Where to Buy Property in Costa Blanca
Costa Blanca has long been a popular destination for international property buyers since Benidorm became a tourist hotspot in the 1960s. But where are best places to buy property in Costa Blanca?
Costa Blanca has grown in popularity with expats thanks to a great choice of resorts, competitively priced properties, fantastic landscapes, fabulous beaches and 320 days of sun a year. Following Brexit, the number of British buyers has gone down. However, British buyers still account for a significant percentage of foreign buyers in Costa Blanca. Here are our choices of great places to buy in Costa Blanca.
North Costa Blanca
According to the World Health Organisation, North Costa Blanca is one of the healthiest places in the world to live. Just one reason why it has such great appeal for expats and second-home owners.
Denia
Denia has something for everyone and attracts expats from different backgrounds. The town’s population increases from around 40,000 to 200,000 during the peak of the summer tourist season. Denia is home to a modern marina and approximately 20km of rocky and sandy coastline backed by the mountains of Montgó National Park.
The cost of apartments in Denia, close to the coast, range from €90,000 to €350,000. The surrounding mountainous areas are a great choice if you are looking for more secluded locations. Villas and townhouses can be found for as little as €140,000. You’ll also find luxury properties valued in the millions.
Altea
The town’s name Altea comes from the Moorish word ‘Althaya’, which means “health for all”. Altea is located right on the sea in the middle of a beautiful bay surrounded by mountains. Altea is often considered one of the most beautiful Spanish cities. The area is blessed with incredible beaches and promenades, whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets with arts and crafts shops, ice cream parlours and outdoor restaurants.
It has retained its unique Spanish charm despite its growing tourism and popularity. Plenty of apartments are available towards the resort centre; further out from the centre, you will find larger villas.
Benidorm
Formerly a tiny fishing village, Benidorm became the birthplace of package tourism and a popular favourite with expats. Benidorm is well known for its vibrant nightlife, with many famous bars and nightclubs in the area. The resort’s tourist focus means Benidorm is not for everyone. There are a significant number of expats living in Benidorm, of which Brits account for a sizeable share.
Property prices in Benidorm have been surprisingly resilient. Property prices vary considerably with the quality of the building and the location within the resort. One-bedroom apartments or studios start from around €85,000. Luxury properties are on offer from €500,000.
Javea
Javea is another fishing village that has become a popular destination for holidaymakers and expats. Javea is home to a fantastic Blue Flag rated white sandy beach and a marina. The resort’s development has been guided by strict planning laws limiting high-rise constructions. The port area, popular with the residents, has a very Spanish feel.
A 2-bed apartment on the seafront can be found for around €200,000, and traditional townhouses for approximately €250,000. Villas in the foothills start from €410,000.
Moraira
Perfect for international buyers in search of authentic Spain. There are no large hotels, thanks to strict planning laws. Moraira town is a mix of cobbled alleys, modern avenues lined with palm trees, chic designer shops, lively cafes and bars.
Most properties in this area are detached villas with private pools or Spanish pueblo-style developments with communal pools. The area is as popular for Spanish citizens as it is for foreign buyers. Apartments here start from €135,000 and two-bed villas from around €200,000, with more luxurious villas going for over €1m.
Orba & Jalon
Fourteen charming towns and villages are in the stunning Orba and Jalon valleys. This area is ideal for expats looking for a truly Spanish atmosphere, country living and a slower pace of life than the busier resorts on the coast.
Towns in the Jalon Valley, known for winemaking, are popular foreign buyers. Towns in the Orba Valley, known for their citrus trees, enjoy a slightly warmer climate and are also favoured by international buyers.
You will get more property for your money in Orba and Jalon, given property prices are 10% – 20% lower than those on the coast. With a budget of around €200,000, you should be able to find a 3-bed detached villa with pool and countryside views.
Benissa
This hidden gem is one of the oldest towns on the Costa Blanca. Benissa has 4km of coastline linking the towns of Moraira and Calpe. The area’s varied landscape includes cliff tops, rocky coves, sandy beaches, small bays, terraced vineyards, mountains and palm trees. Village houses in Benissa are deceptively spacious inside, often with internal courtyards. The pleasant climate of the area makes it ideal for retirees and families.
