Spain has a special way of welcoming people. Although these factors help expats to settle down in the country, it's not only the never-ending sunshine, great food, or laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, but also a nation that they fall in love with, offering both a wonderful lifestyle and a good investment opportunity. This is one of the key reasons behind the growing foreign demand for real estate in Spain, as more buyers see the country as both a place to live and invest. While the climate of the country, ease of travel, proximity to local amenities such as health care and education, help foreigners to adapt to the new changes in their life, property prices, and the potential for rental income provide a strong investment opportunity to buy a house in Spain as a foreigner.
As an expat thinking of moving to the country, it is also a good idea to know something about the bureaucracy and to have advisors available who are knowledgeable about how things work to buy a property in Spain as an expat. In this case, working with a professional real estate company might help you find the best place to buy in Spain for expats. Buying property in Spain is about creating the life you dream of in a place that excites you. Among the top cities to purchase a property in Spain as an expat to choose from, the hardest decision you will have to make might be choosing just one!
Whatever you've set your heart on, the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol, the peaceful countryside of Andalusia, or the dynamic atmosphere of the capital, each area of Spain has a unique character, lifestyle, and property market. Thus, it's a matter of finding the right fit for you. As the county presents diverse areas suitable for every need, type, and budget, let’s examine which one is the best place in Spain for you to live!
The Best Areas in Spain to Buy Property as an Expat
Since the country offers an ideal mix of lifestyle appeal, strong expat communities, and excellent infrastructure, there is a wide range of options from budget-friendly apartments to luxury homes to buy in Spain. While the coastal regions remain the most popular thanks to their warm climate and relaxed lifestyle, Spain’s vibrant cities like Barcelona and Valencia are also drawing in buyers who want a more urban experience with strong investment potential. And in this section, we’ll explore some of the famous places in Spain that foreigners choose to move to after visiting.
1. Andalusia
Andalusia, where sun, quality of life, and investment prospects of an excellent caliber form a winning combination for foreign purchasers to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, especially in Costa del Sol and its surroundings, is one of Spain's leading destinations for foreign purchasers of property. Foreign house purchasers collectively account for approximately 20% of the number of properties in this region, and it is simple to understand why. In fact, the majority of individuals consider it as the best area in Spain to buy property, given the synergy between its lifestyle benefits and long-term prospects.
Charming, peaceful towns, golden beaches, the dynamic of the region and the best weather in Europe, encourage investors from all around the World to buy houses in Spain, especially in Andalusia’s province of Málaga. As of 2024, foreign buyers represent over 32% of all property transactions in the city. That’s why Málaga has been ranked among the best cities to live in the Forbes list. Whether you’re drawn to Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona, or the lively coastal energy of Mijas and Benalmádena, you can find a little bit of everything in Andalucia, such as beaches, city living, cultural activities and a Mediterranean climate.
2. Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca region, including Alicante, Jávea (Xàbia), Altea, Benissa, Moraira, Calpe, and Denia, attracts foreign buyers with its white and sandy beaches, mild climate and flourishing expat community. If you are in need of affordable homes, you should note that Costa Blanca, with its Valencian Community, is among the list of the best places to go in Spain. It offers a wide range of properties ranging from budget-friendly apartments to luxury villas with sea views for you to enjoy a high-quality summer vacation. Since the cities of Costa Blanca region are considered ad less touristy than others, this area can be a perfect choice for expats seeking to settle down in a quieter area to maintain a peaceful lifestyle near the beaches.
3. Catalonia 
Famous for Barcelona and Costa Brava, Catalonia is considered as one of the cosmopolitan Spain regions offering strong demand from foreign homebuyers. Particularly younger expats tend to move to this area due to its historical appearance, beautiful beaches and cosmopolitan infrastructure. Whether your aim is to invest in by buying a place in Spain, or to find peace in a coastal area, you have the opportunity to succeed in Catalonia because of its attractive coastal properties in towns like Sitges, Tamariu, and Tarragona.
