Branded Residences: Dolce Gabbana & the latest trend in luxury real estate

• Table of contents
• Design Hills by Dolce & Gabbana in Marbella
• What are branded residences?
• How and when branded residences emerged
• Types of branded residences
• Why choose branded residences?
• What makes Marbella a prime location for branded residences?
• Why Marbella is a top luxury destination

Everyone knows that luxury and exclusivity are synonymous with Marbella. And everyone is also familiar with Marbella's real estate market, which now has an interesting luxury ally to add to the equation: Dolce & Gabbana's first residential complex in Europe, Design Hills by Dolce & Gabbana, is coming to Marbella. The iconic Italian fashion house's iconic project has achieved sales of 250 million euros just 7 months after its launch.

The homes, located in Marbella's Golden Mile, have been purchased by VIP clients of both fashion and developer companies, and now the sales process is open to the public.

Do you want to explore what makes Dolce & Gabbana’s homes so special and how they exemplify the growing trend of branded residences? Read everything about it!

Project overview

Situated on a plot of over 90,000 m², Design Hills Dolce & Gabbana includes a total of 92 homes. With sizes ranging from 280 to 900 square meters, these residences will feature up to five bedrooms, each luxuriously furnished with exclusive Dolce&Gabbana Casa decor.

Sales and availability

Since its official announcement in September 2023, the project has generated global interest. And it is no wonder, being the first residential project of the Italian brand in Europe. Initially, sales were made through a priority list of VIP clients, but now the sales process is open to the public, with prices starting at four million euros.

Dolce & Gabbana universe in Marbella

Each residence is conceived as a work of art, with attention to detail spanning from architecture to interiors and common areas. The complex includes luxurious homes and public spaces designed for the residents' enjoyment, featuring high-end amenities like a luxury commercial boulevar, gastronomy gems, high-performance sports facilities, golf simulators, SPA & Wellness Centre, private club and even a Kids Club; a pleasure for everyone to enjoy! Residents will have access to exclusive experiences directly connected with the Dolce & Gabbana brand, from special events to personalized services.

Definition and concept

Branded residences are premium residential units within residential or hotel complexes, designed and often overseen by internationally acclaimed brands. These properties stand out for their unique design, high-quality services, and the prestige tied to the brand, offering an exclusive and distinctive living experience.

Locations and target market

These residences are typically located in prime urban and vacation destinations, targeting high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury living experiences. Popular locations include major cities and glamorous vacation spots such as Madrid, Barcelona, and the Balearic Islands. And, of course, our beautiful Marbella!

Dolce & Gabbana is not the first brand to fall in love with Marbella for this type of project; brands such as Fendi and Lamborghini, among others, have already trusted in the attractiveness of our city for their branded residences.

The origin of branded residential living

The idea of branded residences has been around for a while. The Sherry-Netherland, which opened in New York City in 1927, was the first of its kind. Yet, it was only in the 1980s that this concept truly took off, with luxury brands seeing the opportunity to boost their brand value through real estate.

Recent growth of branded residences

The branded residences market is witnessing remarkable growth, as projected in the Global Branded Residences 2023 report by Knight Frank, which anticipates a 55% increase by 2026. This trend is driven by a growing appetite for luxury second homes and a preference for high-end, branded living environments.

Types of branded residences based on use

• Branded residential residences: These are designed primarily to serve as full-time housing, with luxury layouts and integrated communities.
• Hotel-branded residences: These are units within or adjacent to hotels, often leased to hotel operators when not in use by the owners, thus offering a mix of private ownership and hotel services.

Types of branded residences based on location

• Condo-Hotel: Integrated within hotel complexes, offering shared amenities.
• Co-Located: Adjacent to hotels, providing access to hotel services.
• Standalone: Independently operated while maintaining the brand's standards.

Luxury services and amenities

Owners of branded residences enjoy a wide array of luxurious services and amenities, often included in the purchase price and annual service fees. Common offerings include services such as concierge and porter services; maintenance of common areas, pools, gyms, and gardens; also, access to exclusive services such as the ones mentioned previously in Dolce & Gabbana branded residence complex in Marbella.

Also, it’s worth mentioning the exclusive access to brand-related benefits such as loyalty programs and discounts.

Investment appeal of branded residences

What could be better than an expert opinion on the investment potential of this type of property? Our Senior Property Consultant Bruna Karla Krüger, a fan of fashion and a great expert in Marbella high-end real estate, shares her opinion on how do branded residences differ from traditional luxury real estate in terms of investment appeal and lifestyle: “Branded residences like those by Dolce & Gabbana offer enhanced investment appeal through the prestige of a renowned brand, often resulting in higher resale values. They provide an elevated lifestyle with exclusive amenities, bespoke services, and unique designs reflecting the brand’s style, creating a distinctive living experience that goes beyond traditional luxury real estate”.

Exclusive areas

In the opinion of Drumelia's agent Bruna Karla Krüger about the Dolce & Gabbana project, the answer lies on Marbella's Golden Mile: “Marbella’s Golden Mile is ideal for branded residences due to its mix of natural beauty, upscale amenities, and sophisticated Mediterranean lifestyle. Known for luxury, it offers stunning views, and is walking distance to high-end dining and shopping. This prestigious area attracts affluent individuals, ensuring strong demand for branded properties, making it a prime investment location”.

Interested in the potential of this area? Discover our selection of luxury properties on Marbella's Golden Mile.

International appeal for real estate investors

The real estate market in Marbella is notably shaped by international investment. Spain, already the fourth largest recipient of foreign real estate investment, attracts these buyers with its quality of life and the quality of its product on the market, to which a key factor has now been added: the residences of top and prestigious brands.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate luxury in Marbella, where the elegance of top brands meets superior services and unique experiences. Dolce & Gabbana's Design Hills project in our beautiful city is a prime example, merging the worlds of fashion and real estate into one spectacular offering.

Whether for living, leisure, or investment, these residences are elevating the standards of luxury real estate. Let Drumelia’s team of professionals guide you through the process of getting to know our market and finding the home of your dreams!

Come to our sunny city and explore our stunning high-end properties in Marbella today with Drumelia!