Buying a Boat Berth in Marbella: What Property Buyers Need to Know
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Some buyers come to Marbella for the sea as much as the sun. Here is what marina berth ownership looks like alongside buying property in Marbella - the options, the costs, and what to check.
Marbella's marina options
The Marbella area has several marinas serving both leisure and commercial maritime activity. Puerto Banus is the most famous - one of the largest marinas in Spain and one of the most prestigious in Europe. Marbella's own municipal port (Puerto Deportivo) in the town centre is smaller but well-located. Further afield, La Duquesa marina to the west and Estepona marina are also popular.
Buying vs renting a berth
Marina berths can be purchased (concessionary ownership for a fixed term, typically 20-50 years) or rented on annual or seasonal contracts. Purchasing a berth in Puerto Banus provides long-term security and the berth typically holds its value well - demand for premium berthing in southern Spain consistently outstrips supply.
Berth prices vary enormously by size and location. A smaller berth (suitable for a 10-12 metre vessel) in Puerto Banus might cost 100,000-200,000 euros to purchase. Larger berths for superyachts can reach several million. Annual rents for owned berths can provide income when the berth is not in use.
Combining with a property purchase
Some properties in the Marbella area come with a mooring or marina berth included, or with a specific berth allocation. These are usually at a premium over equivalent properties without marina access. For serious sailors or motor yacht owners, the combination of a Marbella property and an owned berth is the complete package. Check that any berth included with a property is formally attached to the property sale and not informally arranged.
Annual running costs
Berth ownership incurs annual community fees and maintenance charges from the marina authority. These vary by berth size and marina. Puerto Banus berth annual charges for medium-sized berths typically run 5,000-15,000 euros per year. Factor this into the total cost of marina berth ownership alongside the purchase price.
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Check if it's still free - PlanMarbella.comFrequently Asked Questions
Can I own a marina berth in Puerto Banus?
Yes. Marina berths in Puerto Banus and other Marbella area marinas can be purchased on concessionary terms - typically for periods of 20-50 years. The purchase price varies by size. Owned berths can be sub-let when not in use, providing income.
How much does a berth in Puerto Banus cost?
Prices vary significantly by berth size. Smaller berths suitable for vessels up to 12 metres start at 100,000-200,000 euros. Larger berths for motor yachts of 20 metres or more cost 400,000-800,000 euros or more. Superyacht berths command premium prices. Annual running costs add 5,000-20,000 euros depending on size.
Does buying a Marbella property ever include a marina berth?
Some properties - particularly apartments in marina-front developments - include a berth allocation or marina membership. This is generally reflected in the price. Always verify that the berth is formally attached to the property transaction and not an informal arrangement with the current owner.