Searches for holiday homes in sunny Spain are soaring

Spain has always had a special place in the heart of British holiday home buyers, and that has strengthened even more over the past year. While searches on Rightmove for all overseas property have jumped, it’s Spain that has topped the chart.

Our latest research shows that the number of buyers contacting estate agents across Spain was 36% higher in April 2022 than a year ago.

Estate agents point to the pandemic and Brexit to explain this growing demand. Blue Square Costa Blanca estate agency has registered an increase in the number of British buyers enquiring about properties over €500,000 in order to obtain a “Golden Visa”, allowing them to live full-time in Spain.

For Lisa Cornforth, Managing Director at Welcome Estates in Spain, that’s one of a number of reasons why the UK market is back in strength.

She says: “The most obvious reason is that travel itself has been difficult over the past two years. This has created a build-up of clients just waiting to come over. The second main reason is the successful applications for visas, especially the Non-Lucrative Visa. This has allowed many clients to continue to pursue their dream of owning a property in Spain.”

Read more: Post-Brexit holiday homes: can you stay longer than 90 days in the EU?

The top five areas for British buyers

Out in front by some way is Islantilla on the Costa de la Luz, with a 1,512% annual increase in the number of buyers contacting estate agents about homes in the area.

Bahia de Marbella on the Costa del Sol and Vera in Andalucía, up 477% and 229% respectively took second and third place with Las Ramblas and Benijófar, both on the Costa Blanca, also in the top five, with increases of 160% and 124%.

1. Islantilla on the Costa de la Luz

Islantilla is a seaside town, scented by pine and juniper trees and close to the Portuguese border where Spain meets the Algarve. It’s easy to see why it has caught the eye of so many British property buyers. This is an area packed with Iberian culture and great natural charm, awash with small fishing villages and Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic coast. Islantilla was developed around a good golf course and has shops, restaurants and a small medical centre.

The area has a bustling Spanish vibe, but it’s also understated and laid-back. Islantilla is also a favourite destination for Spanish holiday-makers as it’s within an hour of Faro airport in Portugal, and 90 minutes of Seville.

Property prices for homes so close to the beach are another reason for its appeal,with apartments from €80,000 and two-bedroom townhouses for €123,000.

Take a look at homes for sale near Islantilla

2. Bahia de Marbella on the Costa del Sol

Bahia de Marbella has one of the best beaches on Spain’s southern coast, complete with protected sands and rolling dunes. The well-laid out urbanisation is ten minutes east of Marbella town centre, and is close to several golf courses and a major hospital. The area offers apartments, townhouses and villas, most less than 20 years old, in an attractive, master-planned community.

As a beachfront location on the Costa del Sol, Bahia de Marbella is the most expensive of the top five most searched locations. Expect to pay from €250,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, with newer two and three-bedroom homes on small resorts with good communal facilities from €425,000.

Take a look at homes for sale near Bahia de Marbella

3. Vera on the Costa Almeria

Vera on the Costa Almeria and its beach, Vera Playa, 5 miles away, are 40 minutes from Almeria airport in south-east Spain. The town has Moorish roots and interesting history, along with good day-to-day facilities. But the main appeal for many is the wonderful long sandy beach, stretching for 4 miles north to south. This includes a small section regarded as one of Europe’s best naturists beaches.

Take a look at homes for sale near Vera

4. Las Ramblas on the Costa Blanca

Las Ramblas on the Costa Blanca is 50 minutes from Murcia airport. The area has developed around a nature reserve close to the Mediterranean Sea. This is nirvana for golfers with some 20 championship golf courses within a 30-minute radius. For non-golfers, there are waterparks, shopping centres and a good mix of culture and history along with sandy beaches to enjoy.

Take a look at homes for sale near Las Ramblas

5. Benijófar on the Costa Blanca

Benijófar is 40 minutes south of Alicante and 15 minutes inland from Guardamar beach. This area is a long-term favourite with British buyers for its authentic Spanish lifestyle and lively community. The small village is ideal for year-round living, thanks to good facilities, and there are more restaurants and bars in neighbouring Benimar with a traditional Saturday street market 15 minutes away in Almoradi.

The Costa Blanca is a favourite stretch of coast for British property buyers in Spain and this southern stretch, below Alicante, offers especially good value. Older apartments start from under €70,000 with modern two- and three-bedroom apartments from €90,000.

Take a look at homes for sale near Benijófar

How many British buyers are heading to Spain?

British buyers are the single largest nationality among all overseas property buyers in Spain, accounting for 12% of foreign property sales.

“From the beginning of the year we have seen positive movement in the Spanish market,” says Rachel Beaton, our overseas homes expert.

“It’s clear how important British buyers are to the Spanish market. The rising number of purchases from British buyers, despite economic challenges at home, is a sign of confidence in the market,” she adds.

The header image for this article is provided courtesy of Your Move Spain, Murcia

READ MORE: Post-Brexit holiday homes: can you stay longer than 90 days in the EU?