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EnglishLa Moraleja: inside Madrid's most exclusive neighbourhood
- Location: La Moraleja is north of Madrid, in the municipality of Alcobendas, 10 kilometres from the centre. It is served by the A-1, the M-40, Metro line 10 and buses; Adolfo Suárez airport is 15 minutes away by road, or 16.44 km.
- The villa he picked: Kylian Mbappé had his eye on an €18 million house on a 3,000 m² plot, with 1,100 m² of living space: more than 15 rooms, 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, two pools, a cinema room, gym, sauna, and football, basketball and golf areas. In the end he chose La Finca.
- History: a royal estate of Carlos III in the 18th century, sold in the 19th, then developed by the Count of Los Gaitanes; from 1940, it was divided into plots reserved for large villas.
- Property market: luxury villas from €1 million to €4 million, homes up to €10 million or more, apartments from €500,000, rents from €5,000 to €20,000 a month.
- Key point: the neighbourhood combines greenery and upmarket services: the Moraleja Green shopping centre, international schools, private clinics and two golf clubs.
Just outside Madrid, La Moraleja is a sought-after residential neighbourhood, known for its exceptional homes and elegant surroundings. It is in this highly coveted part of Spain that Kylian Mbappé first planned to live, before choosing La Finca instead. He is not the only celebrity to fall for La Moraleja. Many others have made the same choice for an exceptional quality of life, including actors, business owners and wealthy families. There are several reasons why the neighbourhood is called the "green oasis". Discover the key points that first drew Kylian to a villa in La Moraleja, one of the most upmarket areas of Madrid.
Madrid has many neighbourhoods with exclusive villas, so feel free to contact our buyer's agent in Madrid if you are looking for a home in the Spanish capital.
A closer look at the house Kylian Mbappé had chosen in La Moraleja
Kylian Mbappé first had his eye on Sergio Ramos's former house, but they could not reach an agreement.
The house he then chose is an €18 million property that perfectly embodies La Moraleja's luxury image. Set on a large 3,000 m² plot, with 1,100 m² of living space, this large modern villa combines elegance and practicality.
The house has more than 15 rooms, including living rooms and 8 bedrooms. Something for our footballer to enjoy: it has 11 bathrooms, a huge cinema room and two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor. There is even more for a sportsman, with a private gym, a football pitch, a basketball court and, finally, a golf course. After a busy day, its owner can unwind in the sauna. La Moraleja is a secure neighbourhood, but Kylian wanted more and had picked a home with a top-of-the-range security system.
Where is La Moraleja?
La Moraleja is in the north of Madrid, in the municipality of Alcobendas.
La Moraleja: transport links and proximity
The neighbourhood's first asset is its location: it offers both great peace and quiet and excellent access, just 10 kilometres from the centre of Madrid. Residents live close to the capital while enjoying a calm environment.
By Zarateman, Wikimedia
By road, La Moraleja is reached via the A-1 motorway and the M-40 ring road, both offering excellent links to the main parts of Madrid. For travellers, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport is 15 minutes away by road, a good reason for the Real Madrid striker, who travels often, to live in the area. Madrid airport is 16.44 km from the neighbourhood.
For public transport, La Moraleja has plenty of well-served bus lines. They are also the cheapest way to get into the capital. For example, the 155 bus takes about 35 minutes and the 171 about 19 minutes, both for a low fare.
Metro stations are also close by, making daily trips to the city centre easy. Madrid Metro line 10 serves La Moraleja station.
The history of La Moraleja
The history of La Moraleja goes back to the 18th century, when it was still part of the royal estate of Carlos III. In the 19th century, the Crown, burdened with debt, had to sell the estate to repay the State. Later, in the 20th century, the Count of Los Gaitanes took over the land. To reorganise the plots, he began developing the site. From 1940, La Moraleja became a prestigious neighbourhood, divided into separate plots reserved for wealthy Madrid families. The homes were all large villas, reflecting the refined lifestyle of their residents, which continues to this day.
