Moving Your Belongings to Marbella: What to Know Before You Ship
PlanMarbella
Relocating to your Marbella property means moving your stuff too. Here is what the process looks like, what it costs, and what buyers who have done it wish they had known.
Do you need to ship anything at all?
This is the first question worth asking when buying property in Marbella with the intention of furnishing it from the UK. Many buyers are surprised to find that Spanish furniture and homeware - particularly from IKEA, Leroy Merlin, and El Corte Ingles - is at least as good as British equivalents and often cheaper. New build developments are sometimes sold furnished to a high specification. For a holiday property you are equipping from scratch, buying locally is often simpler than shipping.
For buyers relocating permanently and bringing beloved furniture, artwork, or specific items, international removal is obviously the right call.
Customs and import rules post-Brexit for UK buyers
Since Brexit, UK residents relocating to Spain can import their household goods customs-free under the Transfer of Residence relief - provided they meet the conditions. You must have been resident in the UK (or another non-EU country) for at least 12 consecutive months, the goods must have been in your possession for at least six months, and you must be relocating your habitual residence to Spain. The Spanish customs declaration is filed on arrival. A specialist removal company with post-Brexit Spain experience will guide you through the paperwork.
What a removal to Marbella costs
A full container load from the UK to Marbella typically costs 3,000-7,000 euros depending on volume, speed, and the specific services included (packing, unpacking, assembly). Partial container loads (groupage) are cheaper but slower. Get at least three quotes from removal companies with specific experience in UK-Spain moves - the variation in service quality and price is significant.
Practical tips
Book the removal for the right season - summer delivery windows in Marbella can be tight as urbanisations manage vehicle access more carefully during peak season. Confirm your new property's access arrangements for large vehicles before the removal date. Check what the community rules say about deliveries to your specific complex.
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Check if it's still free - PlanMarbella.comFrequently Asked Questions
Can I import my UK car to Spain after Brexit?
Yes, but it is more complex than during EU membership. You can temporarily use a UK-registered car in Spain for up to 6 months in a 12-month period as a tourist. For longer stays, Spanish registration is required and there are costs involved. Several specialist companies in the Marbella area help with vehicle import and registration.
Do I pay customs duty on furniture I ship from the UK to Spain?
If you qualify for Transfer of Residence relief (relocating your habitual residence, goods owned for 6+ months, UK residence for 12+ months), you can import household goods customs-free. If you do not qualify, standard import duties apply. A removal company specialising in UK-Spain moves will advise on your specific situation.
Is it cheaper to buy furniture in Spain or ship from the UK?
For new furniture, buying in Spain is usually comparable or cheaper and avoids shipping costs and complexity. For furniture you already own and want to bring, shipping makes sense once the cost is lower than replacement value. Many buyers ship specific sentimental or high-value items and buy everything else locally.