Moin Moin, Hola my dear readers,

Many of you who follow my journey here in the Costa Blanca ask if it is still a good idea to buy a holiday home in our area, and which nationalities are the most active buyers in 2025. Today I want to share a clear and honest update based on this year’s information, especially focused on the Alicante province, because this is where most international buyers choose to settle.

The Costa Blanca continues to be one of the most international places to buy property in Spain. In 2025, the province of Alicante again shows very strong interest from foreign buyers. Almost half of all home purchases here are made by non-Spanish buyers, which means around one in every two properties sold goes to someone from another country.

The most active foreign buyers in Alicante province in 2025 are:

• United Kingdom – 14% of all purchases
• Netherlands – 8%
• Germany – 6%
• Belgium – 5%
• Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark combined) – 7%

These are the nationalities showing the strongest presence this year. The mix of European cultures is very visible in daily life here – at the markets, on promenades, in cafés and in local communities.

For those who want to check the official sources, here are the government links where this data comes from:
Spanish Government – Real Estate Transactions (includes Alicante):
https://www.transportes.gob.es/el-ministerio/informacion-estadistica/vivienda-y-actuaciones-urbanas/estadisticas/transacciones-inmobiliarias-compraventa

Spain’s Official Open Data Portal – Property Transactions:
https://datos.gob.es/en/catalogo/a06004074-transacciones-inmobiliarias

There are several reasons why this part of Spain continues to attract buyers. Besides the climate and lifestyle, Alicante airport keeps strong flight connections throughout the year, which helps both tourism and rental demand. This makes it possible for many second-home owners to cover yearly expenses through holiday rentals if they choose to do so. At the same time, homes in good locations have shown stable value growth over the years. The Government of Spain also publishes reports about the housing situation, if you like to read more official material:
https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/serviciosdeprensa/notasprensa/vivienda-agenda-urbana/Documents/2025/040725-ObservatoriodeviviendaysueloBoletnanual24.pdf

If you are thinking about buying this year, the current costs are good to understand. When buying a resale (second-hand) property in the Valencian Community, which includes Alicante, the buyer pays 10% Property Transfer Tax (ITP) of the price. It is also wise to count around 1 to 2 percent for notary, land registry and a lawyer or gestor. If you choose a new-build home, then instead of ITP you pay 10% VAT (IVA) plus around 1 to 1.5% Stamp Duty (AJD).

Many readers also ask how people usually recover their investment. Most second-home owners choose one of the following ways. Some rent their home as a holiday property during high season. Some prefer long-term rental for steady monthly income. Others buy older homes, renovate them and sell later for a higher value. And many simply keep the home long-term, enjoy it personally, and eventually sell when the value has risen.

Buying here is not only a financial decision. It is also a lifestyle choice that often brings more time outdoors, a calmer pace, warmth, community, and a different quality of life. When planned thoughtfully, it can offer both personal joy and a solid long-term investment.

As a licensed agent in Costa Blanca, I can help you find your holiday home or permanent house in our area, matching your budget, without any extra charge. I work thoroughly with other agencies and stay with you through the entire process — from searching for properties to making the contract, tax calculation, notary, finding nice local areas, opening a bank account, and more — to make your relocation as stress-free and professional as possible. Contact me today.

New Home, New Life.

with Love

Yohanne