Over time, the area has changed a lot, but it has kept its old-world charm. Celebrities and public figures keep coming to visit, or even to live in the neighbourhood. Like fellow footballers Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé was quickly drawn to the area.
La Moraleja and its natural setting
There are many reasons why La Moraleja is nicknamed Madrid's green oasis, especially its peaceful environment and attractive facilities.
Madrid's green oasis
La Moraleja is first of all a leafy neighbourhood, home to umbrella pines, the majestic trees the region is known for, as well as olive trees, holm oaks and ornamental plants on every street corner. Everything is green: the wide avenues, the parks and the wooded areas. For those who love peace and calm, it is the ideal place.
All the surrounding properties benefit from this setting. In most cases, homes stand on large plots, with a big garden and private green space. These advantages are probably what attracted Mbappé, who wanted a private place to spend his rest days.
La Moraleja and its upmarket leisure facilities
La Moraleja is also known for two of the most sought-after and prestigious golf clubs in Spain: Club de Golf La Moraleja 1 and Club de Golf La Moraleja 2. Both have top-of-the-range facilities in an idyllic setting, with courses suited to beginners and professionals alike.
Besides golf, residents can also use other sports facilities such as tennis and padel courts, private pools and running or cycling trails. Residents of La Moraleja can enjoy both an active life and a luxurious setting. In short, it is a peaceful haven that does not lack energy.
Daily life in La Moraleja
Life in La Moraleja means luxury above all. The neighbourhood also has everything residents need day to day.
Designer brands
In La Moraleja, wealthy residents want for nothing. For demanding fashion lovers, the neighbourhood has a prestigious, sophisticated shopping centre, Moraleja Green. This is where stars and business leaders meet for shopping trips in upmarket boutiques. The centre also has relaxation areas, refined cafés and gourmet restaurants. Just a short walk away are supermarkets and delicatessens where residents can buy quality fresh produce.
Prestigious schools
La Moraleja is also known for its internationally renowned schools, such as the International College Spain. This prestigious school attracts local families as well as wealthy expat families, and offers an internationally recognised curriculum. The neighbourhood also caters for younger children.
Other private schools, such as Saint George's School and Colegio San Patricio, offer programmes in different languages. These schools are known worldwide for their demanding academic programmes and stimulating environment.
Top-quality healthcare
When it comes to healthcare, residents of La Moraleja benefit from state-of-the-art medical facilities. The neighbourhood has several private clinics and advanced medical centres, such as the Centro Médico La Moraleja. These are aimed at wealthy residents, who can receive specialist care in a dedicated setting. For major treatment, the Hospital Universitario La Paz in Madrid is easy to reach.
La Moraleja: culture and discovery
Living in La Moraleja is about more than enjoying a prestigious residential setting. The neighbourhood and its surroundings also offer many cultural and leisure opportunities that enrich residents' daily lives. Thanks to its closeness to Madrid and its own local initiatives, La Moraleja is a place where culture and heritage blend naturally into an exclusive way of life.
Cultural variety in La Moraleja
La Moraleja is mainly residential, but its residents enjoy easy access to Madrid's cultural scene, only a few minutes away. The capital is famous for museums such as the Museo del Prado and the Reina Sofía.
Locally, La Moraleja hosts a variety of events, many of them organised by the large hotels and prestigious venues: exhibitions, talks and art workshops in dedicated spaces, and above all festivals. All these events add to La Moraleja's reputation and showcase local artists.
A unique heritage to explore
La Moraleja is a fairly recent neighbourhood, but it is part of the Madrid region, which is rich in history and heritage. For example, it is within easy reach of the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Plaza Mayor, two iconic places to discover the cultural and historical heritage of the Spanish capital.
The green oasis also attracts nature lovers. As well as greenery as far as the eye can see, the area has a large protected natural space nearby, Monte de El Pardo. This former royal hunting ground is now a favourite place for residents and visitors to walk, picnic or relax with family. Finally, around La Moraleja you will discover lesser-known but equally fascinating historic places, such as the nearby towns, starting with Alcobendas, the municipality La Moraleja belongs to.
