Who's Buying on the Costa Blanca in 2026?

British buyers remain the largest single foreign nationality at around 15% of international sales in Alicante province, though their share has declined steadily since Brexit introduced new residency complexities. Typical budgets range from €200,000 to €500,000, with retirees gravitating toward established English-speaking communities in Jávea, Moraira, and Torrevieja. A growing number of UK investors now target the south coast for stronger rental yields.

Belgian and Dutch buyers have emerged as the fastest-growing segments, collectively accounting for roughly 20% of foreign purchases. They favour the Costa Blanca North—Jávea, Moraira, and Calpe in particular—and typically purchase in the €300,000 to €600,000 range. Most are second-home buyers seeking a blend of Mediterranean lifestyle and long-term capital appreciation, often with a view to eventual retirement.

German and French buyers (a combined 13%) lean toward quality-focused, well-researched purchases. German buyers prefer solidly built villas in Altea, Benissa, and Jávea, often spending €350,000 to €700,000. French buyers concentrate in the €250,000 to €450,000 bracket and are increasingly visible across both north and south.

Scandinavian buyers—Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish—make up approximately 14% of the foreign market. Climate, excellent healthcare, and strong direct flight connections drive their decisions. Sweden leads the Nordic group, with Alfaz del Pi, Altea, and Calpe among preferred locations. Norwegian buyers increasingly target Jávea and Dénia, often through established agent relationships built over decades of Scandinavian presence in the region.

Spanish domestic buyers still represent the majority of all transactions at around 66%, predominantly purchasing in Alicante city and surrounding urban centres. Their preferences differ markedly from international buyers—smaller apartments in walkable town centres rather than coastal villas—meaning they rarely compete directly for the same properties.

Costa Blanca North (Jávea, Dénia, Calpe, Moraira, Altea) attracts the majority of lifestyle and retiree buyers. Average prices run between €2,500 and €3,500 per square metre. Belgian, Dutch, and Scandinavian buyers dominate, drawn by scenic coastline, established international communities, and a strong quality-of-life reputation. The investor segment here tends toward high-end holiday rentals commanding premium weekly rates during peak season.

Costa Blanca South (Alicante, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar) draws investment-focused and budget-conscious buyers. Prices range from €1,300 to €2,000 per square metre, making entry far more accessible. British and Eastern European buyers are strongly represented, and rental yields tend to outperform the north thanks to lower purchase prices and consistent tourist demand.

Budget patterns are equally revealing. The €200,000 to €400,000 segment is the most active, driven by first-time international buyers, retirees, and remote workers. Mid-market purchases between €400,000 and €800,000 are dominated by lifestyle buyers and families upgrading from apartments to villas. Above €800,000, the buyer pool narrows to luxury-focused Northern Europeans and an emerging group of non-EU high-net-worth buyers.

The remote worker segment deserves particular attention. Since 2020, Spain’s digital nomad visa and improved internet infrastructure have drawn a younger, location-independent demographic. Towns like Dénia and Jávea are seeing demand from professionals in their 30s and 40s making permanent lifestyle moves—prioritising walkability and year-round community over pool size and sea views.

The Costa Blanca’s buyer diversity is a strength, not just a statistic. A diverse market means stable demand—even if one nationality pulls back, others fill the gap. For you as a buyer, this creates both competition and opportunity.

Know your competition. If you’re targeting the Costa Blanca North, you’re competing with Belgian and Dutch lifestyle buyers who tend to be well-informed and financially prepared. Expect firm asking prices on well-positioned properties. In the south, the market moves faster at lower price points, and off-plan developments attract significant investor interest.

Budget for the full cost. The purchase price is only part of the equation. Add 10 to 15% for taxes and fees—transfer tax, notary charges, legal costs, and land registry. Use our buying costs calculator to see exact figures for your budget.

Get specialist advice early. Tax implications vary by nationality and residency status. Financing options differ for EU and non-EU buyers. And legal requirements—from obtaining your NIE to navigating the notary process—are essential steps that need professional guidance from the start. Understanding where you fit in this market is the first step toward a confident, well-informed purchase.