News | SoloBanus

Why Marbella?

Carolina Salem — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:55:38 +0000

Hi there! Today, I want to share a bit of my own journey with you.

I grew up in Marbella
Marbella became our home almost by chance, my mother in the mid-70s looking for a holiday chose Marbella simply because it was close to London and an easy flight away travelling with children.
At the time Marbella was a kept secret rather than the world-famous destination it is today.
Both my parents were taken by Marbella for different reasons, my father as a business man saw great investment opportunities, my mother agreed to relocate the family base as she felt it was a happy and safe place to raise children in a good climate; she had always been hesitant to re-locate prior to then, regardless of the opportunities in place with my father having offices in various countries around the world.
An accidental choice of destination, a short holiday that changed our family base from London to Marbella in less than a year.
So, my siblings and I grew up in Marbella surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, with mountains in the background, and endless sunny days to play with our school friends and any other new friends we met on the way, a very happy childhood indeed with many activities and socializing as is natural when the weather is as it is in Marbella.
After trying different schools, we rooted at Aloha College in the Nueva Andalucia area, it was a much smaller school back then in its first years when we joined, yet it was still top in its league and one of the only at the time providing the international curriculum we needed to later have the choice of attending universities abroad.

So, sure, I’ve travelled, and explored other beautiful parts of the world both with my parents and on my own, I’ve studied, worked and lived abroad too, but to me, Marbella remains one of the absolute best destinations out there and I’m not alone in my thinking!
Marbella has been recognized with countless awards for its unique blend of beauty, lifestyle, and quality of life.

Why Marbella?
Marbella is Not Just Beautiful, It’s a Way of Life.
Marbella has a vibe that’s both glamorous and laid-back. People often associate it with luxury and exclusivity, and that’s definitely here, but Marbella has a side for everyone. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking for a beautiful place to retire, Marbella welcomes you and your families with open arms.

And while Marbella certainly has its high-end properties, there are plenty of homes that suit a range of lifestyles. You’ll find everything from cosy, affordable apartments in lively neighbourhoods to stunning villas with panoramic views. Marbella isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy; it’s a place for everyone who wants to enjoy a balanced, fulfilling life.

Health, Safety, and Community:
Marbella Has It All.
One of the reasons Marbella is so popular as a health and wellness destination is our unbeatable climate. With over 320 days of sunshine a year, you can enjoy an outdoor lifestyle that’s perfect for your physical and mental well-being. Marbella offers so much beyond just the beach; hiking, golf, water sports, and just walking around Old Town are all part of daily life here and even as a local you find yourself taking pictures of the surroundings every day as you probably know if you follow my posts. There’s a natural ease to life in Marbella that’s hard to match.

And it’s not just about the weather. Marbella is safe in comparison to most places, which is a huge plus. If you have children, you’ll find an impressive range of international schools that cater to various curriculums, languages, and academic approaches, ensuring top-quality education options for every family. Also, public schools where foreign children can easily pick up their Spanish too. For families new to the area, these schools all offer a welcoming, supportive environment where children from all backgrounds can thrive and feel included. If you’re here on your own you’ll find good climate makes people more approachable and friendly, it really is easy to find your place in Marbella if you want to. If you prefer to keep to yourself its also ok, you’ll find happiness and motivation in simple everyday life, sports, walks, a coffee by the sea or at a golf course club, going to the local markets for fresh fruits and vegetables…a choice of al-fresco dining.