Daily life in La Moraleja
Upmarket services
La Moraleja has all the infrastructure needed for a comfortable, convenient daily life. The neighbourhood is home to several renowned international schools, such as the International College Spain, which attract expat families from all over the world. Modern medical centres, private clinics and local pharmacies provide quality healthcare.
Food and shopping
La Moraleja also has a rich choice of places to eat, from fine-dining restaurants to more casual spots. For shopping lovers, the Moraleja Green shopping centre brings together luxury boutiques, cinemas and leisure areas.
The property market in La Moraleja
La Moraleja's property market is also clear proof of how exclusive the neighbourhood is. Although the properties are high-end, they are varied, and each one meets a particular buyer's requirements.
A wide range of exceptional properties
La Moraleja is an upmarket neighbourhood, and its property market offers a varied range that meets the expectations of the most demanding VIP buyers. Properties for sale or rent are mainly luxury villas, ultra-modern homes and sophisticated apartments. Each property is designed for maximum comfort, with all the facilities you would expect, such as private pools, gyms and leisure areas.
Like Kylian Mbappé, celebrities tend to go for villas, which make up most of the properties in La Moraleja. They stand out for their elegant architecture and large size, with big gardens that enjoy the greenery and the Spanish sun. For every celebrity, privacy is essential, and these homes were designed with that in mind. They are also often set on wooded plots, offering complete privacy.
Property type, features and average price
Luxury villas: spacious properties with gardens and pools, €1M to €4M
Exceptional homes: villas with large plots and modern facilities, up to €10M or more
Modern apartments: homes in secure private developments, from €500,000
Renting or investing in La Moraleja: what are the options?
La Moraleja is ideal for those who want to buy a main home or invest in a prestige property. Rising prices in the neighbourhood have made it an attractive investment. For those who prefer a temporary solution, renting is a good option, with average rents of between €5,000 and €20,000 a month, depending on the property and its facilities.
Tips for finding the right property in La Moraleja
Set your priorities
Before you start your search, it is essential to be clear about your needs.
- Are you looking for a spacious villa or a compact apartment? If you are thinking of living in La Moraleja, you probably expect a luxury villa or a VIP apartment. So before you start searching or contact an agency, decide what you want based on your needs, especially in terms of comfort and privacy.
- Decide which features and facilities you cannot do without. Next, list the essential features of your future home, outside and inside:
- You may need a pool to enjoy Madrid's hot summers, a garage to protect your cars or a large garden for outdoor parties. You may also want extra space for sports.
- The same goes for the inside: list the facilities you need, such as a gym, an indoor pool, a cinema room, a games room for your children, a sauna, and so on.
Set a clear budget
La Moraleja is a very upmarket neighbourhood, so property prices are often high. To avoid unpleasant surprises, set a precise budget before you start searching. Do not forget to include extra costs such as:
- Local taxes, such as the IBI (the annual local property tax).
- Community fees for an apartment.
- Any renovation or fitting-out work to make the property your own.
Work with a specialist
To find a property in an exclusive area like La Moraleja, it is always best to use a buyer's agent specialising in the Madrid region who knows the area and the neighbourhood's specific features very well. Specialists can identify the most sought-after streets and what is nearby. In most cases, some exclusive properties are not listed on online portals. By working with experts, you get full support, from choosing properties to signing the contract.
La Moraleja is in a strategic location. With its exceptional natural setting and prestige property market, it is one of the most exclusive addresses in Spain. For a main home, a temporary rental or a long-term investment, the neighbourhood offers a unique way of life where luxury, peace and easy access go hand in hand. Kylian Mbappé, like so many other celebrities, was quickly won over by the area.
Thomas Rouer is the founder of Alveo Search and the CEO of the Alveo group. Based in Spain for almost ten years, he develops property services designed for the specific needs of foreign buyers.
His expertise covers every aspect of buying property in Spain: understanding the market, searching for and selecting properties, negotiation, financing, paperwork, tax and securing the purchase process.
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