Landscaping & Garden Design in Marbella

Hello, I am Álvaro Ferrer, project coordinator at TuExterior. With a population of approximately 166,999 residents, this corner of the Costa del Sol Occidental demands a specialized approach to outdoor living. Whether you own a villa in the prestigious Sierra Blanca or a frontline apartment in Puerto Banús, the Mediterranean environment presents unique challenges. When providing landscaping in Marbella, we must account for the high salt exposure and intense UV radiation that define our coastal area. From the lush greens of Nueva Andalucía’s Valle del Golf to the wooded estates of Elviria, every project requires materials that can withstand the local microclimate. At TuExterior, we pride ourselves on blending aesthetic appeal with structural integrity, ensuring your garden or terrace remains a sanctuary year-round. Understanding the local market is essential for planning; in Marbella a landscaping typically runs 30-120 €/m² including local labour, depending on the complexity and materials chosen. My goal is to guide you through this process, ensuring your outdoor space reflects the luxury and quality that Marbella is world-renowned for.

How we work

1. Initial Contact: Reach out via our web form or phone to discuss your vision and specific needs for your Marbella property.
2. Site Visit & Measuring: I will personally visit your home in areas like Nagüeles or Las Chapas to take precise measurements and assess site conditions.
3. Free Quote: We provide a detailed, transparent proposal tailored to your budget, including technical specifications and estimated timelines.
4. Professional Installation: Our expert team executes the project with minimal disruption, adhering to all safety standards and local quality requirements.

Regulations and Permits for Outdoor Projects in Marbella

Navigating the legal landscape for renovations in Marbella requires a deep understanding of a complex and shifting regulatory framework. The most critical factor for any homeowner to understand is the current status of the General Plan (PGOU). Following the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that annulled the 2010 PGOU, the municipality reverted to the 1986 PGOU as the governing document. While a new Plan General de Ordenación Municipal (PGOM) received a favourable report from the Junta de Andalucía in February 2024 and is moving toward final approval, the planning status of approximately 18,000 properties remains legally uncertain. This means every project must be cross-referenced against the 1986 plan and any specific protected-zone overlays, particularly in sensitive areas like Sierra Blanca or the coastal strips of Las Chapas.

Regarding specific installations, all solar protection systems we install must comply with the UNE-EN 13561 standard for awnings and blinds. However, the municipal ordinances in Marbella are particularly strict concerning the type of permit required. It is a common misconception that most outdoor works fall under the "Declaración Responsable" (responsible declaration) fast-track system. In Marbella, the local ordinances explicitly exclude terrace glazing, glass enclosures (acristalamiento), and any project that involves an expansion of the building's volume from the fast-track process. These works are classified as "Obra Mayor" and require a full municipal licence, which involves a significantly longer approval period and higher technical requirements than a standard "Obra Menor."

For smaller structures like pergolas, the rules vary by size. While very small pergolas (typically under 5 m²) may sometimes proceed without a formal licence, the Marbella Town Hall has issued a specific interpretive criterion regarding the setback and separation distances from property boundaries. Even a freestanding structure must respect these distances to avoid fines or demolition orders. Furthermore, if your property is located near the shoreline, we must verify that the works do not infringe upon the "servidumbre de protección" defined by the Ley de Costas, which establishes a setback of 20 to 100 metres from the maritime-terrestrial public domain.

Finally, for those living in urbanisations or apartment complexes, the Ley de Propiedad Horizontal (LPH) applies. Any modification that affects common elements—including the building’s façade, structural integrity, railings, or even the colour and style of awnings visible from the street—requires formal approval from the community of owners. This typically necessitates a 3/5 qualified majority vote. At TuExterior, we verify all these variables against the 1986 PGOU and communal bylaws before providing a final quote to ensure your investment is fully protected and legally compliant.