Dutch and Belgian Buyers Conquer the Spanish Housing Market

Dutch and Belgian buyers dominate the Spanish housing market in 2025, especially in Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. Discover prices, trends and statistics

The Spanish housing market flourished in 2025 like never before, with rising prices and a record number of transactions. But what stands out is the rise of "Dutch buyers" – a term that often refers to Dutch-speaking buyers from the Netherlands and Belgium. While Britons traditionally dominated the market, Dutch and Belgian buyers are now rapidly catching up – and in regions such as Costa Blanca they are by far the largest group of foreign investors. In this blog, we take a deeper look at the statistics from official Spanish sources, such as the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) and the Registradores de la Propiedad. We focus on the general market in 2025, the role of foreign buyers with a distinction between Dutch and Belgians, and specifically on Costa Blanca and Costa Calida: house prices, types of properties and trends. Whether you are considering buying or are simply interested, this article provides a complete and comprehensive overview.

The Spanish Housing Market in 2025: A Year of Growth

In 2025, the Spanish housing market reached new heights. According to the Registradores, the average property price rose to €2,354 per square meter, an increase of 9.5% year-on-year. The total number of transactions climbed to more than 705,000, an increase of 10.7% compared to 2024 – the highest since 2008. This growth is driven by strong demand, low interest rates and an attractive economy. In Q4 2025 alone, approximately 178,000 homes were sold, with a focus on second-hand properties (around 80% of transactions) due to a shortage of new construction.

Regionally, this varies: In the Comunidad Valenciana (including Costa Blanca), prices rose by approximately 15-17%, and in Murcia (Costa Calida) by 9.2% to €1,261/m². This illustrates how coastal areas are growing faster than inland regions.

Foreign Buyers: Dutch and Belgians Approaching the British

Foreign investors play a crucial role: in 2025 they purchased nearly 97,300 homes, accounting for 13.8% of the total – a record. More than half came from the EU, with Britons still leading (approximately 7-8% of foreign buyers), followed by Germans, Dutch, French and Belgians.

Dutch and Belgians – often grouped as "Dutch buyers" due to linguistic and cultural similarities – are growing the fastest. Dutch buyers purchased approximately 6,232 homes in 2025 (based on 1,558 in Q2, an increase of 40% compared to 2024), which amounts to an average of 17 homes per day. Belgians purchased around 2,908-4,000 homes (with growth of 20%), or an average of 8-11 per day. Across Spain, Dutch buyers represent approximately 6.5-6.8% of foreign buyers, Belgians 4-5%, just below the British at 7.2%. This is a shift: Dutch buyers prefer new-build properties (nearly 30% of their purchases), while Belgians more often choose second-hand properties with renovation potential.

Both groups spend on average €2,400-2,500 per m², 30-35% more than the average Spanish buyer. This drives prices up in popular coastal regions.

Average purchase prices per nationality

Foreign buyers paid an average of €2,417 per m² in 2025, which is 7.6% higher than in 2024 and approximately 30–35% above the Spanish average. Non-residents even paid an average of €3,100 per m², which shows that international buyers are often active in the higher segment of the market.

When we look at the figures per nationality, we see clear differences in spending patterns and focus.

American buyers paid an average of €3,465 per m² and lead the list. They mainly focus on luxury real estate in cities such as Madrid and in premium coastal areas such as the Costa del Sol.

Swiss buyers follow with an average of €3,457 per m². They are also primarily active in the higher segment of the market.

Swedes paid an average of €3,421 per m² and are among the leaders in the high-end segment. In general, we see that Scandinavian buyers are strongly represented in luxury coastal developments.

Norwegian buyers paid an average of €3,292 per m² and show a strong presence in coastal areas, where they often choose quality new-build properties or modern apartments.

German buyers paid an average of €3,270 per m² and remain a stable and financially strong group within the Spanish property market.

