Spain has cemented its position as a top destination for international buyers with ultra-high net worths, thanks to lifestyle, climate, and the quality of its residential offerings, according to Engel & Völkers’ Private Office Market Report 2026.
The study reveals that Spain saw the fourth-largest increase worldwide in international demand for luxury properties over the past year, behind only Italy, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The report is based on insights from 160 specialised advisers across E&V’s global network and wealth migration forecasts from Henley & Partners.
Beyond property itself, the analysis points to a major shift in the motivations of the ultra-wealthy. Lifestyle improvement now leads as the key driver for buying luxury homes abroad, surpassing traditional considerations such as property size or investment returns. In Spain, access to outdoor spaces, proximity to nature, security, and a strong cultural and gastronomic offering are particularly influential.
In terms of pricing, the global luxury property market has been broadly stable, with slight increases over the past year. Private Office experts describe a more moderate scenario, with price rises in some markets and contained adjustments in other European countries, which reinforces Spain’s position as a competitive choice within the premium segment.
Jawed Barna, CEO of Engel & Völkers, notes that high-net-worth buyers increasingly see luxury properties as “lifestyle assets” and as a hedge against economic, geopolitical, and climate uncertainties.
This trend is evident in specific buyer preferences. According to the report:
- 55% of specialised advisers say outdoor living is the most sought-after feature in luxury homes.
- 15% prioritise privacy and security.
- 8% value access to cultural and leisure experiences.
For Stuart Siegel, Global Head of Private Office, the desire to “live better” is now the central driver of ultra-wealthy residential decisions. The report predicts that this dynamic will continue to strengthen Spain’s appeal as a prime destination for luxury property investment in the coming years.
Meliá expands on the Costa del Sol with the new Holiday World Resort complex
Meliá Hotels International has announced that the Holiday World Resort complex will soon join its portfolio. Situated in Benalmádena, one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular destinations, the resort’s three hotels and holiday home complex will become part of Meliá’s Málaga offering from next March.
Catalonia’s coastal hotspot for luxury home sales in 2025
Madrid and Barcelona are gaining ground in the international luxury housing market. According to the Savills World Cities Prime Residential Index 2025, both Spanish cities ranked among the European cities with the highest growth in prime asset values during the first half of the year. But how did 2025 end for the Catalan market?
Where does Álvaro Arbeloa live? Inside the luxury home of Real Madrid’s new coach
Álvaro Arbeloa is once again in the spotlight at Real Madrid — this time from the dugout. After stepping in as first-team head coach following Xabi Alonso’s departure, the former defender has drawn fresh attention not only for his role on the pitch, but also for his life away from football. After his debut ended in defeat against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, many fans are now curious about the man leading Los Blancos. So, where does Álvaro Arbeloa live? Here’s a look inside the exclusiv
€1m no longer enough in Madrid’s prime sector: buyers get a third of space
Madrid’s luxury residential market has entered a new phase of maturity and structural strain. In just a decade, access to the prime segment has fallen to historic lows.
Most exclusive places to live in Spain in 2026
Spain has no shortage of pretty seaside towns and chilled pueblos, but a handful of postcodes sit in a very different league. In 2026, the most exclusive places to live in Spain are still clustered around Madrid, Barcelona, the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands. What they have in common is sky-high demand from international buyers, limited supply, strong security and a very polished lifestyle.