A sizeable amount of property demand in Spain comes from expats who have relocated to the country, and despite uncertainties such as Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, the expat population in Spain continues to grow and moving to Spain in 2021 continues to be a good idea. Many expats in Spain come from northern European countries such as the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and France and tend to buy property in coastal resort areas, leading to growing expat communities in Spain.
With great weather and a relaxed lifestyle, it’s easy to see why Spain is a popular choice for British expats, and while Spain is one of the best places in the world for expats, finding the perfect location for your needs and lifestyle can be more challenging. So, where do most British expats live in Spain?
To complete this study, we have used data from visits to idealista property listings, based on user language and location.
Malaga
There are many reasons why expats choose to move to Malaga and the Costa del Sol: the region has a great climate and beautiful beaches, cost of living is cheaper and the area has something for everyone, from families to pensioners. Those who are looking for a life of luxury and have a larger budget choose Marbella, while Fuengirola, Mijas, Alhaurin el Grande, Torremolinos and Benalmadena are the most popular areas for British expats due to their location and cheaper property prices.
While British expats living in the Costa del Sol have been affected by Brexit, moving to this part of Spain remains a great option. A wide range of international schools make Malaga and the Costa del Sol a great location for families, while English speakers will feel at home with the large community of English speakers in the area.
Alicante
Alicante is at the heart of Spain’s Costa Blanca which is famous for its miles of sandy beaches along the coast and is particularly popular with Brits due to excellent flight connections to the UK. This area of Spain is said to have the highest percentage of foreign residents of all of Spain’s provinces, and with such a large expat community, Brits feel right at home in Alicante.
The most popular areas of Alicante for British expats include Torrevieja, Benidorm, Orihuela and Calpe, and many families also choose to make these areas home given that there a number of international schools.
The Balearic Islands
While the party lifestyle in Magaluf and Ibiza may have given the Balearic Islands a bad reputation, it’s safe to say that Mallorca, or Majorca as the Brits often spell the name, Menorca and Ibiza have much more to offer for expats looking for a new life in Spain. 2019 data from the National Institute of Statistics in Spain showed that there were 219,684 non-Spaniards living on the archipelago, representing 18.8% of inhabitants.
Mallorca is the most popular Balearic Island for expats and while it’s always an advantage if you can speak some Spanish, it’s pretty easy to find specialist services in English on the island, such as English-speaking doctors. Cheap flights to and from the UK also make Mallorca a popular choice for British expats, and while the island is known for being expensive, you can still find affordable property in Mallorca by searching outside the main tourist areas.
Valencia
Valencia on Spain’s eastern coast is an increasingly popular destination for British expats moving to Spain, offering everything from great beaches to cultural events and city life. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and if you still struggle with Spanish, don’t worry as Valencia has a growing English-speaking population. The advantages of moving to this coastal region continue, with its pleasant year-round climate and excellent day trip opportunities, with stunning beaches and the mountains on your doorstep, as well as less tourists than Spain’s busy southern coast of the Costa del Sol.
Where to live in Valencia largely depends on your own preferences and your budget but rest assured that you will get more for your money in Valencia than in other Spanish cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona. While living in Valencia isn’t as cheap as it used to be, it’s much cheaper than many other places in Spain and much cheaper than most places around Europe when it comes to cost of living and even buying or renting a house.
The Canary Islands
Moving to the Canary Islands from the UK is another very popular option. The most popular islands for expats are Tenerife and Gran Canaria, as they offer cheaper living and housing costs. These larger islands are also home to International schools, some of which follow the British curriculum, while the Spanish state schools also have a good reputation.
If you want to move to Spain for a relaxed lifestyle in a place where you can enjoy the sun and sea all year round, then the Canary Islands is the perfect choice for you. Four out of Spain’s thirteen natural parks are located on the Canary Islands, making the islands the perfect place for nature lovers, while the almost endless sunny days and idyllic beaches will please sun worshippers.