British buyers paid an average of €3,224 per m². Although their purchase volume slightly declined, their spending level remains high.

Dutch buyers paid on average between €2,400 and €3,000 per m². They are clearly above the Spanish average and show a strong preference for new-build and modern projects with sustainable features.

Polish buyers paid more than €3,000 per m² and are among the fastest-growing groups. They often choose modern, off-plan projects in emerging regions.

Belgian buyers paid on average between €2,400 and €2,500 per m². They more often focus on quality second-hand properties with renovation potential, especially in coastal areas.

These figures clearly show that international buyers are mainly active in the mid to higher segment of the market and therefore significantly influence price developments in popular regions such as Costa Blanca and Costa Calida.

Rise of Norwegians, Poles and Nordics

What is also noticeable is the rapidly increasing number of buyers from Eastern and Northern Europe.

Poland: An emerging star with 4,136 purchases in 2025 (+28-43%), the 8th largest group. Polish buyers pay more than €3,000 per m², prefer new-build properties (30.86%) in Valencia, Torrevieja and Murcia. They purchased an average of 11 homes per day.

Norwegians: Pay €3,292 per m², focus on luxury in Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. Growth of approximately 10-15%, attracted by climate and investment; part of the Nordic trend.

Nordics Total: Swedes, Norwegians, Danes and Finns represent approximately 4-5% market share, with growth of 10-20%. They pay high prices (Swedes €3,421/m²), choose coastal luxury and golf resorts. Together around 3,000-4,000 transactions, leading in the high-end segment; growth driven by northern winters and remote work. In Costa Blanca and Calida they account for 10-15% of foreign buyers.

Costa Blanca: The Favorite of Dutch and Belgian Buyers

Costa Blanca (province of Alicante) is the hotspot for Dutch and Belgian buyers. Here they are the largest group of foreign investors: in 2025 they purchased together approximately 19-20% of homes in Alicante, followed by Germans (12%) and Britons (11%). In the entire province, foreigners purchased 43.3-45.7% of the properties, with Dutch and Belgians leading. Dutch buyers purchased here on average 10-12 homes per day, Belgians 5-7.

House prices: In 2025 the average price was €2,521 per m², an increase of 15.8% year-on-year. In Q4 this rose to €2,303/m² provincially, with 17% growth. For apartments: €2,860/m², villas €2,565/m². Prices rise 5-8% annually, with hotspots such as Altea, Jávea and Moraira increasing by 14-18%, driven by demand for luxury.

Type of properties: Dutch and Belgian buyers often choose villas with sea views, modern new-build properties or luxury apartments. In Costa Blanca North (such as Moraira and Jávea) these are family homes with swimming pool and garden. Foreigners here pay on average €2,400-3,000/m², more than locals. Dutch buyers focus on new-build with sustainable features, Belgians on renovation projects in quiet areas.

Trends: Demand exceeds supply, with a focus on sustainable, luxury homes. International buyers (including Dutch and Belgians) drive prices up, but the market remains attractive thanks to 300+ sunny days per year and good connections.

Costa Blanca North vs Costa Blanca South

Costa Blanca is not a uniform market: there is a clear distinction between Costa Blanca North (from Dénia to Altea, including Jávea, Moraira, Calpe and Benissa) and Costa Blanca South (from Benidorm southwards, including Alicante, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and Guardamar). This division has a major influence on prices, property types and the profile of international buyers.

Costa Blanca North: exclusivity and preference for luxury

In the northern part, prices are significantly higher and the market focuses on premium properties. In 2025-2026, average prices range between €3,200 and €4,500 per m² (with peaks above €4,500-€5,000 per m² in Moraira, Jávea or Altea for sea-view or frontline villas). The expected annual price increase is 7-9%, driven by limited supply and sustained demand from high-budget buyers.

