For many years British residents, and in particularly pensioners, have been active buyers of property in Spain. Of course, recent events in the world, such as Brexit and the Coronavirus pandemic, have made their own adjustments in the real estate market, but experts do not see any reason for a sharp fall of housing prices and panic.

According to the National Institute of Statistics of Spain, almost every sixth tourist (17.6%), who visited this country in January 2020, was a British citizen, and the total number of tourists, who came to the country, was 718.248 persons, which is just 11% lower than in January 2019.
And on the subject of the Spanish provinces, which interest the British in terms of permanent residence, in the year 2019 the most British lived in the province of Alicante – about 69 000 persons, in Malaga – about 47 000 and in Almeria – about 15 000. For comparison, less than 10 000 British residents live in Madrid.

Today we will talk about the Spanish towns, where British pensioners prefer to purchase real estate.

The warm climate and gentle sea, year-round availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, excellent gastronomy and wine, relatively low cost of living, friendly local inhabitants – these are just a few advantages of Spain. Another undeniable advantage is low-cost property in this country and well-developed high-quality medicine, which is especially important for pensioners.

In terms of recreation and accommodation, the coasts of Alicante – Costa Blanca, Valencia-Costa de Valencia and Murcia – Costa Calida stand out favorably: here pensioners can find their ideal property in Spain for a quiet rest and buy it at a great price. According to the web-site idealista.com in March 2020, the average cost of housing in the listed provinces is:

  • Alicante – 1564 €/m2.
  • Valencia – 1228 €/m2.
  • Murcia – 1055 €/m2.

In this article we went over the details of 14 Spanish towns, where to buy high-quality real estate in Spain for pensioners, and describe the advantages of living there in retirement.

Rojales: a «Little England» and a quiet, respectable lifestyle

Advantages of Rojales for pensioners

This is the most British place from all the corner of the Costa Blanca, a «Little England». Rojales is a famous resort village in the province of Alicante spread out on emerald hills. It is known that the people of Britain chose this place in the 80-ies of the XX century and until they now represented over 60% of Rojales’ inhabitants. Green-covered bungalows, snow-white villas, respectable houses: this place is so popular that the building density in new urbanizations is already reminiscent of a honeycomb, especially in the golf courses area. But that does not stop the British, who want to buy a house here: pensioners will appreciate the ideal bedroom community with clean air, magnificent views of the lagoons and the sea, as well as English-speaking neighbors.

About attractions of a quiet town. Yes, Rojales is not a place for big loud parties but rather a place for a quiet private solitude. Comfort, coziness and security clearance, it what defines this town. However, golf games and gatherings in a favorite cafe are not the only possible pastime for pensioners. There are many local attractions in Rojales, that allow to relax pleasantly and profitably: the Hydro Complex of the XVIII century with a stone bridge, a water wheel and a dam; a group of caves «Cuevas de Rodeo», dug into the mountain in the XVIII century by Mursia’s miners; «La Hacienda de los Llanos o de Don Florencio» – inhabited museum of the citrus valley (Museo de la Huerta); a windmill «Molino de Viento» – now only a museum exhibit; Church of St. Peter the Apostle «Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro Apóstol» of the VIII century with a mix of architectural styles.

Property prices in Rojales

The average cost of housing in Rojales per m2 is 1133 €/m2, according to the web-site idealista.com in March 2020. At the same time, the most inexpensive apartment with 2 bedrooms can be purchased here from €39 200, with 3 bedrooms – from €42 000, a small bungalow – from €56 000, a house – from €100 000, a villa – from €220 000.

Torrevieja: rich infrastructure and a variety of medical centers

Advantages of Torrevieja for pensioners

The lack of a language barrier. Torrevieja is a multi-ethnic city and according to data of the year 2019, 85.2 thousand persons are registered in Torrevieja, among which 50.1 thousand are Spanish (58.8%) and 35.1 thousand are foreigners (41.2%). British citizens in the amount of 4.8 thousand invariably predominate in the list of foreigners. Russians in the amount of 4 thousand and Ukrainians – 3.1 thousand also significantly prevail against the background of residents of other countries. Services in English are everywhere in Torrevieja: in shops, hairdressers, hospitals and government institutions. Almost any bank, pharmacy, cafe or restaurant has English-speaking staff. But even if pensioners need an interpreter, the cost of this service starts here from just 10€/hour, that is very inexpensive, compared to prices in larger cities in Spain.

