I've been helping people buy property in Spain for many years and two years ago I finally took the plunge and I did it for myself. But if you think Spain is all about the Costa del Sol, Majorca, or Tenerife, then think again. Here are seven less obvious locations where you might find the perfect property.

Granada: History, Culture, and Outdoor Adventure

So let's start with an area that combines history, culture, and a whole host of outdoor activities, Granada. Granada sits in Andalusia in southern Spain, around an hour from the Mediterranean coast and at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you love history, culture, and beautiful scenery, Granada is incredibly hard to beat. This is one of Spain's most fascinating cities, famous for the spectacular Alhambra Palace and its rich Moorish history. Granada is one of my most favorite places to visit. It's a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and nature. What I love about it is you can be skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the morning and then in the afternoon, around an hour away, you can be sunbathing on the beach and property prices still offer incredible value for money. In Granada city, a two or three bedroom apartment will set you back around 150,000 euros to 250,000 euros. In the surrounding villages, a traditional home will set you back between 50,000 and 100,000 euros. When I bought my property over in Majorca, Granada was actually on my favored list. I love the idea of skiing in the morning, being on the beach in the afternoon, and I actually thought it was a really good investment opportunity. In the Sierra Nevada mountain range, there's a massive amount of investment going in. You can see it by the ski lift systems have all been made over, renovated. Loads of money has been pumped into there. One thing I have seen over the last few years is new developers are coming in in and around Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is around 30 minutes from the city itself. There are boutique hotels popping up. So, if you are looking for an investment apartment, buying in and around Granada or in the Sierra Nevada mountains might be a good move. Particularly, if people can't get in those exclusive boutique hotels, they might be wanting to stay in your nice apartment instead.

Almeria: Beauty and Affordability

Also in Andalusia, but further east along the coastline is Almeria. Now, when you think of beaches in Spain, you might think of the Costa del Sol, but for many people, it's actually overpriced and overpopulated. Almeria is very different from the Costa del Sol. It's quieter, less developed, and much more affordable. This area is home to Europe's only desert, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and some of Spain's most beautiful unspoiled beaches. Popular resorts include Mojacar, Vera, and Garrucha. The best thing about it is prices are around 30% more affordable compared to the Costa del Sol. Apartments start from around 85,000 euros, townhouses start from around 150,000 euros, and villas with pools, you'll be looking around 300,000 euros. But, there is a downside. Although Almeria does have an airport, the flight routes don't actually run there year-round. So, you have to look into flying into Alicante or Murcia. Alicante is around a 2-hour 20-minute drive away, and Murcia a little bit less. So, if you don't mind a long drive when you've landed in Spain, then Almería is a good option. The other good thing is, despite it being a bit more traditionally Spanish, there are plenty of UK expats. So, if you buy somewhere in Almería, you don't have to worry about not being able to speak the language because there will be plenty of people like you.

Sitges: Style and Location

My next location is south of one of Spain's most famous cities, Barcelona. What I'm talking about is the coastal town of Sitges. Sitges sits on Spain's northeast coast, around 40 minutes south of Barcelona. This beautiful seaside town combines beaches, restaurants, nightlife, and easy access to Barcelona. It's one of the easiest places in Spain to own a second home because Barcelona Airport is so close. If you like the more fashionable destinations in Spain, like Marbella and Ibiza, but you don't like the price tag, then Sitges is a great option. The downside is you are still paying a premium compared to the other locations on my list. A one-bedroom apartment will be between €250,000 up to €450,000. A two-bedroom apartment will set you back anything between €400,000 to €700,000. And a three- to four-bedroom townhouse, you'll be looking at €700,000 up to 1.5 million. So, property definitely isn't cheap in Sitges, but it is around 20% cheaper than Ibiza and the Golden Mile in Marbella. Plus, there is an excellent train line along the coast in and out of the city of Barcelona. I've ridden it myself, and it's amazing. When you think about buying a property abroad, it's often good to look into the accessibility to airports and train lines and somewhere like Sitges being incredibly well connected makes it a hot destination.

Valencia: City Life Without the Price Tag

My next choice is for those looking to buy property in a city but don't want the price tag of Barcelona or Madrid. Valencia sits on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast. It's halfway between Barcelona and Alicante. It offers one of the best lifestyles in Spain. You've got beaches, culture, incredible food and a thriving city atmosphere. It's often compared to Barcelona but it is much more affordable. But what can you buy? 150,000 euros to 250,000 euros will get you a one to two bedroom apartment. 350,000 euros to 450,000 euros, a three bedroom city apartment. And if you've got 300,000 up to 600,000 euros to spend, you could expect to buy a three to four bedroom townhouse villa. Because of those reasons, over the last five, six years, Valencia is becoming increasingly more popular and prices are definitely rising. Something I've noticed over the last few years is people that do want that city living apartment who can't afford Barcelona and Madrid are increasingly moving towards Valencia. So not only are property prices going up but there is a significant amount of competition when it comes to buying them. So if you are considering buying in Valencia, make sure you're in the best possible position, you're a cash buyer or you've got your mortgage and all your finances lined up ready to go.

Orihuela Costa: Value and Growth Potential

Next on my list is a location that is going to go through a few big changes in the next few years and that is Orihuela Costa. Orihuela Costa is located south of Alicante and it's close to Murcia. This area has become a hugely popular with British buyers thanks to its sunshine, beaches, golf courses, and value for money. It's also apparently good for your health. According to the World Health Organization, it's one of the healthiest places in the world. The location between the northern and southern salt lakes provides a microclimate that allows you to stay there all year round. In winter, you can enjoy a pleasant temperature ranging from between 15 to 20° C. The other interesting thing about this area and the huge changes that are going to be happening is the train line. There is going to be a massive improvement in the accessibility and how the Orihuela Costa is connected to other parts of Spain. So, this train line will allow you to travel to the Costa del Sol much more quickly and even up to Barcelona and any surrounding cities. So, property investment-wise, it should definitely be on your radar. A two-bedroom apartment on the Orihuela Costa will be between €120,000 up to €180,000. A three-bedroom townhouse, you'd be looking at around €180,000 up to €320,000. And for a three- or four-bedroom detached villa, expect to spend between €350,000 up to €600,000. Prices are even cheaper if you buy in Orihuela City. Apartments will set you back around €80,000 to €130,000. Loads of foreign investors are buying on the Orihuela Costa, so prices are affordable now, but as word catches on, prices are definitely going up.

