Spain: The world’s most attractive destination for second homes

But the ultra-wealthy are looking for properties that are not merely intended for “vacations” but rather as an extension of their lifestyle, where they can spend time throughout the year.

A second home is no longer just “the beach house” (or mountain retreat) for buyers who decide to create a remote extension of their lifestyle. These are people with multiple properties in different parts of the world who want a home offering the same amenities as their primary residence. This is because the line between vacation and work time is not so clear for high-net-worth owners, who enjoy significant mobility and flexibility in their work lives.

In Spain, locations where climate and nature are a plus are particularly valued, but they must also have a nearby population with a range of attractive amenities (restaurants, golf courses, nearby healthcare centers, etc.) as well as good transportation connections (high-speed train / airport).

The most common demographic is a buyer aged 50–60 who does not need to take on excessive debt. In addition to domestic buyers, the breakdown by nationality shows a predominance of Europeans (in contrast to the premium urban market, where Latin American and American buyers are in the majority). In coastal areas, Northern European nationalities dominate: Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, and France.

Costa del Sol: warm climate and quality of life

The sun-drenched paradise remains the coast that bears its name, and Málaga is the major draw, attracting the largest concentration of nationalities. The Marbella-Estepona corridor is particularly prized by British, German, Scandinavian, Belgian, and Russian buyers, though there is clear growth in nearby towns like Benahavis, which offer greater privacy, lower density, and close ties to nature and golf. Such is the case with this property, featuring spectacular architecture that combines design and high-quality finishes. It spans 1,571 square meters and includes 742 square meters of terraces on a lot of nearly 2,000 square meters in a neighborhood that offers unique cross-views and connects the interior with the sea and the golf course.

In addition, the home is fully furnished and features a south-facing orientation, five bedrooms plus a guest room, air conditioning and underfloor heating throughout the house, a fully equipped kitchen, a basement, a storage room, a gym, a video intercom, a dining room, 24-hour security service, security shutters, home automation, built-in closets, panoramic views, a home theater, optional furnishings, a saltwater pool, and nearby shops and schools. Therefore, it is much more than a summer home; it is a place to enjoy different moments with all the comforts of home.

Rediscovering the North

If there’s one trend that has emerged in recent years in Spain’s residential and vacation market, it’s the shift toward the Cantabrian coast. Rising temperatures—but above all, the many charms offered by the northern coast—have fueled demand for homes and building lots.

The North is in vogue—no one doubts that anymore—but the truth is that it was never out of favor to begin with: for centuries, it has had a very loyal summer vacation crowd. That is why the regions of Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria have been adding new tourists and buyers to a market that was already thriving. Silvia Hengstenberg, a partner at The Sibarist, which offers unique and one-of-a-kind properties for sale in this region, confirms this trend, which is particularly noticeable in Cantabria and Galicia: “The clientele in this area has traditionally been characterized by exceptional loyalty, primarily hailing from Madrid, the Basque Country, Castile and León, and La Rioja.”

In Cantabria, the most sought-after areas are located around the municipality of Comillas, which serves not only as the municipal capital but also as a cultural hub with a rich history. However, precisely because of this demand—and the scarcity of land for new construction—the lack of renovated or move-in-ready properties is very evident. In the eastern part of the region, there is a greater supply of unique homes, but also less pressure on prices, which balances the market somewhat and makes investing in this area begin to be seen as an attractive option. “We see charming villages like Escalante or La Cavada where old palaces, village houses, and even stables with land are being ‘quietly’ renovated in a unique way by discreet buyers seeking local authenticity and anonymity. After all, the connections in Cantabria via the A8 are extremely convenient, and in half an hour to forty minutes you can practically be in Santander or any beach,” Silvia reminds us.

Every region in northern Spain has its own unique character, but this is most evident in Galicia, Spain’s fifth-largest autonomous community, which is bordered by two different bodies of water (the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean). Yet if there is one thing that unites its four provinces, it is undoubtedly their abundant natural beauty and unique cuisine. Currently, the most sought-after properties are traditional homes that have been renovated to meet modern comfort standards while preserving the charm of these villas and manor houses.

But the reality is that in the high-end market, it is difficult to find homes that meet the requirements of a prime location, ample square footage, and historical character. That is why these buyers turn to us to find the kind of property that often does not appear on real estate portals.

