edge — not just today, but five, ten, fifteen years out.
1. A Gateway Transformed: Málaga ‑ Costa del Sol Airport
One of the most powerful value-drivers for the region is the airport. The airport operator Aena has committed to around €1.5 billion to expand the Málaga – Costa del Sol Airport.
The plan:
- Terminal area almost doubling from ~80,000 m² to ~140,000 m².
- Capacity rising to ≈ 36 million passengers a year.
- New connections to a total of 200 destinations.
- Major upgrades: non-Schengen dock, expanded security & check-in space, automated services with new technology, enhanced commercial zones. SUR in English
Why this matters for property:
- More connectivity = more international buyers and renters + stronger demand.
- Investment in transport infrastructure tends to correlate with property price rises.
- Property buyers recognise the airport as one of the cornerstones of “ease of ownership” for foreign purchasers.
- For luxury homes in Marbella, being within 30–45 minutes of an airport that’s getting world-class upgrades is a clear selling point and confidence driver.
2. Roads, Walkways & Urban Renewal
It’s not just the big ticket items. Local infrastructure enhancements are equally important.
- For example, the new walkway in Nueva Andalucía linking directly to Puerto Banús is part of a wider push to make local neighbourhoods more pedestrian-friendly, stylish and accessible.
View properties near Nueva Andalucía! - Municipal investment in roads, park areas, promenades and public spaces is continuous across Marbella and its surrounding towns. The provincial transport minister noted “key infrastructure projects to address the growing challenges of moving around the province” on the Costa del Sol. Sur in English
Why this matters: Improved liveability = higher perceived value. Buyers are drawn not just to the home but to the ease with which they can move, walk, enjoy public spaces, and access amenities.
3. Sports & Leisure Venues = Lifestyle Anchors
Luxury real-estate in prime locations doesn’t thrive purely on the four walls – it thrives on lifestyle. That means sports, culture, entertainment. A significant example:
- The new stadium project in Marbella, to replace the Estadio Antonio Lorenzo Cuevas, is backed by a €100-130 million investment, 10,000-seater capacity, hotel, commercial zone and high-performance sports centre. Olive Press News Spain
Why it matters:
- Sport and entertainment venues attract visitors, boost appeal, raise the standard of local services.
- Homes nearby benefit from “destination” status: buyers aren’t just buying a house, they’re buying access to something bigger.
As Marbella begins to position itself as a global luxury hub for living, sport and recreation become essential components of that narrative — and hence, of property value.
4. Hospitality, Hotels & Destination Development
Luxury homes are tightly linked to luxury hotels and destination-style infrastructure. Marbella has seen a consistent stream of new high-end hotels, branded residences and hospitality developments.
- Such developments raise the entire service-level of the area: better restaurants, higher standards, more amenities.
- This in turn means premium property buyers expect — and will pay for — areas that deliver that level of infrastructure.
When you pair a villa in a top location with an area that is attracting 5-star hotel investment, you’re really buying into future value.
5. How Buyers Should Interpret It
For a premium estate buyer or seller in Marbella, these developments translate into a few practical signals:
- Location + infrastructure = premium: If your home is close to major infrastructure upgrades, you’re likely to see stronger value growth.
- Long-term horizon: Some developments (airport expansions, rail links, big hotels) take years; value growth is over time.
- Liveability matters: Schools, parks, walkways, sport facilities… they all drive demand from high-net-worth buyers seeking lifestyle, not just property.
- Sell or buy into the improvement curve: If you’re considering selling, highlight infrastructure improvements in your pitch. If buying, look for upcoming upgrades you can “buy ahead of”.
In Summary
At Cima, we don’t just look at the property — we look at its ecosystem. Marbella’s future value is being shaped now: by major airport expansion, by local infrastructure investment, by world-class sports and hospitality developments. These aren’t nice to have — they are value enhancers. If you’re buying in Marbella’s €1M+ segment, understanding this infrastructure story gives you a smarter, more confident decision.
If you’re selling, make sure your listing reflects these transformational influences.
Stay ahead. Stay informed. That’s the Cima way.
