Economy and Real Estate Market in 2026
Choosing between Spain's two key coastlines — Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol — always means balancing investment strategy, lifestyle, and budg...
2026-05-16 21:05
Houses in Spain
225 founded
10
Villa in Benidorm, Spain 491m2 #80370
4 500 000 €
- 491m2
- 4
- 5
Online viewing
Remote transaction
Turnkey property for rent
Mortgage 4-6%
Location: this exclusive villa is situated in the most prestigious area of Benidorm, atop a hill offering panoramic views over the city, Poniente and Levante beaches, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Sierra Helada mountain range . Benidorm is
10
Cottage in Alicante, Spain 150m2 #80339
285 000 €
- 150m2
- 2
- 4
- 2
Online viewing
Remote transaction
Turnkey property for rent
Mortgage 4-6%
For sale is a two-level chalet in the municipality of El Campello, in the Llanuza area. This is an excellent option for year-round living or rental investment on the Costa Blanca. Location El Campello is a popular coastal town located just
10
Villa in Calpe, Spain 800m2 #80215
899 000 €
- 800m2
- 12
- 9
Online viewing
Remote transaction
Mortgage 4-6%
Spacious villa with a private pool in Calpe, ideal for up to 24 people. The property is located in a hilly residential area, just 2 km from Playa de Levante beach, one of the most popular Blue Flag beaches on the Costa Blanca. About the
10
Villa in Calpe, Spain 200m2 #80210
380 000 €
- 200m2
- 4
- 3
Online viewing
Remote transaction
Turnkey property for rent
Mortgage 4-6%
We present a villa with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Peñón de Ifach rock — the main symbol of Calpe. After renovation carried out in 2011-2012, the property is in excellent condition and ready for
1
Villa in Calpe, Spain 395m2 #80222
1 150 000 €
- 395m2
- 4
- 3
Modern villa with panoramic views of the sea and the Ifach rock in the prestigious area of Calpe (Costa Blanca). The villa is located in Calpe, one of the most sought-after towns in Spain on the Costa Blanca coast. The town is famous for the
10
Villa in Finestrat, Spain 140m2 #80006
845 000 €
- 140m2
- 3
- 3
Online viewing
Remote transaction
Turnkey property for rent
Mortgage 4-6%
Essential House is an exclusive project of single-family homes with options of 3 or 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, two of them en suite. These properties, located on plots of 590 to 700 m² facing south, offer spectacular views of the sea and the
12
Townhouse in Finestrat, Spain #80074
535 000 €
- 3
- 3
Online viewing
Remote transaction
Turnkey property for rent
Mortgage 4-6%
Exclusive new-build townhouse located in one of the most sought-after areas of the Costa Blanca, perfect for both living and investment. The property features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms across two floors, with a built area of 106 m² and a private
50
Villa in Finestrat, Spain #80017
890 000 €
- 4
- 3
Discover this impressive detached villa in Finestrat, a modern, spacious home designed to enjoy every corner with total privacy and comfort. With 324 m² built and a plot of more than 520 m², the property is distributed over three floors, offering
27
Villa in Finestrat, Spain #80016
1 100 000 €
- 3
- 3
Exclusiva villa de lujo de nueva construcción con arquitectura moderna y diseño contemporáneo. Dispone de 3 amplios dormitorios, 3 baños, salón luminoso con grandes ventanales y cocina abierta. En el exterior ofrece piscina privada, amplias terrazas
19
Villa in Finestrat, Spain 148m2 #80015
950 000 €
- 148m2
- 4
- 4
Stunning 148 m² villa on a 450 m² plot featuring 4 bedrooms (2 en suite), 4 bathrooms, spacious living room with large windows, fully equipped open kitchen, and a guest house with bathroom. Private garden, semi-covered terrace, and swimming pool.
