Explore the Best Coastal Areas to Buy Property in Spain

Discover Costa Blanca's most sought-after locations for new-build properties. From vibrant resort towns to peaceful Mediterranean villages, find your perfect Spanish home with expert guidance from Hansson & Hertzell.

Last Updated: February 2026 | Reading Time: 12 minutes

Why Costa Blanca Remains Europe's Premier Property Destination

Costa Blanca offers over 300 days of sunshine annually, world-class healthcare facilities, and property prices 40-60% below comparable Mediterranean destinations. The region spans 200 kilometers of stunning coastline from Dénia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south, with each area offering distinct characteristics that appeal to different buyer priorities. Whether you seek the premium lifestyle of Costa Blanca North or the value-driven developments of Costa Blanca South, understanding each area's unique advantages is essential for making the right property investment.

British buyers benefit from direct flights from London Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh to Alicante-Elche Airport, with flight times averaging just 2-2.5 hours. Post-Brexit purchasing requirements have been streamlined, and with proper guidance, the buying process remains straightforward for UK nationals.

Costa Blanca South: Best Value New-Build Properties

Torrevieja

Torrevieja is Costa Blanca's most popular destination for international buyers, offering an established expat community, excellent amenities, and new-build apartments from €159,000. The town features two large salt lakes with reputed health benefits, a vibrant waterfront promenade, and year-round cultural events. Airport distance: 45 minutes from Alicante.

Orihuela Costa

Orihuela Costa encompasses prestigious urbanizations including La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig, and Villamartín. The area is renowned for its championship golf courses, Blue Flag beaches, and modern infrastructure. New-build villas with private pools start from €289,000, making it exceptional value for quality Mediterranean living.

Guardamar del Segura

Guardamar offers a more authentic Spanish atmosphere with stunning natural dune beaches and protected pine forests. The town maintains a traditional character while offering modern new-build developments. Property prices remain 15-20% below neighboring areas, representing excellent investment potential.

Pilar de la Horadada

The southernmost town of Costa Blanca, Pilar de la Horadada combines traditional Spanish charm with modern amenities. Just 30 minutes from Murcia's Corvera Airport, the area offers excellent value with new-build properties and access to pristine beaches at Torre de la Horadada.

Costa Blanca North: Premium Mediterranean Living

Jávea (Xàbia)

Jávea consistently ranks among Spain's most desirable addresses, offering dramatic scenery where the Montgo mountain meets the Mediterranean. The town features three distinct areas: the historic old town, the Arenal beach zone, and the scenic port. Premium new-build villas command €450,000-€1.2M but deliver exceptional quality and lifestyle value.

Moraira

Moraira retains the atmosphere of an exclusive fishing village while offering sophisticated dining, boutique shopping, and prestigious residential areas. The town attracts discerning buyers seeking privacy and quality, with new-build villas featuring sea views from €550,000.

Calpe (Calp)

Dominated by the iconic Peñón de Ifach rock formation, Calpe offers stunning natural beauty combined with excellent amenities. The town features two Blue Flag beaches, a traditional fishing port with daily fish auctions, and modern new-build developments from €220,000.

Altea

Known as the "cultural capital" of Costa Blanca, Altea's whitewashed old town and blue-domed church create one of Spain's most photographed scenes. The town attracts artists, musicians, and those seeking refined Mediterranean living. New-build properties offer contemporary design in a historic setting.

Benidorm

Benidorm has evolved far beyond its package-holiday reputation, now offering sophisticated high-rise living with spectacular sea views, world-class restaurants, and year-round entertainment. Modern new-build apartments feature resort-style amenities and strong rental yields of 7-8% for investors.

Golf Resort Properties: Premium Investment Opportunities

Costa Blanca hosts over 20 championship golf courses, with frontline golf properties delivering rental yields of 6-10%. The region's year-round playing conditions attract golfers from across Europe, ensuring strong occupancy rates for rental investments.

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

18 holes, par 71, Cabell B. Robinson design. Ranked in Europe's Top 100. Frontline properties €650,000-€1,450,000.

La Finca Golf Resort

5-star resort, Golf Digest Top 15 Spain. Luxury apartments and villas with full resort amenities.

Villamartín Golf

Established 1972, Mediterranean Open venue. Mature community with proven rental demand.

Lo Romero Golf

Signature "Golf Island" 18th hole. Modern developments with competitive pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Costa Blanca Areas

What is the difference between Costa Blanca North and South?

Costa Blanca North offers premium properties, dramatic mountain scenery, and a more exclusive atmosphere with prices 40-60% higher than the South. Costa Blanca South provides better value, larger expat communities, more new-build developments, and flatter terrain ideal for those with mobility considerations. Both regions share the same excellent climate and healthcare access.

Which area has the best new-build developments in 2026?

Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja lead for new-build volume and value, with modern apartment complexes from €159,000 and villas from €289,000. For premium new-builds, Finestrat near Benidorm and the Las Colinas resort area offer exceptional contemporary developments with resort-style amenities and strong capital appreciation potential.