Costa Tropical: Spain’s Best-Kept Property Secret

Another great alternative to the Costa del Sol is the Costa Tropical, nestled between Malaga and Granada on Spain's southern coast. Now, this might be Spain's best-kept property secret. Everyone knows Marbella, Puerto Banús, and Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol, but not many people know the Costa Tropical. First of all, it gets its name from its unique subtropical climate. It's one of the few places in mainland Europe where tropical fruits thrive naturally. Secondly, it feels much more Spanish. Towns like Almuñécar, Salobreña, La Herradura, and Nerja still retain their traditional fishing village character. You'll find family-run restaurants, local festivals, and authentic Spanish life rather than rows of high-rise developments. Now, the other reason I love this area is because of the scenery. Unlike the flatter coastal regions, you have dramatic mountain ranges dropping into the Mediterranean Sea. So, you could spend the morning on the beach and the afternoon hiking in the mountains. And because it's less internationally well-known, property prices on the Costa Tropical are significantly lower than on the Costa del Sol. It really is so much cheaper than the Costa del Sol. A two- to three-bedroom village house inland is between 60,000 euros up to 100,000 euros. A two- to three-bedroom apartment near the coast will be between 250,000 euros to 450,000 euros. And a three- to five-bedroom villa with a pool and sea views, anything between 330,000 euros up to 700,000 euros. I think for me, the larger properties, the coastal properties in the Costa Tropical, when you compare those to the equivalent properties on the Costa del Sol, well, there is no comparison. Not only with the price, but also the size, the scale, and the finish of them.

Malaga: A City with So Much More Than an Airport

So, my last destination is for people who like a bit of history, a bit of culture, but still great accessibility to the coast. And that is the city of Malaga. When I say Malaga, people often just think, "Oh, it's just Malaga Airport. It's just a city where you fly in and out of to get to the Costa del Sol." But, there is so much more to it. Malaga is an incredible city. A particularly great time of year to visit is at Christmas when their Christmas lights are fantastic. Malaga has so much going for it. Beautiful historic center, excellent restaurants and food markets, museums, and a modern marina and waterfront. But, there are other benefits from an investment point of view. The city of Malaga is incredibly well connected by train and you can actually get to Madrid in under 3 hours. And another thing, it's become a major technology hub in recent years. Companies from across Europe have established offices here and the city continues attracting professionals, digital workers, and international investors. That creates year- -round housing demand rather than purely holiday home demand. The only downside is Malaga is growing in popularity, so it isn't as cheap as it once was. A one-bedroom apartment is between 180,000 to 280,000 euros. A two-bedroom apartment between 250,000 euros up to 400,000 euros. A three-bedroom apartment between 400,000 euros and 600,000 euros. A three- to four-bedroom house between 500,000 euros and 700,000 euros. And for a larger villa or a premium home, expect to pay 700,000 euros plus. I often think that cities are great places to invest in. And so, if that is something you want to do, you can't afford Barcelona, you can't afford Madrid, Malaga and Valencia should definitely be on your radar. But, you won't be alone because other people are fast catching on.

Malaga is booming—more expats, more digital nomads, and more incredible places to eat, work, and live. This city has gone from a hidden gem to one of the most exciting places to move in Spain. Compared to Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, where prices keep skyrocketing, Malaga still offers the same sunshine and Spanish charm at a much more affordable price.

The people here are warm, the lifestyle is easygoing, and settling in feels effortless. Whether you're here for a few months or planning a long-term move, Malaga makes starting fresh simple and stress-free. But what does it really cost to live here? Rent, food, transport, nightlife—we’re breaking it all down. Let’s get into it.

Rental Market: Where to Live and What to Pay

Malaga’s rental market is heating up fast as more foreigners move in and prices climb. Still, compared to other big Spanish cities, you can find good deals if you know where to look.

Food & Dining: Affordable and Flavorful

Malaga’s food scene is all about great flavor and affordable prices.

Getting Around: Easy, Cheap, and Fun

Malaga is flat and compact, making walking a breeze.

Utilities and Internet

Thanks to Malaga’s mild weather, utility bills are low.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Life in Malaga happens outside—beach bars, terraces, and vibrant nightlife.

Malaga is also a perfect launchpad for day trips (Granada, Seville, Morocco) and quick travel across Spain and Europe, with train tickets to Madrid from €30 and flights often under €50.

Cost of Living Breakdown

For a comfortable lifestyle:

For more luxury (weekends away, rooftop cocktails, fancy dinners), add €500–€1,000.

Visas: Digital Nomads and Retirees

Spain offers great options:

Culture, History, and Lifestyle

Malaga boasts over 2,800 years of heritage, from the Roman Theater and Alcazaba Fortress to the Gibralfaro Castle. The city is famous for sweet wines, like Malaga Vino Dulce, and vibrant traditions like the siesta (2–5pm). The art scene thrives with the Picasso Museum, colorful murals, and pop-up galleries—especially in artsy Soho Malaga.

I've been in this game for over a decade and I've seen the truth that real estate agents will never tell you. Why? Because if you did know, you'd be asking the right questions. The truth will save you time, money, and regrets. Watch this video if you're looking to buy or sell property in Spain.

