Selling Property in Spain
By Brian Stevendale of Sandtons Luxury Property
INTRODUCTION
The Art of Professional Property Sales
After three decades in luxury property sales, I’ve never seen a market that demands such sophisticated presentation and marketing as today’s Costa del Sol. The evolution from simple property listings to comprehensive marketing campaigns isn’t just a trend – it’s a fundamental shift in how premium properties need to be presented to achieve optimal value. In 2025’s market, the difference between a good sale and an exceptional one often lies in the details of how a property is brought to market.
CHAPTER 1
The New Property Marketing Landscape
Today’s property marketing extends far beyond traditional listings and local agents. We’re operating in a global marketplace where international buyers make purchasing decisions based on digital first impressions, virtual tours, and cinematic presentations - often before they ever set foot in Spain. This shift has created both challenges and opportunities for sellers.
Consider this: properties with professional marketing campaigns achieve 15-20% higher sale prices and sell 40% faster than those using traditional listing methods. In the premium segment, where properties command €1M or more, the impact of professional presentation can translate to hundreds of thousands of euros in realised value.
Understanding Today’s Buyer
Today’s Costa del Sol buyer is sophisticated, informed, and digitally native.
They are:
• Researching properties across multiple platforms
• Making initial selections based on digital presentations
• Valuing professional content and detailed information
• Seeking lifestyle validation beyond just property features
• Making decisions remotely with confidence
• This new buyer profile demands a completely different approach to property presentation and marketing.
Understanding the Evolution
The current market presents a unique opportunity for sellers who understand this evolution. With €1.14 billion in foreign investment flowing into the region and property prices up 13.7% year-on-year, the potential for exceptional returns is clear. However, capturing this potential demands more than just listing a property – it requires a sophisticated marketing strategy that resonates with an international audience.
It’s About Selling a Lifestyle
What we’re seeing in the Costa del Sol is not just about selling property it’s about presenting a lifestyle, an investment opportunity, and a vision of the future. This requires:
Professional Visual Presentation
• Architectural photography that captures the essence of your property
• Cinematic videography that tells your property’s story
• Virtual tours that allow 24/7 global viewing
• Drone footage that showcases location and context
• Digital Excellence
Property-specific websites
• Targeted social media campaigns
• Virtual open houses
• International portal presence
• Content marketing that engages and informs
• Market Intelligence
Comparative market analysis
• Strategic price positioning
• Buyer demographic targeting
• Timing optimisation
• Identifying value enhancement opportunities
The impact of professional presentation cannot be overstated.
Properties with professional photography sell 32% faster
Virtual tours increase serious enquiries by 87%
Social media campaigns expand reach by 300%
Professional marketing campaigns achieve 12-18% higher sale prices
Maximising Your Property’s Potential
Success in today’s market requires understanding that every property has a story to tell. Whether it’s a beachfront villa, a golf resort property, or a luxury apartment, the key lies in identifying and communicating its unique value proposition to the right audience.
For sellers, this means partnering with professionals who understand:
• Global market dynamics
• Digital marketing excellence
• Professional property presentation
• International buyer psychology
• Value optimisation strategies
As we guide sellers through their property journey, we’ve found that achieving exceptional results demands a comprehensive approach. The following sections will provide detailed insights into our marketing strategies, preparation processes, and value optimisation techniques.
What makes this moment especially opportune for sellers is the confluence of strong market fundamentals with sophisticated marketing capabilities. When professional presentation aligns with strong market demand, the outcomes can be exceptional.
Let’s explore how you can maximize your property’s full potential in today’s dynamic market.
Brian Stevendale has been orchestrating successful property sales for over 30 years. Through Sandtons, he helps property owners achieve optimal value through sophisticated marketing and sales strategies that reach a global audience.
CHAPTER 2
The Professional Seller’s Guide to Costa del Sol Property
In today’s sophisticated Costa del Sol property market, achieving optimal value demands more than simply listing your property. With international buyers becoming increasingly discerning and digitally savvy, the presentation of your property plays a crucial role in influencing both sale price and time-to-sale.
At Sandtons, we’ve developed a comprehensive approach designated to ensure your property stands out in a competitive marketplace.
Costa del Sol Market Positioning
Understanding Your Market Value
• Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
• Price positioning strategy
• Market timing considerations
• Buyer demographic targeting
Property Preparation
• Professional staging consultation
• Enhancement recommendations
• Pre-marketing preparation
• Optimal viewing presentation
Professional Presentation
Professional Photography
• Architectural photography
• Lifestyle shots
• Aerial/drone coverage
• Twilight photography
• Detail captures
Videography
• Cinematic property tours
• Aerial footage
• Lifestyle video content
• Area showcase
• Virtual walkthroughs
3D and Virtual Tours
• Matterport 3D scans
• Virtual staging
• Interactive floor plans
• Measurement accuracy
• 24/7 virtual access
Digital Marketing Strategy
Multi Platform Presence
• Property-specific website
• Social media campaigns
• Email marketing
• Virtual open houses
• International portal presence
Social Media Excellence
• Instagram property showcases
• Facebook targeted advertising
• LinkedIn professional network
• YouTube property channels
• Pinterest lifestyle boards
Content Marketing
• Property storytelling
• Location highlights
• Lifestyle features
• Investment potential
• Market insights
Comparative Market Analysis
Professional Valuation
• Recent comparable sales
• Current market competition
• Area development impact
• Market trend analysis
• Price per square meter benchmarking
Market Positioning
• Optimal price strategy
• Timing considerations
• Competitive advantage analysis
• Target buyer identification
• Marketing budget allocation
Property Preparation
Prepare for Effective Selling
Pre-Marketing Checklist
• Property enhancement review
• Professional cleaning
• Staging consultation
• Minor repairs
Document Preparation
• Viewing Preparation
• Professional presentation
• Optimal timing
• Property information files
• Area guides
• Investment potential data
Legal and Documentation
Required Documentation
• Title deed
• Energy certificate
• Building license
• Community certificates
• Utility bills
• Council tax receipts
Legal Support
• Document preparation
• Legal compliance
• Transaction coordination
• Completion management
• Post-sale support
Maximising Sale Price
The Sales Process
• Step-by-Step Guide
• Initial consultation
• Property preparation
• Marketing launch
• Viewing management
• Offer negotiation
• Transaction coordination
• Completion support
• Post-sale service
Value Enhancement
• Strategic improvements
• Presentation optimization
• Timing considerations
• Market positioning
• Negotiation strategy
Price Optimisation
• Market analysis
• Competitor review
• Unique selling points
• Target buyer alignment
• Value demonstration
Getting the right price for your home depends on how well you prepare for the sale. Make sure you know what upgrades are worth getting and the state of the market before deciding on a price range.
THE NEXT STEP
Working with Sandtons
Professional Services
• Dedicated property consultant
• Marketing team
• Professional photographers
• Videography experts
• Content creators
• Legal liaison
• Transaction coordination
Marketing Tools
• Custom property websites
• Professional photo portfolio
• Cinematic videos
• Virtual tours
• Social media campaigns
• Email marketing
• Print materials
Transaction Support
• Viewings management
• Offer negotiation
• Legal coordination
• Completion support
Our Commitment
• Professional service
• Market expertise
• Maximum exposure
• Optimal value
• Transaction support