Foreign buyers are primarily interested in living along Spain’s coast, whether it be mainland or the Balearic or Canary Islands. And did you know that around 115 districts account for 50% of foreign home purchases? And in some neighbourhoods of Calpe (Alicante), Javea (Alicante), Moraira (Alicante), La Zenia (Alicante) and Roses (Girona) more than 70% of property purchases are from foreigners.
In many areas of Alicante, Malaga, the Balearics and Canary Islands foreign buyers tend to have a larger budget than the Spanish, so in many cases the value of sales by foreigners will often exceed 75% of the total value of all real estate sales for an area.
The province of Alicante accounts for around 35 neighbourhoods which are dominated by foreign property purchases. Alicante’s appeal is due to its diverse real estate options, 2 international airports, excellent services, and an established expat community.
These are the most popular coastal areas for foreigner buyers in 2025
Costa Blanca is accessible, affordable (€1,800 to €4,000/m²), and welcoming to expats. Popular areas are Jávea (Xàbia), Altea, Benissa Costa, Moraira, Calpe, Albir, Denia, Ciudad Quesada, La Zenia, and Gran Alacant.
Costa del Sol, and in particular Nerja, Estepona, Benalmádena, Mijas, San Pedro de Alcántara, and Rincón de la Victoria with prices from €2,500 to €6,000/m².
The Balearic Islands (mostly Mallorca and Ibiza) offer a premium relaxed lifestyle and prices range between €3,500 and €7,000/m². Popular areas are Santa Eulalia, Santanyí, Porto Cristo, Sóller, Binissalem and San Carlos.
The Canary Islands offer all-year sunshine, an excellent climate, and more moderate costs (when compared with the Balearics) from €2,000 to €4,500/m². (Costa Adeje, San Eugenio Alto, Corralejo, Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Arguineguín.)
The Costa Brava (the coast north of Barcelona) is preferred by the French and Germans, with charming towns like Begur, Calella de Palafrugell, Platja d’Aro, Lloret de Mar, El Masnou, and Tossa de Mar.
Costa Tropical (Granada) has the highest percentage of British buyers and offers more affordable prices between €1,500 and €2,800/m². Most real estate purchases are concentrated in La Herradura, Almuñécar town centre, Salobreña old town, Motril outskirts, Cotobro and Ítrabo.
These are the top buyer nationalities in 2025
Germans make up the majority of the buyers in these high-demand locations, and especially in the islands.
Swedes, Danes, and Norwegians purchase mostly in Alicante and Malaga.
Dutch and Belgians make most of their real estate purchases in Alicante Province.
The French favour Girona, the Costa Brava, and the Costa Blanca North.
The British are spread throughout coastal Spain but are strongest in areas like Manilva, Estepona, Costa Blanca South, Benidorm, and Murcia.
The fact remains that real estate in Spain continues to offer excellent value for money, especially when compared with Northern Europe. Each year, there is a greater percentage of foreigners choosing to relocate to Spain permanently, and not just to buy second homes. The buyers today are younger, more mobile, and more interested in a better work-life balance.
Are you thinking of moving to Spain? What are the areas that most interest you? Where would you live, and where would you not live?
