Apartment prices on the Costa Blanca vary significantly depending on location, size and condition. Here is a general overview:
New-build apartments in premium developments command higher prices, typically starting from €220,000 for a 2-bedroom unit. Resale properties offer better value, especially in established areas like Torrevieja, La Mata and Los Locos.
Running costs are manageable: community fees range from €50-150/month, IBI (property tax) is €300-800/year, and utility bills average €100-150/month. This makes Spanish apartments one of the most cost-effective property investments in the Mediterranean.
Buying an apartment in Spain offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive proposition for international buyers:
Climate and lifestyle. The Costa Blanca enjoys over 300 sunny days a year with mild winters (15-18°C) and warm summers. This Mediterranean climate supports an outdoor lifestyle year-round — dining al fresco, swimming, and exploring nature.
Affordability. Compared to other Mediterranean destinations like the French Riviera, Italian coast or Greek islands, the Costa Blanca offers significantly lower property prices and living costs while delivering comparable quality of life.
Infrastructure. Excellent healthcare system (both public and private), international schools, modern road networks, and two international airports (Alicante and Murcia) within easy reach make daily life convenient.
Rental potential. Coastal apartments generate strong rental yields of 5-8%, especially during the peak summer season from May to October. Many owners cover their annual costs through holiday rentals.
The Costa Blanca offers diverse locations for apartment buyers, each with its own character and price range:
Torrevieja — the largest city on the southern Costa Blanca with the widest selection of apartments. Known for its salt lakes, beaches and vibrant international community. Best for: budget-friendly options, year-round living.
Orihuela Costa — a modern resort area with excellent golf courses, clean beaches and well-maintained developments. Includes popular areas like Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima and Villamartin. Best for: quality complexes, golf lifestyle.
Guardamar del Segura — a charming town with pine-forest dunes, wide sandy beaches and a quieter atmosphere. Best for: nature lovers, families, authentic Spanish feel.
Santa Pola / Gran Alacant — closer to Alicante airport, with a fishing-town character and the Tabarca island nearby. Best for: convenience, local charm, day trips.
The process of buying an apartment in Spain is straightforward for international buyers. Here are the key steps:
1. NIE number. You will need a Spanish tax identification number (NIE). This can be obtained at a Spanish consulate in your country or at a police station in Spain. Processing takes 1-4 weeks.
2. Bank account. Open a Spanish bank account to manage the purchase and ongoing payments. Most banks offer accounts for non-residents.
3. Property search and reservation. Once you find your ideal apartment, a reservation deposit (typically €3,000-6,000) takes the property off the market while legal checks are completed.
4. Legal checks and deposit contract. Your lawyer will verify the property title, check for debts, and review the community status. A deposit contract (10% of the price) is then signed.
5. Completion. The final deed (escritura) is signed at a notary. Total buying costs are approximately 12-14% of the purchase price, including transfer tax (10%), notary fees, registry fees and legal costs.
Spanish apartments on the Costa Blanca have proven to be one of the most reliable property investments in southern Europe. Several factors make them particularly attractive for international investors:
Rental yields of 5-8%. Coastal apartments in popular tourist areas generate strong returns during the extended Mediterranean season (April to October). Short-term holiday rentals through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com can yield €500-1,500 per week in peak summer months for a well-located 2-bedroom apartment.
Capital appreciation. Property prices on the Costa Blanca have been rising steadily since 2015, with annual increases of 5-10% in popular areas. New infrastructure projects, improved transport links and growing international demand continue to drive values upward.
Low entry costs. With apartments starting from €70,000, the barrier to entry is significantly lower than in other Mediterranean markets. This allows investors to build diversified portfolios across multiple properties and locations.
Year-round demand. Unlike some seasonal markets, the Costa Blanca attracts visitors and long-term renters throughout the year thanks to its mild winters (15-20°C). Many Northern European retirees spend 4-6 months annually in the region, creating a reliable mid-season rental market.
Golden Visa programme. Investments of €500,000 or more in Spanish property qualify for the Golden Visa residency programme, granting access to live and work in Spain and travel freely within the Schengen zone.
