A Place in the Sun

Hot Properties in Spain

Buying Property in Spain

Each year, a steady stream of new people find a reason to buy a home in Spain. From the climate to the ease of access and the diversity of the country, there’s the Mediterranean culture, the history, gastronomy and of course the ease of buying property.

Visas

Demand for buying a home in Spain has diversified too: whilst still a popular place to retire to, it’s now also a top choice of place to run a business remotely from since the pandemic and also the advent of the digital nomad visa. It’s got superb international schools in many areas to attract families - not to mention the ever-pervasive padel culture! For those who wish to spend more than 90 days there at a time, getting a visa has got easier and many hundreds manage to get one and make the move each year.

Top in our 10 Best Places to Buy Abroad Index

People are looking for properties for sale in Spain, as it reigns supreme again in our annual 10 Best Places to Buy Abroad Index, with 2025’s average budget for property searches in Spain £167,160 – slightly up on last year’s £154,608. This reflects inflation, the steady increases in property prices and the fact that with around half of buyers making a full-time move there, they tend to purchase a bigger home. 

The British are the biggest national group of tourists in Spain, and Spanish tourism smashed all previous records in 2024. The volume of flights to Spain is also why it’s so popular with plenty of options from regional airports by low-cost airlines, a fast-improving high-speed train network and superb infrastructure. In the latest full half-year of data from the first half of 2024, the British still remain the national group that has bought more properties in Spain than anyone else, even though their market share has declined a little.

Top Five Locations 

Our top five locations within Spain ping back and forth between the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. Great beaches and dozens of affordable apartments make Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca the top most-searched-for location (again), followed by the Costa del Sol’s increasingly popular Estepona, then back to the Costa Blanca with Villamartin, then Marbella and finally Orihuela Costa in the southern Costa Blanca.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Spain with annual low taxation makes it also very appealing to those seeking an easier and more affordable way of life. Local property taxes are a fraction of the UK’s council tax rates, and public transport is cheaper too. Start your search for a property for sale in Spain today and discover where your next home could be.

Spanish Property Market Update

A sun-soaked lifestyle that can be lived mostly outside, a familiarity born of years of holidays and a lower cost of living than in the UK is why many people plan to buy a home in Spain. The fact that you can fly there for long weekends makes a holiday home there perfectly practical – Spain has more air routes from the UK than anywhere else.

It’s also got a bit of everything, from beach clubs to golf courses, padel courts, shopping malls and Michelin chef restaurants to historic towns with local festivals and ancient traditions. But buying a property in Spain is also viewed as a sound investment, as demand from all parts of the globe keeps the market moving, as others have faltered.

A drop in mortgage rates has also helped. The European Central Bank is cutting rates, and more affordable mortgages are tempting more buyers into the market. Property purchases in the coastal provinces of Spain – such as Malaga, Alicante, Murcia – have increased by 21% in the first six months of 2025, according to the mortgage comparison website iAhorro. Forecasts suggest that property sales could hit 800,000 this year – up almost 25%.

Search property for sale in Spain

 

What is a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain and who is it for?

A Non-Lucrative Visa allows non-EU nationals, including those from the UK, to live in Spain without carrying on out any professional activity. It's great for those looking to retire, or those planning to buy property and enjoy a long-term stay.

What can I expect from the process of buying a property in Spain?

The typical procedure involves locating a property, submitting an offer, appointing a local lawyer, paying a reservation deposit, signing the private purchase contract, and finalising the sale at the notary’s office. Carrying out thorough due diligence and legal checks is crucial throughout the process.

Can I retire to Spain from the UK?

Yes, many retirees from the UK successfully move to Spain. Since Brexit, you’ll need to get a visa - the non-lucrative visa. You'll also need to provide evidence of retirement income or savings, have private health insurance, show a long-term rental contract or proof of that you own a property. After it is approved, you can register for healthcare and other services.

How much does it cost to live in Spain in 2025?

Although living costs in Spain have risen, they are still significantly lower than in the UK in terms of yearly expenses and household bills. Local property taxes are much cheaper than UK council tax, and public transport tends to be more affordable as well. Many areas outside the major cities still offer a menú del día for around €10–15, while restaurant prices in tourist hotspots can be closer to UK levels. Overall, Spain’s cost of living is about 26% lower than that of the UK, according to numbeo.com.

Is moving to Spain a good idea to start a new life?

Yes, relocating to Spain can be an excellent choice for anyone aiming to improve their quality of life. The country provides a laid-back way of living, high-quality healthcare, a cost of living that’s lower than in many Western countries, and a warm climate—making it an appealing option for people wanting to purchase property in Spain and put down long-term roots.

Where are the most popular areas to find southern Spain homes for sale?

Popular locations to find southern Spain homes for sale include Marbella and Estepona on the Costa del Sol, the historic city of Málaga, the sun-soaked coast of Almería, and the charming white villages around Cádiz.