Spain continues to be one of the most attractive real estate destinations for international buyers. From the sunny beaches of Alicante to the cultural hubs of Madrid and Barcelona, foreign demand shapes a significant portion of the property market. According to recent data, nearly 1 in 10 property transactions in Spain involves an international buyer, with certain provinces seeing demand levels three times higher.
Among these buyers, Brits and Americans stand out as the most influential groups. British citizens have a long tradition of purchasing homes along the Mediterranean coast, while Americans are emerging as a powerful new force in the Spanish property market, particularly in the country’s interior and northern regions.
This article will explain the latest trends, focusing on where foreigners want to buy property in Spain, why Brits and Americans are leading demand, and what this means for the future of Spanish real estate.
Why Foreigners Are Buying Property in Spain
Spain’s appeal to foreign buyers is no surprise. The country offers:
- A warm climate and long summers, especially along the Mediterranean coast.
- Lower property prices compared to northern Europe or North America.
- A high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, gastronomy, and cultural life.
- Attractive investment opportunities, particularly in tourist hotspots and rental markets.
- Residency options linked to property purchases (although the Golden Visa ended in April 2025, other paths remain).
For retirees, digital nomads, and investors alike, Spain is both a lifestyle and financial decision.
Top Provinces for International Buyers
Foreign interest is not evenly spread across the country. Instead, it is highly concentrated in coastal areas and islands. The leading provinces by share of international demand are:
- Alicante – 33.2% of demand
- Balearic Islands – 31.5%
- Málaga – 27.1%
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife – 25.8%
- Girona – 24.0%
- Las Palmas – 20.2%
In these provinces, foreigners make up more than one-fifth of property demand, well above the national average of 9.9%.
British Buyers in Spain
Where Do Brits Prefer to Buy?
British buyers remain a cornerstone of Spain’s foreign property market, even though their overall share has decreased compared to earlier years. They continue to dominate along the southern Mediterranean coast, particularly in:
- Málaga (Costa del Sol) – Brits represent 14% of international demand.
- Almería – 22% of demand comes from the UK.
- Murcia – 19% of demand is British.
- Granada – 16% of demand is British.
The British preference for these regions is tied to warm weather, established expat communities, and excellent connectivity with UK airports.
Why Brits Still Choose Spain
Despite Brexit-related complications, Spain remains the number one destination for British second homes. Key reasons include:
- Affordable coastal housing compared to the UK market.
- Familiarity: decades of British communities already settled in Spain.
- Healthcare agreements and retirement benefits under Spain–UK arrangements.
- Lifestyle appeal: golf courses, beaches, and year-round sunshine.
American Buyers in Spain
Where Do Americans Prefer to Buy?
A striking trend in recent years is the rise of American demand. Unlike Brits, who concentrate on the Mediterranean coast, Americans are showing strong interest in a wide variety of provinces, particularly in northern and central Spain.
Americans lead foreign demand in 18 provinces, including:
- Madrid – 16% of foreign demand is from the U.S.
- Barcelona – 13%
- Seville – 15%
- Asturias – 16%
- Galicia (A Coruña, Lugo, Pontevedra, Ourense) – between 13% and 16%
- Basque Country (Guipúzcoa) – 16%
This shows a very different pattern from the British: while Brits focus on coastal retirement destinations, Americans spread across major cultural, educational, and economic hubs.
Why Americans Are Buying in Spain
Several factors explain the surge in U.S. demand:
- Remote work and digital nomad visas: Spain’s new digital nomad visa makes it easier for Americans to live and work from Spain.
- Lower cost of living: Compared to many U.S. cities, Spain offers more affordable housing and everyday expenses.
- Cultural connections: Many Americans are drawn to Spain’s heritage, universities, and cities like Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona.
- Retirement and lifestyle: Spain’s healthcare and quality of life are highly attractive for retirees.
Brits vs. Americans: A Changing Balance
Historically, Brits dominated Spain’s international property market, particularly in the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and Murcia. However, the latest figures reveal a shift:
- Brits remain strong along the Mediterranean coast but are gradually losing dominance to Dutch, German, and French buyers in some areas.
- Americans now have the broadest presence across Spain, not limited to coastal resorts but extending into cultural and economic centers.
This change reflects evolving motivations: Brits often buy for retirement or holiday homes, while Americans are more diverse — including investors, students, remote workers, and lifestyle migrants.
Implications for the Spanish Real Estate Market
- Regional differences matter: Brits will continue to drive coastal markets like Málaga, Murcia, and Alicante, while Americans are strengthening demand in urban and northern regions.
- Rising competition: More nationalities are entering the market, especially Germans, French, and Dutch, diversifying the buyer base.
- Price pressures: In hotspots like Alicante and the Balearic Islands, high international demand may continue to push up property values.
- New opportunities: Americans are less tied to beaches, so their growing interest in cities and the north could boost property markets outside traditional expat zones.
Conclusion: Spain Remains a Top Choice for Brits and Americans
The data clearly shows that foreigners buying property in Spain are a vital part of the housing market, with Brits and Americans leading the way.
- Brits remain most concentrated in Mediterranean coastal provinces, maintaining strong demand despite post-Brexit challenges.
- Americans have emerged as the most widespread group, showing interest in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Galicia, and beyond.
As Spain balances lifestyle appeal with favorable residency options and competitive property prices, the market will likely continue attracting these two powerful groups. Whether you are British, American, or from elsewhere, Spain offers a diverse range of opportunities, from seaside villas to urban apartments and rural retreats.
FAQs
How is the Spanish real estate market changing with respect to foreign buyers?
The market is evolving with Brits maintaining strong demand along the coast, while Americans and other nationalities are expanding demand into urban, northern, and less traditional regions, increasing competition and potentially impacting prices.
What factors are driving American interest in Spanish real estate?
American demand is driven by remote work opportunities, lower cost of living, cultural connections, and Spain’s healthcare and lifestyle benefits, making it attractive for retirees and lifestyle migrants.
Why do British buyers prefer specific regions for property in Spain?
British buyers prefer regions like Málaga, Almería, Murcia, and Granada due to their warm weather, established expat communities, and good connectivity with UK airports.
Which provinces in Spain have the highest foreign property demand?
The provinces with the highest foreign demand are Alicante, Balearic Islands, Málaga, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Girona, and Las Palmas, each where foreigners constitute more than one-fifth of property demand.
Why is Spain a popular destination for international property buyers?
Spain is popular among international buyers due to its warm climate, long summers, lower property prices, high quality of life including healthcare and culture, attractive investment opportunities, and residency options linked to property ownership.
