Apartments in Spain

Why buy an apartment in Spain?

Spain attracts buyers from across Europe not only for its sunshine — over 300 sunny days a year — and mild climate, but also for its low cost of living and high investment potential. Buying an apartment on the Mediterranean is both a lifestyle investment — year-round holidays — and a source of rental income. The Spanish market shows stable price growth (average 4–6% per year), and attractive mortgage rates (approx. 2–2.5%) mean that even foreign buyers can access financing. The dream of owning an apartment in Spain by the sea is more achievable than you might think.

Horizon Properties offers hundreds of ready and off-plan apartments by the sea, in prestigious resorts and green golf communities. Diversify your assets by investing in one of Europe's most stable property markets.

Types of apartments – where and for whom?

The Spanish market offers every type of apartment to suit different needs:

• Beachfront & sea-view: The most popular choice — apartments with sea views or direct beach access. They guarantee a holiday lifestyle and high short-term rental potential. Key areas: Costa Blanca South (including Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar) and Costa del Sol (Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona, Mijas).
• Golf resort apartments: Spain has some of Europe's finest golf courses. Areas around Alicante (e.g. Campoamor) and Murcia (La Manga) offer apartments next to fairways, ideal for golf enthusiasts. These complexes typically include pools and full leisure facilities.
• City-centre apartments: Apartments in cities like Alicante, Malaga or Valencia are perfect for those who value urban living — restaurants, shops and public transport on the doorstep. Options range from new-build penthouses to resale flats with value-add potential.
• Studios & small apartments: One-bed and studio apartments make excellent holiday-rental investments. Prices start from around €150,000– 200,000 depending on location.
• Family & luxury apartments: 2–3 bedroom apartments (for families or those needing more space) are the most popular choice, typically priced at €200,000–400,000. Luxury penthouses and large 4–5 bed units with private jacuzzis start from around €500,000–600,000.
• Purpose: The market offers fully furnished turnkey apartments ready to occupy or rent, as well as developer-standard units with additional investment upside. Buyers choose based on rental income goals or personal use.

Apartment prices in Spain – what should you budget?

Prices vary significantly by region, standard and size. Average prices on Costa Blanca are around €1,800–2,400/m², while Costa del Sol averages around €2,750/m² (prestigious Marbella ~€5,600/m²). In practice, a 2–3 bedroom apartment (60–80 m²) typically costs €200,000–400,000. A summary of price ranges from the Horizon Properties portfolio:

• 1-bedroom apartments: from approx. €150,000–200,000
• 2-bedroom: from approx. €200,000–300,000
• 3-bedroom: from approx. €300,000–500,000
• Larger (4+ bedrooms) & exclusive: from ~€500,000–600,000 upwards

Lower prices can be found in less prominent areas (e.g. Costa Cálida) or in the resale market. Buyers with a budget under €250,000 often opt for the southern part of Alicante province — particularly Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa — where supply is plentiful and entry prices are competitive.

Best regions for buying an apartment

• Costa Blanca (North & South): This stretch of coastline (Alicante province) enjoys a Mediterranean microclimate recognised by the WHO as one of the healthiest in the world. Costa Blanca North covers Alicante, Benidorm, Calpe and Altea — served by Alicante Airport with prestige beaches. Costa Blanca South (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar, Pilar de la Horadada) attracts with lower prices than Costa del Sol and rapidly growing tourism infrastructure. In Torrevieja, 2-bedroom apartments start from around €130,000.
• Costa del Sol: Andalusia's most prestigious coastline (Malaga, Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona, Mijas). Over 320 sunny days, world-class golf, yacht marinas and excellent transport links (Malaga Airport). Prices are higher but the market is highly liquid. Forecasts point to price growth of 5–9% in 2026.
• Costa Cálida (Murcia): The fastest-growing market between Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. Towns like San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar and Los Alcázares offer new developments at competitive prices. Price growth forecast: 5–7% in 2026.

Why Spain? Key investment advantages

• Excellent climate: Mild winters and hot summers mean you can use your apartment all year round — even outside peak holiday season.
• Strong tourism market: A record 96.8 million tourist arrivals in 2025 and world-class infrastructure guarantee demand for short-term rentals. Holiday rental yields reach ~6–10% per year.
• Portfolio diversification: Property in an EU country is a capital safeguard. Historical Spanish property price growth of ~4–6% per year protects against inflation.
• Easy process for EU buyers: EU citizens have the same purchase rights as Spanish nationals — no restrictions for foreigners. You simply need a NIE number and optionally a Spanish bank account.

Investment potential – expected returns

Spanish apartments offer an attractive combination of rental income and capital appreciation. Average ROI from holiday rentals runs at 6–8% per year (up to 8.5% in prime locations). Net of all costs, owners typically see ~3–6% annual returns. For example, a €300,000 investment in a new apartment at 5–8% annual growth could be worth €450,000 after 10 years — before counting rental income.

Costa Blanca attracts investors with lower entry prices (2-bed apartments from ~€130,000) and strong ROI (~7.3%). Costa del Sol offers the highest rental rates and a longer tourist season — ideal for budgets of €300,000–500,000.

Buying process – step by step

1. Choose your property & sign the reservation agreement: Once you find the right apartment, you sign a reservation contract and pay a deposit (typically €3,000–5,000). This locks in the price and takes the property off the market.
2. Documents & bank account: You will need a valid passport and a NIE number (Spanish tax ID). The reservation agreement normally allows you to open a Spanish bank account and apply for your NIE simultaneously.
3. Sign the notarial deed: On the agreed date you appear before a Spanish notary, the purchase deed is signed, the seller receives the balance, you receive the keys and the notary registers the transaction.
4. Registration & taxes: The notary registers the new owner in the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). Buyers pay the applicable taxes — 10% VAT for new builds, or 6–10% ITP for resale, plus ~1–1.5% AJD stamp duty.
5. After purchase: Register with the Spanish tax authority and, if you plan short-term lettings, obtain a tourist licence (required in most regions).

What to watch out for

• Legal due diligence: Verify the legal status of the property (land registry, mortgages, outstanding charges). Use a lawyer to conduct due diligence and protect the transaction.
• Transaction taxes & fees: Beyond the purchase price, budget for notary fees, registry costs and taxes — approximately 10–12% of the property value in total.
• Community fees (gastos de comunidad): Monthly charges for shared areas (pool, gardens, security) typically run €80–300/month. Luxury complexes tend to be at the higher end (€200–300), simpler blocks at the lower end (~€80–120).
• Annual property taxes: After purchase you pay IBI (approx. €500–1,500/year by the sea), utilities (electricity €50–150/month, water €30–60/month) and insurance (~€200–400/year).
• Community regulations: Check the community bylaws — some prohibit short-term rentals or impose extra charges on landlords. High community fees or unusual clauses can affect your investment decision.

Learn more & get in touch

As a premium agency, Horizon Properties guides you through every step: from choosing your apartment to completing the purchase and handling all formalities (notary, translations, power of attorney). Browse our full offer at Properties in Spain and explore regions: Costa Blanca South, Costa del Sol. You can also search by city: Alicante, Torrevieja, Marbella. Contact our expert and book a viewing today!

Also explore: seaside properties in Spain, penthouses in Spain, houses in Spain, villas in Spain, flats in Spain.