A Place That Welcomes Everyone<\/strong>
For those of you considering making Marbella your home, let me tell you: English is widely spoken here. You don\u2019t need to know Spanish from day one to settle in comfortably. Most locals and residents speak English fluently, which means you can feel at ease in those early stages while you get settled. Later on, if you choose to learn Spanish, that\u2019s a fantastic way to connect even more deeply with the local culture, but it\u2019s not a barrier at all in the beginning.<\/p>\n
Why Marbella Is a Smart Investment<\/strong>
Marbella\u2019s real estate market has something for everyone, and it\u2019s still one of the most affordable luxury destinations compared to other top spots in Europe or the U.S. The cost of living here is also more reasonable than most big cities, especially considering the quality of life and amenities you get. Investing in property here isn\u2019t just about buying a home; it\u2019s about investing in a lifestyle that many people can only dream of. And with the market\u2019s steady growth, Marbella properties tend to increase in value, making it a great choice for both personal and financial reasons.<\/p>\n
Marbella\u2019s Ideal Location for Adventure<\/strong>
Besides being a fantastic place to live, Marbella is a perfect base for exploring southern Spain and if you work abroad, you have excellent flight connections. M\u00e1laga Airport is a short drive away (40 minutes) with flights connecting you to major cities all over Europe, now direct flights to parts of US as well. And if you\u2019re in the mood for a road trip, some incredible destinations are right at your fingertips. Take a short drive to Tarifa (45 minute drive)<\/em>, known as Spain\u2019s surfing haven, and you\u2019ll find everything from kitesurfing to windsurfing. Or head to the Sierra Nevada<\/em> (2 hours drive) for winter skiing, close enough for a spontaneous weekend on the slopes. And don\u2019t forget Portugal (7 hour drive)<\/em>, only a few hours away by car. I don\u2019t want to bore you, but we are spoilt for choice here, there are many places to visit only a drive away, which means you could head off for the day and back that night.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
My Personal Highlights
<\/strong>If you\u2019re coming to visit or just moved to town, here are a few of my favourite places to visit:<\/p>\n
\n
The Golf Courses<\/strong>: Marbella is golf heaven! With courses that are as challenging as they are scenic, there\u2019s something here for every golfer.<\/li>\n
Puente Romano Resort<\/strong>: It\u2019s a Marbella landmark known for its stunning beach, luxurious wellness facilities, and world-class dining.<\/li>\n
Old Town Marbella<\/strong>: The heart of the city with cobblestone streets, charming squares, and some of the best tapas you\u2019ll ever try.<\/li>\n
Puerto Ban\u00fas<\/strong>: The famous marina with high-end shopping, beautiful yachts, and nightlife that\u2019s buzzing year-round.<\/li>\n
Tarifa<\/strong>: A quick drive for some of Spain\u2019s best water sports and beach life.<\/li>\n
Cadiz<\/strong>: Paradise on earth- my favourite beaches in the south of Spain.<\/li>\n
Sierra Nevada<\/strong>: Skiing in winter, mountain fun in summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
All are a drive away and there are many more special places I haven\u2019t mentioned.<\/p>\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong>
For me, Marbella has it all: beautiful landscapes, an incredible climate, and a lifestyle that\u2019s both vibrant and relaxed. Whether you\u2019re looking to move here solo or with your family, invest, or just experience this amazing city, Marbella is ready to welcome you and yours.
And if you\u2019re interested in learning more about finding the perfect property for you, you know where to find me!<\/p>\n
Warm regards,
Carolina Salem
Director-owner @ Solobanus Marbella Properties<\/p>","tablet":"
A Place That Welcomes Everyone<\/strong>
For those of you considering making Marbella your home, let me tell you: English is widely spoken here. You don\u2019t need to know Spanish from day one to settle in comfortably. Most locals and residents speak English fluently, which means you can feel at ease in those early stages while you get settled. Later on, if you choose to learn Spanish, that\u2019s a fantastic way to connect even more deeply with the local culture, but it\u2019s not a barrier at all in the beginning.<\/p>\n
Why Marbella Is a Smart Investment<\/strong>
Marbella\u2019s real estate market has something for everyone, and it\u2019s still one of the most affordable luxury destinations compared to other top spots in Europe or the U.S. The cost of living here is also more reasonable than most big cities, especially considering the quality of life and amenities you get. Investing in property here isn\u2019t just about buying a home; it\u2019s about investing in a lifestyle that many people can only dream of. And with the market\u2019s steady growth, Marbella properties tend to increase in value, making it a great choice for both personal and financial reasons.<\/p>\n
Marbella\u2019s Ideal Location for Adventure<\/strong>
Besides being a fantastic place to live, Marbella is a perfect base for exploring southern Spain and if you work abroad, you have excellent flight connections. M\u00e1laga Airport is a short drive away (40 minutes) with flights connecting you to major cities all over Europe, now direct flights to parts of US as well. And if you\u2019re in the mood for a road trip, some incredible destinations are right at your fingertips. Take a short drive to Tarifa (45 minute drive)<\/em>, known as Spain\u2019s surfing haven, and you\u2019ll find everything from kitesurfing to windsurfing. Or head to the Sierra Nevada<\/em> (2 hours drive) for winter skiing, close enough for a spontaneous weekend on the slopes. And don\u2019t forget Portugal (7 hour drive)<\/em>, only a few hours away by car. I don\u2019t want to bore you, but we are spoilt for choice here, there are many places to visit only a drive away, which means you could head off for the day and back that night. <\/strong><\/p>\n
My Personal Highlights
<\/strong>If you\u2019re coming to visit or just moved to town, here are a few of my favourite places to visit:<\/p>\n
\n
The Golf Courses<\/strong>: Marbella is golf heaven! With courses that are as challenging as they are scenic, there\u2019s something here for every golfer.<\/li>\n
Puente Romano Resort<\/strong>: It\u2019s a Marbella landmark known for its stunning beach, luxurious wellness facilities, and world-class dining.<\/li>\n
Old Town Marbella<\/strong>: The heart of the city with cobblestone streets, charming squares, and some of the best tapas you\u2019ll ever try.<\/li>\n
Puerto Ban\u00fas<\/strong>: The famous marina with high-end shopping, beautiful yachts, and nightlife that\u2019s buzzing year-round.<\/li>\n
Tarifa<\/strong>: A quick drive for some of Spain\u2019s best water sports and beach life.<\/li>\n
Cadiz<\/strong>: Paradise on earth- my favourite beaches in the south of Spain.<\/li>\n
Sierra Nevada<\/strong>: Skiing in winter, mountain fun in summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
All are a drive away and there are many more special places I haven\u2019t mentioned.<\/p>\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong>
For me, Marbella has it all: beautiful landscapes, an incredible climate, and a lifestyle that\u2019s both vibrant and relaxed. Whether you\u2019re looking to move here solo or with your family, invest, or just experience this amazing city, Marbella is ready to welcome you and yours.
And if you\u2019re interested in learning more about finding the perfect property for you, you know where to find me!<\/p>\n
Warm regards,
Carolina Salem
Director-owner @ Solobanus Marbella Properties<\/p>"},"target":"","hover_selector":""},"slug":"et_pb_text"}" data-et-multi-view-load-tablet-hidden="true">
A Place That Welcomes Everyone
For those of you considering making Marbella your home, let me tell you: English is widely spoken here. You don’t need to know Spanish from day one to settle in comfortably. Most locals and residents speak English fluently, which means you can feel at ease in those early stages while you get settled. Later on, if you choose to learn Spanish, that’s a fantastic way to connect even more deeply with the local culture, but it’s not a barrier at all in the beginning.