Living in a Spanish apartment on the Costa Blanca offers a lifestyle that millions of people dream about. Here is what a typical day might look like:
Morning. Wake up to sunshine streaming through your windows. Step onto your terrace for a coffee with views of the Mediterranean or the communal pool. The temperature is already a pleasant 22°C, even in late October.
Community living. Most apartment complexes are vibrant international communities where you will meet neighbours from across Europe. Communal pool areas become social hubs during warm months, and many complexes organise regular community events and barbecues.
Daily conveniences. Spanish towns are designed for walkability. Your local bakery, supermarket, pharmacy and medical centre are typically within a 10-minute walk. Larger shopping centres like La Zenia Boulevard offer international brands and dining options.
Healthcare. Spain's healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world. As a property owner and tax resident, you have access to the excellent public health system. Alternatively, private health insurance costs €50-150/month and provides fast access to English-speaking doctors and specialists.
Transport. Alicante-Elche Airport offers year-round flights to over 100 European destinations. The AP-7 motorway connects all Costa Blanca towns, and a new commuter rail network is under development. Many apartment owners find they need a car less often than expected.
Leisure. Beyond the beaches, the region offers world-class golf courses, hiking trails in the Sierra de Orihuela, water sports, cycling routes, and a rich cultural calendar of fiestas, markets and concerts throughout the year.
The Costa Blanca apartment market continues to attract international buyers with its unique combination of year-round sunshine, excellent infrastructure and competitive prices. Spain consistently ranks as the top destination for European property buyers, and the southern Costa Blanca — centred around Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa — represents the best value on the entire Mediterranean coastline.
Unlike other popular destinations such as the Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands or the French Riviera, the southern Costa Blanca has managed to maintain remarkably affordable property prices while delivering the same quality of life, climate and infrastructure. A 2-bedroom apartment that would cost €400,000 in Marbella or €500,000 in Mallorca can be found here for €120,000-200,000 — making it accessible to a much wider range of buyers.
The region benefits from Alicante-Elche Airport, one of Spain's busiest, with direct flights to over 100 European cities. Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet and Norwegian ensure affordable travel year-round, with flight times of 2-4 hours from most Northern European capitals.
Spain welcomes foreign property buyers with open arms. There are no restrictions on property ownership for non-residents, and the buying process is well-established and transparent. The key steps include obtaining a NIE (tax identification number), opening a Spanish bank account, and working with a local lawyer who specialises in property transactions. Most purchases complete within 4-8 weeks from the signing of the reservation agreement.
Total buying costs amount to approximately 12-14% of the purchase price, covering transfer tax (10% for resale, 10% IVA for new-build), notary fees, land registry fees, and legal costs. While this is higher than some countries, the overall property prices more than compensate for the additional transaction costs.
Spanish banks offer mortgages to non-residents, typically lending up to 60-70% of the purchase price with terms of 15-25 years. Interest rates are competitive, usually 2-4% for variable rate mortgages. Having a Spanish bank account and a good credit history in your home country significantly improves your chances of approval. Several international mortgage brokers specialise in Spanish property purchases and can help navigate the process.
One of the great advantages of owning an apartment in Spain is the predictable and manageable annual costs. Community fees (comunidad) cover pool maintenance, garden care, building insurance, lifts, communal electricity and water. These typically range from €600 to €1,800 per year depending on the complex and its amenities. IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) — the annual property tax — is calculated based on the cadastral value and usually costs €300-800 per year. Utility bills including electricity, water and gas average €100-150 per month, though this can be lower if the property is not used year-round. Home insurance is recommended and costs €150-300 per year.
Whether you are looking for a holiday home, a permanent residence or an investment property, our team at Granfield Estate can guide you through every step of the buying process. With an extensive portfolio of apartments across the Costa Blanca and deep local knowledge, we help buyers from around the world find their ideal Spanish home. Contact us to discuss your requirements and arrange viewings — we look forward to helping you make your Spanish property dream a reality.
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