Warm winters, direct flights from almost every UK airport, an established expat community and a buying process that UK buyers have decades of experience navigating – it’s no surprise Spain continues to be one of the UK’s favourite destinations for buying property abroad. But the country covers a huge range of lifestyles and price points, so choosing the right region matters as much as choosing the right property.

From bustling resort towns to quiet fishing villages and volcanic islands, here’s a look at where UK buyers are putting down roots.

Costa del Sol: the established favourite

Marbella, Estepona and Torremolinos have drawn British buyers since the 1950s, and the region shows no sign of losing its pull. Over 300 days of sun a year, more than 70 golf courses and frequent flights into Malaga airport keep demand steady. Property here sits at the higher end for the Costas, reflecting how developed and well-connected the region has become.

 

Costa Blanca: variety at every budget

The White Coast covers everything from the high-rise apartments of Benidorm to the quieter charm of Jávea and its inland villages. Alicante airport runs year-round budget flights from across the UK, and the sheer range of property types means buyers can find something whether they want a lock-up-and-leave apartment or a countryside finca.

 

Costa Cálida: year-round flights, lower prices

La Manga and Mar Menor have become popular with buyers looking for reliable sun without Costa del Sol prices. Murcia International Airport puts most of the coast within 40 minutes of the airport, and property here remains more affordable than the bigger-name Costas further north.

 

Costa de la Luz: Spain’s quieter Algarve

West of Gibraltar towards the Portuguese border, this stretch trades some winter warmth for windswept beaches, a strong watersports scene and lower prices than its Costa del Sol and Algarve neighbours. Four airports (Gibraltar, Seville, Jerez and Faro) serve the region, giving buyers plenty of route options.

 

The Balearic Islands: three islands, three personalities

Mallorca combines sea-and-sun tourism with a genuine capital city in Palma and a mountainous interior, and commands the highest prices of the three main islands. Menorca is quieter and more affordable, with more beaches than Ibiza and Mallorca combined. Ibiza’s clubbing reputation masks a bohemian, laid-back side away from the resorts, though property prices are steep given the strength of the summer rental market.

 

The Canary Islands: winter sun without the flight time

Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote attract buyers who want reliable year-round warmth within a jetlag-free four hours of the UK. Each island has its own character, from Tenerife’s mountain villages and six-million-visitor resorts to Lanzarote’s volcanic, almost lunar landscape. Property and rental demand both remain strong across the archipelago.

 

Costa Brava and Costa Dorada: value in the north

Spain’s northernmost coastline, stretching from the French border down through Catalonia, is often overlooked for the more southern Costas, but it offers dramatic coastal scenery and lower prices, with the trade-off being a cooler and quieter off-season.

 

Managing your buying process in Spain

Buying property in Spain follows a different structure to the UK, with a notary, an NIE number and a distinct sequence of contracts all playing a part before you get the keys. Understanding these steps in advance can help buyers avoid delays and unexpected costs. For a full breakdown of what to expect, UK buyers can refer to our Spain buying guide.

 

FAQ: buying property in Spain

Is it easy for UK citizens to buy property in Spain?

Yes. UK citizens can buy property in Spain without restriction. Legal support from an experienced local solicitor is strongly recommended given the differences from the UK system.

Which regions are most affordable?

Costa Cálida, Costa de la Luz and Costa Almería usually tend to offer lower prices than Costa del Sol, the Balearics or the more developed parts of Costa Blanca.

Do I need a visa to buy property in Spain?

No visa is required simply to buy. A visa becomes relevant if you plan to spend more than 90 days in any 180-day period in Spain, with the Non-Lucrative Visa the most common route for retirees and those not working locally.

How can I protect my budget from currency fluctuations?

It’s worth keeping in mind that this also means you won’t benefit if rates move in your favour afterwards, so a forward contract may not suit every buyer’s circumstances.

 

Written by Lumon Pay Ltd Rightmove

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Lumon or its subsidiaries, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from the relevant professional services. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to .