One European nationality overtakes Brits and Germans to lead foreign home buys in Spain

Figures from the Consejo General del Notariado (Spanish association of notaries), collected by Idealista, show non-resident foreigners reached 18.8 per cent of all home purchases in Spain during 2025. The total was 52,781 properties and reveals that international interest in living in Spain has not waned, despite a slight drop from the 21.1 per cent share recorded in 2023. But, then, many of those high figures came directly out of the post-COVID exodus. Business owners in Spain would do well to note a changing demographic among what Spain affectionately refers to as its “guiri” community.

Non-resident foreigners maintain a key role in property market

Most foreign activity is still concentrated in established tourist regions, including the Comunidad Valenciana, Andalucia, Catalonia, Murcia and the Canary Islands. Coastal zones continue to draw buyers thanks to climate, lifestyle and wide property choice.

Which nationality claims top spot among non-resident buyers?

Dutch buyers acquired 6,289 homes as non-residents in 2025. Adding residents brings their total to 8,354. These numbers place them ahead of German buyers by 6,233 and British purchasers by 6,152. Belgian buyers recorded 4,305 transactions while French buyers reached 3,913.

Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol draw strongest Dutch demand

Coastal areas remain the main focus for Dutch purchasers. Activity clusters heavily in Alicante province on the Costa Blanca, particularly around Javea, Torrevieja and Denia. More interest appears in Orihuela, Moraira, Altea, Calpe and Alicante city itself.

The Costa del Sol ranks as the second most popular destination. Transactions centre on Marbella, Estepona, Mijas and Malaga City. These locations offer established services and strong rental potential that appeal to many Dutch buyers.

Agents point to tax rules and lifestyle appeal behind Dutch growth

Paloma Perez Bravo, Residential CEO at Dils Lucas Fox, stated that Dutch buyers grew by almost 50 per cent between 2023 and 2025, with transactions reaching €52 million. She says there is a particular focus on areas such as Javea in northern Costa Blanca and Girona.

Maarten Glaser, CEO and Founder of Glaser Group on the Costa del Sol, explains that Dutch buyers respond to tax drivers, including Box 3 wealth rules in the Netherlands. Many also seek opportunities in holiday rental properties along the coast from Malaga to Marbella, where investor profiles often combine lifestyle goals with income potential.

Mayor Anthony Bermudez of expat-heavy Alhaurin el Grande in the Malaga Province says, “Looking at the census figures, the foreign community has traditionally been made up of mostly British and Moroccan. But, in 2026, it looks like the Dutch will overtake the Brits for the first time ever.”

Data shows that international buyer interest stays closely tied to coastal zones. Climate, tourism infrastructure and second-home options continue to support demand year after year. Early 2026 indicators suggest Dutch buyers remain competitive in the market.