11
Townhouse in Finestrat, Spain #80021
535 000 €
- 3
- 3
SEAVIEW 6 Your dream villa on the Costa Blanca Welcome to SEAVIEW 6, an exclusive residential complex comprised of 11 elegant semi-detached villas, located in the picturesque Sierra Cortina urbanisation, in the heart of the Costa Blanca. Here the
27
Villa in Finestrat, Spain #80020
1 100 000 €
- 3
- 3
Exclusive Villa in Finestrat (Costa Blanca) – €1,100,000 Prestigious Property with Mediterranean Sea Views We present an exclusive villa located in the heart of Finestrat, one of the fastest-growing and most prestigious
27
Villa in Finestrat, Spain #80019
1 100 000 €
- 3
- 3
Elegante villa de diseño moderno con arquitectura contemporánea y parcela privada de 455 m². La vivienda cuenta con una superficie construida total de 174,5 m², distribuida en dos plantas y diseñada para ofrecer confort, funcionalidad y estilo
8
Villa in Finestrat, Spain #80018
760 000 €
- 3
- 3
Exclusive detached villa for sale in Finestrat - Golf Bahia, located in a very quiet residential area, surrounded by nature and with a safe and well-kept environment. An ideal property both as a permanent residence and as a second home or investment
10
Cottage in Alicante, Spain #79941
285 000 €
FOR SALE • REAL ESTATE • ALICANTE • LANUZA • EL CAMPELLO • €285,000 + COMMISSION Dreaming of a spacious family home with unique character in a picturesque seaside location? This wonderful two-level chalet is
16
Cottage in Alicante, Spain #79902
VILLA FOR RENOVATION IN ALICANTE – A UNIQUE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY Basic Information: Property Type: Villa for Renovation Location: Alicante, Spain Price: Negotiable Plot Size: 2,114
According to data from Ministerio de Transportes, prices for suburban real estate in Spain rose by 7.2% in 2025. The growth is uneven — premium areas are becoming more expensive faster, while inland regions are stagnating. Prices for villas in Spain are relatively low compared to other European countries — from €250,000. Current price ranges by region:
| Region | Property type | Price from | Price to | €/m² average | To the sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murcia (Los Alcázares, Mazarrón) | Townhouse, bungalow | €75,000 | €180,000 | €1,100–1,400 | 5–15 min |
| Costa Blanca South (Torrevieja, Orihuela) | Townhouse, villa | €120,000 | €400,000 | €1,400–1,900 | 5–20 min |
| Costa Blanca North (Calpe, Benidorm, Altea) | Villa, townhouse | €250,000 | €900,000 | €2,000–3,200 | 3–15 min |
| Costa del Sol (Málaga, Estepona, Marbella) | Villa, chalet | €350,000 | €5,000,000 | €2,800–6,500 | 5–30 min |
| Inland Andalusia (Huelva, Jaén) | Cortijo, country house | €55,000 | €200,000 | €700–1,200 | 30–60 min |
| Catalonia (Costa Brava, Barcelona) | Villa, house | €450,000 | €8,000,000 | €3,500–8,000 | 5–25 min |
| Islands (Mallorca, Tenerife) | Villa, finca | €400,000 | €10,000,000 | €3,200–9,000 | 10–40 min |
Purchase costs — add to the property price: for resale homes 10–12%, for new builds 12–14%.
