Where’s the best place in Spain to buy a house by the sea with a swimming pool?

Spain’s Mediterranean coast is an area where people often buy homes with swimming pools. Many waterside Spanish provinces are known for their high economic activity, especially in summer. Staying here offers tourists the best ratio of price and quality along with clean beaches and good weather. Let’s check out the features of onshore Spanish areas popular with property investors.

Content:

• Where in Spain do foreigners buy villas?
• Popular provinces among foreigners looking to buy a home in Spain
  • The Costa Brava region
  • The Costa Blanca
  • Costa del Sol
  • Catalonia
  • Torrevieja
  • Andalusia
• Good investments
• Risk-free transaction
• We’ll help you buy property in Spain

Where in Spain do foreigners buy villas?

Non-resident foreigners who buy homes in Spain increased by 51.2% with 43,827 transactions in 2021. The Balearic and Canary Islands have restored these sales rates. Malaga and Alicante have become popular among non-residents in property sales. Resident foreigners also had 59,168 transactions in 2021. Most often, they chose large urban centers like Madrid or Barcelona.

Popular provinces among foreigners looking to buy a home in Spain

Let’s look at what the main Spanish regions where foreigners often buy property are like.

The Costa Brava region

Region characteristics

The Costa Brava is a Spanish seashore in the northeast of Catalonia, in the province of Girona.

Climate

As in many Spanish cities, the coast has a mild climate with a hot summer and mild winter. Temperatures rarely fall below 13 °C and the sky is clear or partly cloudy in 82% of cases.

Transport infrastructure

A well-developed public transport network, Figueres railway station, Girona and Barcelona airports, and the AP2/E15 highway give you access to major European traffic interchanges.

Recreation and sports

Here you can do various water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving. There are also golf courses and a skydiving center.

An ideal place for retirement

Pensioners searching for a quiet place to live can travel to this coast. The mild climate, quality of life and environment make it ideal.

Affordable cost of living

The cost of leisure, public transport, food and essentials is quite affordable compared to many European cities.

Gastronomic culture

The wide range of entertainment and culture appeals to everyone. Foreigners especially love the cuisine. Foodies will be happy to taste Mediterranean delicacies.

You can enjoy unusual paellas and seafood in restaurants with sea views. Various places along the Catalan shore are authentic and unique.

Beautiful views

Promenade villas with private piers and plentiful holiday boats, narrow streets, and beautiful beaches give a peculiar charm to the local landscape.

Great real estate offers

This place can be proud of its extensive housing for sale. There are many apartments and chalets. There are also townhouses and homes with piers.

The choice of property types and prices is wide. There are very affordable and very expensive properties available here. The average price is €2,700 (¥18,976) per m².

Advantageous taxation

Property taxes vary from 0.4 to 1.1% of the total property costs. Property transfer taxes range from 6 to 8% depending on location.

The expenses when you buy a home make up 7% of the transaction amount.

Profitable investment

Every year, the seaside known for its quality of life receives a fair share of European tourists and other international visitors. This makes the area more profitable as there’s a constant demand for rentals during the high season.

Many new homes are usually difficult to find in other Spanish areas.

The demand for tourist rentals in the area and close to the shore in Catalonia increased by 36.7% in 2021.

The advantages of houses in Costa Brava:

• indoor swimming pool;
• a roomy veranda with a barbecue area;
• gaming room;
• lounge areas;
• golf courses;
• natural and high-quality finishings;
• functionality;
• a view of the sea;
• a well-kept garden filled with native and tropical plants;
• a spacious terrace to sunbathe;
• a bar;
• a sauna;
• parking space;
• a fireplace.

Real estate prices on the Costa Brava

Prices are 2–2.5 times higher than in all other areas of the country. This is because of the construction ban on high-rise buildings and their impact on the landscape and national green areas.

The most expensive resort towns are S’Agaró and Platja d’Aro where the most budget-friendly properties cost between €300,000–and 400,000 (¥2,108,446–2,811,261).