Why Marbella Is a Smart Investment
Marbella’s real estate market has something for everyone, and it’s still one of the most affordable luxury destinations compared to other top spots in Europe or the U.S. The cost of living here is also more reasonable than most big cities, especially considering the quality of life and amenities you get. Investing in property here isn’t just about buying a home; it’s about investing in a lifestyle that many people can only dream of. And with the market’s steady growth, Marbella properties tend to increase in value, making it a great choice for both personal and financial reasons.

Marbella’s Ideal Location for Adventure
Besides being a fantastic place to live, Marbella is a perfect base for exploring southern Spain and if you work abroad, you have excellent flight connections. Málaga Airport is a short drive away (40 minutes) with flights connecting you to major cities all over Europe, now direct flights to parts of US as well. And if you’re in the mood for a road trip, some incredible destinations are right at your fingertips. Take a short drive to Tarifa (45 minute drive), known as Spain’s surfing haven, and you’ll find everything from kitesurfing to windsurfing. Or head to the Sierra Nevada (2 hours drive) for winter skiing, close enough for a spontaneous weekend on the slopes. And don’t forget Portugal (7 hour drive), only a few hours away by car. I don’t want to bore you, but we are spoilt for choice here, there are many places to visit only a drive away, which means you could head off for the day and back that night.

