Buying Guide
Choose Your Region First
Spain isn't one climate and one price level. The region you choose determines your daily life: winter temperatures, sunshine hours, travel connections, rental potential—and what you pay per square metre.
Before you open a map, ask yourself one question: what's your primary reason for buying? Your answer shapes everything—from climate priorities to budget allocation.
Year-Round Living
Mild winters, healthcare access, daily amenities within walking distance
Holiday Home
Maximum sunshine, beach proximity, easy flight connections
Holiday + Rental
Tourist demand, seasonal flexibility, property management options
Pure Investment
Rental yield, capital growth potential, tenant demand year-round
Each profile points toward different regions. A retiree seeking mild winters has different priorities than an investor chasing rental yield. Get clear on your primary use case before comparing locations.
If you're new to the Spanish market, our first-time buyer guide covers the entire process from search to completion.
The 6 Factors That Actually Matter
Forget pretty photos and marketing claims. These six factors determine your actual experience of living in—or owning property in—a Spanish region.
Climate
Sunshine hours, rainfall, winter evening temperatures. The southeast coast (Alicante, Murcia) gets 2,800+ hours of sun yearly. The north coast? Under 1,700.
Price Level
Purchase price per m², running costs, and general cost of living. Murcia averages €1,665/m². San Sebastián? Over €6,400/m².
Accessibility
Airport proximity, flight routes, seasonal vs year-round connections. Málaga and Alicante airports handle 18-25 million passengers annually.
Lifestyle & Atmosphere
Quiet vs lively, Spanish vs international, family-oriented vs couples. Each coast has its own character.
Geography & Nature
Flat vs hilly, coastal wind patterns, humidity levels. These affect both comfort and property maintenance.
Rental Potential
Seasonal demand, tenant types, occupancy rates. Tourist hotspots differ from year-round rental markets.
Spain's Region Types
Rather than listing every coast, think in categories. Each type offers distinct advantages—and trade-offs.
Southeast Mediterranean (Costa Blanca, Murcia, Almería)
Maximum sunshine (2,800+ hours/year), minimal rainfall, excellent value for money. Popular for winter escapes and retirement. Our focus areas—Costa Blanca North, Costa Blanca South, and Costa Cálida—fall into this category.
Southern Mediterranean (Costa del Sol)
Stable mild climate, strong international demand, higher prices. More developed infrastructure but also more competition for properties.
Islands (Balearics & Canaries)
Balearics offer Mediterranean island life with premium prices. Canaries provide year-round mild weather—ideal for winter living—but with island logistics to consider.
Northern Atlantic Coast
Green landscapes, cooler temperatures, more rainfall. Lower property prices but significantly fewer sunshine hours. Appeals to those seeking a "more Nordic" feel.
Compare Regions With Data
Numbers tell the story better than adjectives. Here's how key regions compare on the factors that matter most.
Property Prices by Region (€/m², Nov 2025)
Annual Sunshine Hours by City
The data reveals clear patterns: the southeast coast offers the best combination of sunshine and value. Murcia and Alicante provinces deliver Mediterranean climate at prices well below the national average.
For detailed cost breakdowns, see our costs and taxes guide.
Your Next Steps
Once you've narrowed down to 2-3 regions, the real work begins: comparing cities, then neighbourhoods, then specific properties. The process looks like this:
- Choose 2-3 regions based on your priorities (climate, budget, accessibility)
- Select 2-3 cities within your chosen regions
- Identify 2-3 neighbourhoods in each city that match your lifestyle
- Visit in person at different times of day and week
We've built a dedicated tool to help you compare areas systematically. Our interactive area guide lets you filter by climate, price, and lifestyle factors to find your ideal match.
Ready to Explore?
Find Your Perfect Area
Use our interactive area guide to compare regions, cities, and neighbourhoods based on what matters most to you.
Explore Area Guide