Best known for its Costa Blanca coastline, the province of Alicante is a long-standing favourite among overseas buyers. With its white-sand beaches, lively towns, excellent healthcare, good transport links and a welcoming expat community, it’s easy to see why. If you’re dreaming of a new life or investment in Alicante, this guide is your starting point.
Imagine owning a home where your day begins with the warmth of the sun on your face while you enjoy your morning coffee; your afternoons are spent strolling along a palm-lined promenade followed by a siesta; and your evenings are filled with the scent of sizzling seafood as you dine on tapas by the sea…
Alicante has long been a favourite for British buyers – not just for its year-round sunshine and easy travel links, but because it offers a lifestyle that feels both exciting and familiar. With property prices still accessible, a solid rental market and a strong network of international schools, services and communities, buying in Alicante could be the smartest move you make.
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Contents
Why buy in Alicante?
Alicante is consistently one of the top choices for overseas property buyers, particularly from the UK, Germany, France and Belgium. It’s easy to see why – the province offers an attractive combination of affordability, lifestyle and infrastructure. There’s a huge variety of property types on offer, from city apartments to sprawling countryside villas, with something to suit almost every budget.
On top of that, Alicante provides a welcoming environment for expats. English is widely spoken in many areas, there’s a strong network of international schools and businesses, and it’s relatively easy to integrate into the local community. If you’re relocating with children or looking for a place to retire with familiar comforts close to hand, this part of Spain makes the transition remarkably smooth.
Outdoor lovers are particularly well catered for, with hiking in the mountains, water sports along the coast and multiple golf courses in the province. The region’s Mediterranean climate, with mild winters, long summers and more than 300 days of annual sunshine, only adds to the appeal.
Getting to Alicante
Alicante airport (Aeropuerto de Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández) is one of Spain’s busiest, offering regular year-round flights to and from the UK, Ireland, northern Europe and major Spanish cities. It’s a key reason the region remains so popular with international buyers and holidaymakers.
Located just 20 minutes by car or public transport from Alicante city, the airport is well connected. Buses and trams link directly with popular destinations such as Torrevieja, Benidorm and Elche, making it easy to reach your home without needing a hire car. This accessibility also boosts short-term rental appeal if you’re buying with income potential in mind.
Is it a good investment?
Alicante strikes a strong balance between capital appreciation and lifestyle enjoyment. Property prices here are still competitive compared to more expensive parts of Spain, such as Marbella or Ibiza. You can find good-value apartments near the beach or traditional townhouses in historic centres, all without the premium often associated with resort living.
In the Valencia region, purchase tax is 10% (for both new builds and resales), which is higher than in Andalusia (7%). However, overall affordability means you often get more home for your budget – whether that’s extra outdoor space, a second bathroom or a better location.
The short-term rental market remains buoyant, although it’s important to keep up to date with changing legislation. As of 2024, holiday rental licences are not transferable in the Valencian Community – if you buy a property that was previously let to tourists, you’ll need to apply for your own licence. However, long-term letting remains unaffected, and with strong year-round demand, it’s a viable option for many overseas owners.
Where to buy in Alicante
The Alicante province stretches along the Costa Blanca and inland towards mountains and valleys, with each town and village offering its own lifestyle flavour. Here’s a snapshot of some of the best places to consider:
| Location | Highlights | Property appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Alicante city | Historic sites, urban lifestyle, marina, Blue Flag beach | City-centre apartments, sea-view penthouses |
| Torrevieja | Salt lakes, water parks, family living | Budget-friendly homes with rental potential |
| Orihuela Costa | Golf resorts, shopping, beaches | Modern villas and new-build apartments |
| Altea | Whitewashed old town, art galleries | Traditional townhouses, hillside villas |
| Elche | UNESCO-listed palm groves, traditional inland life | Spacious homes, more for your money inland |
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Alicante property market
The property market in Alicante offers something for almost every type of buyer – from renovation projects to modern, key-ready developments. First-time buyers often
The property market in Alicante caters to a wide range of overseas buyers, whether you’re looking for a project to make your own or a turnkey home by the sea. Buyers on a budget may gravitate towards affordable urban areas like Torrevieja or inland villages, where older homes can be updated and personalised without breaking the budget.
On the coast, purpose-built communities with communal pools and sea views are popular among retirees and part-time residents. Many come fully furnished and ready to rent. Meanwhile, the inland countryside offers fincas and villas with land, olive groves and mountain backdrops – often at lower prices than their coastal equivalents. Areas just a few minutes inland can offer properties 20-30% cheaper than those on the seafront.
Steps to buy property in Alicante
So, you’ve fallen for Alicante, now here’s how to make your move a success:
- Start your search: explore the Your Overseas Home portal, filtering by budget, location, property type and must-have features.
- Build your expert team: a local estate agent, an independent English-speaking lawyer, a currency specialist and (if needed) a mortgage broker.
- Plan a viewing trip: use your trip to explore different areas, understand travel times and see how the properties feel in person.
- Make an offer: your agent will guide you through negotiations. Once accepted, you’ll sign a reservation contract and pay a fee to secure the home.
- Carry out due diligence: while surveys aren’t common in Spain, you can commission one. Your lawyer will check title deeds and contact the notary.
- Finalise the purchase: at the notary, you’ll sign the escritura pública (title deed), pay the balance and settle taxes, legal and notary fees.
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FAQs about buying property in Alicante
Yes. Alicante combines year-round sunshine, affordable homes and excellent infrastructure. The region has one of Spain’s strongest expat communities, which makes settling in easier. With its balance of lifestyle and rental potential, Alicante continues to be a reliable choice for overseas buyers.
British buyers can still buy freely since Brexit, but you may face limits on how long you can stay without a visa (usually 90 days in any 180). If you want to live in Spain full-time, you’ll need a visa or residency permit. It’s also important to note that in the Valencian Community, holiday rental licences are no longer transferable – you must apply for your own if you plan to let your home to tourists.
It depends on what you’re looking for. Alicante city offers a lively urban lifestyle with beaches and a marina. Torrevieja is popular for budget-friendly living with strong rental appeal, while Orihuela Costa is known for its golf resorts and modern villas. For something more traditional, Altea’s old town and hillside villas are highly sought after. If you prefer inland value and space, Elche offers a slower pace of life with larger homes for less.
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