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Foreign buyers are driving demand in Spain's ultra-luxury housing market, accounting for 60% of purchases, according to Hiscox. The insurer notes that prices for properties in this segment have risen by 30% over the past five years. The Balearic Islands, Málaga, Madrid and Barcelona account for 83% of homes valued at more than €3 million, while international demand is particularly strong in prime locations such as Benahavís and Andratx.

Spain's housing market is showing a two-speed trend. While total home sales fell by 2.3% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, reaching 167,934 transactions, purchases by foreign buyers moved in the opposite direction. According to data analysed by Sonneil, international buyers were involved in more than 26,800 transactions between April and June, representing growth of around 11% compared with the same period a year earlier.

Metrovacesa has begun construction of Atria F2, a new residential development in La Alcaidesa (Cádiz), backed by an investment of €28.3 million. The project includes two- and three-bedroom flats with spacious terraces and extensive communal facilities. It further strengthens the developer's presence in this area of the western Costa del Sol, where beaches, natural surroundings and some of southern Europe's most renowned golf courses come together.

Most Spaniards admit to browsing luxury homes beyond their budget, and summer 2026 has been no exception. idealista users have spent the holiday season exploring dream mansions and villas, with the greatest interest focused on properties in Las Palmas, Mallorca, Madrid and Alicante. Priced above €1 million, these homes feature infinity pools, expansive gardens, generous interiors and stylish terraces designed for outdoor living and entertaining.

Some Spanish municipalities experience dramatic population growth during the summer as tourists and second-home owners arrive in large numbers. Many of these popular destinations also face limited housing supply and high property prices. This analysis examines the housing market in the municipalities with the biggest seasonal population increases, including Alcúdia (Mallorca), Peñíscola (Castellón) and Castell-Platja d'Aro (Girona), where summer populations can rise by more than 800%.

Spain welcomed nearly 46.6 million international visitors in the first half of the year, up 4.6% compared with the same period in 2025. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), foreign tourist spending reached €63.8 billion between January and June, representing a 7% year-on-year increase and highlighting the continued strength of Spain's tourism sector.

Luxury housing in Spain remains concentrated in the most exclusive districts of major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastián and Palma, while premium coastal destinations in the Balearic Islands and Costa del Sol continue to attract high-end buyers. Prices exceed €10,000/m² in some areas of Madrid's Salamanca district and in the most sought-after enclaves of Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Marbella, with Costa d'En Blanes standing out as the only coastal location to surpass the five-figure threshold.

Near the town of Osuna in Seville lies Coto de las Canteras, a quarry that the Turdetani people began exploiting more than 2,000 years ago and which has now become the largest natural amphitheater in Spain after being restored in 1999 following centuries of neglect. Local sculptor Francisco Valdivia played a key role in shaping the landscape we see today. Between 2004 and 2006, he created a series of sculptures and reliefs modeled after Iberian works.

Neinor Homes has launched Australy Thera, the third phase of its residential development in Estepona. The scheme comprises 42 flats and duplexes with two to four bedrooms and forms part of a wider complex of nearly 200 homes. Located in the Costa del Sol's "golden triangle", the development offers sea views, extensive communal amenities, and easy access to beaches, Puerto Banús and Sotogrande.

Málaga City Council has given final approval to the redevelopment of El Bulto, one of the city's most closely watched residential projects. The Urban Planning Board has awarded the development works to Euro Andalucía Eventos, a company linked to Marbella-based developer Sierra Blanca Estates. The scheme includes 80 affordable housing units across two residential buildings, as well as a controversial 23-storey tower that will provide 153 private homes, transforming a key area of Málaga’s waterfront.

Many homebuyers begin their mortgage search with their usual bank, but this can mean missing out on more competitive offers available elsewhere. Consulting a mortgage broker first can provide a broader view of the market, allowing buyers to compare products from multiple lenders before making a decision. The key is to choose an independent broker with access to a wide network of banks and financial institutions, helping you find the mortgage that best suits your profile and needs.

With the arrival of summer, many families begin searching for a second home to spend the summer months and escape the heat. However, the excitement of finding the perfect house, the pressure to close the deal during the holidays or the distance to the property can lead to overlooking fundamental aspects that, in the long run, result in costly repairs or difficult-to-resolve problems. The Official College of Quantity Surveyors and Technical Architects of Madrid has identified the five most common mistakes, such as not properly inspecting defects or being unaware of the property's condition.

