For decades, Spain has attracted UK buyers seeking a second home abroad thanks to its fantastic year-round climate, a relaxed pace of life and a relatively lower cost-of-living.
For those looking to buy in Spain for a better work/life balance, to jet to in winter or for an enviable retirement, there are a range of properties to choose from. Whether it’s along the stunning coast or inland, the country offers second homeowners everything from healthy beachside living to culturally-rich cities.
Established Market in Sunny Spain
As early as the 1960s and 70s, UK tourists started visiting southern Spain’s coastal resort towns of Marbella and Torremolinos along the popular Costa del Sol stretch. Charmed by the warm weather and affordable property, many returned later to purchase a holiday home in the area they fell in love with. Today, the country is a ‘second home’ to the largest population of people from the UK than any other country in Europe with (at the last count) more than 350,000 UK citizens.
Owning property and living in Spain as a UK citizen is straightforward thanks to its great infrastructure, well-connected airports and full range of amenities. In popular residential areas, you’ll also find home comforts are there to be enjoyed by the Brits already settled there. So, if you’re planning to buy a second place, you’ll have no problem finding a well-established property agent with local knowledge and expertise to match you to your perfect home.
The Spanish Costas
Andalucía’s Costa del Sol’s beautiful coastal stretch (also known as the ‘Spanish Costas’) has attracted British property investors for years and is perhaps the most populated area when it comes to people owning second homes. In addition to its lovely beaches, the area offers a healthy and active lifestyle and is nicknamed the ‘Costa del Golf’ for being blessed with some of the country’s best fairways.
In addition, there are plenty of pretty harbours with an array of waterside restaurants and cafes to be found here as well as in nearby Costa Blanca (the White Coast), Almeria and the Costa Brava (the Wild Coast). This coastal stretch is also great for sailing, yachting and other watersports while Andalucia is famed for its amazing walking trails. If you enjoy an active lifestyle in a great location, southern Spain’s nature, beaches and ruggedness makes it an excellent choice for an outdoor and healthy way of life.
It is not surprising that the Costa del Sol attracts many buyers thanks in part to its affordable property prices when compared to the UK and other parts of Europe. Whether it’s a studio apartment or an upmarket villa with mountain or sea view, properties here can sometimes be three times less than back home. Along the Spanish Costas, buyers can find two and three-bedroom apartments in nice beachside complexes for around €150,000 to €300,000. Meanwhile, larger villas and townhouses with pools or sea views sell from €500,000 to €1 million in affluent places like Marbella, Malaga or Mijas.
Value for Money in Costa Blanca’s Resort Towns
For house hunters from the UK looking to make Spain their second home, the more affordable property prices coupled with a lower cost of living – a reported 21% less than the UK – are prime reasons to buy here. Costa Blanca is known for being good value when it comes to property and the resort towns of Alicante, Murcia, Torrevieja and Elche – to name a few – have seen property prices remain stable for some years.
New-build studio or sunny one-bed flat flats within walking distance of beaches can start from as little as €80,000 and are even less in Murcia, compared to the more expensive towns of Javea, Moraira and Calpe. Smaller scenic villages like L’Escala have apartments near the coast for under €200,000, while charming stone houses renovated to modern standards can sell from anything between €300,000 and €500,000. For the best value for money, search villages and towns inland and in rural areas of Spain.
Mañana Culture of Marbella and Mijas
Spain is famous for its relaxed ‘mañana culture’ and a slower pace of life that is the perfect invitation for long, lazy days spent at chiringuito (beach bars), on restaurant terraces or out sailing and playing golf. A laid back beach life beckons in the Costa del Sol, with large residential communities of people from the UK settled in thriving in towns like Marbella, Mijas and Fuengirola.
Even along the more rugged Costa Brava, small enclaves of UK residents can be found in quaint fishing villages like L’Escala. This slow pace of life by the sea offers peace and tranquillity for the perfect Spanish summer retreat. For many buyers, the beach culture and flourishing communities of people with second homes enhance southern Spain’s appeal as a place to establish a home abroad while enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Traditions and Heritage of Seville, Malaga and Cadiz
In addition to the coastal towns, Spain has a rich culture and a welcoming atmosphere for anyone looking for a holiday home inland or in a vibrant city/town. Spain’s world-renowned famous fiestas or local traditional festivals take place throughout the year and include elaborate costumes and parades, music, food and late-night celebrations. Seville’s Feria de Abril and Malaga’s Feria de Agosto are two main fiestas in Andalucía.
Meanwhile, Malaga boasts the Picasso Museum along with excellent dining thanks to its foodie reputation. For history lovers, Seville, the capital of Andalucía, boasts a grand cathedral, Moorish Alcázar palace and lively flamenco culture. Cadiz’s romantic sunsets and frescoed buildings evoke its heritage as one of the oldest cities in western Europe. Mountain towns like Ronda and Mijas offer small-town charm for anyone looking to purchase a traditional Spanish Finca for their own slice of Spanish history.
Spain retains its enduring popularity for property buyers looking for an idyllic second home in the sun thanks to its lower cost of living, laidback and healthy active lifestyle. With an array of attractive beaches, golf courses, marinas, nature or culture, Spain remains a hit with house hunters from the UK.
