EARTH Marbella: a buyer’s guide to the Golden Mile’s sustainable boutique development

There is almost no land left to build on along Marbella’s Golden Mile. That single fact explains why a development such as EARTH is noteworthy, and why buyers pay attention when something genuinely new comes to market. The stretch running west from Marbella town towards Puerto Banús was largely developed decades ago, so most properties that become available today are resales, often older apartments or villas on plots with redevelopment potential. New residential projects in prime Golden Mile locations are comparatively rare.

EARTH is one of those exceptions, and its proposition is somewhat different from the typical new development on the Costa del Sol. This boutique gated community comprises just 28 apartments and penthouses distributed across four low-rise buildings, within easy reach of the Marbella Club and Puente Romano. From the outset, the project has placed particular emphasis on energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact and resident wellbeing rather than treating sustainability simply as an additional marketing feature.

With completion scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, EARTH has also reached an important stage for prospective buyers. Instead of relying primarily on architectural renders and plans, it is now possible to visit the actual properties, assess the finishes, understand the proportions and experience the natural light and outlook from a real terrace. For a buyer, that significantly reduces some of the uncertainty normally associated with purchasing a new-build property before completion.

This guide is intended for buyers seriously considering a property in EARTH, or comparing it with other high-end new developments on Marbella’s Golden Mile. We look at exactly where the development is located, how its four buildings are arranged, the different properties and specifications, and its sustainability credentials and what they mean in practical terms. We also examine the aspects that receive less attention in sales material: the true acquisition cost once taxes and purchase expenses are included, likely ongoing ownership costs and the points worth checking carefully before signing a reservation.

There is an important distinction between evaluating the appeal of a development and evaluating the purchase itself. EARTH has a compelling location, contemporary homes and a strong sustainability concept, but buyers should also understand the financial and practical implications. A new-build purchase in Andalucía is taxed differently from a resale property, extensive communal facilities inevitably influence running costs, and sustainability certifications should be assessed according to their actual status rather than simply their intended target.

Our approach throughout this guide is therefore to look at EARTH from a buyer’s perspective, balancing the qualities of the development with the numbers and due diligence behind the purchase. Project details can also evolve as construction progresses, so specifications, certification status, costs and other particulars should always be confirmed for the individual property before committing.

EARTH is a new residential development on Marbella’s Golden Mile, comprising just 28 apartments and penthouses within a private gated community with 24-hour security and concierge services. It occupies an inland position on the Golden Mile, in the area around Lomas de Marbella Club and Señorío de Marbella, approximately 1.4 kilometres from the Puente Romano resort and within walking distance of the beaches.

The 28 residences are distributed across four architecturally distinct buildings named Water, Stone, Wood and Sand. Rather than using the site to maximise the number of properties, the buildings have been positioned to create greater separation and privacy between residents. That relatively low density is one of the most important aspects of EARTH and a significant part of what gives the development its more intimate character.

The architecture is by Marbella-based studio T10, with José Luis Pérez Halcón and Francisco Santisteban Serrano credited on the project. The design is distinctly contemporary rather than Andalusian, with an emphasis on natural light, generous glazed openings and a carefully considered material palette. Local and noble materials have been prioritised where possible, forming part of the development’s broader approach to reducing its environmental impact.

There is another distinction worth understanding when comparing EARTH with other recent developments on Marbella’s Golden Mile. Several high-profile projects in the area have been created around partnerships with international fashion, design or hospitality brands. EARTH takes a different approach: the emphasis is on the architecture, construction, sustainability and quality of the homes rather than on a name attached to the development.

Neither model is inherently better. For some buyers, an internationally recognised brand is part of the attraction and may also influence how they perceive future resale value. For others, the opportunity to buy a well-designed and technically sophisticated home in a prime Golden Mile location without paying specifically for branded positioning is precisely the appeal. Understanding which matters more to you makes comparisons with other new developments considerably more useful.

The Golden Mile is the four to six kilometre stretch running west from the edge of Marbella town towards Puerto Banús, and it remains one of the most established prime residential addresses in southern Spain. Palm-lined avenues, five-star hotels, beach clubs, landmark villas, designer boutiques and some of Marbella’s best-known restaurants sit between the Mediterranean and the foothills of Sierra Blanca and Nagüeles.

EARTH occupies a residential position within this setting, on the inland side of the Golden Mile and away from the immediate beachfront. Its location places residents on quieter streets behind the coastal road while remaining close to the hotels, restaurants, beaches and social life that have defined this part of Marbella for decades.