Types of Real Estate Agencies and Agents

Let's start talking about the different kinds of agents and agencies: buyer agents versus selling agents, regulations versus associations. You have freelance agents working by themselves, and then you have agencies—companies with a team of agents. Some agents and agencies specialize in helping buyers, others in helping vendors. They are two different beasts.

Regulation, Associations, and Standards

One of the interesting things about the Spanish real estate market is that Spain is very unregulated. Anyone can be a real estate agent. Want to sell property in Spain? Just become self-employed, create a Spanish SL company or similar structure, and congratulations—you’re a real estate agent.

Agencies that are more established tend to associate themselves with bigger associations like LPA for minimum service standards. These associations exist because the market isn’t regulated, so they serve as a principle for best practice, morals, and ethics.

The Truth About Money and Commissions

How do agents and agencies get paid? They get commissions on the sales price. Generally, commissions in Spain range between 2% to 6%—very different from Northern Europe or the UK, where commissions are often 1–1.5%.

Who pays the commission? Always the vendor. If you’re buying a 500k property, the sales commission to an agency is anywhere between €12,000 to €25,000. Think of that as your ticket price—both as a vendor and as a buyer. The agency typically takes a percentage from the overall gross commission, generally 30–40%.

Understanding Agent Value

It’s crucial to understand the value an agent brings. Agencies in Spain can make five figures on transactions, but costs are high. The key is the exchange of value. For example, I recently saved a client €70,000 by finding a better value property than the flashy one he first loved. That’s real value.

While agencies are here to make money, the difference between good, regular, and poor agents is how they run their business. It must be win-win for everyone: if you win, I win. The best agents focus on long-term relationships, not just one-off business.

Experience vs. Attitude: What Matters Most

Experience is important, but so is attitude. Many agencies have juniors with little experience. Sometimes the right attitude can trump experience, especially if that agent is backed by a strong agency. But honesty is key—agents should be transparent about their strengths and weaknesses, areas of expertise, and transaction history.

As a buyer or seller, always ask about an agent’s experience—how many sales have they closed, and in which roles? Every sale represents challenges overcome and builds character. This is what forges the best agents.

How to Choose the Best Agent or Agency in Spain

Based on my decade of experience, here’s my top advice for finding the right agent or agency if you’re buying or selling in Spain:

Final Advice: Transparency and Value Are Everything

Transparency is key. If an agent is honest about what they earn and what value they bring, that’s a sign of a good partnership. Always do your research, check testimonials, and ensure you’re getting value. In real estate, knowledge is your best investment.

If you found this content useful, like the video and comment with topics you’d like us to discuss—no filters, just the real inside scoop. Remember, knowledge is your best investment in Spanish real estate.

My name is Natalia. I've been living and working here in Dubai as a real estate agent for the last four years. Recently, I've started sharing day in the life content on Yeloestate.com, and the number one thing that's been requested by my subscribers and followers has been, "Natalia, how do I get into the industry? How do I start my journey in real estate?" If you've asked that question, this guide is for you.

Is This Career with UAE Real Estate Rieltors Right for You?

Step number one, and probably the most important: Is this job for you? Many people see only the surface of real estate—flashy villas, nice cars, nice suits, selling properties, and making big commissions. But that’s just a tiny fraction of the job and takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to reach. In Dubai, this is a commission-only role, which means there is no salary. If you do not work, you do not earn. If you do not kill, you do not eat. This excited me, but for some, it’s daunting. You might not make money for the first six months. But the upside is the potential for unlimited, uncapped commission. If you put in the hours and give it your all, this job can take you to the next level.

Choosing Your Environment: Real Estate Agencies in UAE

Step two: Choose your environment. If you’re thinking about getting into real estate in Dubai, start by searching online for the top five real estate agencies in UAE. Reach out to them—all have recruiters. Interview with at least three. If you have a good personality, strong work ethic, and determination, you’ll stand out. These companies pay for your visa, not a salary, so their risk is low and they’ll take a chance on you if you show grit. Be truthful with yourself and them about what drives you. Also, consider if the agency’s environment fits you—some have a British, Russian, or Arabic community, offering a sense of familiarity. But don’t get stuck in your comfort zone; Dubai is full of opportunities to build friendships across cultures.

Prepare for the Job: Mindset Tips from UAE Real Estate Rieltors

Step three: Prepare for the job. Once you have an offer, it’s time to get ready. This business requires an iron mindset. You must be positive and self-motivated, as you’re essentially running your own business. Develop your mindset with affirmations, visualization, and reading, especially about sales and motivation. Ignore negativity from others about moving to Dubai—this is a place that can truly elevate your life if you embrace it. Watch day-in-the-life content from local agents to get familiar with the Dubai market.

Step four: The first six months in Dubai are crucial. You’re in a new environment, exposed to new experiences and opinions. Focus on developing that strong mindset and remember why you’re here—to change your life. Say no to distractions like boat parties and yes to working weekends at the office. The fun will still be there once you’ve earned your stripes. When I started, I focused on rentals for volume and experience, not big commissions. The goal is to have as many conversations with buyers, sellers, and tenants as possible to build your phone book and reputation.

Your goal is to understand the market inside and out. Know the price per square foot for different buildings, the layouts, and the transaction history. Product knowledge will become second nature if you do enough viewings and talk to enough clients. Volume of deals builds experience and confidence.

Step five: After building your foundation, it’s time to make money. Typical fees are 2% on the buyer’s side and 2% on the seller’s side, so a 10millionpropertysalecouldnetyou200,000 per side, if you have both buyer and seller. In the beginning, focus on smaller deals for experience and volume. Commissions are usually split 50/50 with your agency, but the agency provides offices, admin, and marketing support. The money can be life-changing, but remember: volume and reputation come first, big deals come later.