4. Balearic Islands
Known as one of the most sought-after destinations to buy a home for luxury living in Spain, Balearic Islands are popular for its exclusivity and high quality lifestyle. Compared to other regions of Spain, property prices in Balearic Islands tend to be higher, yet it is still one of the most preferred destinations since it reflects the islands' status as a luxury location. Towns like Santa Eulalia and Santanyí in Ibiza are perfect examples of why the island is often listed among the best places to live in Spain. These communities not only offer stunning surroundings and a relaxed island lifestyle, but also a warm, welcoming atmosphere for foreign buyers who choose to make their home here.
5. Canary Islands
Offering a year round mild climate, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can do in the Canary Islands. The region mostly attracts expats seeking a subtropical environment with property options diversifying from beachfront condos to hillside villas. Think about waking up to a sunny beautiful morning to go for short walks in this region or travel to other areas to explore the best places to see in Spain with your loved ones, wouldn’t it be great? Life in the Canary Islands sounds like this, especially for foreigners looking to buy a house in Spain to experience a relaxed lifestyle!
Understanding Foreign Home Buying Trends in Spain's Property Market 
When thinking about buying property as an expat, it’s important to understand the foreign home buying trends in Spain as your first step. Let’s examine these trends, along with the areas showing the highest growth in foreign property purchases in Spain. As stated in the section above, areas like the Balearic Islands, Costa Blanca, and Andalusia are quickly becoming favorites for international buyers. And investors looking to find the best area to buy in Spain, just like you, tend to choose these areas for their high quality life standards or investment opportunities.
For example, Alicante accounted for nearly 46% of foreign property sales by the end of 2024, followed closely by Málaga and the Balearic Islands at around 32% each, standing out as top destinations for affordable summer houses in Spain. Luxury properties are also sought after, with more than 60% of luxury purchases being made by foreigners.
The Valencian Community isn't behind, either, with over 21,000 foreign property sales recorded during the first half of 2024. You won't believe just how popular Galicia is! As foreign property purchases climbed by a remarkable 22.5%, the region can be seen as one of the best places in Spain to go.
And if Andalusia, especially the Costa del Sol, is on your radar, you’re in good company. With its luxury homes, stunning beaches, and vibrant expat communities, it continues to be a top choice among international investors.
With the most preferred neighbourhoods by foreigners, Málaga and Alicante together account for over 37% of all foreign property purchases in Spain. Other neighbourhoods providing the most beautiful places in Spain to see, including the regions of Madrid, the Canary Islands, Catalonia, Cantabria, and Murcia, are also recording strong growth, with house prices rising 3.3% to 16.5% year-over-year.
Which Nationalities Are Leading Property Purchases in Spain?
In general, British, German, and Moroccan buyers lead the Spanish property market, closely backed by French and other European and international nationalities, depicting a dynamic and diverse foreign buyer landscape.Here are some of the top nationalities buying property in Spain:
- British buyers lead the foreign market, accounting for 8.5% to 10% of purchases in 2024, with nearly 8,000 homes bought, particularly in regions like Costa del Sol.
- German buyers follow, representing 6.6% to 7.3%, focused on investment potential and rental returns in areas like Costa Blanca and the Balearic Islands.
- Moroccan buyers have grown significantly, making up 5.4% to 5.6% of purchases, especially in some of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona for property investment.
- French buyers remain strong, contributing 5.3% to 6.7%, though their share has slightly declined.
- Latin Americans account for about 19% of foreign buyers, underscoring Spain’s appeal to this group.
- Other nationalities showing growth include Dutch, Romanian, Italian, Belgian, Polish, American, Ukrainian, Colombian, Irish, Chinese, and Portuguese buyers.
Regardless of your nationality, Spain stands out as one of the top destinations for expats in Europe, offering a perfect blend of exceptional places to live and an array of remarkable locations to explore. With its diverse landscapes, rich culture, high quality of life, and incredible Spain places to travel, the country awaits you with unparalleled opportunities!
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