High level of medical care. What could be more important than health? By settling in Torrevieja, retirees can expect first-class medical care. Almost every district of Torrevieja has a medical center (Centro de Salud). There are also private medical centers, such as hospital «Quirón» with a wide range of medical services or the clinic «IMED», dental clinics and medical offices of various specializations. To apply there, British pensioners need to purchase a medical policy from local private insurance companies, which is often more profitable than a similar one in the UK, even with full insurance coverage.

Property prices in Torrevieja

First of all, Torrevieja is so attractive for pensioners, because of a very affordable property here, which allows the British retirees to get more footage and quality for less money. According to the web-site idealista.com in March 2020, the average cost of housing in Torrevieja was €1378 per m2. Affordable real estate can be purchased in areas such as Centro (€1166 per m2), where all the infrastructure is so close to hand, and Playa del Cura (€1231 per m2) – a quiet area next to a quiet beach. The highest prices are in the Los Balcones – Los Altos del Edén (€1672 per m2) and Playa de los Locos (€1701 per m2) areas. These are tourist zones, where housing is good for rent all year round, but it can be a bit noisy to live there. The big advantage of Torrevieja is that there are simply no bad neighborhoods!

In general, purchasing a studio of 25-33 m2 in Torrevieja is in the range of €32 000 – €45 000, and 1-bedroom apartment costs from €40 000 to €50 000, a 2-bedroom apartment – from €45 500 to €70 000, a 3-bedroom apartment – from €51 000 to €77 000. The cost of a small house or bungalow starts from €45 000, and a duplex – from €51 000.

Alicante: affordable housing and excellent transport connections

Property in Spain for British pensioners

Advantages of Alicante for pensioners

A huge selection of affordable housing. In the price range of €20 000 – €50 000, pensioners can buy an apartment here, which will be much cheaper than in other cities of the Costa Blanca. At the same time, the profitability of such a purchase is quite high. For example, buying an apartment for just €30 000, a owner can not only afford to rest or live on the Mediterranean coast for the small money, but also to use it at a profit for a long-term rent at a price of €250 – 300 per month. However, when purchasing real estate in Alicante, the buyer should first pay attention to the surrounding area, as there are deprived neighborhoods too.

Excellent transport connection. Alicante is an important transport hub in the central part of the Spanish Mediterranean coast: it has a major port and a modern international airport. Major international air carriers, including British Airways, fly here almost daily. Pensioners can also take a train from Alicante to Barcelona or Malaga, the duration of such trip takes 5-6 hours. There is a high-speed train between Madrid and Alicante, and the journey time is only 2 hours!

Property prices in Alicante

According to the web-site idealista.com in March 2020, the average cost of real estate in Alicante was €1509 per m2. Affordable housing can be purchased in areas such as Virgen del Remedio-Juan Xxiii (€576 per m2), Campoamor-Carolinas-Altozano (€1000 per m2) and Los Ángeles-Tómbola-San Nicolás (1019 €/m2). By purchasing affordable housing here, it is important to pay attention to the district. There is the highest cost in the areas of Playa de San Juan-El Cabo (€2067 per m2) and Centro (€1999 per m2). On average, real estate prices in Alicante are as follows: €20 000 – €35 000 for a studio, 1- or 2-bedroom apartments and medium-priced flats – €50 000 – €75 000; luxury housing – from €100 000 to €500 000 or higher, depending on the type of property, amenities, specific of a district and other characteristics.

Valencia: rich cultural life, modern infrastructure and perfect climate

Property in Spain for British pensioners

Advantages of Valencia for pensioners

Culture and infrastructure. Valencia is one of the centers of world culture, where antiquity, middle ages and modernity are intertwined in complete harmony: the Cathedral of Saint Mary (Catedral de Santa María de Valencia), where the Holy Grail (Santo Cáliz) is being kept; the Gothic building of the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda); innovative City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y l as Ciencias); a unique interactive zoo – Bioparco (BioParc); the Towers of Serranos (Torres de Serranos); sports facilities, huge parks, a magnificent promenade, bike lanes – this city has everything for a rich and colorful cultural life!

Healthy climate. According to World Health Organization, the climate of the northern part of the Costa Blanca and, in particular, Valencia, is most favorable for health: fresh sea air, a healthy Mediterranean diet, daily doses of vitamin D and the absence of extreme temperatures in the summer – all this is especially important in advanced age.