Dutch buyers clearly dominate here: they account for 40-70% of transactions in municipalities such as Jávea, Moraira and Dénia. They mainly choose modern new-build homes, villas with panoramic views, infinity pools and sustainable features (solar panels, home automation). They seek exclusivity, tranquility and a premium lifestyle, often as a second home or long-term investment.

Belgians are also present (especially in Altea and Calpe), but more often choose quality renovations or villas and apartments in the mid-to-high segment.

Costa Blanca South: affordability and diversity

The southern part is much more accessible, with average prices between €1,800 and €2,800 per m² (in Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and Guardamar often around €1,950-€2,500 per m²). The expected price increase for 2026 is slightly more moderate (5-7%), but supply is large and highly liquid: from apartments in complexes with swimming pools to affordable villas with gardens.

Belgians are very strongly represented here, together with Britons, Poles and other Eastern Europeans. They often choose second-hand properties with renovation potential, apartments suitable for rental or affordable family homes. The focus is more on direct investment (year-round rental) and daily living comfort (close to shops and Alicante airport).

Dutch buyers also purchase in the south, but to a lesser extent and usually new-build properties in gated communities or resorts.

Quick comparison

• Average prices 2025-2026 → North: €3,200-€4,500/m² | South: €1,800-€2,800/m²

• Expected increase 2026 → North: 7-9% | South: 5-7%

• Preferred property type → North: luxury villas / sustainable new-build | South: apartments / second-hand for renovation

• Main buyers → North: Dutch (dominant), Belgians and Nordic | South: Belgians (very active), Britons, Poles and Dutch (less dominant)

• Motivation → North: exclusivity and premium lifestyle | South: affordability, rental income and proximity to amenities

In short: if you want exclusivity and high appreciation potential, Costa Blanca North is ideal. If you are looking for a lower entry price and faster returns, Costa Blanca South offers more opportunities. Both areas continue to strongly attract Dutch and Belgian buyers, but with clearly different budgets and preferences.

Costa Calida: The Emerging Star for International Buyers

South of Costa Blanca lies Costa Calida (Región de Murcia), an emerging region with warmer waters and quieter beaches. In 2025 the market here grew strongly: the number of transactions increased by 17.5% to 25,705, of which 20.7% were foreign buyers – approximately 5,320 purchases. Dutch and Belgian buyers form a growing share, with Belgians often leading among non-resident purchases (alongside Britons and Germans). Together they purchased here on average 4-6 homes per day, attracted by lower prices and potential.

House prices: The average price ranged between €1,261-1,900 per m², with a year-on-year increase of 9.2-13%. In Q4 2025 it reached €1,449/m², the fifth lowest in Spain but with strong growth in coastal municipalities such as Águilas, Mazarrón and San Javier. For apartments: €1,750-2,500/m², villas lower around €1,200-1,900/m².

Type of properties: Buyers choose affordable villas, apartments with golf views or beach houses. Dutch buyers prefer modern new-build in resorts such as Torre Pacheco, Belgians quiet second-hand homes in San Pedro del Pinatar. Foreign buyers focus on sustainable options with sea or lagoon views (Mar Menor).

Trends: The region offers better value for money than Costa Blanca, with growth of 20-30% in some municipalities. Tourism and remote work drive demand, with foreigners (20-25%) pushing prices up while maintaining accessibility.

Future outlook: Dutch and Belgians take the lead

In 2025 Dutch and Belgian buyers show that they are taking over the Spanish market, especially in Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. With Britons at 7.2% and "Dutch buyers" together at 10-12%, the gap is small – and growing. For 2026 experts expect further price increases and more transactions. If you are considering buying, now is the time: the market is robust, but prices are rising quickly.

Why do Dutch and Belgian buyers choose Costa Blanca and Costa Calida?

The appeal lies in the mix of sun, sea and affordability. Dutch buyers seek proximity and investment potential (with expected price growth of 10-12% until 2030), Belgians more tranquility and renovation opportunities. Both regions offer international schools, healthcare and established expat communities.

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