The holiday home-owning dream of thousands of Britons could be wrecked under radical new plans being thrashed out in the Balearic Islands.
Lawmakers in Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are debating a proposal that would block non-residents from buying property on the islands if they haven’t lived there for at least five years.
The bill, tabled by Left-wing party Mes per Mallorca, comes amid anger from locals who claim they are being priced out of their homeland as a result of second-home owners pushing up property prices. It comes after proposals for another new law to impose a ‘100 per cent’ tax on property purchases for non-European residents buying in Spain, which would effectively double the price of buying.
However, the door hasn’t fully slammed shut on the dream of owning a holiday home… because over in mainland Spain, there are still numerous regions open to foreigners wanting to invest in local areas. And British buyers remain a powerful force in the Spanish property market, with nearly 12,000 homes snapped up by UK purchasers in 2024 alone, according to Idealista.
From buzzy Barcelona to sleepy mountain towns, here are some of the best properties currently on the market in Spain – from as little as £17,470.
Valdepenas de Jaen, Jaen, Andalucia – €19,995/£17,470
The village of Valdependas de Jean is in the south of the Jaen province, sandwiched between the Sierras del Trigo and La Grana mountains. It’s ideally located for those interested in hiking and fishing, and has a number of attractive churches, such as the Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago Apostol, designed by architect and sculptor Juan de Reolid.
GETTING THERE: Granada Airport is 78km away.
BUY IT: Although in need of updating, this two-bedroom terrace property would make an ideal ‘lock-up-and-leave’ bolthole. The spiral staircase in the living room leads up to two bedrooms, and there’s a patio area leading off from the kitchen and living area. A separate portion of land is also available with the same owner, with walnut trees and a surrounding river. Available with Inland Andalucia from €19,995/£17,470.
This two-bedroom terrace property is in the village of Valdependas de Jean in the south of the Jaen province, sandwiched between the Sierras del Trigo and La Grana mountains
Barcelona, Catalonia – €450,000/£391,000
Barcelona (population 1.73million) is, of course, one of Spain’s most fabulous and popular cities, brimming with historic sites such as Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, and the charming Gothic Quarter. There’s a huge choice of restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries and boutique shops, and it even has its own beach.
GETTING THERE: Barcelona Airport is 17km south-west of the city centre.
BUY IT: Enjoy stylish city living in this fully renovated three-bedroom penthouse. There is a bright, open-plan living dining room, as well as an equipped kitchen. On the main terrace, there is a barbecue, a lounge corner and bar, shower and jacuzzi. Available with Dupont Estate for €825,154/£727,113.
This spacious one-bed apartment is in the heart of bustling Barcelona
Blanca, Ricote Valley, Murcia – €32,000/£27,956
If you want to be surrounded by Spanish culture and picturesque mountains, choose Blanca, just 30 minutes’ drive from Murcia. Located in the heart of the Ricote Valley on the banks of the River Segura, Blanca (population 6,825) is friendly and traditional. With picturesque walks on your doorstep, you can also nip to the coast in an hour. It has a host of historic buildings and other sites including a 12th-century Moorish castle and a museum and art centre. There is a good weekly market, fishmongers, butchers and small supermarkets, as well as a good choice of restaurants and tapas bars.
GETTING THERE: Murcia Airport is 48km away.
BUY IT: This detached, family-sized three-bedroom town house is located in a sunny, sought-after, elevated residential area close to historic Blanca town centre. The spacious accommodation includes a sizeable roof terrace. While in need of some modernisation, the property is in good condition. Available with Real Homes Spain for €32,000/£27,956.
Detached three-bedroom family home is in a sought-after area of Blanca, Murcia
Cuevas de San Marcos, Malaga, Andalucia – €55,000/£48,050
With a population of 3,800, Cuevas de San Marcos has all the facilities and amenities for day-to-day living, as well numerous historic buildings, such as churches and civil buildings. Surrounded by olive groves, as well as walking and biking trails, residents can enjoy water sports at the Genil River and the Iznajar Reservoir in the vicinity. The nearest beaches are an hour’s drive.
GETTING THERE: Malaga Airport is 90km away.
BUY IT: A short walk to the little town, where there are shops, bars and a central plaza to amuse, this three-bedroom property has plenty to offer. The kitchen is well-fitted, with plenty of workspace and storage, and there’s a little tiled courtyard for pastries and coffee on sunny mornings as well as a roof terrace. Available with Inland Andalucia from €55,000/£48,050.
A short walk to the little town, where there are shops, bars and a central plaza to amuse, this three-bedroom property has plenty to offer
Muniesa, Teruel, Aragon – €24,000/£20,882
Muniesa is a peaceful and picturesque town with a population of around 570. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it is ideal for hiking enthusiasts, and has a good range of facilities including a school, health centre, cafes and bars, a swimming pool and sports facilities.
GETTING THERE: Zaragoza Airport is 72km away.
BUY IT: You’ll need to get your paint brush out and do a spot of cleaning, but this three-bedroom single-storey house built in 1900 has the potential to be a lovely rural home with spacious rooms. There’s also a basement storage area, a large garage and a garden. Available with IAD Espana for €24,000/£20,882.
Sitio de Calahonda, Malaga, Andalucia – €265,000/£233,863
Situated halfway between Fuengirola and Marbella, Sitio De Calahonda is a feast of restaurants, bars, shops – and beaches. With a lively nightlife, parks, green spaces, golf and other sports available, there’s never a dull moment. The 15,000 population rises to 45,000 during the height of the summer.
GETTING THERE: Granada-Jaen Airport is 63km away.