Approximate distances and driving times are useful as a guide, although they are worth testing personally at different times of day, particularly during the busier summer months:

• Puente Romano Beach Resort: approximately 1.4 kilometres
• Marbella Club Hotel: a few minutes by car
• Golden Mile beaches and seafront promenade: within walking distance
• Marbella Old Town and the Alameda: approximately 5 to 10 minutes east
• Puerto Banús: approximately 10 minutes west
• Nueva Andalucía Golf Valley and its international schools: approximately 10 to 15 minutes
• Málaga Airport: approximately 45 to 55 minutes via the AP-7

What distinguishes the Golden Mile from many of the newer residential areas further west is not simply its proximity to Marbella, but the concentration of established amenities within a relatively compact area. The Marbella Club and Puente Romano are important reference points for daily life here, with their restaurants, cafés, beach clubs, wellness facilities and social spaces. Puente Romano’s plaza has effectively become one of the Golden Mile’s principal meeting places, while the beachfront promenade provides a route residents genuinely use for walking, running, cycling and reaching restaurants along the coast.

This is therefore not primarily a location chosen for proximity to a shopping centre or a self-contained resort. Its appeal lies in being close to two of the hotels that helped define modern Marbella and to the lifestyle that has developed around them.

The Golden Mile also retains considerably more activity throughout the winter than many of the more seasonal areas further west. Restaurants, hotels, cafés, sports facilities and everyday services continue operating year-round, which is particularly relevant for buyers considering EARTH as a permanent residence or for extended stays rather than purely as a summer home.f Puerto Banús, because the hotels operate year round and a substantial share of residents live here permanently. If you are weighing a year round home against a summer one, that matters.

EARTH offers four main types of residence, and the differences between them are significant enough that choosing the right property within the development matters almost as much as choosing EARTH itself.

Ground-floor apartments come with private gardens and generous terraces opening directly onto the landscaped surroundings. They are particularly well suited to buyers who want substantial outdoor space on the same level as the main living areas and something closer to the feel of a house, without stairs or reliance on a lift.

First-floor apartments sit above the gardens and feature large terraces, generally providing greater privacy from the communal areas as well as a more elevated outlook.

Corner penthouses, also positioned on the first floor due to the low-rise design of the buildings, benefit from the additional light, outlook and sense of openness that comes with a corner position.

The central duplex penthouses are the flagship properties within EARTH. These are considerably larger homes, with generous interior proportions, sea and mountain views, extensive terraces and private rooftop solariums with their own swimming pools. Published properties have included duplex penthouses with approximately 307 m² built and 335 m² of terraces, illustrating just how much emphasis the development places on outdoor living.

Across the development, residences offer three or four bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms throughout the larger properties, open-plan living areas and full-height glazing designed to maximise natural light and the connection with the terraces. Each home also includes a substantial basement storage area and two underground parking spaces equipped for electric vehicle charging. Two spaces are particularly useful for the larger four-bedroom residences and more generous than the single parking space commonly provided in many apartment developments.

The specification is equally important. Kitchens are by Italian manufacturer Modulnova, while home automation is integrated into the properties rather than presented simply as an optional upgrade.

As with any high-end new development, however, buyers should distinguish carefully between what is included as standard and what may be optional or specific to the show home. Request the memoria de calidades, the developer’s written specification schedule, and compare it directly with the property you have viewed. Appliances, sanitaryware, wardrobes, lighting, flooring, the extent of the home automation system and, where applicable, private pool finishes are all details worth confirming in writing before reserving.

This is not an indication that something is wrong with the development. It is simply good due diligence when buying a new-build property, particularly at this price level.

Sustainability is a word used by almost every new development on the Costa del Sol. At EARTH, the more interesting question is what sits behind the claim and how those measures affect the building in practice.

The substantive elements include aerothermal systems for heating and hot water, rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation, and a combination of construction methods and technical systems designed to reduce overall energy consumption. There is also a deliberate focus on indoor environmental quality and the wellbeing of residents, rather than treating sustainability purely as a question of energy efficiency.

The project has also been developed with BREEAM certification as an objective. That distinction matters because BREEAM evaluates buildings against independent criteria covering areas such as energy, water, materials, waste, health and wellbeing, rather than relying solely on the developer’s own sustainability claims.

There are, however, two points buyers should understand clearly.