The luxury property market in Andalusia is on the up, driven by two main factors: the momentum of the region’s cities and continued interest in the coast. Combined with limited supply and strong international demand, which is becoming increasingly diverse, this has put southern Spain firmly in the spotlight within the country’s premium market. An analysis by luxury estate agency Engel & Völkers, based on data collected during transactions completed last year, confirms the trend. Three locations stand above the rest, thanks largely to the exclusive Costa del Sol.

Menorca offers more than coves and crystal-clear waters. Near Ciutadella, Lithica has transformed a former limestone quarry into a unique cultural and environmental space. Created to preserve the island’s quarrying heritage, the project combines art, nature and architecture in an extraordinary setting. Today, visitors can explore labyrinths, gardens and walking trails among thousands of limestone blocks, while enjoying exhibitions, performances and one of Menorca’s most distinctive landscapes.

The conquest of Mallorca by James I of Aragon in 1229 transformed the island’s political and urban landscape. At the heart of this change stood Palma Cathedral, known as La Seu, a monumental sandstone structure conceived as a statement of royal authority. Built to reinforce the Crown of Aragon’s influence in the western Mediterranean, the cathedral became one of the most ambitious Gothic projects of its time, pushing medieval engineering to its limits with some of the tallest vaults in the world.

Spain’s housing market is set to remain one of Europe’s strongest performers over the coming years. According to Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings, Spain will record the highest house price growth on the continent in 2027 and 2028, with projected increases of 7.4% and 6.2%, respectively. In 2026, Spain is expected to post the second-highest rise in Europe at 9.1%, behind Portugal’s 10%, with limited new housing supply continuing to fuel price growth.

Investment in Spain’s hotel sector continues to gain momentum. During the first half of 2026, 88 hotel assets and more than 12,000 rooms changed hands, pushing total investment to €2.46 billion, up 26.5% year-on-year, according to Colliers. The figure marks a record first half for the sector, underlining the strong appeal of the Spanish hotel market among chains, REITs, funds and private investors, particularly in premium assets and established tourist destinations.

Some homes are sold, while others are experienced. This villa on Mojácar’s Paseo del Mediterráneo firmly belongs in the latter category, thanks to its direct access to the beach. Listed on idealista for €1.75 million, the Mediterranean-style property combines a prime seafront location with bright, east-facing interiors that capture natural light throughout the day and offer sea views from inside the home.

In Spain’s residential market, the gap between supply and demand has pushed rents more than 40% above pre-pandemic levels, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona, according to the latest DWS Real Estate report. As a result, investors must be increasingly selective. DWS identifies affordable housing developed with local authorities, student accommodation and flex living schemes for short- and medium-term stays as some of the most attractive opportunities in the current market.

Facing the Mediterranean and just a short walk from Cala Serena beach, this luxury villa is one of the standout properties currently on Mallorca’s high-end real estate market. Built on 927 m² of land, the home offers 490 m² of living space, a prime seafront location and panoramic sea views. Listed on idealista for €3.5 million, it combines privacy, spacious interiors and direct access to one of the island’s most sought-after coastal settings.

In 1950, a French consul commissioned the construction of this villa in Terramar – one of Sitges's most exclusive and peaceful areas. More than 75 years later, the property remains true to its original design and is now listed for €7.5 million. It offers 1,294 m² of living space on a 3,006 m² plot bordered by three streets – with no adjoining neighbours and just 200 metres from the sea, ensuring exceptional privacy.

Concerns about smoking in rental properties are common among landlords – largely due to potential damage and persistent odours. Lawyer José Ramón Zurdo, CEO of Agencia Negociadora del Alquiler, confirms that it is entirely legal to prohibit smoking in a tenancy agreement. However, the clause must be clearly stated and precisely worded – ensuring there is no ambiguity, and it may even apply to specific areas within the property.

Summer drives increased interest in homes with outdoor space – particularly those with private pools.

Barcelona is set to gain a major new green space – with La Sagrera park expected to transform the city’s urban landscape over the next five years. Covering 36 hectares and stretching four kilometres, it will become the largest park in the Catalan capital, twice the size of Ciutadella. Often compared to New York’s Central Park, the project will anchor the wider redevelopment linked to the future La Sagrera station.

If you love tennis, this striking villa in Gijón stands out – though powerful shots could send the ball into the Cantabrian Sea thanks to its clifftop court. Listed on idealista for €2.3 million, the nine-bedroom property offers exceptional views, a dramatic coastal setting and generous living space – making it one of the most distinctive homes on the Asturian coast.