Properties in Alicante

Real Estate in Alicante in 2026: A Complete Guide for Investors and Expats

Alicante in 2026 remains a strategic choice for those seeking a balance between the dynamism of city life and the advantages of the Costa Blanca Mediterranean coast. It is not just a resort, but the capital of a province with a population of around 340,000, where the share of foreign residents consistently exceeds 15%. The key difference from coastal towns is its diversified economy, university, and major port, which ensure year-round demand for housing. Purchasing here is seen as a reliable investment in an asset with two potential sources of income: rental profit and gradual capital appreciation.

Market and Prices: What Can You Buy in Alicante in 2026?

The Alicante real estate market in 2026 is mature and segmented. The core of the supply (about 75-80%) is resale properties from various construction eras, from historic buildings to residences from the 80s and 90s. New builds (obra nueva) are few and concentrated in select prestigious projects. The average price per square meter fluctuates in the range of €2,300 - €2,600, showing moderate growth in line with general Spanish trends. The lower entry threshold to the market starts from €110,000 - €125,000 for a compact studio apartment or a small one-bedroom requiring renovation in less central areas. For this price, you can often purchase a property of 40-50 m².

Who Buys and Why? The City's Target Audience.

The buyer audience can be clearly divided. Investors from Northern and Central Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium) view real estate as a tool for long-term or seasonal rental, valuing the high and constant demand driven by tourism and student population. European retirees, especially from the UK and France, choose Alicante for permanent residence (PR) due to its developed urban infrastructure, medical services, and climate. Remote specialists (digital nomads) with a nómada digital visa see the city as an ideal base with reliable internet, coworking spaces, and an international atmosphere.

Choosing an Area: From Premium Housing to Income-Generating Investments.

The choice of location in Alicante determines the liquidity and intended purpose of the purchase. For prestigious permanent residence and high-class long-term rental, the focus is on coastal areas: Playa de San Juan with its long beach, Albufereta with coves and a yacht club, Cabo de las Huertas. For an urban lifestyle with access to all services, central and well-developed districts are suitable: Ensanche-Diputación, Benalúa, San Blas. Budget options for rental investments can be found in the Florida Baja, Carolinas, and Campoamor areas, where prices are lower but require careful inspection of the property and its surroundings.

The Purchase Process: Legal and Technical Aspects for Non-Residents.

Acquiring property in Spain requires a strict Due Diligence procedure. After selecting an object, it is necessary to request a full document package from the seller: 1) Nota Simple Registral (up-to-date property registry report), 2) Certificado de deudas de comunidad (certificate of no community debts), 3) Cédula de Habitabilidad (valid certificate of habitability), 4) Certificado de Eficiencia Energética (energy efficiency certificate, class F or G can significantly reduce the cost). For older buildings, an informe de evaluación del edificio (building condition report) is highly recommended. Next comes the signing of the preliminary contract (Contrato de arras) with a deposit (usually 10%) and, finally, the execution of the notarial deed of sale (Escritura Pública) with payment of the ITP transfer tax (in Valencia — 10% of the value for resale property).

Rental, Residency, and Prospects: Outcomes of Your Investment.

Long-term rental of an apartment in Alicante can yield a net annual return (net yield) of around 3.5 - 4.8%, depending on the area and condition of the property. Short-term tourist rental requires an official Vivienda de Uso Turístico (VUT) license, which may be difficult to obtain in the city center. The purchase does not grant an automatic right of residence. The Golden Visa program for real estate is no longer in effect. However, property ownership is a critically important condition and a strong advantage when applying for a non-lucrative residence permit (visado no lucrativa) or a digital nomad visa, where it is necessary to prove a sufficient level of income from abroad. Thus, real estate in Alicante is either the first step towards a legal relocation or a stable asset generating passive income in one of Spain's most attractive cities.