Why golf communities still have premium appeal

Some say that the heyday of golf is behind us in terms of popularity yet frontline golf properties in Marbella and the Costa del Sol in general continue to enjoy premium appeal among buyers.

Though there are some in the sport who worry about the ageing demographic of golf, those properties that front its lush green courses continue to be in great demand among homebuyers. So much so that a golf fronting location bestows a villa or apartment with added desirability and indeed raises its value.

Why choose a golfside property in the Costa del Sol — and the Marbella area in particular

The Costa del Sol has earned its nickname of "Costa del Golf" many times over. With more than 70 first-class golf courses spread across a relatively compact stretch of coastline, it is the leading Mediterranean golf destination in Europe.

Marbella sits at the heart of this golf landscape. Its area, particularly the Golf Valley in Nueva Andalucía, is home to legendary courses including Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, Aloha Golf, and Los Naranjos Golf Club, all within minutes of each other and all surrounded by some of the most sought-after real estate on the Costa del Sol. The wider Marbella area also includes distinguished clubs such as Guadalmina or Santa Clara, and, close by in Benahavís, La Quinta and the ultra-exclusive La Zagaleta, set within a private 900-hectare estate with its own two private courses.

Golf is not only a tourism driver in the area. The Andalusian Tourism Board also links the sector to an estimated €602 million in annual real estate investment, with around 123,400 homes owned by golf tourists in the region, valued at more than €30.1 billion.

Who do golf properties appeal to?

The first group of people who will be drawn to and in many cases prefer a golf fronting home are of course the estimated 100 million golf enthusiasts around the world. One might consider them something of a captive audience as golfers will generally enjoy easy access to the course and a residence situated close to the social hub of a clubhouse. For them it is a lifestyle that begins at home, and since they tend to belong to the mid-high to upper socio-economic demographic, golfers typically are in the market for luxurious apartments and especially villas close to a course or even set within a country club community.

Other demographics drawn to a golf setting

However, the appeal of a home set within a golf environment extends well beyond people who play and follow the sport. It includes families looking for a spacious, leafy suburb set close to a golf club, lovers of an exclusive lifestyle, retirees with more time to learn to play or improve their game, and of course people who love to be surrounded by nature and like the idea of enjoying views of all that landscaped greenery. In other words, people drawn to an exclusive living environment and an open window on a parkland landscape with a stylish social hub and sense of community close by.

For all the reasons mentioned above, golf properties are highly sought after among second-home buyers and also rank high on the wish list of investors, as they are considered as premium real estate with an exclusive tag and a great deal of status and lifestyle appeal.

Added value – the green factor

The premium factor that golf endows a property with increased desirability can add around 5-12% to its value if the home is located within a general golf area – that is, close to the course and clubhouse. Properties with direct frontage onto the fairways or within country club communities can command 10-20% extra. This is especially true of established golf destinations such as Florida, California, Australia, the Algarve in Portugal and coastal parts of Spain such as of course Marbella and the Costa del Sol. In such locations the added value can rise to as much as 30%, not least because golf properties can also be rented out as holiday lets at a premium rate. [Source: Researchgate]

Factors that affect value

A key factor that dictates just how much a golf location will add to the value of a property is of course quality: of setting, address, views, the standard of the golf course, the status and amenities of the clubhouse, the pedigree of the club and of course , surrounding amenities and the quality of the home itself. For true golf enthusiasts, direct buggy access to the course and club membership that comes with the property can represent a huge bonus.

Factors that affect appeal – even for non-golfers

Besides the attractions of space, nature, beautiful views, clubhouse amenities and the exclusivity of a golf environment, homes within such a setting also stand out for the lifestyle they offer and the fact that most golf suburbs tend to be exclusive by nature.

Put simply, golf properties will typically be among the finest in any city or resort destination.

Pia Arrieta, 26 Feb 2026 - Lifestyle