| Item | Resale | New build | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITP (property transfer tax) | 7–10% | — | Murcia 8%, Valencia 10%, Andalusia 7% |
| VAT (IVA) | — | 10% | For residential property; 21% for land |
| Stamp duty (AJD) | — | 0.5–2% | Depends on the region |
| Notary | 0.3–0.5% | 0.3–0.5% | According to the state fixed fee scale |
| Registro de la Propiedad | 0.1–0.3% | 0.1–0.3% | Title registration |
| Legal assistance | 0.5–1.5% | 0.5–1.5% | Recommended for foreign buyers |
| Total additional costs | ~10–12% | ~12–14% | House €250,000 → plus ~€27,500 |
Hidden costs of owning a house — they are not mentioned in listings, but they are unavoidable. Unlike an apartment, a house requires maintenance of the entire building:
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| IBI (property tax) | Annually | €200–1,500 |
| Home insurance | Annually | €300–800 |
| Garden maintenance / irrigation | Monthly | €100–400/month |
| Swimming pool maintenance | Monthly | €100–250/month |
| Utilities (water, electricity) | Monthly | €80–200/month |
| Roof repair | Every 10–15 years | €3,000–15,000 |
| Air conditioning replacement | Every 10–15 years | €1,500–6,000 |
| Cadastral review → IBI increase | Every 5–10 years | +20–60% to IBI |
| Septic tank (pumping if no sewerage) | Every 2–5 years | €150–400 |
| Total per year (guide) | €3,500–7,000 for a €300,000 house |
Mortgage for non-residents in 2026. Residency is not required — just a NIE and proof of income.
| Parameter | Non-resident | Spanish resident |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum LTV | 60–70% of the value | 80% of the value |
| Down payment | 30–40% + taxes (~12%) | 20% + taxes |
| Fixed rate | 3.2–4.5% per year | 2.9–4.0% per year |
| Variable rate | Euribor (~2.5%) + 0.9–1.4% | Euribor + 0.6–1.0% |
| Maximum term | 20–25 years | 30 years |
| Approval time | 3–6 weeks | |
Banks that are more willing to lend to non-residents: Sabadell and CaixaBank — the most flexible, with English‑language services for foreign buyers; Unicaja — active in the south (Málaga, Andalusia); Santander and BBVA — work with everyone but require a more complete set of documents. Pensioners can get a mortgage provided that the last payment will be made by the time they are 70–75 years old (depending on the bank).
5 mistakes made by 70% of house buyers in Spain:
| Mistake | What happens | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Not ordering a Nota Simple before Arras | You pay a 10% deposit — but the seller turned out not to be the sole owner | Nota Simple at sede.registradores.org — €9, shows owners, mortgages, encumbrances |
| Not checking debts on IBI and utilities | Tax and comunidad debts automatically pass to the new owner | Request a certificado de pago IBI and a certificate from the comunidad before signing |
| Buying without checking the tourist licence | You wanted to rent to tourists — but the municipality has a moratorium on new VUT licences | Check the VUT status at the Ayuntamiento before buying; a licence from the seller is a price plus |
| Not ordering a technical inspection (inspección técnica) | After the purchase — a bill for roof repairs, electrics or septic tank from €20,000 | An inspection costs €300–600; the result is used to negotiate with the seller |
| Not accounting for comunidad fees in a “detached” house | A house in an urbanización — fees of €200–500/month plus the previous owner's debts | Request the comunidad statutes, the fee amount and a certificate of no outstanding debts |
Foreigners bought more than 90,000 properties in Spain in 2025 — 13.7% of all market transactions. Three main motives: relocation, passive income from renting, and long-term investment. For each — its own property selection strategy.
| Purchase purpose | Recommended regions | Property type | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent residence / retirement | Costa Blanca South, Torrevieja, Guardamar — developed healthcare, flat terrain | Townhouse, bungalow, detached house | from €120,000 |
| Family with children | Estepona, San Pedro (Costa del Sol) — international schools, urbanisations | Villa or house in a gated community | from €350,000 |
| Income from tourist rental | Torrevieja, Marbella, Tenerife, Mallorca | Villa or townhouse with VUT licence | from €150,000 |
| Investment + resale | New builds on the Costa Blanca, Málaga | New build up to €400,000 | from €200,000 |
| Remote work (Digital Nomad) | Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, Alicante | House or townhouse with workspace | from €200,000 |
A detached house with a private pool, a garden and a view of the azure sea — isn't that the perfect place for a holiday and living? That is why there will never be a shortage of people wanting to rent such a property.
| Region | Rental type | Gross yield | Season | Licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrevieja, Murcia | Short-term tourist | 5–8% per year | April–October | VUT mandatory |
| Costa Blanca North | Short-term | 4–7% per year | May–September | VUT (moratorium in some municipalities) |
| Marbella, Málaga | Short-term premium | 6–10% per year | Year-round | VUT mandatory |
| All of Spain | Long-term (12+ months) | 3–5% per year | Year-round | Not required |
⚠️ In 2025–2026, a moratorium on issuing new tourist VUT licences is in effect on the Balearic Islands, in Catalonia and in some municipalities of Valencia. If the seller already has a VUT licence — this increases the property's value and its liquidity.
