Orihuela Costa

Based on 2,726 registered sale deeds, properties in Orihuela Costa sold at an average of €2,688/m² — a typical transaction was €242,614 for a 90 m² property (Spanish Notariat, 2024). Source: Spanish Notariat (Consejo General del Notariado), 2024. Real deed prices, not asking prices.

Beyond the property price itself, Spanish property purchase typically incurs transfer tax (notarial fees around 1.5%), IVA or transfer tax (6–10% depending on new vs. resale), and legal/administration costs (1–2%), totalling roughly 10–13% of the purchase price. A solicitor should itemise these upfront. 2024 notary data shows the average property sold for €243,000, so costs would typically range from €24,000 to €31,000 on an average purchase.

It supports both: the permanent resident population (particularly British, Belgian, and Dutch families) demonstrates that long-term settlement is viable and stable. Healthcare, schooling, and service infrastructure are sufficient for full-time living. However, the expatriate bubble can insulate you from Spanish culture—commitment to learning Spanish and integrating locally requires active effort. Many residents split their time between summer residence and winter elsewhere.

Properties range from apartments (€170,000–€350,000) in urbanisations to detached villas (€350,000–€650,000+) in golf communities. 2024 notary records show an average property size of 90 m² selling for around €243,000—reflecting the prevalence of 2–3 bed apartments. New-build options in Villamartín and Campoamor continue to expand the market, typically at prices above the notary average.

Straightforward: there are no nationality restrictions, and the process is transparent and regulated by Spanish notary law. You'll need a Spanish tax number (NIE), a solicitor to conduct due diligence, and ideally a Spanish bank account for the final transfer. The entire purchase typically takes 6–8 weeks. H&H can guide non-residents through each step and connect you with English-speaking legal support.

Yes: the established expatriate and golf-tourism communities generate consistent demand for furnished rentals, particularly from April to October and around winter months (February–March). Annual occupancy varies by location, property condition, and management quality. Apartment yields are broadly competitive with other coastal Spanish locations, though individual performance depends on your specific property, local competition, and how actively you (or a property manager) market it. 2024 market data supports continued demand rather than inflated return promises.

A car is recommended: whilst local buses connect major urbanisations, they run less frequently than in city centres. Alicante Airport is 35 minutes by motorway (AP-7)—straightforward for seasonal visitors and reasonable for business trips. Torrevieja city centre is 15 minutes, and local roads are well-maintained. Petrol costs and car ownership are affordable by northern European standards.

Orihuela Costa is a stretch of coastal urbanisations running from Cabo Cervera in the north to Punta Prima in the south — administratively part of Orihuela municipality but physically and socially distinct from Orihuela city (20km inland). The area is primarily residential, with a higher proportion of villas and bungalows than Torrevieja, and the golf courses of Villamartin, Las Ramblas, and Campoamor are its defining feature. It is generally quieter and more villa-oriented than Torrevieja while offering similar value pricing.

Orihuela Costa has four established golf courses within a small area: Villamartin Golf Club (18 holes, professional-standard course, famously well-maintained), Las Ramblas Golf (18 holes, parkland-style), Campoamor Golf Club (18 holes, one of the oldest in the region), and the newer Golf Don Cayo adjacent to Altea Hills. This concentration of quality golf in a small area is one of the strongest on the Costa Blanca and is the main reason many British and Scandinavian golf enthusiast buyers target this area specifically.

Key neighbourhoods each have a distinct character: Cabo Cervera/La Zenia in the north has a popular shopping centre (La Zenia Boulevard) and good coastal access. Playa Flamenca is a lively beach-oriented area. Los Dolses and Villamartin are established, relatively quiet urbanisations centred on the golf courses. Campoamor has a working marina and is more self-contained. La Punta Prima (adjoining Torrevieja) is well-situated at the junction of the two municipal areas. Buyers typically choose based on proximity to golf, beach, or specific urbanisation character.