The Dutch wave
Costa del Sol foreign-buyer share from the Netherlands rose 41% in 2024 vs 2022. The drivers: Dutch climate, NL property tax burden (Box 3), and the Dutch-school presence in Marbella (Stedelijk College, NIS).
The 30%-ruling vanishing act
If you were on the Dutch 30% expat ruling, moving to Spain ends it. Plan the exit timing carefully — moving on 1 January vs 31 December can mean €15–€40k of tax difference.
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NL Box 3 taxes presumed return on assets — controversial and being reformed. Spain taxes actual income + wealth (with Andalucía's 100% bonification — see our wealth tax post). For most Dutch retirees, the move reduces total tax burden 20–40%.
Schools
Dutch-language schooling exists at Stedelijk College Marbella. Most Dutch families ultimately pick UK-curriculum (British International School, Aloha College, Sotogrande). See best international schools.
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Areas in this article
- Marbella guide6,800 €/sqm · +9.2% YoY
- Sotogrande guide5,600 €/sqm · +5.2% YoY
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