If you follow these five steps and stay committed—hustling like the top real estate agencies in UAE and learning from experienced UAE real estate rieltors—this career can truly change your life.

So, you want to become a successful real estate agent in Dubai? Well, you're not alone. Thousands of agents enter the market every single year, but only very few actually make it. And the ones that do, they don't just hustle harder. They follow smarter, proven paths with real positioning, strategy, and consistency.

Why Most UAE Real Estate Rieltors Don’t Make It

I'm Aiden Doyle and in this video I'm breaking down the exact steps that help me build a real estate brand that works. One that drives inbound leads, closes big deals, and compounds over time. Over the last 2 years, I've built a brand over 13,000 followers. I've posted over a,000 videos distributed on all different social media platforms. I've sold over 70 properties. And in the last 12 months, I've made more than three million ditims in total commission, all while building a brand and a system that works for me 24/7.

This isn't theory. It's the real framework that you can start doing today. Let's get into it.

Choosing the Right Brokerage: The Foundation for Real Estate Agencies in UAE

Firstly, make sure you choose the right brokerage. The first decision that you're ever going to make as an agent when you come to Dubai is probably the most important one, and that's your brokerage. Not the one that offers the highest commission split. Not the one with the nicest offers, the right brokerage for you. The one with strong leadership and coaching, a clear product focus, whether it's off plan, secondary, or an area just like myself. Systems in place to help you learn faster. And a culture where people are actually closing deals. And most importantly, a brokerage that helps you scale your leads flow through marketing. Because you can't always rely on the old school methods of cold outreach. If you're surrounded by people who aren't winning, you'll eventually play down to that level. We all know it's true. You don't rise to your goals, you fall to your standards. Pick the right brokerage or you'll just make succeeding even harder for yourself.

The third most important thing is picking your niche. Here's something most agents skip and it kills the momentum. They try to sell everything to everyone. And I get it. When you're new, you get your hands on a bit of stock, you get your hands on a buyer, you want to run around chasing that deal. But if you want people to remember you, refer you, and trust your expertise, you need to pick a niche. There are four ways to niche down in Dubai real estate. And we're going to break them down here in this video. Firstly, it's an area focused just like myself. I am known for Arabian Ranchers 3 and I have been for the last 3 years. People come to me because they see me as an authority in that area. They understand that I know the product very well and they understand my reputation in the community that I sell. They see me as a key person of influence and they would rather go with me than somebody on Property Finder who they've never spoke to before. The second one is to be developer focused such as specializing with Imar, specializing with Shob, Maras, so on so forth. You can pick a developer or you could pick maybe three developers who you like to work with and you know their product inside and out. You become the specialist for that product. You make sure that you're the first one to know when them new launches are and you know everything about them. You make sure you network and mingle with the right people in them developer offices and you are remembered for selling that product. It's not just about being remembered from the buyers, but it's also about being remembered from the developer as well. Ensuring that you have the right contacts in there because contacts are everything. And unfortunately, if you focus on too many developers, you just won't have the right relationships with the right people because you just won't have the time in the day to build the relationships with every person in every developer. So, pick your niche and stick to it. The third one being property type. For example, you could specialize in off plan, secondary market, waterfront properties, so on so forth. Make sure you've got that niche down as well. And the fourth being demographic focused or whether that's you just work with the experts who have moved from the UK living in Dubai and you double down on that niche. But whatever your niche is, make sure it has the most TAM total addressable market. If you can master that, you'll be successful. You don't have to limit yourself forever, but in the beginning, make sure you plant yourself in a niche. People need to remember you for something. At the end of the day, what you want to achieve is becoming that go-to person within that niche. To be honest, can't remember the last time I had to make a cold call. I mean, sounds bad, but arguably I've got too many leads to handle. When people know exactly what you do, then they know exactly when to call you. Always keep this in mind. The riches are in the niches.

The fourth point to becoming a success in Dubai real estate is you need to learn your product. Now it's time to become the best at what you do and become irreplaceable. Every day you need to study your niche and it's a never-ending process of learning. I still learn my product daily today. Let's say you specialize in a villa community or a townhouse community. Well, you need to know the floor plans. You need to know every single type. Why one window is positioned in this one. However, this next door's window is positioned that way. There's so many crazy things that you might overlook which become so important and separate you from the rest when you actually show this knowledge over the phone to a client or even in person on a viewing. It's a neverending process of learning and at times you'll learn things on the job. Things that you realize you didn't know until you're there in front of the client and you pick it up there and then. There's a few things to keep in mind like which communities offer the best entry points, which developers are consistent with delivery and their quality, what payment plan will look like for that development, what are the average price per square foots in that area, how are those units performing on a resale and the rental market. And this is just service level stuff. You can go so much deeper and the deeper you go, the more the client is going to respect you. You have to learn it to the point where you become an advisor, not just a real estate broker. Because if a client asks you, should I buy into La Alalaf or Arabian Ranchers 3 or can this villa yield me 7% net if I rent it on short-term and what are the ongoing costs and what are the service charges and so much more? You better know the answer because if you don't then your client will leave you there and then and they'll find somebody who does. The more knowledge that you have, the more confidence that you have. The biggest issue that brokers face is they lack confidence, especially on the phones with sellers and buyers, which makes sense when you're new. But it doesn't have to be that way. And if you appear not to know your product, then you'll be perceived as a beginner, and you'll be associated with buyers that you just wouldn't want to deal with. Unfortunately, in this market, the buyers who are the wealthiest are usually the easiest buyers to deal with. They don't negotiate on fees. They won't try and mess you around. They know exactly what they want, and they want facts and figures. But if you're perceived as a newbie, then unfortunately, you're going to be left to deal with the clients that you just don't want to deal with. And neither do the brokers who are at the top of the game. You can't get yourself stuck in that phase. You need to break through it as soon as possible. And it all begins with perception because again, perception is often interpreted as a universal truth. Meaning what you need to do is you need to become confident within yourself, which stems from knowledge. Confidence then turns into perception. Perception then turns into higher quality clients. Higher quality clients turns into either more commission or just easier deals to close in general. And it all stems from learning the product.

