Alicante is Spain’s Most Popular Province for Foreign Buyers
No Spanish province has benefited more from international interest than Alicante. Almost 23 thousand property sales were made by foreigners, which is a staggering 44% of all transactions in the province. Alicante province alone represents nearly a quarter of all foreign purchases nationwide! It’s no surprise, as the province offers a stunning climate, affordable prices, strong expat communities, and a well-connected international airport. Alicante appeals to buyers mostly from the UK, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Poland, and Sweden. Popular towns like Torrevieja, La Zenia, Altea, Jávea, Moraira, and Calpe offer the lifestyle many seek—beachfront living with multilingual professional services and excellent healthcare.
That said, new buyer demographics are in the process of reshaping Spain’s property landscape. In 2024, Moroccan, Romanian, and Polish buyers showed notable growth. Moroccan buyers often purchase for family use or relocation, and focus on urban and affordable areas in Andalusia, Madrid, and smaller inland villages. Romanians are most active in Valencia, Murcia, and Castile-La Mancha, and are often driven by work opportunities or a desire for a more temperate climate.
Polish buyers, now exceed 4,200 annual purchases in Spain, and focus more on the Costa Blanca South, Murcia, and to a lesser degree, Granada. Their rise reflects a broader trend of Central and Eastern Europeans moving to Spain, either full-time or seasonally.
The Foreign Nationalities That Buy Property in Spain and Where.
United Kingdom (8,000): Mainly in Alicante, Málaga, and Murcia, and often choose resale villas, townhouses, and bungalows near the coast.
Germans (6,100): Favour Mallorca, Costa Blanca South, and Canary Islands. Prefer high-quality, quiet homes with good amenities.
Morocco (5,250): Urban flats in Madrid, Andalusia, and Murcia.
France (5,000): Prefer Catalonia, Girona, and Costa Blanca North, due to driving proximity from France. Mostly purchase for holiday use.
Netherlands (5,000): Costa Blanca is the clear favourite, and especially Costa Blanca North, and Orihuela Costa (Costa Blanca South).
Romania (4,700): Smaller apartments in Valencia Region, Murcia, and Castile-La Mancha.
Italy (4,700): Scattered across Barcelona, Valencia, Andalusia, and Canary Islands with growing interest in Costa Blanca.
Belgium (4,500): Mostly in the Costa Blanca North and to a lesser extent in the Costa Blanca South.
Poland (4,250): Affordable properties in Murcia, Costa Blanca South, and Malaga Province. Those with bigger budgets tend to buy in Costa Blanca North.
China (3,000): Mostly apartments in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, with easy access to overseas flights.
Ukraine (2,900): Affordable homes in coastal and inland regions, especially Costa Blanca South, Malaga Province, and Murcia.
Sweden (2,500): Love Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa (Costa Blanca South), and Marbella.
Russia (2,200): Focus has decreased but still present in Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca North (Altea Hills, Calpe).
Ireland (1,600): Mostly Alicante Province.
USA (1,550): A strong focus on Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.
What Types of Properties Do Foreigners Buy in Spain?
British: Detached villas, townhouses, or bungalows with private or communal pools, used for retirement or extended holidays.
German: Resale villas, new builds and town houses, for seasonal or permanent residence.
Dutch: Mostly buy luxury freestanding villas, modern apartments, or resale villas that they reform. Holiday use with rental potential.
French: Rural houses, resale villas, or coastal apartments, used as second homes or lifestyle retreats.
Belgian: Similar to Dutch – luxury freestanding villas, modern apartments, or resale villas in quiet areas, for seasonal living or retirement.
Moroccan: Affordable urban smaller flats in working-class neighbourhoods, used as primary residences or family homes.
Romanian: Budget flats or older properties in inland or coastal cities, bought for relocation or family housing.
Polish: Entry-level apartments or townhouses in affordable regions, used for holiday or relocation.
American: High-end new builds or urban apartments, purchased for lifestyle, remote work, or investment.
Chinese: City apartments or off-plan new builds, primarily for investment.
Ukrainian: Modest apartments in coastal or inland areas, used as long-term family housing.
Swedish: Coastal apartments or modern villas in expat-friendly towns, for winter use or seasonal residence.
Russian: Luxury villas or penthouses in upscale coastal areas, often for investment or private use.
Irish: Bungalows or duplexes near the coast, used for holidays or retirement.
Italian: Urban apartments or small holiday flats, bought for personal use and occasional short-term rental.
Is any of the Foreign real estate demand moving inland?
Although coastal regions dominate inquiries, some foreign buyers have shifted their attention inland due to rising coastal prices. The interiors of Alicante Province, Costa del Sol, Murcia, and parts of Granada offer better value for money and have seen more attention from foreigners searching for rural homes that offer more space and tranquillity.
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