First, pursuing a certification and receiving it are not the same thing. Ask to see the final BREEAM certificate and the rating actually achieved rather than relying on the intended certification level. The same principle applies to the Energy Performance Certificate, which should be available on completion and provides a useful indication of the property’s actual energy efficiency.

Second, sustainability in a development such as EARTH is not only an environmental consideration. It also has a practical financial dimension. Heating, cooling and hot water represent meaningful running costs in a large property, particularly during Marbella’s warmer months. A genuinely energy-efficient building can therefore reduce annual consumption and help contain long-term ownership costs.

Certified energy performance may also become increasingly relevant when the property is eventually resold. As European building standards continue to place greater emphasis on energy efficiency, newer homes with strong documented performance should be better positioned than comparable properties with significantly higher energy requirements.

For a buyer, the important point is therefore not simply that EARTH is marketed as sustainable. It is to establish which systems are actually installed, what performance they deliver and which independent certifications have been formally awarded.

For a development of just 28 residences, the range of communal facilities at EARTH is unusually extensive. They form an important part of the lifestyle proposition, but also of the long-term cost of ownership.

The wellness facilities include a spa with an indoor heated swimming pool and waterfall feature, sauna and hammam. There is also a fully equipped gym and a separate yoga room, reinforcing the development’s broader emphasis on health and wellbeing rather than treating fitness facilities simply as an additional amenity.

Outside, residents have access to two swimming pools, including a saltwater pool surrounded by landscaped communal gardens and sun terraces. Families are particularly well catered for, with a kids club and a dedicated children’s pool. That level of family-oriented provision is relatively unusual in a boutique development of this size and broadens EARTH’s appeal beyond buyers looking purely for a second home.

The community also provides 24-hour security, controlled access and concierge services, adding both convenience and privacy to everyday life.

These amenities are a genuine part of the attraction of EARTH, but they should also be considered as part of the financial equation. With only 28 properties sharing the cost of maintaining a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, landscaped gardens, children’s facilities, security and concierge services, community fees are likely to represent a meaningful element of the annual ownership budget.

That is not necessarily a disadvantage. The relevant question is whether you value and expect to use the facilities you are paying to maintain. Before purchasing, ask for the projected community budget, the estimated fee for the specific property and a clear breakdown of what it covers. For buyers comparing EARTH with other apartments for sale on Marbella’s Golden Mile, this provides a much more useful picture of the true cost of ownership than the purchase price alone.

Published prices at EARTH have ranged from approximately €2.45 million for the entry-level residences to around €5.35 million for the largest duplex penthouses, with several properties positioned around the €5 million mark.

There are two important points to bear in mind when looking at these figures. First, new-build price lists tend to change as a development sells, often increasing as availability becomes more limited. The properties still available towards the end of the sales process are therefore not necessarily those that were offered at the lowest prices when the project was launched.

Second, property portals are not always a reliable indication of current availability in a new development. Listings can remain online after a unit has been reserved or sold, while newly released or repriced properties may take time to appear. Before making comparisons, ask for the developer’s current availability and latest price list rather than relying solely on advertised prices online.

What the premium buys at EARTH is a newly built contemporary home on Marbella’s Golden Mile, an area where genuinely new residential stock is scarce. Buyers are also paying for modern technical specifications, energy-efficient systems, extensive communal facilities and a level of construction that would generally require substantial renovation to reproduce in an older Golden Mile property.

The counterpoint is equally important. EARTH sits at the upper end of Marbella’s residential market, and buying a new-build property in Andalucía carries a higher acquisition tax burden than purchasing a resale at the same price. Once VAT, stamp duty and the other purchase costs are included, the difference becomes significant at this price level.

That calculation deserves to be considered separately, because it is one of the most important numbers for any buyer comparing EARTH with a high-quality resale property on the Golden Mile.

This is where the financial difference between buying a new-build property and a resale becomes particularly important, and at EARTH’s price level it can represent a substantial amount of money.

A resale property in Andalucía is generally subject to Transfer Tax, ITP, at 7%. A new-build property purchased directly from the developer is instead subject to 10% VAT, plus Stamp Duty, AJD, at approximately 1.2%. That means a tax burden of around 11.2% on a new build compared with 7% on a resale, a difference of 4.2 percentage points before legal, notary, registration and other purchase costs are added.

At EARTH’s price levels, that difference is far from marginal. On a €2.5 million property, for example, 11.2% represents approximately €280,000 in VAT and AJD, compared with €175,000 in ITP on a resale at the same purchase price. The difference in tax alone is around €105,000.

