Property News from Spain

Spain’s status as a premier destination for quality of life has received definitive international validation. The Time Out "Happiest Cities in the World 2025" survey, which polls thousands of residents worldwide, has confirmed that Spain is Europe's lifestyle leader, with Seville and Valencia both ranking highly on the global Top 20 list.

This news is a powerful signal for expatriates and property investors. When citizens report the highest levels of daily satisfaction, it confirms the long-term, non-financial value of living and owning property in these locations.

Spain leads Europe's happiness rankings

The 2025 results show Spain dominating the continent, confirming that the Spanish rhythm of life delivers unparalleled joy and community. Seville led the continent at #1 (and #9 globally), while Valencia secured #4 in Europe (and #19 globally).

Critically, Spain placed four cities in the European Top 10 for happiness, demonstrating that the nation's exceptional quality of life is a nationwide phenomenon, not limited to a single metropolis. Bilbao ranked at #7 and Madrid at #10.

A Consistent trend: The long-term value of lifestyle

This ranking is not a one-off event. Spain's coastal and southern cities have consistently been chosen by global residents for their superior quality of life, confirming a sustainable, long-term trend for investment:

• Global Expat Champion: In the 2024 InterNations Expat City Ranking, Spain swept the top three spots, with Valencia ranked #1 globally and Málaga ranked #2.
• Executive confidence: More recently, Spain placed three cities in the global top 10 of the Savills "Executive Nomad Index 2025," targeting high-net-worth mobile executives who prioritise stability and lifestyle.

When multiple, independent reports—from expat surveys to happiness indices—all validate the same cities, it assures the property investor that demand for these locations will remain perpetually high.

Why Valencia and Seville win

The success of these two vibrant cities, while culturally distinct, is rooted in mastering the perfect work-life balance—a key attraction for foreigners, remote workers, and expat retirees alike.

Seville: The Andalusian heart of happiness

Seville's top ranking comes from its powerful sense of Culture and Community. Known for its intense, authentic Andalusian culture, spontaneous street life, and highly sociable atmosphere, the city offers residents a sense of "joy in the everyday." The famously relaxed pace allows residents to linger over tapas and stroll along the Guadalquivir River without feeling the stress of larger metropolitan areas. For expats, this compact, walkable city centre offers a deep cultural immersion, excellent safety, and warm, welcoming people—qualities that are highly prized for long-term relocation.

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Spain is a sought-after destination for property buyers worldwide, renowned for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and pleasant climate. Whether you're searching for a holiday home, an investment opportunity, or a permanent residence, the Spanish property market offers a variety of affordable options. This article explores the cheapest places to buy property, highlighting coastal areas, towns, and regions where you can find excellent value for your money.

Key considerations when buying cheap property in Spain

When searching for affordable property in Spain, consider these factors to ensure a wise investment:

• Location: Proximity to amenities, transport links, and the overall appeal of the area are crucial. Ensure the location meets your lifestyle needs and offers potential for future growth.
• Property condition: Affordable properties may require renovation, so include these costs in your budget. Conduct thorough inspections to avoid unexpected expenses.
• Legal aspects: Ensure the property has all necessary legal documentation and is free from outstanding debts or legal issues. Engage a local lawyer to navigate the legal complexities.
• Market trends: Research local property market trends to understand potential future value and rental income opportunities. Stay informed about regional economic developments and infrastructure projects that could affect property values.

Check our articles, useful information, and guides on Buying in Spain. 

The most affordable regions to buy property in Spain

Despite recent increases, house prices in Spain remain below the European average, offering numerous opportunities for buyers. Prices vary significantly due to increasing demand. According to the Spanish Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, the most affordable regions in the third quarter of 2025 are in central Spain, excluding Madrid. Extremadura leads with the lowest prices, followed by Castile-La Mancha and Castile and Leon. Murcia offers the most attractive prices among coastal areas.

Inland areas of Spain, particularly the "Meseta", have the lowest average property prices per square metre. Provinces such as Jaen in inland Andalusia, Teruel in Aragon, and León and Ávila in Castille and Leon also rank among the most affordable destinations for property buyers....

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A new report from BBVA Research confirms the core reality of the Spanish property market: sales volumes are slowing due to a chronic lack of supply, but this same scarcity is forcing prices into a new phase of strong appreciation. The bank’s highly current "Real Estate Observatory" (November 2025) projects that while the overall number of transactions will stagnate in 2026 - forecasting a negligible -0.3% change - national housing prices are secured for another year of significant growth, projected to climb by 7.0% in 2026. This trend provides exceptional security for long-term investors: your asset value is insulated from any market fluctuation by an unstoppable structural deficit.

Structural deficit & price growth in Spain

The reason behind this price acceleration is simple and structural: Spain cannot build fast enough to meet demand generated by strong employment, migration, and the appeal of buying over increasingly expensive renting.

The BBVA data confirms the severity of this fundamental imbalance:

• Cumulative housing deficit: Between 2021 and 2025, Spain accumulated a housing deficit of approximately 625,000 households whose housing needs were unmet by new construction.
• Price resilience: Despite the sharp nominal price rises, the price remains 30% below the 2007 bubble peak in real terms, confirming market recovery, not a speculative boom.
• Accelerating prices: This deficit drove prices up by a confirmed 9.7% in the first half of 2025, a momentum BBVA forecasts will lead to a 10.1% rise for the full year. This sharp growth sets the foundation for the stable 7.0% appreciation expected in 2026.

Sales slowing down is viewed as healthy

The projected stagnation in sales for 2026 is actually a positive signal for the market's long-term health. It is not a sign of collapsing demand, but rather a confirmation that:

• Supply is exhausted: The market has simply run out of available inventory, especially quality, affordable stock in high-demand areas.
• Marginal demand is culled: The steep rise in prices means that marginal buyers, often those highly sensitive to mortgage rates and dependent on full financing, are being priced out. This culls speculative demand and leaves the market in the hands of secure, long-term investors.

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