As we start the new year, the data from the end of 2025 shows us exactly what to expect in 2026. The post-covid activity of the last few years has calmed down. We have entered a more stable environment, which is healthy for both buyers and sellers.
Based on our latest data for Marbella and Benahavis, here are the three trends you need to know:
1. Market Velocity & Balance. The most obvious change is the "Market Velocity" - the speed at which homes sell. Sales have moved to a more nor- mal pace. This is because the Absorption Ratio (the balance between supply and demand) has moved into a "Balanced Market" zone. We are no long- er in a "lopsided sellers market" where sellers hold all the leverage. Buyers are taking more time to decide, and sellers should expect a slightly longer timeline to close a sale.
2. The Changing Face of lnventory. The supply of homes is shifting in specific ways. While apartment inventory is generally growing, the market for properties under €250,000 has virtually vanished. In the villa segment, we see a "squeeze" at the bottom: the number of villas for sale is dropping, but almost entirely in the under €1.5M range. Meanwhile, the supply of high-end villas over €4M remains very steady. Scarcity is now a factor of price point, not just property type.
3. Success Requires a Smart Plan. In this balanced environment, simply lísting a home is not enough. Because buyers have more options and less urgency, your property needs a competitive edge. This is where pricing and presentation become vital. To secure a sale, a property must be priced accurately from day one and presented flawessly. Professional staging data- backed pricing are now the only ways to truly stand out. For 2026, success lies in interpreting these shifts correctly. Success belongs to those who adapt to the specific trends of their price range and focus on pro-fessional execution.
