The Mediterranean coast of Spain has always been a safe haven for the luxury residential market, with the Costa del Sol leading the way. But after the covid pandemic, it is the Costa Blanca that is taking centre stage: more and more foreign investors are interested in Alicante and luxury housing is, on average, more affordable than in other more established areas, such as the Balearic Islands or Malaga.
In fact, the province of Alicante occupies fifth place in the ranking of the 10 provinces with the greatest interest for buyers of luxury homes, according to data from idealista. Alicante accounts for 8% of luxury property searches in Spain by foreigners. The Dutch are the most active (15%), followed by Germans (14%), British (11%), French (10%) and Swedes (6%).
The fact is that international interest in luxury housing is mainly concentrated in 10 provinces, which account for 93% of visits to properties worth more than one million euros in Spain. The data shows that the Balearic Islands are the favourite area for non-Spanish high net-worth individuals, as 29% of luxury home searches by foreigners are concentrated on the islands.
The consequences of the coronavirus pandemic for property sales seem to be behind us, and prices are starting to rise again. According to data from idealista, among the 10 neighbourhoods where the price of housing has risen the most is Juan XXIII, a neighbourhood in Alicante where property prices have risen by 30.4% between September 2019 and September of this year.
Javier Fur, CEO of the Alicante developer Somium, highlights the long term potential of the luxury housing market in Alicante. In his opinion, there are specific areas of high standing properties, but most of them are properties with prices below other, more consolidated areas of Spain, such as the Balearic Islands or the province of Malaga. As a good ambassador for this Spanish province, he points out that there is more and more interest from foreigners to live in this region, right by the Mediterranean, thanks to the good gastronomy, the cultural activity, the services that are maintained throughout the year and the good travel connections with their countries of origin, thanks to the international airport of Alicante, which has connections with 120 European cities.
Alejandra Vanoli, the managing director of the VIVA Sotheby's International Realty franchise, stresses the prominence of the Costa Blanca. "It has become fashionable, it is having an impressive pull in demand. Very nice developments are being built, which is what the foreign client demands, and the price level is much lower than the Balearic Islands or Marbella." So much so that he assures that by the end of this year they want to open a new Sotheby's office in Alicante.
In fact, on idealista, the average price per m2 of property in Marbella is 4,036 euros, while in Mallorca it is 3,816 euros. In contrast, in Alicante it is 1,696 euros, practically 60% lower.
After the covid pandemic, the profile of the luxury property buyer in Alicante has changed in age: before, the buyer was over 50 years old and was looking for a house to retire to in Spain. Now the typical client is younger, between 40 and 50 years old and is usually an entrepreneur with the possibility of teleworking. Thanks to being able to work remotely, the foreign client can spend long periods of time living in our country.
Javier Fur's developer is building homes in a very exclusive area of Alicante, in Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, a residential community with a low density of homes around a golf course, and which have the backing of Gmp, a real-estate investment company controlled by the Montoro family and owned by the sovereign wealth fund of Singapore, which is the real estate group that owns the development.
Somium, which is part of the Marjal Group, has a portfolio of high-end homes for sale in Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, a project in which they will be involved in the development for 7 to 8 years. It has around 100 homes with an average price of 500,000 euros. In addition, they have between 25 and 30 villas for sale which range from 800,000 euros to 2 million euros. Apart from this, they have 10 more exclusive and unique properties under construction, similar to the Morning Breeze mansion, the most expensive villa currently for sale on the Costa Blanca.
Morning Breeze, Alicante's most exclusive villa
We are receiving a lot of interest in the 'Morning Breeze' mansion," says Alejandra Vanoli, who adds that Germans and Belgians are the most interested in buying, although large fortunes from Mexico and Argentina have also knocked on the door of this mansion. It is on sale for 4.85 million euros and has almost 1,000 m2 of floor space.
It has three bedrooms, five bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a gym, a spa with jacuzzi and a sauna. Another of its most outstanding features is the 55m2 outdoor swimming pool with tempered laminated glass and a beach area on the main floor, as well as the carefully designed gardens, which have been planted with native vegetation that maintain the original surroundings.