Liquidity of a Spanish house: how quickly can you sell it
Liquidity is the speed of sale without loss of value. For an investor, this is just as important as rental yield. According to the Idealista portal, the average Days on Market (DOM) for a house in Spain in 2025 was 4.5 months, but the spread is huge.
Which house to choose in Spain: types, differences and land status
Buying a house in Spain means getting more than just square metres — it's a Mediterranean lifestyle: 300 sunny days a year, fresh air, blue flag beaches and a relaxed pace of life in coastal towns. Unlike an apartment, a house offers privacy, your own plot of land and the possibility of installing a swimming pool.
According to the Spanish Ministry of Transport (Ministerio de Transportes), the price of suburban housing rose by 7.2% in 2025, and demand from foreign buyers exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 15%. In 2026, the market remains liquid: the average time to sell a house by the sea is 4.5 months, and in popular locations on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol — just 2–3 months.
This guide contains: current prices by region, real costs of purchase and ownership, comparison of property types (villa, townhouse, bungalow, cortijo), mortgage terms for non-residents in 2026 and a step-by-step guide to a safe transaction. Free legal support when buying through Discount-House.
Right now, a good house in Spain can be bought very inexpensively from €88,000. Before choosing a region and budget, it is important to understand the difference between property types — this affects maintenance costs, rental potential and resale liquidity. Villas in Spain are the most interesting option for buyers thanks to privacy, a pool and a sea view. In the catalogue, you can easily find a house on the first coastline — from €350,000 in popular locations.
| Criteria | Villa / Chalet | Detached House / Casa Unifamiliar | Townhouse / Casa Adosada | Bungalow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared walls with neighbours | ❌ no | ❌ no | ✅ 1–2 walls | ❌ no |
| Private plot | ✅ large (200–2000 m²) | ✅ yes | ⚠️ small yard (30–100 m²) | ⚠️ terrace |
| Swimming pool | ✅ private | ⚠️ depends on the property | ⚠️ usually shared | ⚠️ usually shared |
| Community fee | ❌ no (if not in an urbanisation) | ❌ no | ✅ €50–400/month | ✅ €50–200/month |
| Price per m² | €2,000–6,500 | €1,100–3,500 | €900–2,200 | €800–1,800 |
| Starting price | from €250,000 | from €120,000 | from €90,000 | from €75,000 |
| Target audience | Families, rental investors, premium | Permanent residence, pensioners | Budget, couples, holidays by the sea | Seasonal holidays, tourist rental |
Separately — traditional Spanish formats: Cortijo — a rural estate, often needing renovation, from €55,000; New Build (Obra Nueva) — energy class A, 10‑year developer warranty, from €200,000; Gated Community (Urbanización Cerrada) — security, shared infrastructure, from €150,000.
Land status is more important than price. In Spain, all land is divided into two types, and a mistake here is costly:
| Criteria | Urbano (urban) | Rústico (agricultural) |
|---|---|---|
| Construction and extension | ✅ permitted with a building licence (licencia de obras) | ❌ restricted or prohibited — extensions, pools, fences require special permission |
| Utilities | ✅ water, electricity, sewage connected | ❌ often not available — generator, well (pozo), septic tank |
| Mortgage | ✅ banks lend without restrictions | ❌ most banks refuse or give a maximum of 50% LTV |
| Tourist rental (VUT) | ✅ licence is issued (if regulations are met) | ❌ almost impossible — no registered address |
| Price | Market value | 30–60% cheaper — this is a warning sign, not a bargain |
Check land status: Nota Simple Informativa at sede.registradores.org — €9. Our agents perform this check automatically for each property.