On a €5 million property, the figures become more significant: approximately €560,000 in VAT and AJD compared with €350,000 in ITP on an equivalent resale. That is a difference of around €210,000 before any other acquisition costs are considered.

This does not make a new build a worse purchase. It simply means that comparisons should be made on the total acquisition cost rather than the advertised price. A €5 million apartment at EARTH and a €5 million resale apartment on the Golden Mile do not require the same overall purchase budget.

As a practical working figure, buyers of a new-build property in Andalucía should generally budget around 11% to 13% above the purchase price once taxes and the usual associated costs are taken into account, although the exact amount should always be confirmed with your lawyer for the individual transaction.

At this end of the market, that calculation should be made before choosing between new build and resale, not after the reservation has been signed.

Add notary, Land Registry and legal fees of roughly 1% to 2% whichever route you take, and a sensible working budget becomes approximately 12% to 13% above the purchase price for a new build, compared with around 8% to 9% for a resale.

Two further points are worth understanding, and they work in opposite directions.

In the new build’s favour, VAT is calculated on the price you actually pay. With a resale, Andalusian transfer tax is generally calculated on the higher of the declared purchase price or the cadastral reference value assigned to the property. This means that a well-negotiated resale can still generate a tax bill based on a figure higher than the agreed purchase price. It is an important point to check with your lawyer before completing, particularly when a property has been purchased substantially below its original asking price.

Against the new build is the simple fact that the additional tax is still part of your acquisition cost, and it does not add anything to the underlying resale value of the property. At €5 million, the difference between the two tax treatments is approximately €210,000. That matters when comparing EARTH with an older Golden Mile apartment at a similar asking price.

Once the wider purchase costs are included, a €5 million resale might require an overall budget of approximately €5.4 million to €5.45 million, while a €5 million new-build property could require around €5.6 million to €5.65 million. In other words, two properties with identical headline prices are not necessarily comparable in terms of the cash required to acquire them.

None of this is an argument against buying new. Lower energy consumption, current building standards and specifications, statutory protections applicable to new construction and the absence of an immediate renovation budget all sit on the other side of the equation. On the Golden Mile, there is also the simple issue of scarcity: genuinely new residential developments are extremely limited.

The point is to compare the total cost of each option rather than the asking prices alone. Our guide to buying property in Marbella and the Costa del Sol explains the purchase process and the principal costs involved in both new-build and resale transactions, including the cadastral reference value.

Buying a new-build property works differently from buying a resale, and with EARTH approaching completion, several of those differences now work increasingly in the buyer’s favour.

You can see the actual property. This is one of the biggest advantages of buying at this stage rather than early off plan. As construction advances, buyers can assess much more than plans and architectural renders: the proportions of the rooms, the finishes, natural light, terrace orientation and actual outlook become considerably easier to judge. The trade-off is that the widest choice of properties and many of the personalisation options available to early buyers may no longer be available.

Payment structure. New-build properties are normally paid for in stages, beginning with a reservation deposit, followed by payments under the private purchase contract and the remaining balance on completion before the notary. When buying relatively close to handover, the payment schedule can be considerably more compressed than for an early off-plan purchase. Ask for the exact schedule for the property you are considering and make sure your lawyer reviews it before you commit.

Bank guarantees. Payments made to a developer in advance of completion should have the appropriate legal protection through a bank guarantee or insurance mechanism where applicable. Do not simply assume this is in place. Your lawyer should verify how each advance payment is protected and ensure that the corresponding documentation has been provided.

Licences and first occupation. Physical completion of the property is not the only milestone that matters. Before completing the purchase, your lawyer should verify the relevant planning and occupation documentation for the development and confirm that the property can be legally occupied and the necessary utilities contracted.

Structural insurance. New residential developments in Spain are generally subject to the ten-year structural insurance known as seguro decenal, covering specified structural damage arising from defects affecting the building’s fundamental stability. Your lawyer should confirm that the required policy is in place and review the documentation as part of the completion process.

Snagging. As handover approaches, this becomes one of the most important practical steps. Arrange a detailed inspection of the actual property before completion, preferably with an independent surveyor or technical professional experienced in new-build properties. Check finishes, glazing, doors, sanitaryware, appliances, electrical systems, air conditioning, home automation and terraces, as well as any private pool or other features belonging specifically to the property.

The objective is to identify and document defects as early as possible, agree how they will be rectified and understand what remains outstanding before signing at the notary. Buying close to completion substantially reduces the uncertainty of an off-plan purchase, but it does not remove the need for careful legal and technical due diligence.