Morning Breeze is the work of architect and interior designer Monica Armani, who wanted to blend luxury without impacting on the environment. The construction has been carried out respecting the original orography of the location, without renouncing sustainability. For example, the villa has an air renewal system with heat recovery, with the triple function of renewing the interior air, air conditioning and energy saving; the SATE system (Exterior Thermal Insulation System) and cross ventilation.
The interior features designer furniture, which has received international recognition at the European Property Awards 2020-2021 in the 'Residential Property' and 'Architecture Single Residence' categories. As VIVA Sotheby's International Realty explains, "the design, construction, location and services of this spectacular villa were highlighted by the jury, made up of 80 professionals in the sector (architects, interior designers, designers, from all over the world who independently analyse aspects as diverse as quality, originality, sustainability and innovation)".
In addition, the Las Colinas Golf & Country resort in which it is located has been named "Europe's Leading Villa Resort" at the World Travel Awards 2020, as well as "Spain's Leading Villa Resort" at the World Travel Awards and as the Best Golf Course in Spain. Alicante city is about 45 minutes away, although there are international schools, nature parks, beach clubs and shopping centres in the surrounding area.
Historic home with 11 balconies for sale in Madrid’s Los Jerónimos
Listed on idealista for €8.8 million with monthly community fees of €500, the 383 m² residence occupies the second floor of an elegant 1900 building. The home features eleven balconies that flood the space with natural light, a kitchen with a central island, a spacious living room with a library, and four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Maresme cements its status as Catalonia’s luxury oceanfront hotspot
Over the past five years, lifestyles and housing preferences have evolved significantly. In Spain’s real estate sector, a key trend has been rediscovering Maresme as a prime luxury location. This coastal area north of Barcelona has grown beyond being just an extension of the city to becoming a sought-after destination with its high standards.
Kronos plans to expand its branded residences model in Spain
Kronos Real Estate Group, through its subsidiary Kronos Homes, is considering rolling out its branded residences model in “strategic locations” across Spain, following the “remarkable success” it has achieved in Portugal in partnership with international brands such as Marriott and Hilton.
Turmalina Mansion: a landmark of luxury in the heart of Mallorca
In one of Mallorca’s most prestigious enclaves, nestled between the iconic peaks of Puig d'Alaró and Puig d'Alcadena, Turmalina Mansion is an estate of exceptional calibre. Just 20 minutes from Palma yet entirely immersed in nature, this €24,500,000 property offers the ultimate in Mediterranean sophistication, privacy, and architectural refinement.
Barcelona home for sale at €1.1m with a helicopter in the garden
A house for sale in Barcelona is turning heads on social media and property portals thanks to one truly surreal feature: there's a helicopter parked in the garden. Literally. It’s not a model or a decorative replica, but a real helicopter – complete with cockpit, propellers, military-style paintwork and even a licence plate. Unsurprisingly, the property has gone viral within hours – and for good reason.
Spain’s 30 most exclusive neighbourhoods revealed: prices top €10,000/m2
Property prices for resale homes in Spain have reached €2,391/m², the highest level recorded in idealista’s historical series. According to the latest market report, which analyses districts and neighbourhoods across the country, the areas with the highest average property prices are concentrated in just seven municipalities: Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, San Sebastián, Marbella, Estepona and Adeje. In these prime locations, prices surpass €7,000/m², reaching over €10,000/m² in sought-af
Villa Solitaire: the Balearics’ most expensive home on the market
Rising gracefully above the prestigious hills of Son Vida, Villa Solitaire stands as Mallorca’s most exceptional designer residence—and currently the most expensive property for sale across the Balearic Islands on idealista, offered at €39,500,000. Conceptualised by renowned Milanese architect Matteo Thun, the villa captures the dynamic silhouette of sails floating above its glass-encased living spaces, seamlessly blending sculptural elegance with island tranquillity.