Buy property in Spain cheaply

The dream of affordable property by the sea in Spain is entirely achievable. A country with a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and well-developed infrastructure offers a wide range of options for all budgets. In this article we explain how to buy affordable property in Spain wisely — considering your purchase goals, choice of region, and all associated costs.

At Granfield Estate, finding the best value on the Costa Blanca is what we do every day. As a licensed agency (RAICV1663) and member of Asivega, we track prices across every neighbourhood and know where genuine bargains appear.

Define Your Goal: Why Are You Buying Property in Spain?

• For holidays and personal use — choose a compact apartment or bungalow near the sea. Let it out when you're not there.
• For permanent residence — infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and schools matter most. Alicante or Orihuela Costa are optimal.
• For rental investment — choose a property near the sea with good tourist accessibility. Torrevieja, Benidorm, and Orihuela Costa show high occupancy rates.
• For resale — look for undervalued properties in growth areas. Costa Blanca property consistently appreciates 8–12% per year.
• For residency — purchases of €500,000+ qualify for the "golden visa". Lower amounts can support long-term visa applications.

The Range of Property Types

• Apartments and studios — from €50,000–€60,000 in Torrevieja and Murcia. The most accessible option for budget buyers.
• Bungalows — small houses with a courtyard in a complex with a communal pool. From €80,000–€100,000. Popular with families.
• Townhouses — two- to three-storey houses with shared facilities. From €100,000–€150,000. Good for rental.
• Chalets and villas — detached houses with plot and pool. From €200,000. Best for permanent family residence.
• Duplexes and penthouses — split-level apartments with large terraces. A niche format, often with outstanding views.

Housing by the Sea: What to Consider

• First line (primera línea) — maximum price, sea view, direct beach access. Highest liquidity for sale and rental.
• Second line (200–500 m from the beach) — 20–30% cheaper than first line. Optimal balance of price and convenience.
• Near the sea (1–3 km) — 30–50% cheaper than coastal properties. A 10–20 minute walk to the beach. Great for permanent living.

Popular Areas for Affordable Purchase

Alicante — a major port city with an international airport. Best residential areas: Playa de San Juan, El Campello, Cabo de las Huertas.

Torrevieja — the leader in affordable seafront housing on the Costa Blanca. The largest Russian-speaking community in the region. Popular areas: central promenade, Torreta, Acequión, El Chaparral.

Orihuela Costa — several resort areas: Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Campoamor. Many modern complexes with pools. Prices slightly above Torrevieja, but higher build quality and infrastructure.

Guardamar del Segura — a quieter alternative between Alicante and Torrevieja, with 11 km of pine-fringed sandy beaches and a protected dune nature reserve. Less commercialised than Torrevieja, with a more relaxed pace of life and a growing expat community. Good value: studios from €65,000, two-bedroom apartments from €100,000.

Benidorm — ideal for buyers who prefer city life with maximum amenities. High-rise apartments with sea views, year-round tourist traffic, and consistently strong rental demand, particularly from British and Northern European visitors. A solid choice for investment-focused buyers.

How to Start Your Property Search

Start by setting a realistic budget — including transaction costs of 10–12% on top of the purchase price. Then define your priorities: location, property type, proximity to the sea, and intended use (holiday home, rental, or permanent residence).

Browse listings on the Granfield Estate website, Idealista, or Fotocasa. Shortlist the options that interest you most and arrange viewings — ideally in person, but remote viewings via video call are also possible. A local real estate agent saves you time and protects you from common mistakes, especially when it comes to Spanish documentation, regional tax rules, and neighbourhood specifics.

Granfield Estate — a licensed agency (RAICV1663) and member of Asivega — offers free initial consultations and full support from first viewing through to signing at the notary and transferring utilities. Our team speaks Russian, English, and Spanish and has been working on the Costa Blanca for over a decade.

Additional Things to Know

Transaction costs amount to 10–12% of the property price: taxes (ITP or IVA+AJD), notary, registry, gestoría. Budget for this in advance.

Mortgages for non-residents are available with a 30–40% down payment and proven income. Rates from 3.5% fixed over 20–25 years.

Legal support is essential. A lawyer (abogado) checks the property, manages the transaction, and protects your interests. Cost: €1,000–€2,500.

Annual ownership costs — IBI (€200–€600/year), IRNR (€150–€400/year for non-residents), community fees (€80–€200/month), utilities (€100–€250/month).

Conclusion

Buying affordable property in Spain is a realistic goal with the right approach. The Costa Blanca offers some of the best conditions: accessible prices, a sunny climate, developed infrastructure, and a wide choice of properties. Granfield Estate helps clients find the best options for any budget and manages the entire transaction.

Granfield Estate
Av. Bélgica 1, C.C. Parquemar, La Mata, 03188 Torrevieja (Alicante)
Tel: +34 865 44 33 33
Browse our listings · Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum budget needed to buy property in Spain by the sea?

In Costa Blanca, studios and small apartments are available from €50,000–€60,000. Considering taxes and transaction costs (10–12%), expect to spend €55,000–€70,000 for the most affordable option. For a family bungalow with a yard and access to a pool — from €90,000–€110,000 including all expenses.

What is "first line" and is it worth overpaying for it?

First line (primera línea) refers to properties with direct access to the beach or the sea within walking distance. They are 30–50% more expensive than the second line but have maximum liquidity when selling and renting. For rental investment — a justified overpayment. For permanent living, the second line (200–500 m) often turns out to be a more practical and quiet option.

How much does it cost to maintain an apartment in Spain if I do not live there permanently?

Main annual expenses for a non-resident: IBI (municipal tax) — €200–€600, IRNR (non-resident income tax) — €150–€400, community fees (comunidad) — €80–€200/month, insurance — €200–€400/year. Utilities with minimal consumption (in absence) — subscription fee around €50–€80/month. Total from €3,500 to €6,000 per year.

How does Granfield Estate help find and buy property in Spain?

We assist clients at every stage: free initial consultation and selection of options, organization of viewings (in person or online), verification of the legal purity of the property, negotiations with the seller, support at the notary, re-registration of utility contracts. If desired — remote processing by power of attorney without your arrival in Spain.