Property prices in Valencia

According to the web-site idealista.com in March 2020, the average cost of property in Valencia is €1795 m2. Affordable housing can be purchased in areas such as Rascanya (€1251 per m2), L’olivereta (€1278 per m2) and Jesús (€1355 per m2). The highest cost is in the areas of L’eixample (€2876 per m2) – here are placed beautiful and respectable neighborhoods, precluding inhospitable environments represented by illegal aliens from disadvantaged countries, as well as El Pla del Real (€2487 per m2) and Extramurs (€2062 per m2). In General, the cost of an apartment in Valencia starts from €30 000, a house – from €58 900, a duplex – from €85 000.

Finestrat: a quiet life in the bosom of nature

Property in Spain for British pensioners

Advantages of Finestrat for pensioners

This cozy and original town in the North of the Costa Blanca is just created for a quiet and carefree life: traditional white houses «casas colgantes» with orange tiles delight the eye. Walking around the old сhurch of the XVIII century Parròquia de Sant Bartomeu, the chapel of Ermita del Santísimo Cristo del Remedio and in the wonderful green recreation area of Área Recreativa Font del Molí with the spring of Fuente del Molino can give a lot of pleasure. There are xcellent climate and ecology, beautiful nature, charming houses and modern infrastructure: what else do pensioners need for happiness?

Property prices in Finestrat

According to the web-site idealista.com in March 2020, the average cost of real estate in Finestrat is €2040 per m2. Finestrat Pueblo (€1535 per m2) is the most affordable area to purchase housing, while Golf Bahía (€2365 per m2) is the most expensive. The cost of property in Finestrat depends on its type: on average, the price of an apartment with 1 bedroom starts from €44 000, with 2 bedrooms – from €58 000, with 3 bedrooms – from €75 000, a house – from €87 000, a duplex – from €140 000. For those who want to live in sweet seclusion and enjoy the delights of rural life, it’s a possibility to become the owner of a pretty rural house (casa rural, casa rústico) with a small plot or garden, under renovation, in the old part of the town, at an attractive price – only €12 000 − €30 000.

Guardamar del Segura: wonderful beaches and eucalyptus groves

Property in Spain for British pensioners

Advantages of Guardamar del Segura for pensioners

First of all, the town is famous for its beautiful beaches, which are urban and wild, snow-white, rewarded with a Blue flag – there are just so many to choose from! It is also worth noting the excellent ecology, there are eucalyptus and pine parks, the proximity of the sea and salt lakes, citrus gardens – all this together makes Guardamar del Segura an ideal health destination for the elderly suffering from respiratory diseases.

Cost of property in Guardamar del Segura

According to the web-site idealista.com in March 2020, the average cost of real estate in Guardamar del Segura is €1519 per m2. The most expensive area to buy housing is Guardamar Playa (€1817 per m2), and the most budget-friendly are Las Viñas (€1402 per m2) and Zona Pueblo (€1305 per m2). The average cost of property in Guardamar del Segura: for an apartment with 1 bedroom starts from €47 500, with 2 bedrooms – from €48 000, with 3 bedrooms – from €58 000, a house or chalet – from €73 000, a rural house (casa rustico) – from €69 900.
Villamartin: first-class real estate, golf cources and wonderful beaches

Advantages of  Villamartin for pensioners

Golf lovers will appreciate this lovely place. It’s no wonder the British, especially pensioners, chose for a long time Villamartin for permanent residence. There are so many golf courses of excellent quality: Golf Villamartin, Campoamor Golf Resort and Las Ramblas, suitable for both professionals and beginners. There are also a variety of routes for walking and cycling everywhere, so the most active and cheerful pensioners, you have found the right place to do it!

The cost of property in the Villamartin area and its surrounding area of Las Filipinas is on average €1782 per m2, that is significantly lower than in the coastal areas of Orihuela Costa (La Zenia, Punta Prima, Cabo Roig, Campoamor, etc.). The price of a 1-bedroom apartment starts from €65 000, with 2-bedrooms – from €69 900, with 3-bedrooms – from €93 000, a house or chalet – from €79 000, a duplex – from € 99 500.

Arenales del Sol: convenient location, quiet life and a beautiful beach

Property in Spain for British pensioners

Advantages of Arenales del Sol for pensioners

The main advantage of the town is its luxurious beach, covered with wonderful golden sand. Pure water and a variety of underwater flora and fauna make this place perfect for those, who are keen on diving and snorkeling. There is also three unique natural areas of great interest to travelers nearby: the Paraje Natural Clot de Galvany reserve, the protected natural area with a unique landscape Dunas del Carabassí and the natural area El Paraje Natural Municipal de la Sierra y el Cabo de Santa Pola.

