Where to find affordable property near top Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol locations
Think you might be priced out of your top choice of place for a property in Spain? Do not despair. We all know that popularity comes with a premium price tag, but have you explored the areas close by? Here, with some expert help, is where to look for affordable neighbours within easy reach of some of the most requested locations on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.
Priced out of Marbella? Go west to Estepona
If you love the glitz and glamour of Marbella you are far from alone. Its beach clubs, upscale restaurants and trendy gyms are going from strength to strength. That it now appeals to buyers from all around the world means that prices are steep. In terms of prices per square metre, the average is nearly double that of nearby Estepona, especially west Estepona, around Atalaya and Cancelada. Such is the ‘overspill’ west from Marbella into the ‘New Golden Mile’ of Estepona that you will also find new schools, restaurants and new developments to compete with those in Marbs.
FIND APARTMENTS FROM AROUND €225k
Beaten by Benijofar? Try Ciudad Quesada
Now hugely popular for its lovely charming small-town Spain feel, Benijófar on the Costa Blanca is sought by foreign buyers for relocation, but also for second homes. It’s practical - with modern amenities. The beaches of Guardamar are within easy reach, as are the bright lights and leisure/retail parks of Torrevieja. But the bad news – you will struggle to find much for less than €250k, so why not stay within reach and enjoy the same benefits but in nearby Ciudad Quesada? You’ll find a lot more for sale, which keeps prices more modest.
FIND APARTMENTS OR SMALL TOWNHOUSES FROM €110K
Budget too low for Fuengirola? Try Mijas Costa next door
So you are keen on being very centrally located on the Costa del Sol, not too far from Malaga airport. You also want to be close to the action, surrounded by tourist amenities, sandy beaches, and golf courses. If you had your eye on Fuengirola or Benalmadena - two of the original Costa del Sol resorts - you’ll need to pay around €350k for a two-bedroom apartment. In next door Mijas Costa, you’ll find more of the same on offer, but you’ll find the same property for €250k-300k, suggests agent Your Dream Home.
Can’t make Villamartin? Try San Miguel de Salinas
Beaches, sun, accessibility and affordability - the Southern Costa Blanca ticks a lot of boxes and it’s one of the most in-demand areas right now. Villamartin is at the heart of the Orihuela Costa with golf courses, its famous shopping plaza, supermarkets and everything so convenient. But this comes at a price these days. You can find a one-bedroom apartment from around €130,000, but next-door San Miguel de Salinas is a great slightly more affordable alternative, suggests agent Spain Property Specialists. Las Filipinas and El Galan are nearby options too.
FIND PROPERTIES FROM AROUND €115k
Know of Nerja? Try Torrox Costa
In recent years, Nerja on the eastern Costa del Sol has become terribly fashionable. Traditional, white-washed town charm - historic squares filled with restaurants, shops and bars - golden beaches and easy access to Malaga city are all reasons. Mountains and national parks within easy reach are two more. You won’t find much for less than €300k in Nerja, but if you look next-door to Torrox Costa, you’ll find your money goes further, suggests BluCee Real Estate. It’s another charming coastal town with authentic charm, a great beach and it also has the advantage of being nearer to Malaga.
FIND a 3 bed townhouse for around €185k
Edged out of Estepona? Do look at Duquesa
Okay, we’ve already championed the merits of Estepona on the west-central Costa del Sol above. It’s an area on the up, with a mixture of infrastructure upgrades and rather a lot of attention since Jasmine Harman renovated a home there. But is it now beyond your budget? If you don’t – like Jasmine – take on a real fixer-upper, look a little further west to the increasingly popular La Duquesa area, with its lovely marina, increasingly fashionable restaurants and more bang for your buck. Other nearby alternatives are Manilva and Sabinillas.
FIND 2 bed apartments for less than €250k
Alicante city too pricey? Try Gran Alacant
The vibrant city of Alicante with its beautiful, tiled seaside promenade, town beaches and amazing restaurant scene has become an attraction in its own right for home hunters in the heart of the Costa Blanca. Enjoying a holiday home in the vicinity is now seen as a huge bonus, not just for easy access to the airport but for a day or evening out. But prices have increased steeply in the city centre – around €250k for an apartment. Look just south to Gran Alacant, where there’s a more relaxed feel but also lower prices – find a townhouse for €200k. Santa Pola is a good nearby alternative too.
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