The ongoing costs at EARTH reflect the nature of a boutique development with extensive resort-style amenities. Exact figures will depend on the individual property, but the overall structure of the annual ownership costs is relatively straightforward.

The largest recurring expense is likely to be the community fee. An indoor spa with heated pool, two outdoor swimming pools, gym, kids club, landscaped gardens, concierge services and 24-hour security all require ongoing staffing, maintenance and energy. With those costs shared between just 28 properties, the community fee is likely to represent a meaningful part of the annual budget.

That is not necessarily a disadvantage. It is simply the economics of providing an extensive range of amenities within a relatively small residential community. Before buying, ask for the projected community fee for the specific property, together with the community budget and a clear explanation of what is included. It is far better to assess these costs as part of the purchase decision than to discover them after completion.

EARTH should have an important advantage on the other side of the equation. Its emphasis on insulation, energy efficiency and aerothermal systems is designed to reduce energy consumption compared with an older Golden Mile apartment of a similar size. For a large property requiring cooling, heating and hot water throughout the year, those savings can become significant over a longer period. This is where the sustainability credentials of the development have a direct financial relevance rather than being purely environmental.

Other recurring costs include IBI, Marbella’s annual municipal property tax, refuse charges, utilities and home insurance. Non-resident owners should also budget for Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax, IRNR, which can apply even when a property is kept exclusively for personal use and is never rented.

For buyers seriously considering a particular residence at EARTH, the most useful approach is to calculate the ownership costs for that specific property rather than rely on general estimates. Community fees, IBI, utilities, insurance and applicable taxes can then be considered together to give a realistic annual budget before committing to the purchase.

EARTH is particularly well positioned for families and year-round residents, with international schools, healthcare and everyday services all within relatively easy reach of the Golden Mile.

The international schools of Nueva Andalucía, including Aloha College, are approximately 10 to 15 minutes to the west, while further options are available east of Marbella towards Elviria. This gives families access to a broad choice of international curricula within a reasonable daily commute. Our guide to international schools in Marbella and the Costa del Sol covers the principal options, fees, admissions procedures and potential waiting lists.

As with any Marbella property purchase involving children, however, the distance shown on a map tells only part of the story. Test the actual school run at around 8:30 in the morning rather than visiting the route in the middle of the day. Traffic conditions can make a noticeable difference to journey times.

Healthcare is another advantage of this location. Marbella offers both public and private hospitals, together with a particularly strong concentration of private clinics, specialists and multilingual medical practitioners. For international residents, having this level of healthcare provision close to home is one of the practical benefits of living on the Golden Mile. For detailed information on public and private hospitals, medical specialists, international clinics and healthcare services for foreign residents, please refer to our guide to healthcare in Marbella and the Costa del Sol.

Everyday services are equally accessible. Marbella town is approximately 5 to 10 minutes east, with its markets, shops, restaurants, Old Town and Alameda, while Puerto Banús is around 10 minutes west and provides larger-scale shopping, including El Corte Inglés. Most daily needs are therefore close, although EARTH should still be considered a location where having a car is useful for supermarket shopping, school runs and regular errands.

One final practical detail is worth checking regardless of the price of the property. If you plan to work from home, test the broadband connection and mobile coverage in the specific residence rather than assuming performance will be consistent throughout the development. It is also worth understanding exactly how the property’s heating, cooling and hot water systems operate and asking for realistic estimates of their running costs.

These details may be less exciting than the architecture, spa or location, but for anyone planning to spend substantial time at EARTH, they have a direct impact on how well the property works as an everyday home.

The investment case for EARTH rests on three principal factors: a Golden Mile location where genuinely new residential supply is extremely limited, modern energy performance that should compare favourably with older housing stock as efficiency standards become more important, and a boutique scale of just 28 residences that limits the number of directly comparable properties within the development itself.

From a rental perspective, a newly built home with resort-style amenities on Marbella’s Golden Mile has obvious appeal at the upper end of the market. That does not, however, mean rental income should automatically be included in the investment calculation.

Short-term tourist letting in Andalucía is subject to registration and regulatory requirements, while the community of owners may also impose restrictions or conditions on tourist rentals. Before purchasing with rental income in mind, your lawyer should confirm the current rules, the community statutes and whether the specific property can legally be used for the type of letting you intend.

