For a long time, Spain has been a popular destination for second-home buyers.

If you've ever dreamed of taking the plunge, leaving the big city, buying an old village house and renovating it, now is your time (as long as you live in Catalonia). The Generalitat has just launched a grant for renovating homes located in small villages. Its aim is to encourage residents or families who want to move in permanently to live in the area by renovating old, often vacant or dilapidated buildings. Grants can be up to €40,000.

Rental listings posted on idealista in the first quarter of 2024 received an average of 27 leads before they were removed, a figure that is 55% higher than that recorded in the same period of 2023. This surge in demand pressure, caused by the decrease in available supply, has led to rental prices rising by 12.6% in the last year, according to a study published by the southern European real estate marketplace. The contacts received per advertisement in Madrid (41) and Barcelona (40) skyrocketed, while Vitoria, Guadalajara and the Canary Islands capitals reached the highest volume of interested people.

Seasonal rentals keep gaining relevance in the real estate market to the detriment of permanent rentals, as a consequence of the successive policies that are driving this phenomenon. In the first quarter of 2024, this type of rental accounted for 11% of the market, with a year-on-year increase in supply of 56%, while the permanent rental supply fell by 15% in the same period.

Foreigners bought 63,183 homes in Spain in the second half of 2023, 10% less year-on-year; representing 20.9% of total transactions, below the two previous semesters. However, data from notaries place the average price paid by non-residents for properties above €2,700/m2, the highest figure on record. Only Asturias managed to break the record, while the Valencian Community accounted for 30% of the total. By nationality, the British continue to lead the ranking, while purchases made by Colombians reach maximum levels.

The reduction in permanent rental stock in Catalonia has gained new momentum after price controls came into force due to the Housing Law on 16 March: stock falls by 13%, according to an idealista study.

Andorra is attractive for its scenery, ski slopes and the tax benefits its residents enjoy.

The transparency report is the notarial document that aims to certify that Real Estate Credit Law requirements have been met, by which individuals know and understand the scope and conditions of the mortgage they are subscribing to. It has been in force since June 2019 and is the way for notaries to help and advise individuals in a personal and impartial way before signing anything.

Spain captured a total of $2.210 billion (€2.060 billion) in real estate investment in the second half of 2023, placing it among Europe's top four countries to invest in real estate and the world's top 10. As revealed in Colliers' 'Global Capital Flows' report for the second half of 2023, Spain ranks eighth in the world, while the United Kingdom is in first place.

These luxury homes with sea views offer an unrivalled degree of exclusivity and are meticulously designed to satisfy the most demanding standards.