A full villa renovation in Marbella typically costs between €80,000 and €300,000+, depending on size, condition and specification. A comprehensive refurbishment of a 250–300 m² villa with quality finishes usually falls between €120,000 and €180,000. Premium renovations with high-end stone, bespoke joinery and smart home systems can exceed €250,000.
Villa renovation costs in Marbella 2026
Villa renovation costs in Marbella depend primarily on size, the current condition of installations, the level of finish specified and how much of the existing structure is retained. A villa that needs a full internal renovation — new electrical installation, replumbing, new bathrooms and kitchen, new flooring and finishes — costs significantly more than one that only needs surface-level updates.
| Renovation scope | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Light refurbishment (painting, flooring, kitchen and bathrooms only) | €40,000 – €80,000 |
| Full renovation — standard to mid-high specification | €80,000 – €180,000 |
| Complete high-end renovation with premium finishes | €180,000 – €300,000 |
| Luxury specification with bespoke elements and smart systems | €300,000+ |
For more detail on how renovation costs are calculated across the Costa del Sol, see our renovation cost guide.
What drives costs up
The main factors that push villa renovation costs above the base range are: electrical and plumbing condition — older villas from the 1980s–90s often have galvanised pipes and wiring that must be replaced entirely; structural works — opening walls, adding windows, modifying roof terraces; material specification — natural stone flooring, bespoke joinery and imported tiles cost significantly more than standard products; smart home systems — full home automation (lighting, HVAC, blinds, security) adds €15,000–€60,000 to most projects; and pool and exterior works, which are separate from the main renovation budget.
Structural vs cosmetic works
For budgeting purposes, it helps to separate structural from cosmetic works. Structural works — wall removal, beam installation, new structural openings — require an architect's project and municipal permit. Cosmetic works — new flooring, painting, kitchen and bathroom renovation within existing plumbing positions — generally do not.
A full villa renovation that involves structural changes will require more time for permitting (typically 2–4 months in Marbella municipality) and adds architect fees on top of the construction cost. If the structural changes are limited, it may be possible to carry out the cosmetic renovation while permits are processed for the structural elements.
Typical cost breakdown by trade
As a rough guide for a full renovation of a 250 m² villa:
- Electrical installation: €15,000 – €30,000
- Plumbing: €12,000 – €25,000
- 2–3 bathrooms: €25,000 – €60,000
- Kitchen: €20,000 – €50,000
- Flooring (full villa): €15,000 – €40,000
- Painting and plastering: €10,000 – €20,000
- Carpentry (doors, wardrobes): €8,000 – €25,000
- Air conditioning: €8,000 – €20,000
Managing a villa renovation as a non-resident
Most villa renovation clients on the Costa del Sol are non-resident owners — based in the UK, northern Europe or elsewhere in the world. A properly managed villa renovation can be carried out while you are abroad, provided the contractor has experience coordinating this type of project. See our full renovation Costa del Sol guide for details on how the project phases work.
How to get an accurate quote
The only way to get an accurate villa renovation quote is a physical site visit. A contractor who is willing to quote from photos only should be treated with caution — the condition of existing installations, the floor construction type, access restrictions and the specific finishes all need to be assessed in person before a reliable budget can be prepared.
We recommend getting 2–3 written quotes from registered companies before committing. Compare not just the bottom line but the scope of what is included — a lower price that excludes all electrical and plumbing work is not a lower price.