Marco Properties

Marco Rodriguez, at home in Andalucia © Joaquin Alarcon

Marco Properties , based in Estepona, is a well-established and highly respected name in the Costa Del Sol real estate market, known for its professional approach, reliability, and in-depth market knowledge. The company is owned by Marco Rodriguez, a professional with over 25 years of experience in the region. Marco has built an excellent reputation based on his wealth of knowledge, integrity and understanding of the local property market. His extensive experience has allowed him to bring together a dedicated multi-national team, offering clients targeted advice and solutions on Costa del Sol properties, whether they are looking to buy, sell, or invest.

Marco Properties

Real estate specialist in Estepona, Casares, Manilva, Sotogrande and Marbella. The multi-national team at Marco Property Services are respected on the Costa del Sol for their experience and professional approach.

Interview with Marco Rodriguez, Owner of Marco Property Services in Estepona.

Andalucia.com: When was your agency established, and what inspired you to focus on this particular area of the Costa del Sol, around Estepona and Sotogrande?

Marco Rodriguez: After spending more than 10 years - throughout the 2000s - working for another real estate agency, I decided to start my own business. In 2010, I founded my own company, taking inspiration from my uncle, real estate veteran Germán Rodriguez. This part of Andalucia is my birthplace, I have a deep connection to the area, and after extensive global travel I know it is a wonderful place to live.

AC: What distinct features or attractions does Estepona offer to potential homebuyers that set it apart from other areas?

MR: Estepona provides a tranquil setting, with stunning natural scenery, well-preserved traditional architecture, and sea view properties along a coastline that stretches over 20km. The beautifully maintained old town also provides true Andalucian charm, with streets that showcase an authentically local atmosphere, setting Estepona apart from other coastal towns. Our company specialises in properties including the whole of Estepona, especially the old centre and the sought-after west side, and down the coast to Casares, Manilva, Puerto de la Duquesa, and Sotogrande.

AC: How would you describe the typical profile of individuals or families seeking properties in this area?

MR: The typical client for our business ranges from 50-60 years old, however we also cater and currently provide for younger families. We see a 20% representation of Spanish clients, making up a solid part of our customer base, Estepona attracts a growing, diverse, international clientele. British buyers account for 10-15 %, maintaining a strong presence, despite the complications that come with Brexit. American and Canadian buyers also constitute 10%, with many looking for a change in lifestyle. The remaining market is primarily made up of Europeans, with interest from Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and France. Recently, we have also had enquiries from Ukraine and Polish buyers, driven primarily by the political situation. These buyers are not only seeking a safe haven, but also a long-term, stable luxury investment in attractive destinations, such as the Estepona-to-Sotogrande coastline.

The team @Marco Properties © Joaquin Alarcon

AC: The Costa del Sol offers a wonderful environment for raising children. Could you tell us about nearby national and international schools?

MR: The educational options in the area are impressive, and include international and bilingual schools, both private and state. For families, proximity to good schools is often a top priority, making it a key factor for our business. Notable bilingual schools within the area, include state schools in Estepona such as Ramon Garcia and Mediterráneo, as well as Espacio Luna Educación y Naturaleza - Montessori. Private school options such as Colegio San José in Estepona and Marbella, are also a popular choice. Additionally, Aloha College in Marbella and Sotogrande International School both offer their own bus services, along the coast.

AC: With your local expertise, what advice would you give someone considering relocating here, especially in terms of finding the right property for their needs and lifestyle?

MR: I advise anyone who is looking for their dream home to do their research into each town. The area we cover, Estepona to Sotogrande, offers a wide range of properties, from town houses, to luxury modern villas with sea views. It is important to understand your needs, and whether you are looking for a home close to schools, work, or other essential amenities. Each area offers a unique ambience, and Marco Properties is able to help guide these choices. As mentioned earlier, as well as the well-known resorts of Estepona and Sotogrande, we also cover Manilva, Casares, Duquesa, as well as plots of land to build on, and we can offer facilitate all the services needed for you to construct your own home.

When it comes to finding the perfect property on the Costa Del Sol, I believe it's about finding a meaningful connection between the buyer and home. The right buyer and the right home fit together ‘like two halves of a heart coming together’. It's not just about the layout of the property, it’s about matching a lifestyle, and finding the dream home for a buyer. At Marco Properties you are not just buying a property, you are buying a home.

AC What makes your team stand out from other real estate agents in the area?

MR: The wide range of services provided by Marco Properties is designed to make international moves to Spain as seamless as possible. We ensure clear communication and guidance, specifically in the case of potential language barriers, if the buyer is based overseas. In addition to bureaucratic support, thereby minimising stress for the client, Marco Properties connects clients with trusted lawyers, utility providers, and experts in renovation or interior design services. Advice on importing furniture is also provided, which can be especially challenging for British and American clients. We also help point clients in the direction of good local schools, ensuring a smooth transition into a new lifestyle.

Marco Rodriguez, at home in Andalucia © Joaquin Alarcon

How many people are on your team, and how many languages do they speak?

MR: The company team consists of 13 people, each focussed on either accounting, sales, administration, or marketing. The team together speaks nine different languages, making us truly multilingual, and able to cater to a diverse range of clients.

Spotlight Property

Do you currently have a standout property on your books that you’d like to share with us?

Marco Properties is proud to introduce a new development called Spinto Hills, with 17 luxury villas, each valued at €2,150,000. These are perfectly situated opposite Finca Cortesin’s golf course in Casares, and are already under construction.

Another project is Monte Palatino, five independent villas with outstanding views of the sea, mountain and golf course. Located in Valle Romano Golf, Estepona, these are also currently under construction.

We pride ourselves on our client testimonials. We are delighted if we can find the perfect home for each client. This is not always possible, but when we do, it is highly satisfying professionally. We don´t sell properties, we sell what could be a potential home.

AC: Tell us in three words what Andalucia, or Andalucians, means to you

MR: Salero (charm, panache), acojedora (welcoming, to nationals and internationals alike), and luz (light).