DOM3 strengthens its partnership with the Golden Triangle municipalities to promote infrastructure development, sustainable growth and affordable housing

The Association of Entrepreneurs for High-Quality Housing, DOM3, has concluded the season with a gathering that brought together the mayors of Estepona and Benahavís, José María García Urbano and José Antonio Mena, along with Marbella’s Deputy Mayor, Félix Romero. This event reinforced the association’s relationship with the local councils of the Golden Triangle and opened new avenues of collaboration to address crucial matters such as the development of new infrastructure, sustainable growth on the Costa del Sol, and the pressing need for affordable housing for local citizens.

The event commenced with a review of the 2024 season, during which the association’s president, Charly Simon, outlined the key actions undertaken throughout the year. “This year, we have consolidated strategic alliances, expanded our member network, and strengthened dialogue with municipal administrations. These efforts position us to approach the future with optimism and deliver projects that benefit both the sector and local communities,” Simon stated.

Public-Private Collaboration for Sustainable Development

The Mayor of Estepona highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration to tackle common challenges such as water scarcity and affordable housing. “In Estepona, we have championed projects like the creation of new desalination plants, which will not only meet our needs but also contribute to the sustainability of the entire Costa del Sol. It is essential that we work together to deliver effective solutions to the challenges ahead,” García Urbano emphasised.

Housing emerged as one of the central topics of the event.

The Mayor of Benahavís underscored the role of planned urban development in ensuring growth that respects the local environment. “Benahavís has grown sustainably, maintaining low densities and preserving the municipality’s identity. However, this growth requires coordinated efforts between the municipalities of the Golden Triangle to ensure infrastructure and services meet demand,” Mena noted.

Meanwhile, Marbella’s Deputy Mayor, Félix Romero, stressed the need for policies that balance attracting new investors with improving residents’ quality of life. “Marbella is currently revising its General Urban Development Plan (PGOM), a crucial step to ensure orderly urban growth. However, we must pay particular attention to affordable housing, a critical issue affecting the sustainability of our growth model,” Romero explained.

The Challenge of Affordable Housing

Another key topic discussed during this meeting of entrepreneurs and mayors was the urgent need to address the issue of affordable housing on the Costa del Sol. Both municipal representatives and DOM3 members agreed that this challenge demands decisive, collaborative action.

“If we don’t resolve this issue, we will undermine basic services and the viability of the high-quality housing sector. Without nurses, doctors, teachers, and other professionals, it will be impossible to maintain the balance necessary to sustain our successful model,” García Urbano warned.

Looking Ahead to the Future

The event concluded with an optimistic message from the three municipal representatives and the DOM3 president, who all agreed on the importance of continued collaboration to preserve and enhance the quality of life in the Golden Triangle.

“2025 will be a year of great challenges but also unique opportunities. DOM3 will continue to be a key player in shaping the future of the Costa del Sol, committed to sustainable growth and the excellence that defines us,” Simon declared.

During the event, Charly Simon also welcomed the new members who recently joined the association: Panorama Properties and Solvilla, two leading agencies in the high-quality market. In 2024, other notable additions included Vicox Legal, Ambience Home Design, and Grupo Polo, a founding member returning to the association in this new phase.

Looking ahead to 2025, the president announced that the association would continue working on initiatives focused on sustainability, training for members through events and key industry speakers, and infrastructure improvements, all aligned with the balanced growth of the Costa del Sol.

As part of these collaborative efforts, DOM3’s executive board will meet this week with Marbella’s Councillor for Urban Planning, José Eduardo Díaz, to present the proposals of high-quality housing entrepreneurs for the development of the new Urban Planning Scheme (POU).

DOM3’s Impact in Numbers

The more than 40 companies associated with DOM3 generated a total business volume of nearly €1.2 billion last year, marking a 15% increase compared to 2022. In terms of employment, these companies created approximately 2,300 direct jobs and around 5,200 indirect jobs.

Throughout 2024, DOM3 made a significant investment in member training, featuring a conference programme with speakers such as Toni Nadal, Caterina de la Portilla, Happy Force, Ana de Puig, and Esperanza de Justo. The association also paid tribute to Count Rudi and the Marbella Club on its 70th anniversary, recognising the hotel as a city emblem and welcoming it as a partner. The Marbella Club joins other collaborating companies such as Nobu Hotel Marbella, Puente Romano Beach Resort, Hotel Don Pepe A Gran Meliá, Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Bentley, Bang & Olufsen, One2One, beex Customer Experience, and Imagen.