My Personal Highlights
If you’re coming to visit or just moved to town, here are a few of my favourite places to visit:

The Golf Courses: Marbella is golf heaven! With courses that are as challenging as they are scenic, there’s something here for every golfer.

Puente Romano Resort: It’s a Marbella landmark known for its stunning beach, luxurious wellness facilities, and world-class dining.

Old Town Marbella: The heart of the city with cobblestone streets, charming squares, and some of the best tapas you’ll ever try.

Puerto Banús: The famous marina with high-end shopping, beautiful yachts, and nightlife that’s buzzing year-round.

Tarifa: A quick drive for some of Spain’s best water sports and beach life.

Cadiz: Paradise on earth- my favourite beaches in the south of Spain.

Sierra Nevada: Skiing in winter, mountain fun in summer.

All are a drive away and there are many more special places I haven’t mentioned.

Final Thoughts
For me, Marbella has it all: beautiful landscapes, an incredible climate, and a lifestyle that’s both vibrant and relaxed. Whether you’re looking to move here solo or with your family, invest, or just experience this amazing city, Marbella is ready to welcome you and yours.
And if you’re interested in learning more about finding the perfect property for you, you know where to find me!

Warm regards,
Carolina Salem
Director-owner @ Solobanus Marbella Properties

Solobanus New Logo Announcement

Carolina Salem — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:01:14 +0000

I am proud and happy to announce the launch of our new Solobanus logo as part of the ongoing evolution of our company’s brand.

Our professional profile has grown and evolved since we first launched Solobanus in 2005, and now it is time to refresh it. We have altered our logo to reflect who we are today and to represent our dynamic future.

With a lot of design sessions, we have chosen a new logo that is modern and remains true to our longstanding reputation as Real Estate Agents in Marbella.

A Fresh New Look, It is a new look for Solobanus that better matches the changes we’ve made as a company. At Solobanus, we are fully committed to continue delivering an excellent service to each client, collaborators and network. You’ll see this new logo on our website (which also has a new design), LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

This logo is more us today, its modern and fresher, we’ve put much thought and effort into it. We have added “Marbella Properties” in order to overcome the confusion as to the areas we cover, which we understand that Solobanus on its own may have generated in the past, and at the same time we try to promote Marbella itself with each chance we get. We have included “by Carolina Salem” to give it a more personal touch and for those who know our trajectory will be reminded we’ve been in business ourselves since 1999 even before Solobanus and furthermore our family history in the Marbella Real Estate which goes further back since the late 70s.

Our business cards include our mission statement “We are here to help you!” and our slogan “Life is Beautiful in Marbella”, once again we are huge promoters of our beautiful Marbella and the Quality of Life it offers us.

Solobanus’ s new logo comes in two colours; black and gold. These colours convey elegance, class and prestige which is how we see our Marbella; these colours also symbolise wealth and success, which we hope will serve clients, collaborators and ourselves as a good omen.

Our Website, Along with announcing our new brand logo, we have revamped our website too; https://www.solobanus.com . The new site comes in a more modern, clean, and an organized layout to provide clients searching for properties and information a friendlier, easier way to find these and get in touch.

We have also included a section for International Properties on our website, as we have in fact been busy selling properties abroad in the last few years too, yet we did not have these displayed on our website.

The new logo and website reflect the growth-minded spirit of our company and is designed to inspire and further elevate us as we continue to provide excellent real estate advice and service to our current and upcoming clients.

The logo change will not involve any modifications to the nature or operations of the company, nor will it in any way affect our existing relations with our clients, collaborators and network.

Please follow us on our Facebook, Insta and LinkedIn pages if you don’t already, invite your friends to follow too, we are excited to get ourselves further out there and appreciate your valuable support.

We hope you like our new look!