The economics also need to be considered realistically. Gross rental figures are only the starting point. Property management, cleaning and maintenance, community fees, utilities, insurance, taxes and the additional wear associated with frequent occupancy all reduce the net return. For buyers intending to use the property themselves for part of the year, the most valuable rental weeks may also coincide with the periods when they would most like to be in Marbella.

For long-term value, EARTH’s more compelling argument may be scarcity rather than rental yield alone. New construction in established Golden Mile locations is difficult to replicate, and modern technical specifications and documented energy performance could become increasingly relevant when competing with older properties at resale. Neither guarantees capital appreciation, but they are useful factors when assessing how well a property may remain positioned within the market over time.

For broader context, our Marbella real estate market report examines current prices, demand and market trends, while our guide to new developments in Marbella explains what buyers should consider when comparing new-build projects across the area.

Almost every buyer considering EARTH will also be looking at other ways to buy on Marbella’s Golden Mile. The comparison is not simply between one development and another. It comes down to what you value most: a newly built home, beachfront position, established surroundings, branded residences, larger interior space or the character and location of a high-quality resale.

EARTH’s strongest distinction is the combination of new construction, low-density living and extensive amenities in an established Golden Mile location. With only 28 residences, it offers a more boutique environment than many larger resort-style developments, while its contemporary specification and energy-efficient systems remove much of the renovation and technical upgrading that can come with older properties.

The alternative may be a renovated apartment in an established community, a property closer to the beach, a residence within or around Puente Romano, or one of the Golden Mile’s newer branded developments. Each shifts the balance. An established resale may offer a better position or more mature surroundings for the same budget, while a new development may provide stronger energy performance, modern building systems and fewer immediate maintenance requirements. Current Golden Mile inventory spans all of these categories, from renovated apartments to beachfront homes and new construction.

The useful comparison is therefore not EARTH against the Golden Mile in general, but EARTH against the specific alternatives available at the same total acquisition budget. Once taxes, community fees, renovation requirements and running costs are included, properties with similar asking prices can represent very different financial propositions.

You can compare EARTH with current Golden Mile new developments and browse the wider selection of properties for sale on Marbella’s Golden Mile to see how the alternatives differ in location, property type, size and price.

Indicative positioning for orientation only; price levels move with the specific home, position, view and stage of the market.

The simplest distinction is that branded developments sell both the property and the name attached to it, while EARTH places the emphasis on the building itself.

If the prestige, identity and potential resale recognition of an international brand are important to you, the branded schemes on the Golden Mile deserve serious consideration. If your priorities are architecture, construction quality, energy efficiency, modern technical systems and a boutique residential environment, EARTH makes a compelling alternative.

Its longer-term argument is also relatively straightforward: a contemporary, energy-efficient home in a location where new supply is exceptionally difficult to reproduce should remain attractive to future buyers. That does not guarantee resale performance, but it gives EARTH a clear and understandable proposition without relying on a brand name to create its identity.

A development such as EARTH is easy to be drawn to, particularly now that buyers can assess the actual homes rather than rely solely on plans and renders. That makes it even more important to approach the reservation with a clear checklist and verify the details that matter for the specific property you are considering.

• Current availability and price list: both can change as the development sells, while property portal listings are often slower to reflect reservations, sales and price adjustments. Work from the developer’s latest information.
• Completion and handover date: EARTH is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2026. Ask for the anticipated handover date in writing and have your lawyer review what the contract provides if completion is delayed.
• Protection of advance payments: your lawyer should verify that every payment made before completion has the appropriate bank guarantee or insurance protection and that you receive the relevant documentation.
• Written specification: obtain the memoria de calidades and establish precisely what is included in the purchase price. Pay particular attention to kitchens, appliances, sanitaryware, wardrobes, flooring, lighting, home automation and any features specific to the property.
• Sustainability certification: confirm the BREEAM certification and rating actually achieved, together with the final Energy Performance Certificate, rather than relying on the certification or performance originally targeted by the project.
• Community fees: request the projected community budget and the estimated fee for the specific residence. With only 28 properties supporting an extensive range of amenities, this is an important part of the long-term ownership calculation.
• The individual property: do not evaluate EARTH only as a development. Compare the specific block, floor, orientation, privacy, natural light, terrace outlook and what lies between the property and the sea. Even within a development of just 28 homes, these differences can have a meaningful effect on both enjoyment and future resale.
• Developer and guarantees: review the developer’s track record, previous comparable projects and the legal and financial guarantees applicable to EARTH.
• Independent legal representation: appoint your own Spanish lawyer to review the reservation agreement, private purchase contract, planning documentation, guarantees, licences, taxes and completion documentation. They should represent your interests independently rather than those of the developer or selling agent.

