The sun-drenched towns and villages of the Costa Blanca are some of the most sought-after parts of Spain for property buyers. Generally, the mountainous north is a little more built up and somewhat more expensive, while the south is quieter and has a wider range of property prices. So, where are the best areas to buy a house on the Costa Blanca? Here are our favourites.
Best areas for retirement
If you’re looking to retire to the Costa Blanca, the area around Torrevieja could be perfect for you. It’s within easy reach of Alicante Airport and Murcia Corvera Airport, making quick trips back to the UK to see the family (or vice versa) simple. The climate here is sunny year-round, but has an extra bonus: the saltiness of the air makes it, according to none other than the World Health Organisation, the second healthiest microclimate in the world!
Torrevieja has one of the healthiest microclimates in the world, according to the WHO. Kirril Makarov / Shutterstock.com.
Torrevieja itself has a number of fantastic beaches, including Playa La Cura, in the city centre, and the much larger beach of Playa Los Naufragos, slightly further out of town. Most homes are apartments, and you can pick up a two-bedroom one for around €100,000.
Just inland, on the other side of the salt lakes, is the purpose-designed town of Ciudad Quesada. It’s a town of wide, tree-lined streets, with spacious properties and easy access to the AP-7 to get to the nearby golf courses and beaches. Properties are generally of excellent condition, and you can see the care taken in the cleanliness and good condition of public spaces. Within the town itself, you have a busy shopping street with all your main services, bars and restaurants. On the outskirts is a Lidl and Johnsons supermarket.
Best areas for experiencing authentic Spain
The whitewashed town of Altea has managed to preserve its authentic feel despite the tourism boom in surrounding areas. Its narrow streets are lined with beautiful, historic homes and shops, while three weekly markets give you plenty of chance to sample delicious local produce. In the warm nights of the summer, the town also holds an artisan’s market at the church square (Plaça de l’Església).
Altea has retained its authentic Spanish charm despite its popularity.
Altea’s hillside location provides stunning locations for many properties, and an apartment in excellent condition with views over the countryside to the sea can sell for just €165,000.
Best areas to buy a holiday let
If you’re renting out your holiday home, the best areas to buy a house on the Costa Blanca will be those with a high yield. That means relatively low land prices, but still strong rental prices – so head south! Down here, land is cheaper than in the north, but there’s still a high demand from tourists and people wintering alike, especially Scandinavians and Belgians.
La Manga is a popular strip running between the Mediterranean and Mar Menor.
The area around the Mar Menor could be a strong bet. This unique area has access to two seas – the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor, or ‘Little Sea’, separated by an isthmus known as La Manga. The Mar Menor is slightly warmer than the Mediterranean and is glass-calm, so it’s a popular draw for family tourism. There are also great facilities around that help extend the letting season, including the excellent La Manga Golf. Remember that the golf letting season is different to the summer high season, so you could conceivably get a much longer period of rental income than otherwise.
Best areas to move for work
If you’re looking to find work in Spain, try the city of Murcia for office jobs. Prices here are lower than in Alicante, but salaries are not dissimilar. The city is full of historic architecture in honey-coloured stone, hence its nicknamed as the ‘most Baroque’ city of southeast Spain. For hiking fans, you can walk through the pine forests of the Sierra Espuña. And for foodies, you’re in the right place – Murcia is the “orchard of Spain”, known for its vegetables and fruit, especially lemons and oranges. Sample local cuisine by trying some excellent tapas on the Plaza de Las Flores.
Murcia city is a good place if you’re looking for more of a buzz. BradleySmith / Shutterstock.com.
Alternatively, you’ll find many expat communities, such as around Torrevieja, offer positions for English speakers. This could include working in property maintenance, such as making sure holiday lets are clean and tidy, or working in business serving largely expats, such as supermarkets in some areas, or tourism tour operators.
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