BUY IT: Enjoying great coastal scenery, this top-floor, two-bedroom apartment is situated in a tranquil setting in the upper part of Calahonda. Located within a secure, gated complex, residents can enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, two swimming pools, and internal communal parking. Bars, restaurants and other local amenities are nearby, and the beach just a five-minute drive. Available with Affinity Property Group for €265,000/£233,863.
Somontín, Almería – €69,000/£61,232
The historic and pretty town of Somontín (population 524) is a great gateway to exploring Almería province and its numerous attractions, such as Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, Tabernas desert and the historic sites of Almería city such as the Alcazaba Fortress.
GETTING THERE: Almería Airport is 104km away.
BUY IT: This move-in ready village home has three bedrooms, a large family bathroom and is full of character. It boasts a beautiful, landscaped garden, and is just a 10-minute drive from Olula del Rio, where all necessary amenities can be found. Available with Almeria Casa from €69,995/£61,232
This move-in ready village home has three bedrooms, a large family bathroom and is full of character.
Ciudad Quesada, Alicante, Valencia – €93,000/£80,919
This popular village is around seven kilometres west of Torrevieja, and has all the amenities you need including supermarkets, bars, restaurants, medical clinics and aqua park, bowls club and an 18-hole golf course. Numerous safe, white sandy beaches are within easy reach.
GETTING THERE: Alicante Airport is 26km away.
BUY IT: This semi-detached, top-floor, two-bedroom apartment enjoys panoramic sea and lake views and has a balcony, roof solarium and communal swimming pool. Available with Inmobiliaria, Rojales for €93,000/£80,919.
This two-bed apartment enjoys sea views and a communal swimming pool
Alozaina, Málaga, Andalucia – €690,000/£600,000
Alozaina (population 2,250) is a charming whitewashed village of Arab origin, situated at the boundary between the Guadalhorce Valley and the Serranía de Ronda amongst the Sierra de las Nieves mountains. It has a 14th-century castle and church.
GETTING THERE: Malaga Airport is 31km away.
BUY IT: This immaculate dream villa sits in the hills between both Alozaina and Tolox, surrounded by rocks, olive and almond trees. The spacious accommodation includes four bedrooms, a large basement for storage, a shaded terrace, a Mediterranean garden leading to a stream at the bottom of the land, and a fantastic pool area.
Available with Grapevine Properties for €690,000/£600,000.
This dream villa sits in hills surrounded by olive and almond trees
San Fulgencio, Alicante, Valencia – €105,000/£91,360
San Fulgencio (population 9,400) is close to both expansive countryside and the coast and is known for having one of the highest proportions of foreign residents in Spain, creating a friendly, multicultural society. The Sierra de Salinas National Park and its many walking and cycling trails is nearby.
GETTING THERE: Alicante Airport is 25km away.
BUY IT: This newly renovated one-bedroom apartment (available June 2026) is situated in a quiet and private community and with the advantage of a communal swimming pool. It is close to all amenities, just 8 km from the beach and 10km from golf courses. Available with Watsons Real Estate for €105,000/£91,360.
This newly renovated one-bed apartment is situated in a quiet and private community
Cedrillas, Teruel, Aragon – €99,000/£86,491
Located between two mountain ranges, Cedrillas (population 640) retains its medieval origins with its church, castle and narrow streets. Its traditions are still alive, with festivals, markets and fairs throughout the year.
GETTING THERE: Valencia Airport is 110km away.
BUY IT: This new build comes furnished, and has three bedrooms and a large bathroom. There’s also a garage, an open plan kitchen and unbeatable mountain views. Available with Idealista from €99,000/£86,491.
The beach is just 200 metres from this two-bed apartment in San Pedro del Pinatar
Lo Pagan, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia – €137,000/£119,848
If you’re looking for a quieter and more authentic coastal area to buy in, San Pedro del Pinatar (population 27,700) is especially popular with Spanish locals and has family-friendly beaches with shallow waters and plenty of water sports. The Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar Regional Park has mud baths and also salt lakes, rich with flamingos and other wildlife.
GETTING THERE: Murcia Airport is 32km away.
BUY IT: Only 300 metres from the beach, this bright and spacious apartment has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as access to a terrace. Its prime location means you’re just a walk from local restaurants and shops, but there’s a private garage included in the price for any wishing to go further afield. Available with Homespace from €137,000/£119,848.
This five-bed house is less than half the average price of many parking spaces in London
Reina, Badajoz, Extremadura – €57,000/£49,550
The attractive rural village of Reina has a rich history but with a population of under 200, is certainly not a place to party. However, those seeking a tranquil life amongst beautiful countryside won’t be disappointed.
GETTING THERE: Seville Airport is 143km away.
BUY IT: It seems hard to believe, but at €57,000/£49,550, this spacious five-bedroom village house is available to buy for less than half the average price of many parking spaces in London. Built in 1943, it has been well maintained and features both a patio and terrace for enjoying plenty of al fresco meals and sundowners. Available with IAD Espana for €57,000/£49,550.
Three-bed townhouse has excellent access to the sea and several communal swimming pools
Los Alcázares, Costa Cálida, Murcia – €199,000/£173,150
With both a great mix of shops, restaurants, bars and other amenities and plenty to do – including numerous water sports, especially during the summer – Los Alcázares has lots to offer. It is quiet in the winter, but becomes very lively in summer, when the resident population rises from 15,700 to more than 100,000.
GETTING THERE: Murcia Airport is 25km away.
BUY IT: This well-maintained three-bedroom townhouse situated in the lively coastal Los Narejos neighbourhood is just moments from the sea. The two-level home, with a private patio and rooftop solarium, has access to several communal swimming pools and green spaces. Supermarkets, shops, restaurants, and Los Narejos beach are a short walk away. Available with Space Real Estate for €199,000/£173,150.
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