Among other things, the town has excellent transport links: Alicante – a real epicenter of entertainment and shopping is located in 20 minutes drive; Santa Pola, where ferries leave for Tabarca – in 15 minutes; Benidorm – «New York of the Mediterranean» with an impressive selection of leisure options – in 50 minutes, the international airport of Alicante-Elche – just 10 minutes away. All this makes Arenales del Sol a truly convenient and comfortable town to live in retirement.

Property prices in Arenales del Sol

The average cost of housing in Arenales del Sol is €1830 per m2, according to the web-site idealista.com in March 2020. The price of a 1-bedroom apartment starts from €63 000, with 2-bedrooms – €79 000, a house or chalet can be purchased for the amount of €86 000, a duplex − from € 125 000.

Villajoyosa: a quiet picturesque harbour on the shores of the Mediterranean sea

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The advantages of Villajoyosa for pensioners

The main advantage of Villajoyosa is the proximity of the warm sea and beautiful beaches. But lovers of history, architecture and picturesque landscapes can see numerous curious things too. for For what it’s worth the traditional houses, painted in bright colors and making the town look elegant and festive!

Attractions of Villajoyosa include the Roman funerary tower of San Jose or the Tower of Hercules (Torre funeraria Romana de Sant Josep, Torre de Hércules) – an object of cultural heritage and monument of the Roman era; the fortress church of Virgen de la Asuncion (Iglesia fortificada de la Virgen de la Asunción) of the XVI century, many ancient towers and historical museums.

The Museum of chocolate Valor (Museo del Chocolate Valor), Villajoyosa deserves to be highlighted and special the Chocolate Fairs in this town with a great sweet assortment. It is true that this fairy town is just made for the sweet life!

Property prices in Villajoyosa

The average cost of housing in Villahoyos is €1568 per m2, according to the web-site idealista.com in March 2020. The most expensive area to purchase real estate is Poble Nou – Montiboli (€1898 per m2) and the most budget-friendly are Centro Urbano (€1109 per m2) and Plans – Gasparot (€1246 per m2). The average cost by type of housing in Villahoyos is the following: from €43 500 for apartments, from €60 000 for houses or chalets, from € 65 900 for rural houses (casa rustico) and from €113 000 for duplexes.

Altea: the most beautiful town on the Costa Blanca, a paradise corner of art and creativity

Property in Spain for British pensioners

The advantages of Altea for pensioners

Althea is the sweetest Spanish resort town among other small towns on the Costa Blanca. Wonderful curved streets almost all lead to the sea, snow-white houses are covered with flowers and greenery, viewing platforms offer amazing views of the turquoise sea and bays, a spacious embankment is refreshed by a light breeze. Pensioners can enjoy here beautiful views of a real Spanish authentic town: narrow streets paved with stone, contiguous picturesque houses, observation decks and blooming greenery everywhere!

Those who are attracted by the charm of ancient churches will find here the Catholic churches, monasteries, chapels, Orthodox church and all that is available to visit and continues to glow with its well-grooming and grace.

Retired people who love art and creativity should know that the town is replete with galleries, exhibitions and museums. Even on the street they can get acquainted with the works of young artists, hear a musical performance or buy a special handmade souvenir.

Property prices in Altea

The average cost of real estate in the Altea area is €2055 per m2. So, the cost of a studio in this amazingly beautiful town starts from €67 000, prices from €72 700 are for apartments, from €65 000 – for bungalows, from € 105 500 – for duplexes, from €110 000 – for houses, according to data of the web-site idealista.com in March 2020.

Mutxamel: a cozy town with a rich history and architecture

Property in Spain for British pensioners

The advantages of Mutxamel for pensioners

This quiet little town is steeped in history with its amazing architecture: the Church of El Salvador with Baroque and neoclassical elements of the XVI century; the monastery of San Francisco of the XVII century; the palace and gardens of Peñaserrada of the XVII century; Hermita de Montserrat of the XVI century – the former residence of monks; Azudes – the river irrigation system of Islamic origin; the old House of Ferraz, the modern hotel «Casa Ferraz» now; the chapel of Hermita del Calvario of the XVIII century. Fans of ancient architecture will have a great appreciation for this town and enjoy a leisurely retirement life here.

