Buying a house with land in Spain gives you the opportunity to create a homestead or smallholding and wellness retreat where you can grow your own food, care for animals and welcome paying guests.

Spain’s warm climate, affordable rural properties and strong tourism market make it an ideal place to turn your dream into reality.

This is more than just finding the perfect home – you’re looking for the right place to run a business too. To make the right choice, thorough research is essential. With that in mind, here are some key things to consider to get you started:

Finding the right location

Choosing the right location is crucial to making your homestead and retreat a success.

Look for areas with a good climate for growing food, fertile soil, access to water and a setting that will appeal to guests seeking relaxation and wellbeing.

Some of the best places to consider include:

• Andalusia – Known for its olive groves, mild winters and traditional farmhouses, areas like the Alpujarras and Ronda provide excellent conditions for a smallholding and/or a retreat.
• Valencia region – The inland areas around Ontinyent and Xàtiva offer affordable rural properties and fertile land. The coast is within easy reach too – meaning added tourist appeal.
• Catalonia – With rolling green landscapes, the scenic and rural Girona and Tarragona provinces have well-connected transport networks, providing easy access for visitors.
• Galicia – This lush region in the north has an abundance of water sources and a growing interest in rural tourism.

What to look for in a property

When searching for a property, consider the size of the land, access to water and whether the existing buildings suit your plans.

A property with an established orchard, vegetable garden or irrigation system will make setting up easier.

If you plan to keep animals, check local regulations on livestock and ensure there is adequate space.

Restoring a traditional farmhouse can be rewarding, but you should factor in renovation costs and permits.

Some rural properties may be subject to land use restrictions, so it’s important to get legal advice before committing.

Setting up your homestead

Homesteads and smallholdings are all about being self-sufficient. And Spain provides the ideal conditions for this. The country’s climate allows for a wide range of crops, including olives, almonds, citrus fruits and vegetables.

You might also be planning to keep chickens or goats for eggs, milk and meat, so you will need to work out where to put pens and establish grazing areas.

It’s worth thinking about sustainable practices such as solar panels, rainwater collection and organic farming. As well as helping to reduce costs, it can help attract eco-conscious guests who care about the same things as you.

Creating a wellness retreat

A successful retreat needs comfortable guest accommodation, a welcoming communal space and areas for yoga, meditation, holistic treatments or creative activities.

Converting barns or outbuildings can be a cost-effective way to expand your property.

It’s also essential to research the legalities of running a retreat in Spain. You may need a tourism licence and to meet local health and safety regulations. Working with a lawyer experienced in rural businesses can help you to navigate this process smoothly.

Making it financially viable

Beyond accommodation fees, you can boost income through workshops, retreats and experiences such as guided hikes or farm-to-table dining.

Marketing your retreat to an international audience through social media and booking platforms will help attract guests year-round.

Summary

Buying a house with land for a homestead and wellness retreat offers a sustainable lifestyle and income potential.

By choosing the right location, understanding legal requirements and creating a unique experience for guests, you can turn the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about into a thriving business.

 

For help buying a property in Spain, download the Spain Buying Guide

 

Currency Zone

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Written by PropertyGuides for Rightmove