You can purchase more budget-friendly housing in cities like Blanes, Lloret de Mar and Rosas.

The Costa Blanca

Region characteristics

Costa Blanca is one of the most beautiful areas in Spain like the coastal communities of the Alicante province in the Valencian autonomous community.

It has about 250 km of beaches, cliffs, bays and 81 blue flags.

Climate

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the climate in this area as the best in the world. It’s almost always sunny with temperatures of about 20ºC almost all year round.

Transport infrastructure

It has a modern transport infrastructure.

Highways: Highway network (AP-7) and a state road (N-332).

Railway transportation: the EUROMED high-speed train connects Alicante with Valencia and Barcelona.

Air transportation: the “El Altet” airport in Alicante and the international “Manises” airport in Valencia.

There’s also sea transportation in Alicante.

Ecology

In addition to the beaches, there are many natural parks, mountain ranges, rivers, fountains, marine reserves, lagoons, etc. (The Natural Park of El Fondo, The Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park, the Montgó Massif, the Algar River, waterfalls, and natural pools).

Affordable cost of living

In Costa Blanca, the costs for goods and services are relatively low compared to other areas of the county.

Culture and entertainment

Traditional local holidays are the Moors and Christians of Alcoy festival, the Bonfires of Saint John, and the Habanera festival. During the weekend, you can visit theme parks like Terra Mitica, Aqualandia, Mundomar, Aquopolis, and Polapark for entertainment and relaxation.

The advantages of a villa on the Costa Blanca:

• developed infrastructure;
• swimming pool;
• parking space;
• high-quality materials;
• garage;
• terrace with barbecue area;
• view of the sea and pink lakes;
• lighting;
• a fireplace;
• a garden;
• air conditioning.

Property prices on the Costa Blanca

Real estate is sold at a fair price, especially when compared with the coasts of Costa Brava or Costa del Sol. In Costa Blanca, you can find a house with a starting price of €40,000 (¥281,126).

The average housing cost is around 1475 €/m2 (10,367 ¥/m2).

Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is a region located in the Andalusian autonomous community that includes the settlements of the Malaga province.

Climate

There’s a pleasant climate with an annual temperature of 19 °C and more than 300 sunny days a year.

Transport infrastructure

The area has developed transport infrastructure.

Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the fourth largest airport in Spain in terms of the number of passengers and has a large international connection with 136 countries in the world.

There’s railway transportation with high-speed lines.

There’s also a network of urban and inter-city transport with more than 40 lines.

Tourist region

It’s a popular tourist destination with 35% of Andalusia's tourist business.

Culture

Various theater, music, sports, and film festivals take place in the region. There are 8 spacious theaters here.

Sports and leisure

There are many golf courses, marinas, nautical centers, theme parks, and natural spaces.

Commercial variety

You can find various shopping centers with exclusive brands in the area.

Profitable investments

Real estate on the Costa del Sol can be seen as a long-term investment because prices rise constantly. It’s a great way to make money.

Advantages of a house on the Costa del Sol:

• free space;
• plenty of natural light
• outdoor zones;
• silence;
• a swimming pool.

The price of real estate on the Costa del Sol

Prices vary by city on the Costa del Sol.

Catalonia

Features of the Catalonia region

Catalonia is an autonomous community in the northeast of Spain, located between the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees.

Climate

After the Canaries, Balearic Islands, and Valencia, Catalonia is an autonomous community with the mildest climate. It has a Mediterranean climate with pleasant temperatures most of the year except in the villages near the Pyrenees.

Many beaches

The advantage of Catalonia is the 700-kilometer waterfront. There are many different beaches here like Aiguablava, Castelldefels, Cala Fonda, and Cala Montjoi.

Transport infrastructure

There’s a developed public transport network with 7 airports, many ports, 12 main highways, and 2 main railway lines (France - the Valencian Community and Barcelona-Lleida).

