What is luxury real estate in Spain by regions: Marbella, Alicante, Barcelona

Against the backdrop of prolonged economic pressure, sanction risks, and heightened political conflicts in Eastern Europe, more and more investors are asking themselves why buy real estate abroad. Spain, as one of the key markets in Southern Europe, remains a stable jurisdiction offering moderate prices, clear legislation, and attractive conditions for long-term residency.

Buying property in the country not only ensures capital preservation but also opens up opportunities for obtaining resident status, rental income, and asset diversification in the conditions of turbulent global economy.

Touristic profitability: rental as a source of passive income

The question of why buy real estate abroad in Spain is particularly relevant in the context of tourist flow. Income from short-term rentals in regions such as Costa Brava, Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands significantly exceeds similar indicators in the rest of Europe.

A long season, developed infrastructure, and transportation accessibility make rentals highly liquid. Occupancy rates in Barcelona or Alicante consistently exceed 70% even in the off-season. Thus, properties quickly pay off, demonstrating stable profitability, making the market especially attractive for investors seeking regular passive income.

Residency for property investments: stability and freedom of movement

The “Golden Visa” program in Spain allows obtaining residency for investments starting from 500 thousand euros. This is a direct path to legal residence in the EU, visa-free travel within the Schengen countries, opening accounts in European banks, and accessing European healthcare.

Unlike some other countries, Spain maintains clear procedures and does not require permanent residency for permit renewal. The answer to the question of why buy real estate abroad becomes obvious when it comes to the opportunity to develop business, send children to universities on Spanish territory, and use the country as a safe haven during global turbulence.

Where to invest in real estate abroad in 2025: Spain as a priority

Given the uncertainty in stock markets, volatility in cryptocurrencies, and weakening trust in traditional assets, the question of where to invest in 2025 becomes crucial. Spain stands out favorably with a combination of accessibility, profitability, and legal protection.

There is a stable growth in the square meter price in coastal regions and metropolises. Profitability indicators from property resale in Madrid and Valencia are at the level of 8-11% annually, while risks are minimized due to the country’s stable economy.

Why buy real estate abroad: arguments for capital preservation

Spanish real estate is perceived by many investors as a “safe haven” amid the global crisis. Investments in square meters here are not subject to sharp devaluation and are protected from inflationary spikes.

In the conditions of devaluation of currency savings in unstable countries, the question of why buy real estate abroad as a way to preserve savings in hard currency, bypass capital movement restrictions, and fix the asset price in a jurisdiction with reliable legislation arises more and more often.

Popular investment formats in Spanish real estate

Investors have access to various market entry scenarios, including:

• buying apartments in Barcelona, Malaga, or Alicante for short-term or long-term rentals;
• acquiring villas and townhouses in Marbella and Seville for personal use or resale;
• investing in new buildings under the Golden Visa program;
• buying commercial real estate in the center of Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia with rental income;
• reconstruction of historical properties for further rental or sale.

The choice depends on investment goals and desired level of involvement. However, each format demonstrates stable profitability and liquidity in the long term perspective.

Resale or new construction: features and differences

On the secondary market, attractive offers can be found in tourist areas where rentals are already established. However, new constructions provide modern layouts, energy-efficient technologies, and compliance with new security requirements — another argument in favor of why buy real estate abroad for long-term benefit and stable income.

When buying property abroad at the construction stage, the price is usually lower, and developers offer flexible payment schedules. This allows entering the project with a smaller initial capital and acquiring a property in a developing area with high potential for profitable resale.

Why Spain remains the center of investors’ interest in 2025?

Amid declining trust in stock markets and questionable stability of cryptocurrencies, profitable real estate investments appear particularly logical. In 2025, Spain maintains stable price growth, high level of tourist attractiveness, and legal transparency of transactions.

Unlike other Southern European countries, there are no sharp regulatory changes here, and the market develops consistently.

Conclusion

Considering geopolitical tensions, migration challenges, and the desire to preserve assets, more and more people are asking themselves why buy real estate abroad. In the case of Spain, the answer lies in the combination of legal stability, high liquidity of properties, opportunities to obtain residency, and clear prospects for income.

Southern Europe remains an attractive point on the global investment map — especially for those seeking flexibility, security, and sustainable development in times of global uncertainty.

