The influx of Polish buyers into the Spanish property market is reshaping real estate trends in Marbella and its surrounding areas, industry insiders report. Over the past several years, Polish nationals have increasingly acquired high-end apartments and villas, often valued in the millions of euros.

Christine Rowlands, president of the local Conservative Abroad branch in Marbella, observed the post-Brexit shift in the community’s composition. Since the UK’s departure from the European Union, the club’s British membership has fallen sharply—from 187 members to just a handful—due largely to repatriation and natural attrition. While Britons with residency secured before January 2021 have seen limited changes, new arrivals must contend with visa restrictions and financial requirements that did not previously apply, complicating property acquisition efforts.

In contrast, Polish buyers face fewer obstacles under EU freedom of movement rules and are increasingly viewing Spanish real estate as a safe and lucrative investment. One Polish resident, who purchased a property three years ago for approximately €500,000, reported that its current valuation has risen to around €850,000. This trend aligns with Poland’s expanding middle class and robust economic growth; the country’s GDP has surged from $67 billion in 1989 to over $1 trillion in recent years, with an anticipated 3.5% growth rate in 2026.

Local estate agent Agnes Marciniak-Kostrzewa, founder of Agnes Inversiones, attributes much of her recent business growth to Polish clientele, who account for about 80% of her customers. Her agency has expanded its workforce from three employees in 2020 to ten this year, reflecting increased demand for luxury properties. She notes that Polish buyers tend to seek upscale homes with premium features, such as panoramic views of the Sierra Blanca mountains or proximity to golf courses. “They don’t come and look for little cheap dark apartments. Polish people are buying apartments for millions,” she said.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 further accelerated Polish investment in Spanish real estate, as some buyers sought to diversify assets or secure emergency relocation options for their families. According to Marciniak-Kostrzewa, sales totaling around €4 million were conducted remotely, with some transactions completed over the phone before the buyers physically viewed the properties.

For British nationals, however, the current landscape remains complicated. Derek Langley, regional vice-president of the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain, highlights the challenges posed by residency and tax regulations post-Brexit. Britons can only spend 90 days within any 180-day period in the EU without residency, a limitation that diminishes the appeal of property investment in Spain under these constraints.

Meanwhile, the growing Polish community in Marbella benefits from a supportive ecosystem that includes Polish-run cosmetic clinics and interior design services, underscoring the integration of Polish culture and commerce in the region. Marciniak-Kostrzewa also emphasized the reputation of Polish professionals in construction trades, saying, “Everyone knows that the Polish are the best builders and plumbers.”