Essential guide: 5 tips for buying a luxury home in Spain if you’re a foreigner

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If you are a non-resident looking for advice on buying a luxury home in Spain, it is important to understand that investing in high-end properties in this country requires much more than just knowing the basic legal purchase requirements established for foreigners.

A comprehensive analysis of market trends, identification of optimal locations and a focus on legal and fiscal considerations, which can significantly impact investments, are paramount.

At Quadratia, our objective is to provide you with a comprehensive guide to ensure that your experience in the Spanish luxury market is both satisfying and profitable. This guide will reveal how design, sustainability and technology can positively influence your buying decision.

Read on to gain valuable insights!

1. Analyse trends in the Spanish luxury real estate market

Spain’s real estate market continues to be one of the most attractive options in Europe, offering a fantastic Mediterranean climate, natural landscapes and an excellent quality of life. A Eurostat study reveals that house prices in Spain are 23.4% lower than the European average, making it an ideal destination for those looking to invest.

While the average price has increased by 75.2% over the past five years, it remains competitive when benchmarked against countries such as Portugal (63.9%) and below Italy (77.1%) or France (3.2% above the European Union average). In addition, the profitability of the market has grown to 7.5% in the second quarter of 2024, according to Idealista, making real estate investment in the Spanish market an unequivocally lucrative option.

2. Invest in the Mediterranean coast for its appreciation potential

Image of one of the beaches that revalue housing along Spain's Mediterranean coast.

The Spanish Mediterranean coast is renowned for its natural beauty and sunny climate, as well as its high appreciation potential in the high-end market.Cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Malaga, along with the exclusive areas of the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Costa Cálida, are preferred destinations for both local and international investors.

The region’s appeal as a lucrative investment destination is further bolstered by several key factors, including economic stability, advanced infrastructure and above-average growth in the luxury tourism sector.

If you are seeking advice on purchasing a luxury property in Spain, the Mediterranean coast offers exceptional options.In the following section, we will examine the key locations that stand out for their potential appreciation in this region, ideal for foreigners looking to secure a promising property investment.

Alicante and the Costa Blanca

Coastal image of the province of Alicante and the Costa Blanca, one of the top locations to buy a luxury home in Spain.

The Costa Blanca is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive destinations in the Mediterranean, renowned for its extensive white sandy beaches, crystal-clear coves and world-class golf facilities.In prominent cities such as Alicante, Denia, Calpe and Villajoyosa, the region boasts a high quality of life, coupled with significant potential for property revaluation. This makes them strategic locations for investment in high-value homes.

Quadratia, has developed outstanding projects here, such as:

  • Allonbay Village, with the luxury residences Aster, Aura, Azure, Alba and Urban: each offering sea views and high quality finishes.
  • In addition, Talasa Utopian Village, with Talasa Caeulus and Talasa Terra: an innovative concept for living in a quiet and exclusive area.
  • There is also Isea Views: a housing complex ideal for those seeking a sophisticated experience and privacy in an incomparable setting.

Malaga and the Costa del Sol

Tips for buying a luxury home in Spain, specifically in Malaga and the Costa del Sol.

Known as the jewel of Andalucía and the area with the most golf courses in Europe, the Costa del Sol offers more than 320 days of sunshine a year, golden sandy beaches, coves of magical charm and a vibrant cultural and gastronomic life. Cities such as Malaga, Nerja and Estepona are the epicentre of luxury real estate investment in the region, attracting buyers from all over the world.

Accordingly, Quadratia has launched projects of great investment attractiveness in this area:

Murcia and the Costa Cálida

Aerial image of Murcia and the Costa Cálida.

Finally, the Costa Cálida, in the Region of Murcia, is a booming destination for luxury investment. Why is that? Because it has the added attraction of its unspoilt beaches, its rich gastronomy and its ecotourism routes, as well as the famous Isla del Fraile, which provides a serene and exotic atmosphere.

Murcia and Águilas are key locations for those seeking a quiet life without renouncing opulence. In this region, Quadratia presents the Isea Calma project, a development that combines modernity and harmony with the surrounding nature, ideal for those who value exclusivity and peace in a natural environment.

3. Understand the legal and tax implications of buying a luxury home in Spain

A foreign couple with one of our agents acquiring advice and an agreement on buying a luxury home in Spain.

Key taxes affecting these transactions include the Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR), which applies to income derived from property in Spain, and Wealth Tax, which is levied on assets of significant value.It is also essential to distinguish between the Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP), which applies to second-hand properties, and VAT, which is levied on new homes.

Foreign investors should also be aware of the requirement to file the Modelo 720, an annual declaration of assets abroad, in order to avoid penalties and ensure tax compliance in the country.

For a more detailed overview of taxes when buying a home in Spain, please refer to our dedicated post, where we break down each tax and its application in high-value transactions.

Did you know that the Golden Visa has been eliminated in Spain? Read more information and details in this previous Quadratia article.

Isabel Soriano, Sales and Marketing Office Coordinator at Quadratia

4. Get on board with interior design trends and the power of technology

Sample of one of the kitchens with a view of one of Quadratia's projects, where interior design and the power of technology are visible.

The luxury property sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by advancements in interior design and cutting-edge technologies. Current trends include the integration of sustainable materials and solutions that enhance energy efficiency, resulting in spaces that harmonise with the natural environment.

Digitalisation has completely transformed the property acquisition process, allowing buyers to view renderings and take immersive virtual tours to explore properties in detail from anywhere in the world.

Digital contracts streamline transactions, while advanced data analytics provide detailed market information, valuations and forecasts, facilitating more informed decisions for international investors.These innovations create a more accessible, secure and reliable buying process, removing barriers for those investing abroad.

In terms of interior design, minimalist styles with earthy, natural colours that provide a relaxing ambience are growing in popularity. Homes are being designed to face the sun, maximising natural light and promoting a continuous layout that integrates the kitchen and living room into a single space. Projects are also including large terraces or balconies, along with communal areas and outdoor spaces, promoting an authentic connection with the environment and a higher quality of life.

5. Be part of the new engaged and sustainable communities

Living room in one of Quadratia's new developments.

Finally, the integration of environmental certifications such as LEED and BREEAM guarantees not only a reduced ecological impact, but also a commitment to a responsible and modern lifestyle that reflects the values of the most discerning and high-end buyers.Following our advice on acquiring a luxury property in Spain and opting for properties that embrace these sustainable trends is a decision that offers both ethical and economic benefits.

The integration of eco-friendly features and innovative design not only enhances the appeal and value of these properties but also attracts a growing number of environmentally-conscious buyers. These properties represent a long-term investment, responding to a growing demand in the property market and ensuring safety and profitability.

A clear example of this is Allonbay Village, the first urban development in Spain with BREEAM® Urbanism certification. A Quadratia project that reinforces its commitment to sustainability and offers a community designed for the future.

Isabel Soriano, Sales and Marketing Office Coordinator at Quadratia

Conclusions

Talasa Caelus, a new construction project in Denia by Quadratia.

By choosing reliable projects, such as Quadratia’s, investors can be confident of accessing modern, high-quality homes that are designed with a focus on sustainability, comfort and style. With its experience in the Spanish real estate market and commitment to innovation, Quadratia offers properties that reflect both the appeal of the environment and the demands of the modern investor.

We invite you to follow our advice and transform your aspiration of residing in Spain into a tangible reality, supported by the proven track record of the foremost developer of residential projects along the Mediterranean coastline.

Explore the opportunity to invest in new-build homes in Spain with confidence.


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