Valencia attracts attention as one of the best cities in Spain for permanent residence, work and leisure. The Mediterranean climate, affordable prices and developed infrastructure make the region interesting for different categories of citizens: families with children, retirees and entrepreneurs. Let’s take a look at the cost of living in Valencia in 2025 and whether it is worth deciding to move to this sunny Spanish city.

Cost of living in Valencia: general costs and budgeting

Compared to Barcelona and Madrid, Valencia maintains a significant price advantage, offering a balance of comfort and economy. According to current data for 2025, the monthly costs of a family of four range between €2,000 and €2,500. This covers the basic costs of housing, food, utilities and transport.

Real estate is the most significant item of expenditure. Renting a one-bedroom flat in the historic centre, such as El Carmen, costs an average of €900 to €1,200 per month. In more remote areas such as Benimaclet or Benimamet, similar properties rent for €600-800. Buying a home looks attractive to investors due to the relatively low prices. The average property in Valencia per square metre in the central areas ranges from €2,800 to €3,500, while on the outskirts and in new developments it drops to €1,500-2,000.

Food and nutrition prices: where to buy more favourably

The cost of living in Valencia reflects the availability of fresh and quality produce, which is easy to obtain in the city’s popular markets. These include Mercat Central, the city’s largest square with over 300 outlets, and Mercat de Russafa, a colourful format offering seasonal and local produce. The average monthly grocery budget for a family is usually around €400-600.

People buy fresh fruit and vegetables for between €1 and €2 per kilo, meat products for between €6 and €12, and a variety of seafood, including fish and prawns, cost around €8-15. Mercadona, a local supermarket chain, has the lowest prices for basic necessities.

Eating out in cafes and restaurants is also affordable. A set lunch in a typical café costs between €10 and €15, while dinner in a mid-range restaurant costs an average of €20-30. The city is rich in a variety of establishments serving traditional Valencian cuisine, making it possible to enjoy paella or tapas at reasonable prices.

Transport costs: what is more favourable to use

Transport also has a significant impact on the cost of living in Valencia. A well-developed public network consisting of buses, metro and trams allows you to move around the city efficiently. A monthly pass for all types of public transport costs €40-50, while a single journey costs €1.50.

A car is inexpensive: a litre of petrol costs approximately €1.60, and monthly rent for a public parking space ranges from €50 to €120. In addition, Valencia has a well-developed network of over 150 kilometres of bicycle paths, making the format a convenient and inexpensive alternative.

Health services and insurance: accessibility and quality

The cost of living in Valencia also includes the cost of medical care, which provides quality health care for residents. Spanish state medicine remains one of the best in Europe and provides free services for residents with residence permit or permanent residence permit. Most residents prefer non-privatised hospitals for the high level of professionalism of doctors. Private clinics offer the highest level of service with no queues and a personalised approach. The cost of health insurance here is about €50-80 per month, which favourably distinguishes Valencia from most other European cities.

The advantages and disadvantages of living in Valencia: what to consider when moving house

The cost of living in Valencia remains an important factor in the decision to move, so it’s worth considering all aspects.

Advantages:

1. Comfortable Mediterranean climate with mild winters and sunny summers.
2. Favourable prices for housing, groceries and transport.
3. High levels of security and low crime.
4. Numerous green parks and beach accessibility.
5. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families and retirees.

Disadvantages:

1. Seasonal price increase in summer due to increased number of tourists.
2. Limited career opportunities compared to major business centres.
3. Relatively high youth unemployment.

Whether it is worth investing in Valencia property in 2025

The Valencia property market attracts investors due to its steady yields and stable rental demand. The average yield from the rental of premises ranges from 5 to 7% per annum. At the same time, the annual growth in the cost per square metre reaches 3-5%. Investments look attractive for those who want to ensure a stable income or get a residence permit under the programme “Golden Visa”, buying a home from € 500,000.

The cost of living in Valencia and the general atmosphere of the city is ideal for several categories of residents, including:

1. Families with children due to the high level of safety, good schools and many parks.
2. Retirees looking for a quiet life by the sea with good healthcare and affordable costs.
3. Entrepreneurs interested in developing small and medium-sized businesses in a popular tourist destination with good conditions for opening cafes, restaurants, hotels or small shops.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Valencia as of 2025 remains attractive and favourable compared to other major European cities. High quality social services, affordable prices and favourable conditions for different categories of residents make the region an excellent choice for relocation and investment.