Energy Performance Certificate — since 2013, the seller must provide it for any transaction. Ratings from A (≤15 kWh/m², costs €300–600/year) to G (>200 kWh/m², costs €6,000+/year). For resale homes, class D–E is typical. The difference in heating and air conditioning costs between class A and E is €2,000–3,500 per year. Take this into account when negotiating: upgrading from E to C costs €15,000–40,000.
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Questions from property buyers
Is a technical inspection (survey) required when buying a house in Spain?
Legally it is not required, but it is critically important for resale properties. Cost — €300–600. Inspected: roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, septic tank, pool. Hidden defects are found in 40% of resale homes, with repair costs starting at €5,000. The inspection results serve as leverage for price negotiation.
How does rústico land differ from urbano, and why does it matter?
Urbano — urban land: construction is allowed, utilities are connected, banks provide mortgages, tourist licenses (VUT) are issued. Rústico — agricultural or protected land: construction and expansion are either not allowed or very restricted, banks often refuse mortgages, VUT licenses are not issued. Houses on rústico land cost 30–60% less — this is not a bargain, but a warning sign. How to check the status: Nota Simple at sede.registradores.org — €9.
Can you buy a house in Spain remotely?
Yes. A fully remote transaction is possible through a notarial power of attorney (Poder Notarial): it is executed at a notary's office in your country with an apostille, the agent acts on your behalf — conducts online viewings, signs the contract, registers the property. Discount-House handles remote transactions for properties on the Costa Blanca.
What is the cheapest region to buy a house by the sea in Spain?
The most affordable houses by the sea are in Murcia (Los Alcázares, Mazarrón, Águilas): townhouses and bungalows from €75,000, average price €1,100–1,400/m². Next is the southern Costa Blanca (Torrevieja, Guardamar) from €120,000. In inland areas of Andalusia — country houses from €55,000, but far from the sea.
Do banks in Spain give mortgages to foreigners without residency?
Yes. Residency is not required for a mortgage — having a NIE is enough. Conditions for non-residents in 2026: down payment of 30–40%, interest rate from 3.2% per year (fixed), term up to 25 years. The most non-resident-friendly banks: Sabadell, CaixaBank, Unicaja. Approval time — 3–6 weeks. Retirees can get a mortgage provided the final payment is made by the age of 70–75.
How much does it cost to maintain a house in Spain per year?
For a house costing €300,000: IBI €200–1,500, insurance €300–800, garden maintenance €1,200–4,800, pool maintenance €1,200–3,000, utilities €960–2,400. Plus hidden costs: cadastral reassessment (IBI increases by 20–60% every 5–10 years), roof repair every 10–15 years (€3,000–15,000), replacement of air conditioners (€1,500–6,000). Total realistic maintenance budget — €3,500–7,000 per year.
Does buying a house in Spain grant residency?
No — it does not grant it automatically. The Golden Visa program for real estate was closed on April 3, 2025. In 2026, the alternatives are: Non‑Lucrative Visa (passive income from €2,400/month), Digital Nomad Visa (from €2,334/month), residency through a business. Owning a house itself simplifies obtaining a long‑term type D visa and a Schengen multi‑entry visa, but does not grant the right to stay for more than 90 days.
Can a foreigner buy a house in Spain in 2026?
Yes. Spanish legislation does not restrict the right of foreigners to purchase real estate. A mandatory requirement is the NIE (foreigner's identification number). The main difficulty is transferring funds: SWIFT transfers from Russian banks are limited. Working solutions: transfers through banks in third countries (Armenia, UAE, Kazakhstan), payment with cryptocurrency through a notary (legal in Spain), or a transfer from an account in a foreign bank.
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