Foreign buyers remain an important force in the Spanish property market
Although the number of transactions continues to grow, the share of foreign buyers in the Spanish housing market has slightly declined. In 2025, foreigners accounted for 19.3% of all property sales, compared to 20.3% a year earlier and 21.3% in 2023. This makes it the lowest share in the past three years.
About 60.9% of these purchases were made by foreigners who live permanently in Spain. They bought a total of 43,306 properties, a 6.4% increase. The remaining 39.1% were purchased by non-residents who live abroad but invest in Spain. This group showed a slight decline of 4.1%.
One nationality remains the leader in the Spanish property market
After several years of strong competition between nationalities, the British remain the group that purchased the most properties in Spain in 2025. In the first half of the year, they accounted for 5,731 transactions, or 8.1% of the total.
They are followed by Moroccans with 5,654 purchases (7.9%), and Germans with 4,756 (6.7%). Next come Italians (4,513), Romanians (4,480), Dutch (4,166), French (3,980) and Belgians (2,908). Beyond these, other nationalities remain below the 2,800 mark.
The data show that British interest in buying property in Spain remains strong, despite Brexit and changes in long-term residency regulations.
Non-residents mainly buy along the coast
Among non-residents – those whose main residence is abroad – the British, Germans, Dutch and Belgians lead the way. Their purchases are often focused on holiday homes or investment properties in Spain’s most popular coastal regions.
British non-residents accounted for nearly 29% of purchases in Murcia and 15.5% in Andalusia. German buyers stood out particularly in the Balearic Islands (50%), the Canary Islands (22%) and Extremadura (29.6%) – a region that has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to its tranquility and more affordable property prices.
The Valencian Community remains the most popular region for foreign buyers
In regional terms, the Valencian Community (including Alicante, Valencia and Castellón) remains by far the most popular destination for foreign buyers. More than 20,000 properties were sold there to foreigners in the first half of 2025. The mix of sunshine, sea, culture and affordable housing continues to be irresistible to Northern Europeans.
There is also strong growth in less traditional regions. Asturias (+30.8%) and Castile and León (+25.9%) recorded the largest percentage increases, followed by Galicia (+14.3%), Castile-La Mancha (+11.7%), Extremadura (+10.6%), Aragon (+10.4%) and La Rioja (+9.9%).
Andalusia and Catalonia show slower growth
The popular destinations of Andalusia and Catalonia continue to grow, but at a more moderate pace: +6% and +7.1% respectively. Murcia (+3.1%), Cantabria (+5.5%), the Basque Country (+2.4%) and the Madrid region (+0.1%) have remained relatively stable.
Conclusion: foreign interest in Spanish real estate remains strong
Despite minor fluctuations between residents and non-residents, Spain remains a top destination for international property buyers. Market stability, the pleasant climate and the relatively affordable prices compared to Northern Europe continue to be decisive factors.
With the British still leading the way, followed by Moroccans and Germans, 2025 is shaping up to be another strong year for foreign investment in Spanish real estate. The Valencian Community remains the top favourite for anyone looking to buy a home in Spain.
Source: Consejo General del Notariado (Spain), October 2025
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Our Dutch-speaking area managers live and work locally, know the market inside out and keep up with daily developments. They know where to find the best locations and will guide you every step of the way so that you can make the right decision with confidence for your dream home under the Spanish sun.