Property prices in Mutxamel

The average cost of real estate in Mutxamel is €1197 per m2, according to data of the web-site idealista.com in March 2020. The most expensive area to buy housing is Bonalba – Cotoveta (€1392 per m2) and the most affordable neighborhoods are Centro (€1066 per m2) and Valle del Sol (€1193 per m2). The cost of a 1-bedroom apartment starts here from €36 575, 2 bedroom-apartment costs from €47 644, a house or chalet can be purchased for the amount of €77 000, and a duplex – from € 93 000.

Pilar de la Horadada: comfort, healthy environment and beautiful nature

Property in Spain for British pensioners

Advantages of Pilar de La Horadada for pensioners

This town attracts at the same time with its favourable ecological situation, beautiful beaches, fruit plantations and excellent infrastructure. It has its own marina-port and the beautiful nature reserve Sierra De Escalona nearby. Walking through the town, pensioners can leisurely admire the ancient towers that gave the name to the town. Pilar de La Horadada is created for those who appreciate urban comfort and safety coupled with pretty scenery.

Property prices in Pilar de La Horadada

The average cost of real estate in Pilar de La Horadada is €1736 per m2, according to data of the web-site idealista.com in March 2020. The most expensive areas to purchase housing were Mil Palmeras (€2072 per m2) and El Mojón (€2141 per m2) and the most budget-friendly neighborhoods were Zona Pueblo (€1418 per m2) and Pinar de Campoverde (€1710 per m2). The cost of a 1-bedroom apartment in Pilar de La Horadada starts from €39 000, 2-bedroom apartment costs from €51 700, houses or chalets – from €54 000, duplexes – from €84 000.

La Manga del Mar Menor: a unique place for a comfortable life by the sea

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Advantages of La Manga del Mar Menor for pensioners

This zone is placed at the intersection of two seas and has a unique microclimate. Here is an incredibly fresh and remineralized air, magnificent beaches and wonderful views. There are balneological resorts, curative mud and spa in order to remain in good health. Lovers of nature and outdoor activities will enjoy the reserve Parque Regional de Calblanque, where pensioners can enjoy beach rest, horseback riding and water activities: kitesurfing, windsurfing and yachting.
Also, there are bike lanes and golf courses in the town – it’s just a boon for pensioners leading a healthy lifestyle. If we add to that a lot of nice cafes and restaurants and well-developed infrastructure in general, then buying a property here is a really pleasant and profitable investment in retirement.

Property prices in La Manga del Mar Menor

The average cost of real estate in La Manga del Mar Menor is 1527 €/m2, according to data of the web-site idealista.com in March 2020. The most expensive area to purchase housing was Zona Entremares (€1524 per m2), while the most affordable areas were Playa del Galán (€1548 per m2) and Playa del Esparto-Veneziola (€1571 per m2). The cost of a studio starts from €34 000, 1-bedroom apartment costs from €40 000, 2-bedroom apartment – from €59 000, 3-bedrooms apartment – from €75 000, duplexes – from €84 400, houses – from € 69 500.

El Campello: a variety of beaches, cafes and the «Fish Exchange»

Property in Spain for British pensioners

Advantages of El Campello for pensioners

This town is distinguished by an amazing variety of beaches: here they are both sandy, and pebbly, and rocky. El Campello also has a picturesque port with small boats and yachts. Not far from this site is the famous «Fish Exchange», where pensioners can always buy fresh catch at an attractive price. Add to that numerous and inexpensive cafes and restaurants, a high level of security and excellent transport links to nearby towns and will get a really great place for permanent and temporary residence in retirement.

Property prices in El Campello

The average cost of real estate in El Campello is €1800 per m2, according to data of the web-site idealista.com in March 2020. The most expensive areas to purchase housing are Playa Muchavista (€2318 per m2) and Campello Playa (€1868 per m2), and the most budget-friendly are Campello Pueblo (€1184 per m2) and Pueblo Acantilado – Lanuza (€1538 per m2). The cost of a 1-bedroom apartment starts from €40 000, 2-bedroom apartment costs from €50 000, 3-bedroom apartment – from €55 000, a house – rom €68 000, a duplex – from €110 000.

In this article we tried to list the best places to buy property for British pensioners in Spain. It is worth adding that prices in the suburbs and outlying areas are often even lower, and a pensioner can become the owner of his own big rural house for very little money.

If you have any questions about buying your home in Spain, please contact our specialists and they will be happy to help you!

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