Devised region

Today, Catalonia is one of the wealthiest autonomous communities with the help of tourism income. The wages Catalans receive are comparable only to the wages in the working capital of Madrid. Open job offers are plentiful in major urban centers like Barcelona.

Rich culture and history

Catalonia is a 1000-year-old area where you can find everything from dinosaur footprints and physical evidence of Neanderthal man’s existence to a rich Roman heritage and numerous villas and places with the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

Urbanization and rural life coexist together

In cities like Girona, Lleida, or Tarragona, modern socio-cultural and avant-garde movements coexist with country life characterized by fruit trees, vineyards, wine production and pottery.

Gastronomy

In Catalonia, food is organic and comes from the garden, sea, and mountains. Some typical Catalan dishes are el xato sauce, coca de recapte (an open pie), empedrat salad, Catalan cream, trinxat cabbage, and esqueixada salad.

Advantages of a house in Catalonia:

• a beautiful view;
• a garden;
• a swimming pool;
• a terrace;
• a patio;
• a garage;
• energy efficiency;
• clean beaches;
• a developed infrastructure.

Real estate prices in Catalonia

Prices in Catalonia, March 2022.

Torrevieja

Characteristics of the Torrevieja region

Torrevieja is in the province of Alicante on the Costa Blanca's southern coast. It’s well-known for its Mediterranean climate and 25 kilometers of seashore.

Climate

Salt lagoons and beaches create a mild microclimate.

Transport infrastructure

The good geographical situation of Torrevieja and transport links with major Spanish and European cities are extra reasons to invest in properties in this area.

Highways: Torrevieja is connected to Europe through the Mediterranean motorway A-7 (European route E-15). Also, there’s an additional network of roads, N-340 and N-332, connecting the city with other nearby tourist destinations.

Railway transportation: You can reach the province of Alicante by 2 different lines - Alicante-Madrid and Alicante-Barcelona.

Air transportation: the nearest airports are the “El Altet” airport in Alicante and the international “Manises” airport in Valencia.

Sea transportation: Alicante is 45 minutes from Torrevieja and is one of the most important cruise ports in the Western Mediterranean. Cartagena (Murcia) is another important international base port for cruises.

Prices

The average property price in March 2022 is €1.831 per m² (¥12,869).

Ecology

Torrevieja is a green city, not only because of the protected natural areas (whose ecological values have been recognized throughout the world), but also because of the many parks, squares, and green areas for walking and enjoying nature.

Gastronomy

Torrevieja is known for its gastronomic diversity. Fish is the basis of traditional Torrevieja dishes, along with vegetables and meat, especially pork. Handcraftsmen around the city still make pork sausages and other meat delicacies.

Profitable investment

Affordable housing helps to grow high investor demand for property in Spain for buy-to-live and buy-to-invest purposes.

Leisure and culture offer

There are museums, monuments, theaters, cinemas, festivals and cultural events (Torre del Moro Park, Park of Nations, Laguna de La Mata Torrevieja Natural Park - Parque de las Naciones, bays and beaches of Torrevieja, a railway station park).

Sports and recreation

Torrevieja offers many sports like swimming, surfing, hiking, horse-riding, golf, water activities, boat rentals, jet boats and flyboards.

Commercial variety

There are many shopping centers for sale in the city center. This is one of the largest offers in the province of Alicante.

Healthcare

Torrevieja has many public (Manuel Garcia Gea) and private clinics (USP Hospital San Jaime, Hospital Vega Baja). But, Torrevieja University Hospital (Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja) and Giron Hospital (Hospital Quirón) are considered the best medical institutions in Torrevieja. In private clinics, you can use the services of a full-time in-house interpreter.

There are also many medical and sanitary aid centers (La Loma, El Acequión, Patricio Pérez, La Mata, and La Siesta).

Advantages of a house in Torrevieja:

• large, heated swimming pools;
• southern orientation;
• private underground parking space;
• gym and sauna;
• fully equipped bathrooms;
• high-quality finishing;
• bioclimatic architecture;
• terrace and patio;
• tanning booth;
• convenient transportation.

