From second home to main residence – residential tourism shifts in Spain

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Residential tourism in Spain entered a new phase in 2025 – what for years was largely a market for second homes is now evolving into a more stable model. International buyers are increasingly choosing Spain as a place to live for much of the year and invest for the long term, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Europe’s leading residential havens.

This shift is highlighted in the Residential Tourist Profile Report in Spain 2025, prepared using data from TM Grupo Inmobiliario. The study points to a profound transformation in the profile of foreign buyers – with greater purchasing power, less reliance on financing, longer stays and a direct contribution to reducing the seasonality traditionally associated with tourism.

“We are witnessing a structural change in residential tourism. Foreign buyers no longer follow a seasonal or holiday pattern, but instead choose Spain as a place to live for a significant part of the year. This new profile, with greater purchasing power and a desire to stay longer, drives a more stable and sustainable model – with a direct impact on the local economy, employment and the strength of the property market,” says Pablo Serna, CEO of TM Grupo Inmobiliario.

Spain has once again consolidated its position as a leading destination for European residential tourism. In 2025, buyers from 36 countries invested in residential projects developed by TM Grupo Inmobiliario. Poland remains the main country of origin, accounting for 21.4% of transactions, although its share has declined compared with the previous year. Germany has gained prominence, becoming the fourth largest market with 8.2%, overtaking Belgium.

The top 10 nationalities are completed by the Netherlands (6.8%), Ukraine (3.5%), the United Kingdom (3%), Romania (3%), Sweden (2.6%), the Czech Republic (2.1%) and Hungary (1.8%).

The average profile of the residential tourism investor is 51 years old and mostly married (60%). However, there are differences by origin – the youngest buyers come from Georgia, with an average age of 33, while those from Lithuania and Iceland have an average age of over 60.

More budget and less dependence on credit

The change in profile is clearly reflected in the average budget, which reached €560,000 in 2025 – 22.5% more than in 2024. International buyers now prioritise quality, location, services, design and sustainability, accepting a higher average price in exchange for homes better suited to long stays.

Polish buyers stand out in particular, with an average budget of €685,000 – representing a year-on-year increase of 48% – while German buyers reach €577,000 (+25%).

Another key feature of this new residential tourism is the high solvency of foreign buyers – 85% of transactions are carried out without bank financing. This reduces the market’s exposure to interest rate cycles and strengthens its resilience in times of economic uncertainty.

Costa Blanca is the most popular destination

By region, the Costa Blanca has established itself as one of the leading residential destinations in southern Europe, accounting for 52% of sales. Its climate, connectivity, safety, healthcare system and wide range of cultural and foodie offerings explain its appeal in a context of increasing international mobility. It is followed by Almería's coast (16%), Valencia's coast (12%), the Costa del Sol (10%) and Mallorca (7%).

In terms of property type, flats remain the preferred option (64%), with an average size of 117 square metres and two bedrooms as the most sought-after configuration (48%). Buyers from Iceland, Norway and the Czech Republic stand out for requesting larger properties.

One-bedroom flats represent 9% of demand and are associated with younger, single buyers who can work remotely. To respond to this trend, TM Grupo Inmobiliario is including coworking spaces in its residential developments – already present in projects such as TM Tower, Sunset Sailors in Benidorm, Santa María Sea by TM in Valencia and Marine Hills by TM on the Costa del Sol.

Digitalisation and deseasonalisation are key to the new model

Digitalisation is also gaining importance in the buying process – two out of ten transactions are completed through online channels, proving that international buyers are confident about purchasing property remotely.

The report also highlights the role of residential tourism as an economic stabiliser for the region. More than 42% of buyers live in their property for more than four months a year, and nearly 30% consider it their primary or future primary residence. In 2025, occupancy exceeded 85% between May and September, consolidating continuous use that reduces seasonality and generates activity throughout the year.

Overall, the data confirm that residential tourism in Spain has moved beyond being a seasonal phenomenon and is becoming a more solid and sustainable model – aligned with new ways of living and working and reinforcing the country’s appeal as a long-term residential destination.