The number of British Renting in Spain remains one of the highest among all foreign groups. Many UK citizens choose Spain for long-term stays, second homes, or retirement in the sun. But which provinces attract the most British renters? Thanks to recent data on international rental demand, we can now see where the British are focusing their housing searches in Spain.
Where Are the British Renting the Most in Spain?
Based on 2025 rental market data, British interest in renting is particularly strong in Alicante, Málaga, the Balearic Islands, and Tenerife, with additional demand spread across southern and coastal provinces. Unlike Americans, who are drawn to urban and cultural centers, the British consistently favor Mediterranean and island destinations known for their climate, beaches, and established expat communities.
1. Alicante (27.4% foreign demand, 9% British share)
Alicante is currently the top province for British renters in Spain. The Costa Blanca has long been a favorite for UK nationals, thanks to its sunny weather, affordability, and large English-speaking community. Around 9% of all international rental demand in Alicante comes from the UK, making it the most popular British hotspot.
Read Spainguru’s full Alicante Guide.
2. Málaga (25.7% foreign demand, 11% British share)
The Costa del Sol is another magnet for British renters. In Málaga, 11% of foreign rental searches are from the UK, highlighting the region’s strong appeal for retirees and second-home seekers. Its mix of vibrant coastal towns, international schools, and golf resorts keeps it high on the list.
Read Spainguru’s full Málaga Guide.
3. Balearic Islands (29.1% foreign demand, 9% British share)
In the Balearic Islands, especially Mallorca, the British represent 9% of all foreign rental demand. While the German market is larger, UK renters still form a significant community here, attracted by the islands’ Mediterranean lifestyle, beaches, and easy flight connections to the UK.
Read Spainguru’s full Mallorca Guide.
4. Tenerife (21.9% foreign demand, 8% British share)
The Canary Islands, and particularly Tenerife, continue to draw strong British rental interest. Here, 8% of rental demand comes from UK nationals, ranking them in the top three foreign groups. The island’s warm year-round climate makes it especially popular with retirees.
Read Spainguru’s full Tenerife Guide.
5. Almería (15.8% foreign demand, 12% British share)
Perhaps less well-known than Alicante or Málaga, Almería is a rising hotspot for British renters. With 12% of international rental searches coming from the UK, this quieter Andalusian province attracts those looking for a slower lifestyle, lower costs, and plenty of sunshine.
Chart: British Share of International Rental Demand in Spain’s Top Provinces
The chart below shows the five provinces where British renters are most represented in Spain. Each bar represents the total foreign rental demand, while the highlighted portion indicates the share of British nationals.
For example, in Málaga, 25.7% of all rental demand is international, with the British making up 11% of that interest. Similar patterns are seen in Alicante (9% UK), the Balearic Islands (9% UK), Tenerife (8% UK), Almería (12% UK), Cádiz (11% UK), and Murcia (10% UK). Together, these regions confirm the strong preference of UK nationals for Spain’s coastal and island provinces.
Charts: British Rental Demand Across Spanish Provinces (2025)
The bar chart and map highlight the provinces where the British represent the highest share of foreign renters. Unsurprisingly, coastal and island regions dominate the list, from the Costa Blanca (Alicante) to the Costa del Sol (Málaga), and across the Balearic and Canary Islands. Almería also emerges as a growing option. These visuals confirm that the UK community continues to favor Spain’s sunniest and most affordable regions for rentals.
Conclusion
The data clearly shows that British renters in Spain gravitate strongly toward coastal provinces and islands. While other nationalities diversify into cultural hubs, the British remain loyal to regions like Alicante, Málaga, the Balearic Islands, Tenerife, and Almería, where climate, community, and lifestyle drive housing demand. For British nationals planning a move to Spain in 2025, these provinces represent the most popular and established rental destinations.
FAQs
1. Do British renters prefer islands or mainland Spain?
Both are popular, but Alicante and Málaga on the mainland remain top choices, alongside Mallorca and Tenerife in the islands.
2. Which is the single most popular province for British renting in Spain?
Alicante leads the ranking, thanks to its large English-speaking expat community and affordable rental market.
3. Why are British citizens renting instead of buying in Spain?
Renting provides flexibility post-Brexit, especially for retirees and seasonal residents who spend part of the year in Spain.
4. Which coastal provinces attract the most British demand?
The Costa Blanca (Alicante), Costa del Sol (Málaga), and the Balearic Islands remain top coastal destinations for UK nationals.
5. Are British digital nomads also renting in Spain?
Yes, but compared to Americans, the British rental market is still more driven by retirees and long-term seasonal residents than digital nomads.