Benissa is becoming a property hotspot with foreign buyers looking for more authentic Spanish culture. Apartments in the town can be found for at low as €65,000, although a budget of €150,000 would ensure you have the best choice of properties. You’ll discover multimillion-euro luxury mansions or villas at the other end of the scale.
South Costa Blanca
South Costa Blanca region of the Alicante province sits between Alicante to the north and Pilar de la Horadada. The area boasts 65 km of beautiful coastline, with seemingly endless white sandy beaches. South Costa Blanca has something for everyone, from larger towns with lively nightlife to charming fishing villages. Venture inland and discover a calmer way of life and stunning scenery.
Within South Costa Blanca is Orihuela Costa, a coastal region comprised of a 16km string of Blue Flag beaches, resorts and communities running south from Torrevieja. The area covers several seaside resorts, including Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, and Villamartin.
Torrevieja
Torrevieja is a firm favourite with international buyers and Spanish families. One of the fastest-growing areas of Spain, Torrevieja is a lively city that has managed to retain its character. Torrevieja has a great mix of parks, beaches, gardens and squares ideal for enjoying the region’s perfect climate.
Planning restrictions have controlled the size of high-rise hotels. This cosmopolitan city has a substantial expat population, supported by two international schools and societies devoted to expats. Property prices have remained competitive, with compact apartments on the market for as little as €45,000. A three-bed villa will cost around €150,000.
Villamartin
Villamartin is a thriving cosmopolitan town located slightly inland from the coast. A popular location for expats from Northern Europe, with many of the properties purchased for use as a holiday home or rental income. The area attracts keen golfers due to its proximity to several world-class golf courses.
Property prices range from attractive, traditionally styled one-bed bungalows for €50,000 to Luxury villas over €1m.
La Zenia
La Zenia is a surprisingly small resort covering an area not much more than one square kilometre. La Zenia is a perfect location for expats looking for an Anglo-friendly resort with all the amenities nearby.
Property prices are reasonable. A 2-bed apartment can be found for around €85,000, with larger detached properties costing around €160,000.
Playa Flamenca
The area was developed in the 1970s by a group of Flemish investors to turn Playa Flamenca into a holiday destination. Now a bustling resort, it enjoys Blue Flag sandy beaches, rocky coves, and stunning views. Playa Flamenca is well suited for sportier types – the town is popular for watersports, horse riding, and hiking. Playa Flamenca is a short walk to beaches, shops, bars and restaurants. Playa Flamenca is best described as a peaceful residential area.
You’ll find a good choice of townhouses and semi-detached villas starting from around €110,000 or larger villas starting from €240,000. Apartment prices start from €85,000.
Ciudad Quesada
In 1972 Justo Quesada Samper dreamed about creating a city with his name. He bought many hectares of land and started building the town. Although Ciudad Quesada is mainly residential, the area now has its own golf course, water park and lots of commercial areas and everything an expat or tourist would want.
Located 6km from the Mediterranean Sea, Ciudad Quesada is within easy reach of the Blue Flag Beaches of the Costa Blanca. Ciudad Quesada has a large expat population. In fact, for those not keen on learning Spanish, you will be pleased to know that more than half the residents of Ciudad Quesada are foreigners.
Ciudad Quesada has a wide range of stylish properties. Apartments start from €50,000, 3-bed villas start from €160,000, and large exclusive properties are available for €1m plus budgets.
Pinoso
Pinoso is an Ideal place for expats or second-home buyers looking for more rural surroundings. Pinoso is located slightly inland from the coast. The town’s name comes from the Spanish name for the pine trees, “Pinos, ” covering the mountain areas.
The town’s population of under 10,000 is rapidly growing as expats seek more than the region’s beach resorts. There are a multitude of walking and cycling trails through the mountains and the area’s national parks. Residents get the best of both worlds, with the beach only one hour’s drive away.
Property prices for apartments start from around €160,000. Villas start from €160,000.
Help finding your dream property in Costa Blanca
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