Another problem is most agencies will give you the surface level training and tell you to start calling people and you'll automatically get better. But that's not always true. What I'm telling my students in my coaching program is to spend your time learning, studying the product that you want to sell. Stop jumping here, there, and everywhere and hoping that it will work. Hoping that you'll find a needle in a hay stack and it will make you a millionaire because that's not how successful real estate agents operate. Then when you have enough knowledge, you can start doing the practical work like calling the clients with the confidence because you have the knowledge to back that up. You can handle the objections. You don't want to burn the bridges with clients that you're going to do future business with. Maybe it could have been one of your biggest clients ever, but you burnt a bridge with them a year or two years prior when you were a rookie and you didn't know what you were talking about. The agents who win are the ones that know the product, like their second language. It becomes second nature to them, not just for today, but for 3 years from now, and that is how you close.

The fifth point to becoming a success in Dubai real estate is to start building a brand now once you have the real product knowledge. Don't just go on camera for the sake of it and talk absolute nonsense. Make sure you're giving value to the camera as well. Let people know what you do and all about what you sell. There's no better way to get your name out there than producing content. But make sure the content is intentional and it's valuable. And no, you don't have to become a Tik Tok influencer with millions of followers, but you do have to have influence. Because if you have influence in your niche and you have influence over the audience that you want, you'll be able to sell through these online platforms. There's no point in having followers with no influence. There's no point in having views or likes or comments with zero influence. What matters is the authority that you have, becoming the key person of influence for your target audience. Because in 2025, attention is the new credibility. It's no longer about who you know. It's all about who knows you.

Let's break it down as a newbie. Start simple. Don't overthink it. Share your insights on your niche. Break down what you've been learning. Explain your mistakes. Explain your wins. People like to see a bit of vulnerability and who you really are as a person. Just make sure you're talking to camera at least once a week. Share stories online, whether that's personal or work-related, and let people get to know you. And this is what I've done exactly to build my brand to where it is today. Even if it's not perfect, consistency will always win. It's very easy for people to know you. I know many people. And it's very easy for people to like you. In fact, it's a little bit harder for people to like you depending on who you are. But the hardest thing to crack is getting people to trust you. But as soon as they do, you've won. And that's how you build an inbound business, instead of chasing leads forever doing cold call outreach because who wants to do that?

Azerbaijan at a Glance: The Land of Opportunity

Let’s dive into what makes Azerbaijan such a promising investment destination. From being an oil-rich country to a bustling business hub, Azerbaijan truly has it all. It’s tourism-friendly, boasts a stable economy, is Muslim-friendly, has an impressively low crime rate, and enjoys a geographically strategic location. Whether you’re a trader, manufacturer, or exporter, there’s something here for everyone.

Investment Potential: Why Do People Choose Azerbaijan?

Now, let’s address the big question: Why do people invest in Azerbaijan? First off, take a look at Old Azerbaijan—before the oil boom. With the discovery and development of oil and gas resources, Azerbaijan transformed rapidly. Today, the economy has remained stable for the past 5–6 years, with the manat holding steady at 1.7 to the dollar. Unlike the euro or ruble, which have dropped in value, the Azerbaijani manat remains rock solid. This stability, coupled with a vibrant business environment, means investors can enjoy an impressive growth rate—about 30%—and attractive rental yields.

Meet the Team: The People Behind the Success

For context, compare this with America, Canada, or the UK, where annual growth rates hover around 10–12%. Here in Azerbaijan, the numbers are much more exciting! Let’s continue our journey upstairs to our office on the fourth floor, suite 404. As you enter, you’ll meet our friendly team, from property management to education consultants—everyone is dedicated to making your investment experience smooth and successful.

The Golden Question: Can Property Investment Get You a Passport?

Before we dive into the 11 reasons to invest, let’s answer a frequently asked question: Can you get a passport through property investment in Azerbaijan? Here’s the process:

The View from Nizami Street: A Hub of Activity

Let’s peek out the window at Nizami Street—it’s bustling with energy and opportunity. With that, let’s roll out the red carpet and present the 11 top reasons to invest in Azerbaijan:

11 Exciting Reasons to Invest in Azerbaijan

Diverse Investment Opportunities Await

Not sure which field suits you? From rental properties (with shares starting at $1,000) and budget hostels to tunnel farming, livestock, resorts, hotels, and construction, there are diverse opportunities with impressive returns—some as high as 40% annually!

Whether you’re eager to launch your own setup or looking to join our team, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Curious Minds: Your Top Questions Answered

Let’s tackle a few more fun questions:

You’ve probably seen countless videos promising huge returns, or social media posts where everyone seems to be making easy money. Others, meanwhile, warn that the market is too expensive and you’ve missed your chance. So, what’s the truth?

In this blog, we’ll separate fact from fiction, look at how people really make money from Spanish property, and highlight what you should know before investing. Let’s dive in!

Is Spain Still a Good Place to Invest?

The short answer: Yes—but not every property is a good investment.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that because Spain is popular, every property will increase in value. That’s simply not true. Successful investors buy the right property, not just any property.
Location, quality, demand, and long-term appeal all matter.

How Do Investors Make Money from Spanish Property?

There are generally three ways people make money from real estate in Spain:

What Makes a Good Investment?

What separates an average investment from a great one? Here’s what to look for:

Off-Plan Properties: A Smart Move?

Many investors ask if buying off-plan is a good strategy.
Buying early in a development can offer attractive pricing compared to completed homes, and as construction progresses, values may increase—but this is not guaranteed.
Research the developer, the location, and long-term demand before making any decisions.