None of these checks detracts from EARTH’s strengths. They are simply the due diligence that should accompany any high-value new-build purchase, particularly when the development is approaching completion and the decision can increasingly be based on the property that actually exists rather than the one originally presented on paper.We are happy to go through this list with you and to work alongside your independent lawyer on the checks that protect a new build purchase.

EARTH is particularly well suited to buyers who want a genuinely new home on Marbella’s Golden Mile rather than an older property that has been renovated or still requires updating. In a location where new residential supply is extremely limited, that alone gives the development a relatively distinctive position.

It also makes sense for buyers who care about how a building performs. That may be because sustainability and environmental impact are important to them, or simply because they recognise the long-term financial benefit of better insulation, aerothermal systems and lower energy consumption in a substantial home.

Families are another natural fit. The kids club, children’s pool, security and proximity to international schools make EARTH more practical for family life than many boutique developments aimed primarily at second-home buyers.

Perhaps its most unusual combination, however, is scale and amenities. EARTH provides a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, concierge, security and children’s facilities while containing only 28 residences. Buyers who want resort-style facilities without living in a large residential complex may find that particularly appealing.

There are equally clear reasons why EARTH will not suit everyone. Buyers who value mature gardens and the established atmosphere of an older community may prefer one of the Golden Mile’s long-standing developments. Landscaping takes time to mature, and some established communities have decades of growth that a new development simply cannot reproduce immediately.

Nor is EARTH the right choice for someone whose priority is genuine beachfront living. Its position is inland on the Golden Mile, within easy reach of the coast but not directly on it. Buyers who want to step from their community onto the promenade or beach should compare it with frontline alternatives.

Finally, buyers particularly sensitive to acquisition costs need to factor in the higher taxation associated with purchasing a new build from a developer. EARTH offers advantages that an older resale may not, but those advantages come with a higher initial cash requirement.

Ultimately, EARTH suits buyers who prioritise new construction, modern building performance, privacy and extensive amenities over beachfront position, mature surroundings or the lower acquisition costs of a resale.

They compare asking prices rather than total acquisition costs. A €5 million resale and a €5 million new build do not require the same overall budget. Once taxes and the usual purchase costs are included, the figures are roughly €5.4 million for the resale versus €5.6 million for the new build. That difference needs to be included before deciding which property represents better value.

They take sustainability claims at face value. The important question is not what certification the development intends to achieve, but what has actually been awarded. Ask for the final BREEAM certification and rating, together with the Energy Performance Certificate. Certification pursued and certification achieved are not the same thing.

They underestimate the community fee. An indoor spa and heated pool, two outdoor pools, gym, kids club, landscaped gardens, concierge and 24-hour security represent a substantial level of amenity for only 28 residences to support. Ask for the projected community budget and the estimated contribution for the specific property before buying.

They assume every residence is equally positioned. In a development as small as EARTH, differences in block, floor, orientation, privacy, natural light and terrace outlook can still be considerable. The best-positioned property and a less favourable one may share the same specification, but they will not necessarily offer the same living experience or future resale appeal.

They skip the snagging inspection. With handover approaching, this is one of the most important opportunities to inspect the finished property properly. Use an independent technical professional, document defects carefully and establish how and when they will be rectified. This is the stage at which buyers have the clearest opportunity to address issues before completion.

If you want a genuinely new home on Marbella’s Golden Mile, the choice is extremely limited, and EARTH is one of the few developments that provides it. That scarcity is real, but it is also reflected in the price. It helps explain why these homes are desirable rather than making them inexpensive.

If you are comparing EARTH with the branded developments nearby, it is worth deciding how much value you personally place on the name attached to the property. EARTH has taken a different route, focusing on architecture, engineering, sustainability and the quality of the building itself. For buyers who would rather invest in those elements than pay a premium for international branding, that is a genuine strength.

If sustainability is one of the reasons EARTH appeals to you, verify it. The technical approach appears substantial, which makes it all the more reasonable to ask for the final BREEAM certification and Energy Performance Certificate in writing. Good engineering should be supported by good documentation.

If the alternative is a Golden Mile resale, compare the total acquisition costs before comparing value. The difference in taxation is roughly four percentage points at current rates, and at these purchase prices that represents a considerable amount of money. It belongs in the calculation from the beginning, not as an afterthought at completion.

