La Zagaleta: history, market and future of a unique private estate

La Zagaleta holds a very special place in the history of Marbella and Benahavís. It began in the early 1990s as a project that was hard to imagine at the time: a large private estate surrounded by nature, with low density, security, privacy and first-class services. More than three decades later, it has become one of the most exclusive private residential estates in Europe. Not only because of the value of its villas, but because of its way of understanding residential living: space, calm, landscape, discretion and long-term care.

Our history in La Zagaleta

DM Properties’ relationship with La Zagaleta goes back to its early years when our founder Diana Morales sold her first plot in the estate in 1993. On that plot, renowned architect Juan Salvador Shvartzberg would build his first house in La Zagaleta. Over time, that coincidence became part of our own history. Since then, we have worked with owners and buyers on some of the most relevant transactions in the estate. We have seen La Zagaleta grow from an ambitious vision in the mountains into an international benchmark for high-end residential property. This experience allows us to speak about La Zagaleta with real knowledge. Our knowledge goes beyond its villas, plots and different areas. We also know its evolution, the profile of its owners, the type of buyer looking to live there, the peculiarities of each sector within the estate and the details that make each transaction different.

Property specialists in La Zagaleta

The La Zagaleta market has remained highly active in recent years. Since the pandemic, international buyers have placed even greater value on privacy, security, space and quality of life. This has strengthened demand for homes within the estate. DM Properties has seen this first-hand.

In our recent activity in La Zagaleta, we have closed 11 villa transactions in the last 18 months. Based on the data from these sales, the average asking price of the properties sold was €6,99 million. The average price per built square metre stood at €5,974/m², while the weighted difference between asking price and selling price was 11.7%. The average time those properties were on the market was 14 months and buyers came from 7 countries, showing just how international La Zagaleta is.

These figures point to a market with strong demand, but also careful buyers. In La Zagaleta, price matters, but it is only one part of the decision. The position within the estate, the privacy of the plot, the views, the architecture, the condition of the property and the level of services all play a key role.

We are also seeing a change in buyer profile. In the past, La Zagaleta mainly attracted buyers looking for a second home or a place to retire. Today, buyers are often younger. Many come with their families and want to spend more time in Marbella. They are looking for a complete home, not just a holiday property.

Why we wanted to tell the story of La Zagaleta

Given our long-standing presence in the area, we wanted to tell the story of La Zagaleta from a close and informed perspective. Not only through data, but also through the voices of some of the people who have played a part in or have been keen observers of its evolution.

The video brings together key figures linked to the estate from different fields: architects Juan Salvador Shvartzberg, Diego Tobal, Marcos Sainz and Pablo Villarroel; interior designers Pedro Peña and Andrea Böck; photographer Charly Simon; Jacobo Cestino, CEO of La Zagaleta; and José Antonio Mena, Mayor of Benahavís.

Their testimonies help explain how an idea that seemed almost utopian in the 1990s became one of the most exclusive private residential communities in Europe.

The architects talk about the relationship between the houses, the mountain and the landscape. The interior designers explain how the concept of luxury inside the homes has evolved. La Zagaleta’s CEO brings the perspective of the estate itself, its services and its future. And the institutional perspective places the estate within the growth of Benahavís as one of the most relevant municipalities in the high-end residential market on the Costa del Sol.

The result is a shared account. A story about architecture, privacy, long-term vision and way of life. It is also a way to explain why La Zagaleta remains so difficult to replicate.

A place that is hard to imitate

One of the points most often mentioned in the video is low density. La Zagaleta covers around 900 hectares, but only a small part of that land is allocated to housing. This balance between land, nature and construction is one of the keys to its value. Security and privacy are also essential. For many owners, these two factors matter more than ever. Since the pandemic, demand has grown for large homes surrounded by greenery and designed for year-round living. La Zagaleta responds very well to that demand. It offers space, controlled access, private services, sports facilities and a sense of seclusion, while still being close to Marbella, Puerto Banús, international schools, restaurants and services.

Architecture, design and way of life

Architects and interior designers in the video highlight how La Zagaleta has also influenced the architecture and design of high-end villas in Marbella and placed the bar high for developers of villas in other areas. They mention how clients in La Zagaleta often have a very clear idea of what they want. They are well travelled, know the best hotels and value detail. This places high demands on architects, interior designers and technical teams. But it also gives them the freedom to create highly personal homes. In La Zagaleta, each property reflects a way of living. Some homes seek a stronger Andalusian connection, with patios, fountains, pergolas and noble materials. Others take a more contemporary approach, with large volumes, open spaces, technology and wide views. What they all share is a high level of expectation.

The future of La Zagaleta

La Zagaleta continues to evolve. The community has a long-term vision, and this has been key to maintaining its value. Its future points towards more services, new facilities and a natural adaptation to the needs of owners who spend more time in Marbella. Its success is not based only on visible luxury. It is based on something harder to achieve: privacy, security, low density, landscape and careful management over decades. That is why La Zagaleta remains one of the most sought-after addresses in southern Europe.

For DM Properties, being part of its history from the early years has been a privilege. We have seen its development, its owners change and new generations return to us when selling or buying within the estate. La Zagaleta is not just a place to live. It is a way of understanding privacy, space and life in Marbella.

Pia Arrieta, 08 May 2026 - News