Common Mistakes Investors Make

Is Property Better Than Other Investments?

There’s no single answer. Property isn’t right for everyone.
Many people like investing in real estate because it’s a tangible asset—something you can enjoy, use, rent, and potentially benefit from long-term growth. The key is making sure it fits your financial goals and appetite for risk.

If you’re buying mainly as an investment, don’t start by picking a property—start with your strategy.
Ask yourself:

Once you’re clear on your objective, choosing the right property becomes much easier.

Final Thoughts: Can You Make Money Investing in Property in Spain?

Absolutely—and many people do! But success isn’t about luck.
It’s about buying wisely, understanding the costs, taking professional advice, and thinking long-term. With the right expectations, Spanish property can be both a lifestyle purchase and a rewarding investment.

Thanks for reading another post from Spain but Smarter!
If you found this helpful, please share the blog or leave a comment below—it helps more people discover these tips.

Looking for more guidance on buying property on the Costa del Sol? Check out the resources linked below.

Next up:
Should you get a mortgage in Spain or pay in cash? We’ll compare financing options, discuss pros and cons, and help you decide what’s right for you.

Hello and a very warm welcome back to my blog! In today's post, I want to give you my opinion on the 10 best places to buy real estate in Spain for the year 2026.

Before we dive in, I’d really appreciate it if you could share this blog with anyone interested in Spanish real estate. Thank you!

There’s no doubt that it’s getting harder and harder to find value-for-money property in Spain, especially in the larger cities. Madrid and Barcelona have always been quite expensive, but now even smaller cities like Sevilla and Granada are not cheap. In both cities, real estate is getting towards €3,000 per square meter. Two cities I had in the top 10 last year, namely Zaragoza and sadly Valencia, are no longer reasonably priced. Over the past year, property prices in Zaragoza have gone up by around 20% to reach an average of €2,400 per square meter. And on a somber note, for those of you wanting to buy in Valencia, real estate prices are now around €3,700 per square meter on average. Therefore, neither place is in the top 10 this year.

However, there are still a number of places where property is still very reasonably priced in Spain. Here are my top 10 places to buy real estate in Spain for the year 2026:

Alicante: Sun, Sand, and Smart Investments!

Only two or three years ago, Alicante was the best place to buy property in Spain. You used to be able to find property not far from the Postiguet beach for around €2,000 a square meter, but those days are now long gone. Average real estate prices are approaching €3,000 per square meter. Nevertheless, Alicante just about deserves to be in the top 10. It’s a lovely city with wonderful beaches, a nice cathedral, the amazing Santa Barbara Castle, excellent bars, restaurants, cafes, very good medical facilities, and generally a high quality of life. The weather is very good for most of the year, as is the nightlife. Alicante also has excellent transport facilities, including an international airport with flights to numerous destinations in Europe.

Cordoba: History, Horses, and Hot Property Deals!
The beautiful city of Cordoba, with a population of around 325,000, is generally not on people’s radar when it comes to buying property in Spain, but it should be. Cordoba is situated in the Andalusian region of Spain and located conveniently between Sevilla and Granada. Its historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city is rich in history. There are lovely parks, good food, excellent medical facilities, and a vibrant nightlife scene. At one time in the 10th century, it was the largest city in Western Europe. Transport-wise, Cordoba is on the Spanish high-speed rail network. Within 50–150 kilometers you have three airports: Malaga, Sevilla, and Granada. Property prices have been on the rise but are still very reasonable at an average of around €1,800 per square meter, much cheaper than Sevilla and Granada.

Leon: Lions, Legends, and Low Prices!

Leon has a population of around 125,000 and is situated in northwest Spain. It’s an underrated city rich in history with many historic monuments, including churches and palaces. The stunning Plaza Mayor is enclosed by wonderful ornate Baroque buildings. Leon has a number of festivals and is a delight for food lovers. Medical facilities are good, and there’s a university here, two railway stations, and an airport (though destinations are limited). Property prices in Leon are very reasonable at an average of around €1,800 per square meter; in the city center, just above €2,000 per square meter.

Caceres: Medieval Magic and More for Your Money!

With a population of around 96,000 and situated in western Spain's Extremadura region, Caceres is possibly Spain’s best-kept secret. Very few people outside Spain have heard of this city, but it’s truly lovely. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a stunning mix of Roman, Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, cobbled medieval streets, fortified walls, and numerous towers. There are cathedrals, churches, palaces, and museums, plus no shortage of festivals, especially music festivals. Healthcare is excellent, and Caceres feels very Spanish compared to many larger cities. The locals are friendly, and the city has its own railway station and bus terminal. Real estate prices are competitive at an average of around €1,600 per square meter.

Avila: Walkable Walls and Wallet-Friendly Finds!

Situated in Castile and Leon, Avila has a population of around 57,000 and is a very well-preserved city rich in history. Its medieval walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is full of Renaissance churches and palaces, has two universities, excellent cuisine, a basketball team, and many festivals. Avila has good medical facilities and is only about 85 kilometers from Madrid, making for easy day trips to the capital. Avila is very walkable, and property prices are rather cheap at just under €1,600 per square meter on average.

Huelva: Spanish Sunsets and Savvy Shopping!

Huelva may come as a surprise in fifth place, but this city with a population of around 143,000 in Andalusia, located in the southwest Iberian Peninsula, has a lot to offer. The climate is good with mild winters and warm summers. The food is excellent with a wealth of bars and restaurants. There are plenty of festivals throughout the year. Huelva offers access to less crowded Atlantic beaches and national parks, and healthcare is considered good quality. By train, you have easy access to Sevilla, and a high-speed train to Madrid (about 4 hours). The nearest airports are Faro (Portugal) and Sevilla, both less than 100 kilometers away. Property prices average around €1,700 per square meter and just above €2,000 per square meter in the city center.