Golden Visa Residency – What You Should Know

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 12:06:35 +0000

Frequently asked questions about the Golden Visa of Spain

As a real estate agency we try to advise our clients. Here you have a description of the most frequently asked questions about the residence permit in Spanish with their answers.

What is a Spanish residence permit or 'visa de oro'?
It is the Spanish law that aims to encourage foreign investors to invest in the country. It means that any foreign investor who meets the requirements and invests at least €500,000 in real estate is offered a quick and easy way to obtain a Spanish residence permit.

Is it permanent?
Yes, eventually. Permanent residence is a process that must be done step by step, although its process has been facilitated with the arrival of the new law. If you want to invest, the first step is to obtain a residence visa valid for a maximum of one year. After obtaining this, the second step is to apply for a residence permit for 2 years. The permit can be renewed every two years, as long as the investment is in force. If you have spent at least 6 months in Spain each year, after 5 years you can apply for a permanent residence of 5 years and after 10 years you can even apply for Spanish nationality.

When do I need it?
The 'gold visa' for Spain is aimed mainly at investors who do not belong to the European Union. If you live outside the European Union, a Spanish residence permit is a very easy way to obtain free travel rights within the EU and later in the Schengen area, without having to spend too many days actually residing in the country.

What are the main benefits?
Having a Spanish residence permit offers several benefits. Generally speaking, a great deal of bureaucracy is eliminated. Some of the important benefits for real estate owners are:
Entry into Spain and the other 26 countries of the European Union (Schengen area)
- You only have to come to Spain once a year to keep the permit, and yet you don't have to stay for long periods.
- The permit can be easily renewed every two years.
- You have the right to work as an employer or employee once you have been granted 2 years' leave.
- Your spouse and children under the age of 18 can apply for residency.

What about taxes?
When you buy real estate and obtain a Spanish residence permit, you will be subject to some form of tax. What and how much depends on how long you spend in Spain during the year. If you are in Spain for more than 6 months, you are considered a Spanish resident and your worldwide assets and income will be taxed in Spain. If you are in Spain for less than 6 months, you only pay taxes on the initial purchase of your property and then on the value of your assets in Spain.

Are there any requirements to obtain a Golden Visa?
As we indicated at the beginning of this post, if you wish to obtain the golden visa for Spain, you will first have to apply for a one-year Residence Visa by making any of the following investments:
- An investment of 500,000 euros in the Spanish real estate sector. It can be one or more properties of any type.
- An investment of one million euros in bank deposits in Spanish financial institutions.
- An investment of one million euros in shares of Spanish companies.
- An investment of two million euros in Spanish public debt.
- To carry out a business project in Spain of general interest, which creates employment, contributes to technological and/or scientific innovation or has a socio-economic impact in the local area.
After having obtained the residence visa for 1 year, you can re-apply for a 2 year residence permit. For this, there are the following requirements:
- The investment you made to obtain the residence visa must still be valid.
- You must have traveled at least once to Spain in the year prior to the application.

Where do I apply?
You can apply for initial visa residence at the Spanish Consulate in your country. You may do so yourself, but if you are unable to attend personally, you may sometimes apply through a representative, depending on the consulate.

What documents are required for a real estate investor visa?
To prove that you have invested €500,000 or more and complete the application for a Spanish residence permit, some documents are required. You must have:
- A presentation of the Land Registry (certificate) OR notarial deeds and proof that the deeds have been presented to the Land Registry.
- Passport valid for at least one more year.
- Two photographs of you
- Proof of financial solvency
- If your spouse applies: a marriage certificate
- If your children apply: birth certificates
- Proof of medical insurance valid in Spain.
- Proof that you do not have a criminal record.

How long does it take?
The residence permit for Spanish investors was designed to clear the way for non-EU investors. Therefore, obtaining the golden visa in Spain is done quite quickly. The residence of the visa will be decreed in 10 working days, after which you can immediately apply for a 2 year Spanish residence permit or wait until the 1 year visa expires to apply for it.
The application for a 2 year residence permit has to be presented at an Immigration Office in Madrid and the process takes 20 days.