How far is each area from Alicante Airport?

Torrevieja: 45 minutes. Orihuela Costa: 50 minutes. Guardamar: 40 minutes. Benidorm: 45 minutes. Calpe: 70 minutes. Jávea: 90 minutes. Moraira: 80 minutes. Valencia Airport serves Costa Blanca North with Jávea just 100km away. Murcia's Corvera Airport is closest to Pilar de la Horadada at 30 minutes.

What are property prices like in different Costa Blanca areas?

Entry-level new-build apartments start from €159,000 in Torrevieja and €175,000 in Guardamar. Mid-range new-build villas in Orihuela Costa range €289,000-€450,000. Premium Costa Blanca North properties in Jávea and Moraira typically command €450,000-€1.5M for quality new-build villas with sea views.

Which areas are best for rental investment returns?

Benidorm delivers the highest rental yields at 7-8% due to year-round tourist demand. Golf resort properties at Las Colinas and La Finca achieve 6-10% yields. Torrevieja offers solid 5-7% returns with lower entry costs. Note: April 2025 rental regulations now require HOA approval for tourist licenses, though medium-term rentals (11+ nights) remain exempt.

Can British buyers still purchase property in Spain after Brexit?

Absolutely. British buyers face no restrictions on purchasing Spanish property. The process requires an NIE (tax identification number), a Spanish bank account, and typically takes 8-12 weeks from reservation to completion. Post-Brexit, UK buyers are limited to 90-day stays within any 180-day period unless applying for a visa, but property ownership remains fully accessible.

What are the total buying costs for new-build property in Spain?

New-build properties incur 10% IVA (VAT) plus 1.5% stamp duty, totaling approximately 11.5% on top of the purchase price. Budget an additional 1-2% for legal fees, notary costs, and land registry. This compares favorably to resale properties which incur 8-10% transfer tax (ITP) varying by region.

Which Costa Blanca area has the best healthcare facilities?

Torrevieja hosts a renowned public hospital serving the southern region, while Benidorm has multiple private clinics. Alicante city offers the largest hospital complex. Costa Blanca was recognized by the WHO as one of the healthiest places to live globally, with excellent air quality and low pollution levels throughout the region.

Are there English-speaking communities in Costa Blanca?

Costa Blanca South hosts Spain's largest British expat community, with areas like Orihuela Costa, La Zenia, and Torrevieja offering extensive English-language services including doctors, dentists, lawyers, and shops. Costa Blanca North has smaller but established international communities, particularly in Jávea, Moraira, and Calpe.

What is the weather like year-round in Costa Blanca?

Costa Blanca enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually with average temperatures of 18°C in winter and 28°C in summer. Rainfall is minimal, averaging just 300mm per year. The region's microclimate means even winter months offer comfortable outdoor living, with December-February temperatures typically 12-18°C during daytime.

Can I get a mortgage as a foreign buyer in Spain?

Yes, Spanish banks offer mortgages to non-residents typically at 60-70% loan-to-value with interest rates of 3-5%. Fixed-rate options are available for 15-25 year terms. Requirements include proof of income, tax returns, and credit history from your home country. Pre-approval before property hunting is recommended.

How do new-build payments work in Spain?

Off-plan purchases typically follow a stage payment schedule: 30-40% deposit on reservation and contract signing, followed by construction stage payments, with the remaining 30-40% on completion. All payments are protected by bank guarantees under Spanish law. Key-ready properties require full payment on signing.

What should I look for when buying new-build property?

Verify the developer's track record and bank guarantees. Check the building license and first occupation license timeline. Review the memory of qualities for exact specifications. Understand community fees and what amenities they cover. Conduct a snagging inspection before final handover and ensure the 10-year structural warranty is registered.

Which area is best for families with children?

Jávea and Calpe offer excellent international schools including British and Scandinavian curricula. Orihuela Costa provides family-friendly urbanizations with pools, parks, and safe environments. Benidorm's Terra Mítica and Aqualandia parks appeal to families, while Torrevieja's natural parks offer educational outdoor activities.

How do I choose between different Costa Blanca areas?

Consider your priorities: Budget-conscious buyers should explore Torrevieja, Guardamar, and Pilar de la Horadada. Golf enthusiasts should focus on Las Colinas, La Finca, and Villamartín areas. Those seeking premium lifestyle should consider Jávea, Moraira, and Altea. Investment-focused buyers should evaluate Benidorm and golf resorts for rental yields. Contact Hansson & Hertzell for personalized area recommendations based on your specific requirements.

"We visited five different areas with Hansson & Hertzell before finding our perfect villa in Orihuela Costa. Their knowledge of each location's character, plus honest advice about which areas suited our lifestyle, made all the difference. We couldn't be happier with our new Spanish home."

— James & Sarah T., Manchester, UK

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