Almeria: Beaches, Bites, and Budget Buys!

Almeria and its province remain reasonably priced, although prices have been rising. In the city of Almeria, real estate prices are still well under €2,000 per square meter on average. In Roquetas de Mar, prices are even cheaper at less than €1,700 per square meter. In seaside towns like Vera and Mojacar Playa, prices are higher. This area boasts one of the best climates in Europe and has an airport with flights to multiple UK destinations plus Brussels, Rotterdam, Luxembourg, and Prague. The food is excellent, and Almeria is full of events, festivals, and exhibitions.

Toledo: Timeless Treasures at a Fraction of the Price!

Toledo is a wonderful city to live in, with around 85,000 inhabitants. It has an amazingly rich history and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Toledo is well under an hour from Madrid by car or train, offering great access to the capital. Property prices are still below €2,000 per square meter, a fraction of what you’d pay in Madrid (over €7,000 per square meter). Toledo has a great selection of bars, restaurants, lively nightlife, and many festivals and events throughout the year.

Tarragona: Roman Ruins and Real Estate Rewards!

Situated on the Costa Dorada with a population of around 138,000, Tarragona is underrated with a unique blend of sandy beaches and historical monuments. The Roman ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Roman theater overlooking the Mediterranean is particularly impressive. Tarragona offers top-notch food, good medical facilities, a university, and is well-connected by transport. Reus airport is 8 kilometers away, with direct flights to several UK and Irish cities, plus Paris, Brussels, Eindhoven, and Dusseldorf. Barcelona airport is about 100 kilometers away. Property prices are under €2,000 per square meter.

Murcia: Marvelous Murcia, Where Your Euro Goes Further!
Murcia and its province top the list. Murcia city, in southeast Spain, has so much to offer: rich history, delicious gastronomy, beautiful squares, a lovely river, and a laid-back, authentic Spanish atmosphere. Property prices in the city are cheap at only €1,700 per square meter. In the province, you can find affordable homes in seaside towns like San Pedro del Pinatar, Los Alcazares, Cartagena, Mazarrón, and Águilas. Cartagena and Águilas both offer property for around €1,700 per square meter. Murcia province has an airport with direct flights to several UK cities, Dublin, and Marseille. The climate is simply wonderful.

Imagine investing in property in Spain, that property appreciating in value, and you losing money when you sell it. I know it sounds Bonkers, but it happens all the time and that's what this blog is all about. Don't invest in Spain without reading this blog.

Spanish Property Investment: The True Costs In and Out

What we're going to be covering in this blog are the different sales costs and purchase costs when buying a property in Spain, and I define them as costs in and costs out. We're going to cover appreciation, we're going to cover inflation, we're going to cover agency cost, and everything you need to know in order to understand market value before you make any investment in property in Spain—whether it's a relocation home, a property investment for a holiday home, or just an investment to rent out. Listen to this.

Understanding Market Value: The Key to Smart Investing

So the first thing we need to talk about is market value, right? So when we talk about appreciation or depreciation, the market value is what's going to command where we are. It sounds quite obvious but let's just talk about the two cases when you buy a property in Spain.

The first case: if you buy a new construction property, generally speaking, if you buy in the early stages, depending where you buy in Spain, you're able to get properties which are under market price. And what does that mean? That basically means developers offer properties under market price because they're in the early stages.

Then you've got resale properties. Generally speaking, when you buy a resale property, you're buying something at market price. To get a resale property under the market price, you need to find yourself a very good deal, a distress sale, someone that has to sell, or you have to be a very good negotiator. That sounds quite simple but that's quite important. So unless you buy very well, the only way the property is going to appreciate is by the market appreciation. Let's say on average 3 and a half% per year. So if you have a property for 10 years, your property will appreciate 3% times by 10 years. That's the only way of gaining appreciation if you don't buy something in the early stage or you don't buy a bargain or a bargain bargain.

The Hidden Costs of Buying and Selling Property in Spain

Having said that, that's the appreciation angle of property. Let's talk about property costs: purchase cost going in and purchase cost going out. And the out part is what people don't talk about, and that's what I want to share with you guys—no fluff, no sugar coat, the reality when you buy a property in Spain.

I'm going to give you an example: I'm going to talk to you about numbers in Andia where we are based. This varies autonomous region to autonomous region, but in Andalia the purchase costs are the following: first of all, you're going to have ITP, which is transfer tax in the case of resale properties, and you're going to have VAT in the case of new properties that are sold for by a developer. ITP is generally 7% in Andalia, and VAT is 10% in Andalia.

Okay, so apart from that, you're going to have lawyer fees. When you buy a property, you're transacting a property in Spain, you're going to have a lawyer do the due diligence and make sure everything is correct from urbanistic standpoint, incumbrances, and blah blah blah blah. We've done plenty of blogs about this topic, so feel free to check them out. And then apart from the lawyer, you have notary and land registry fees. Then you have various costs such as, you know, document copies and so on, but let's say that your purchase costs are going to range between 9% up to 13.2%. That's your purchase cost, right? So let's remember that—13.2% up to 13.2%.

Renovation, Furnishing & Ongoing Costs

There are other costs which are associated, which could be renovating a property, changing a bathroom, changing a kitchen, all the way up to refurnishing a property. So furniture and renovations need to be in your calculation. So those are the costs going in. Then for the period of time you own the property, you have the running costs of course, but let's talk about the costs going out.

What Does It Really Cost to Sell a Property in Spain?

And this is what is not talked about enough because you're very excited because you're going to buy a property, but what does it actually cost to sell a property now in Spain? Ready for this? To sell a property, you're going to be charged between 4 to 5% from an agency perspective. So agencies all over Spain work at different rates. You won't need to take care of any of the marketing costs, photos, and all these other things because the agency does that, including in their fees. So that's a 5% round sort of figure. But when that agency finds you a buyer, you're going to need a lawyer, if you use a lawyer, which we always recommend to make sure that your position is, let's say, looked after. And that lawyer is going to charge you the same as he charged you on the purchase of the transaction. He's going to charge you 1%.