Finally, if you decide to buy, two relatively unglamorous details deserve particular attention: arrange a thorough independent snagging inspection and obtain the projected community budget before signing. Understanding the condition of the property you are receiving and the annual cost of maintaining the lifestyle around it will tell you more about the purchase than another afternoon studying floor plans.

EARTH’s case is ultimately quite straightforward. It offers something increasingly difficult to find on the Golden Mile: a newly built, technically advanced home with extensive amenities in a genuinely boutique development. The question is not whether that proposition is attractive. It is whether those are the qualities you personally want to pay for.

Where exactly is EARTH Marbella?

EARTH is located on Marbella’s Golden Mile, on the inland side rather than directly on the beachfront, in the area around Lomas de Marbella Club and Señorío de Marbella. It is approximately 1.4 kilometres from Puente Romano and within walking distance of the Golden Mile beaches. Marbella town is around 5 to 10 minutes to the east, Puerto Banús approximately 10 minutes to the west, and Málaga Airport roughly 45 to 55 minutes via the AP-7.

How many homes are there, and what types?

EARTH comprises just 28 apartments and penthouses distributed across four low-rise buildings named Water, Stone, Wood and Sand. The choice ranges from ground-floor apartments with private gardens and first-floor apartments with large terraces to corner penthouses and larger central duplex penthouses. The latter offer sea and mountain views, extensive terraces and private rooftop solariums with their own swimming pools.

When is EARTH Marbella due for completion?

Completion is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. Some older listings may still show dates published during earlier stages of construction, so buyers should confirm the latest handover schedule in writing and have their lawyer review the contractual provisions relating to any delay.

What amenities does EARTH include?

Residents have access to a spa with an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and hammam, as well as a fully equipped gym and separate yoga room. Outdoors there are two swimming pools, including a saltwater pool, landscaped communal gardens, a kids club and a dedicated children’s pool. The development also provides 24-hour security, controlled access and concierge services.

What parking and storage come with each property?

Each residence includes two underground parking spaces equipped for electric vehicle charging, together with a substantial basement storage area. Two parking spaces per property are particularly useful for the larger three and four-bedroom residences.

What makes EARTH a sustainable development?

The development incorporates aerothermal systems for heating and hot water, rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation and a broader strategy intended to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. EARTH has also been developed with BREEAM certification as an objective. Buyers should ask for the final certification and rating actually achieved, together with the Energy Performance Certificate, rather than relying solely on the targets established during development.

How much do properties at EARTH cost, and what taxes apply?

Published prices have ranged from approximately €2.45 million to around €5.35 million, although current prices and availability should always be confirmed before making comparisons.

As a new-build purchase from a developer, the property is generally subject to 10% VAT plus approximately 1.2% AJD, bringing the principal tax burden to around 11.2%. Once legal, notary, Land Registry and other usual purchase expenses are included, a working budget of approximately 12% to 13% above the purchase price is sensible.

By comparison, a resale property in Andalucía is generally subject to 7% ITP, with total acquisition costs commonly budgeted at around 8% to 9% above the price. On a €5 million purchase, the difference in tax alone is approximately €210,000. Buyers should have the precise tax treatment and costs confirmed by their lawyer for their individual transaction.

Can I rent out my property at EARTH?

Potentially, but rental use should be verified before purchasing if it forms part of your investment strategy. Short-term tourist letting in Andalucía is subject to registration and regulatory requirements, and the community of owners may also impose restrictions or conditions.

Your lawyer should therefore confirm both the current regulations and the community statutes applicable to the specific property before you include short-term rental income in your financial projections.

If you are seriously considering EARTH, the most useful conversation is no longer about the development in general. It is about which residences are still available, what they cost today and how the best of them compare with other properties at the same budget. That comparison should include Golden Mile resales, which may offer more interior space, mature gardens or a different position for the money.

We know the Golden Mile and its new developments well, and the differences between individual properties can matter considerably. Block, orientation, privacy, natural light and outlook all influence which residence represents the strongest choice. The same applies when comparing EARTH with the branded and unbranded developments nearby, or with an established resale where the purchase costs, running expenses and potential renovation budget create a very different financial picture.

For a development approaching completion, we can also help buyers look beyond the sales material: projected community costs, specifications, certification, snagging, guarantees and the legal and practical due diligence that should be completed before signing.

When you are ready, get in touch with us and tell us how you would actually use the property, whether for year-round living, extended stays or as a home you intend to rent when you are away. We will help you assess whether EARTH is the right fit or whether another property on the Golden Mile makes more sense for what you want to achieve.