Traditional hotspots like Monaco, the French Riviera and Tuscany have dominated for years, but Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, is emerging as a priority for luxury real estate investors.

VILLENA – Sue and Andy Whaites could have chosen a new life in Benidorm or Marbella ... in England, with two young children,” said Mrs Whaites, 61, an accountant. “And we wanted real Spain.