Real estate prices in Torrevieja

Prices in Torrevieja, March 2022.

Andalusia

An overview of the Andalusia region

Andalusia is a Spanish autonomous community of 8 provinces. It’s in the southwest of Spain. In the south, it’s washed by the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea, and in the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The community shares borders with Portugal.

Climate

Usually, winter is mostly mild and autumn is seen as an extension of the warm summer. Spring starts in March. Also, the sun shines about 320 days a year in most of the region.

Transport infrastructure

The community has 2 international airports (Seville and Malaga international airports) and 4 domestic ones (Almeria, Jerez Cadiz, Granada Jaen and Almeria airports). There are also important high-speed railway stations - Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, and Seville. The road system connects the entire area of Andalusia through motorways.

Hospitable region

It’s a perfect place for living or business development. Local people are welcoming around the community.

Culture

Andalusian culture, folklore fairs, gastronomy, and monumental wealth mean many tourists are interested in relocating to Andalusia.

Ecology

Nature is a source of health for the Andalusians. There are plenty of national and natural parks, as well as marine protected areas with rich biodiversity.

Low expenses

Property prices in Andalusia are more affordable than in other Spanish and European regions. In this sense, the southern community fits into the concept of affordable luxury: the quality of real estate is world-class but the difference in prices is obvious.

The cost of living

Property for sale in Andalusia is relatively cheap as is the cost of living in the province after buying a home. From the consumer basket to expenses for a helicopter flight, the cost of goods and services is very low here.

Real estate

The real estate market in Andalusia has various types of housing units in many areas, including those that are especially attractive to tourists. The main offers of exclusive real estate in Andalusia can be found in the tourist areas.

Advantages of a house in Andalusia:

• a view of the Mediterranean Sea;
• beaches within walking distance;
• big windows;
• lighting;
• swimming pool;
• bright interior;
• high-quality materials;
• spacious rooms;
• rustic decor;
• wooden interior;
• a roomy terrace with a gazebo;
• beautiful landscapes;
• jacuzzi and sauna.

Real estate prices in Andalusia

Prices in Andalusia, March 2022.

Good investments

Return on investments is an important thing to keep in mind when you choose a house in Spain on the coast, especially if your ultimate goal is to make a profit through renting. But, despite the economic benefits, buying a house on the beach is attractive for other reasons. Living by the sea has many health benefits.

Beach destinations go hand in hand with economic activity, tourism, occupation, and successful investments. Usually, buying a second residence by the sea is less risky than buying a house in a remote village.

Risk-free transaction

Recommendations for a safe real estate transaction on the Spanish coast.

1. Choose a trusted real estate agent.

   An agent should have full knowledge of the area and a good reputation. They should be able to listen to the client and be willing to provide information.

2. Select the correct zone.

   There are resorts, towns, and villages with their own characteristics, services, nationalities, and micro-climates along the long Spanish coastline.

   Finding the right place can take time. You may need to contact a real estate agency in Spain.

3. Take out a mortgage.

   You need to cautiously compare interest rates and terms before making a decision. Most good real estate agents know the best mortgages on the market and can offer the best option for you.

4. Understand the process.

   Every country has a unique process of purchasing a property and Spain is no different. You need to understand the procedure and the consequences of each step.

5. Pay attention to fees and taxes.

   It’s important to consider costs and taxes on top of the purchase price. In Spain, these make up 10-13% of the real estate price. You’ll also have to pay an annual property tax (IBI) (0.4-1.1% of the cost of housing), an IP wealth tax (from 0.2 to 2.5%, provided that the value of the real estate exceeds €700,000 (¥4,901,806) without encumbrances) utilities, and property insurance.

We’ll help you buy property in Spain

Buying a house on the Spanish coast is a good buy-to-invest and buy-for-holiday option. Spain-Real.Estate specialists will help you choose and buy a coastal home. Buying a beach house in Spain will be one of the best decisions of your life.