Properties in Torrevieja

Real Estate in Torrevieja in 2026: A Guide from Location to Residency

Torrevieja is not just a city in the south of the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante. It is the epicenter of affordable Mediterranean living, popular among European pensioners, investors, and digital nomads. What makes it attractive? Three key pillars: the lowest prices on the coast, a consistently warm climate with 320 days of sunshine per year, and a unique health-friendly atmosphere thanks to its proximity to salt lakes. Buying here is a conscious choice for maximum return on investment, be it rental income or quality of life in retirement.

Prices and Liquidity: What to Buy and for How Much in 2026?

In 2026, the Torrevieja market is a classic example of affordable Spain: 85% of listings are resale properties built between 1990-2010, often requiring cosmetic renovation. New builds are scarce and belong to the premium segment. The starting price for an investment is from €80,000 for an unrenovated studio. A liquid one-bedroom apartment in good condition for rental can be found for €110,000–€125,000. A two-bedroom apartment or a small townhouse will cost €140,000–€180,000. The highest liquidity is for studios and one-bedroom apartments within walking distance of the sea (up to 500 m) and infrastructure.

Key Neighborhoods: Where to Buy for Rental Income vs. Where to Live?

The choice of neighborhood determines your profit or comfort. For maximum rental yield, choose the city center: the area of Playa del Cura and Los Locos beaches, as well as Avenida de las Habaneras street. It's always bustling here, and demand for long-term rentals exceeds supply. For quiet permanent residence (PR), La Mata with its long beach and pine forest, as well as Punta Prima, are ideal. The Los Balcones area and the El Acequión zone are popular for buying villas and townhouses "for your own use."

The Purchase Process for Non-Residents: 5 Clear Steps

1. Search and Due Diligence. After selecting a property, request a document package from the seller: the property registry report (Nota Simple), a certificate of no community debts (Certificado de deudas de comunidad), the property's technical passport (Cédula de Habitabilidad), and the energy certificate. Properties on the market for >6 months are a reason to negotiate the price.

2. Preliminary Contract and Deposit (Contrato de Arras). This fixes the price and conditions. A deposit (usually 10%) is paid, which the buyer forfeits if they back out, and the seller must return double if they back out.

3. Mortgage Arrangement (if needed). For non-residents, a 40-50% down payment is required. The bank's official valuation (Tasación) is often below the market price.

4. Signing the Deed at the Notary (Firma de la Escritura). The main tax on resale property, ITP (10% in the Valencian Community), is paid. The notary certifies the public deed of sale (Escritura Pública).

5. Registration and Utility Setup. The notary submits the documents to the Land Registry. The new owner signs contracts for water, electricity, and gas.

Rental and Residency: What Does Your Investment Provide?

Long-term rental is the basis of profitability. The net annual yield (rentabilidad neta) after taxes (19% for non-residents) and fees is 3.5–4.5%. Tourist rental is complicated due to expensive licensing. A Residency Permit is not granted automatically. The "Golden Visa" for investments from €500,000 has not been in effect since 2025. However, your property is key proof of accommodation for a non-lucrative residence permit (visado no lucrativa) or a digital nomad visa (visado nómada digital), which require proof of foreign income. For a retiree, this is the path to legal permanent residence in a sunny climate.