Property News from Spain

Spain's mainland Mediterranean coast is where some of the best beaches, warmest weather, greatest choice of homes for sale and most diverse mix of nationalities are found. The Costa Blanca, about halfway down this coast, encompasses the entire shoreline of the province of Alicante and a few kilometres inland from it. It's one of Europe's favourite destinations: Holidaymakers and foreign residents have been visiting, returning to and settling there for generations.

When deciding on the best Costa Blanca location to move to, it helps to know which areas are most suitable for your chosen lifestyle.

The Costa Blanca's split personality

In reality, there are two Costa Blancas. Whilst not their official titles and never referred to as such in Spanish, expatriates of various nationalities have been identifying their part of the coast as North Costa Blanca and South Costa Blanca for decades. Those who live in one half, after visiting the other for the first time, are stunned at the contrast and struggle to believe they're both in the same province.

The invisible border invented by foreign residents is broadly considered to be just north of the Alicante metropolitan area, known as the Campo de Alicante or L'Alacantí. The North takes in the districts of the Marina Baixa, which backs onto the metropolitan zone, and the Marina Alta, which finishes where Valencia province starts. Alicante city, and everything between it and the next region, Murcia, is the South. This includes the Vega Baja del Segura district and the Baix Vinalopó.

North and South Costa Blanca: What's the difference?

As a general rule, the farther south along the Costa you travel, the greater the expat influence and presence is. Whilst the far north of the coast remains much more unspoilt and 'traditionally Spanish', the far south is swallowed up by huge urbanisations, or residential complexes, occupied almost exclusively by northern Europeans. The main differences are:

• South Costa Blanca expatriates are generally – although, of course, not always – less integrated, since they are heavily clustered together and have limited contact with the local Spanish community. North Costa Blanca expatriates live in or close to small towns and villages, and are more thinly spread, so they interact more with Spaniards.
• Foreigners on the Costa Blanca South are more likely to be part-time expatriates, spending several months per year in their holiday homes, although foreigners of many years' or decades' permanent residence are the majority on the Costa Blanca North.
• In the southern half, the dominant, and often only, language among locals is Spanish, whilst in the northern half, Spanish coexists with or even takes a back seat to the co-official regional tongue, valenciano.
• The North Costa Blancais greener, more mountainous, forested and rugged, and the South Costa Blanca drier, flatter and more desert-like.

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Buying a home on the Spanish coast is not typically a budget option, with property being in high demand and low supply in beach locations. But there are still areas where a main residence is relatively affordable, and in some cases – especially if you're seeking a holiday home – are actually cheap.

When giving average buying prices for the following towns, we have based these on a property of 100 square metres. This could be, perhaps, a spacious three-bedroom apartment, or a small villa. These prices, though, are not set in stone: Exact property type and location can alter the cost significantly.

The central hub of many coastal towns is often a few kilometres inland, and their beach neighbourhoods used almost exclusively by local residents in summer, when they move into their second homes. If you decided to live in the town proper, you would still be comfortably near enough to the beach to be able to enjoy it – typically a five- or 10-minute drive, or a 20-minute cycle ride away – and would be able to buy a home for considerably less.

Older properties – pre-2000 – are normally cheaper, and depending upon your willingness to refurbish your home and to what extent, you could save even more. Renovations needed might be merely cosmetic – ranging from repainting or, perhaps, retiling, through to replacing the kitchen and bathroom – or could involve major structural works. If the former is the case, you may even decide you can live with the original decades-old décor, particularly if you plan to use the property as a holiday home, if it means spending less.

If the property is not going to be your main residence, you won't need as much space, which will also reduce expense. In some coastal towns in Spain, you can find one-bedroom apartments for as little as €30,000 or €40,000.

Here are some of the cheapest coastal areas to buy homes in, each with a description and price range.

Galicia

You might have expected the cheapest coastal properties in Spain to be found in the north, which has cooler and shorter summers and does not appear on the international beach tourism trail. This is not necessarily true, although eight of the 10 least-expensive seaside towns for homebuyers are in the far north-western region of Galicia.

This green and pleasant land is a far cry from what you would expect a Spanish Costa to look like. Instead of palm trees, you'll find a lush, grassy landscape that benefits from constant light in winter, autumn and spring, and more closely resembles that of northern Europe. Galicia's emerald scenery, rugged cliffs and multiple river deltas – or Rías - are often likened to Scotland and Ireland and, indeed, the region shares strong historical ties with both.

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If you're searching for a cheap property for sale in Spain, at thinkSPAIN we offer a wide range of homes to suit all budgets. In Spain, property prices can vary significantly across different regions of the country. If you know where to look, you can find very affordable properties. This article will help you understand which types of properties are usually more affordable and the areas where it’s cheaper to buy in Spain.

What are the cheapest types of property in Spain?

The cheapest properties in Spain are usually apartments, homes in rural areas or less touristy villages, and properties that require renovation. One or two-bedroom apartments, especially those located outside major cities, tend to be more budget friendly. Additionally, second-hand homes in need of refurbishment are often sold at lower prices, making them an excellent option if you have the time for renovations.

Rural houses in inland Spain, away from major urban centres, also offer highly competitive prices. These properties are usually cheaper due to their location away from high-demand tourist areas. If you are looking for a home surrounded by nature and away from city life, this could be the perfect opportunity to purchase a property at a lower cost.

Where to buy cheap properties in Spain....

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Owning a property with a pool is one of the most popular choices in Spain, thanks to both its warm climate and its strong property market. For this reason, buying a home with a pool remains a common practice among both residents and investors. If you are looking for a property to enjoy the Mediterranean climate, at thinkSPAIN we offer thousands of options to suit all budgets and lifestyles. From apartments with communal pools to villas with private pools, we are sure you'll find the perfect home for you.

Benefits of buying a property with a pool in Spain

A pool can add significant value to any home, especially in Spain, where outdoor living is an essential part of daily life. Having access to a pool enhances wellbeing during the summer months, increases the property's value, and makes it more appealing to potential tenants or future buyers.

This means that these properties not only improve quality of life but also represent a smart investment. Properties with pools are an excellent option in tourist areas, where there is a high demand for holiday rentals. Many buyers enjoy the best of both worlds, using their property whenever they like and earning rental income when they are not using it.

What types of properties with a pool are available in Spain?

Apartments with communal pools are the most common and accessible option in Spain, especially in resort-style complexes. These properties offer shared facilities, such as pools, gardens, and even gyms. They are a practical choice for those seeking a high-quality lifestyle with low maintenance. On thinkSPAIN, you can find over 50,000 apartments with pools, primarily in coastal areas.

For those who prefer more privacy, villas with private pools are a very popular choice. These homes offer outdoor spaces, often with terraces, gardens, and areas for outdoor dining. They are ideal for families or buyers looking for a more independent lifestyle. There are also many semi-detached and terraced homes that offer private pools at a more affordable price.

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Best regions to buy a property with a pool in Spain

Properties with pools can be found throughout Spain, especially in coastal regions and inland areas with warm climates, where outdoor living is a priority. The provinces of Alicante and Málaga are among the most popular destinations, with thousands of homes with pools for sale on thinkSPAIN.

Other highly sought-after areas include the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, the Costa Cálida, and the Costa Brava, where the climate makes a pool an essential feature for many buyers.

Whether you're looking for a holiday home, a permanent residence, or an investment opportunity, Spain has the perfect property with a pool waiting for you. Explore the listings on thinkSPAIN and find your ideal home with a pool.