Our firm has strong penetration in the selective real estate market, so we encourage you to read the articles we’ve recently published explaining the offerings and characteristics of each area:

Owning a home in Cantabria: a special luxury for centuries
Galicia: the most unspoiled green (and real estate) paradise
Asturias, much more than just landscapes

Balearic Islands: many destinations for many audiences

This archipelago is another major draw for people of diverse nationalities, with Mallorca standing out for its long-standing German tradition. Areas such as Son Vida, Puerto de Andratx, Ceià, and Palma are particularly sought after, with a clear German majority (accounting for nearly 40% of real estate purchases), followed at a distance by British and French buyers. In general, this market is characterized as one of the most exclusive in Spain, while also having a limited supply of new construction, which is why developments like the one pictured—located in the western part of the island of Mallorca within the Sierra de Tramontana region—are highly sought after.

This is a newly built villa offering partial sea views, with a floor area of 403.08 square meters and two terraces—an 81.59-square-meter covered terrace and a 160.43-square-meter open-air terrace—set on a lot of 1,273.35 square meters. The home is distributed over three floors: the ground floor opens onto the rear garden with a pool and features a two-car garage, a spacious open-concept area with a kitchen, dining room, and living room, as well as five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a half-bath. The house is fully equipped with top-quality finishes and appliances.

Menorca is a natural gem of the Balearic Islands, striking a perfect balance between sophistication and the preservation of its natural environment. Its real estate market is characterized by exclusive properties that prioritize privacy, ocean views, and design that blends seamlessly into the landscape. Strict urban planning regulations and limited land availability help control excessive growth and prevent market oversaturation. The luxury market ranges from renovated country estates (country houses) to modern luxury villas, though the scarcity of developable land means supply is limited.

An example of a restored property is this farmhouse (which can also be called a “rafal,” the Arabic term) that was once one of the great stately estates on the island of Menorca, near Ciudadela and the coast. Of the original large estate, an area of approximately 60,000 m² of land remains, consisting of up to eleven fenced plots with a main building or “casat” and a series of auxiliary buildings originally intended for agricultural use, including an inexhaustible water well, a traditional bread oven, a large cistern, and two old barns of 250 m² that could be converted into residences or auxiliary outbuildings.

Its main house covers 425 square meters and dates back to the 18th century, a time when the Mediterranean was free from the threat of piracy and when the island’s finest buildings were constructed.

For its part, Ibiza—despite being the Balearic island that has seen the most real estate development since the 1960s, with the arrival of tourism and hotels—is seeking to redirect its tourism toward a more sustainable and high-quality market. As a result, current urban planning restrictions and the scarcity of land mean that its premium offerings are more limited, with foreign buyers accounting for 70% of the market.

Spain: diversity is our appeal

One of the great things about our country is that within an area of about 506,000 km², slightly larger than the state of California, we have a diverse range of cultures, landscapes, and real estate options that are both distinct and unique. That’s why every buyer can find their perfect place.

The Costa Brava, especially in the Empordà region and specific towns along the Girona coast such as Roses, Begur, or S’Agaro, is perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway, more connected to the landscape and a peaceful lifestyle.

The Mediterranean has also long been synonymous with the warmest getaways in Spain, as well as with real estate development. On the Costa Blanca, we find the most premium part of the Levante region, featuring specific towns like Jávea, Moraira, and Altea, which are highly valued by German, Dutch, and Belgian buyers.

Another niche area with great potential for repositioning: La Manga / Murcia, with tourism centered on relaxation, golf, and a guaranteed pleasant climate—long appreciated by Nordic buyers such as Belgians, Germans, and Swedes—but where domestic buyers are increasingly turning their attention, drawn by more meticulously designed new developments and a higher standard of amenities.

Cabo de Gata, for its part, represents the most exclusive part of Almería, thanks to its authenticity, unhurried pace of life, unique landscape, privacy, limited exposure, and stable climate. It has been a target for Spanish buyers who prioritize privacy above all else. With the future arrival of high-speed rail, this market holds great potential for real estate development.

We conclude this captivating tour of our southern coastline at the Costa de la Luz (Cádiz), a region that is indeed gaining ground over the Costa del Sol thanks to its combination of spectacular, natural beaches and a style that is both simple and refined. Sotogrande would be the most exclusive option, although Spanish buyers particularly value the authenticity of places like Tarifa, Zahara de los Atunes, El Puerto de Santa María, or Sanlúcar de Barrameda.