So all of a sudden, on your exit costs—leaving the investment, selling your property—you have to pay the agency 5% plus your lawyer 1%. Until now, 6%. Is there any other costs? Well yes, there are. The other cost will be plal, plal Municipal. Plal Municipal is a tax you pay to your local Town Hall when you sell the property, and it's a fee you pay on the increment of value of the land itself. It's different to capital gains tax. This is what you pay to the municipal tax, okay? Which, let's call it, on average you own a property in in mikas for, let's say, 5 years, you going to be pay in a few grand—okay, let's call it three and a half grand. It really depends on the property itself.

And the last one, which is the big one, is capital gains tax. Now, while capital gains tax is calculated on the net profit, capital gains tax is 3% for non-residents. So if you're a non-resident and you're selling a property, the buyer is going to by law retain 3% of the property purchase value from you and then deposit that in the tax authorities. And then you have to go up to the tax authorities and say, hey, I made this amount of money and actually what's been paid on account of my taxes is this, and they'll either refund you the difference or they'll pay you, uh, or you'll pay more.

Now let's talk about exactly that. So 3% varies. 3% is a retention, so it's not really a cost, but it's something you have to pay out. So at the moment of signing title deed at notary, you're going to get 5% knocked off by the agency, and it's 5% plus VAT, don't forget, so it's technically a 6%. Then you have 1% lawyer fees plus VAT, which is 1.21%. So all of a sudden you're at 7.2% with agency and lawyers, and then you have another 3% non-retention tax. Disclaimer: that may not be the end tax you pay, but it's going to be retained from the beginning. So all of a sudden, you're at 10%. Now, what does this mean?

That means that exiting a property at €500,000, that means that your total cost to selling is 50 grand, which means that you're going to end up with a net of €450,000. You've heard that right.

Spanish Real Estate: Do the Math Before You Buy or Sell

Having said all of that, let's run through these numbers again: you buy a property for €500,000 and let's say you've got a cost going in of around 10%, again depending if you buy new construction or resale property, but let's just go with 10 for the sake of this argument. That means you got 50,000 going in as purchase cost, so your grand total investment getting the keys of the property is 550,000, right? It's different to 500. And then you sell that property for €500,000—well, all of a sudden it's cost you 550 but don't forget that if you do sell at 500,000, you still need to put on top of that the exit costs, which are around the 10%. So if you sell at €500,000 and your exit costs are around 50 grand, more or less 10%, you're netting 450 but it's cost you 550. Congratulations, you've just lost €100,000.

Something that might be valuable to you guys is we've created this buy and sell calculation. So you can input, for example, I buy a property for €575,000, right? It calculates the ITP automatically and then here you can put how much you're selling it for. So let's say you want to sell it for €680,000, 1 2 3, it does the entire calculation of you the net profit. So I'm going to link this into the description of this blog so you guys can play around with it, download a copy, and play around with what it cost in terms of going into a property investment and also going on—hope it's your value.

Define Your Timeline: The Secret to Smart Spanish Property Investment

So the reality is you need to understand your timeline of sale. If you jump into the market—then this is sort of a conclusion—if you jump into the market and you jump into the resale market and you buy a property right now at resale market value, you're at market value. How is that property going to appreciate? Well, unless you invest into the property and make it amazing, but that's also capped because even if you paint it with gold paint, it's not going to appreciate by the value of gold. That property is going to appreciate, generally speaking, with the trend of the market, which is on average 3–3.5% per year. So over 10 years it can appreciate 35% with appreciation.

So I think the key question here is understanding your timeline. If you're buying a property and you're thinking of selling it within a short period of time, you need to buy well under market price or find a really good deal in order to not lose money. If your timeline is, hey, I want to buy a property and I want to enjoy it for the next 15 years as a holiday home, well you're going to do absolutely fine. And that's the key difference of, you know, understanding your timelines.

How to Find a Real Bargain: Buying Under Market Value in Spain

If you were to buy a property under construction—and this happens a lot—you get agencies to go, hey, I can offer you a property which is 25%, 30% below market price, which is actually the case when you buy really early stage. And yes, you are buying under market price. And just for reference, when I say you buy a property under construction under market price, that would basically be me calculating how much that property would be worth in the finished market. That's how we calculate under market price.

Now, we did a blog on how to find a bargain in Spain, which I found quite interesting. We did it with Matt, and we talked about a bargain compared to a bargain bargain. And having been in property for 12 years, the way I see this is really straightforward. For professional buyers, people which buy and flip for a living, if you buy a property under market price by 10%—so you go into Kalah Honda and you get a property that's a resale apartment in as cascadas, and let's say for argument sake it's worth 400,000 and you pick it up for 370,000—yeah, you've got a bargain depending on your situation.

But if it's a professional, professional, uh, let's say company that buys and flips, that's not a bargain—they will not make a margin. It needs to be a bargain bargain, which means they need to buy 30–35% below market price in order to make money. That's the way it works in Spain.

Your Checklist for Success: Tips for First-Time Buyers and Investors

So going back to bargain versus bargain bargain—are you William looking to buy a holiday home in Cal and it's a 15-year project? You buy 10% on the market price—you've done a great deal. If you're Tim and you want to buy a property which you're going to be selling in two years, if that's your timeline, you need to keep this really in mind because you may even end up losing money.

So let's talk about the ways around it. Are you a professional buyer? Well, if you're a professional buyer—and what I mean by that is someone that's really entering this market to buy and sell and flip—I'm sure you know your ways around it, but there is one way around it and it's basically buying with a registered company that has the object or is registered to buy and sell properties. And in that case, you can register yourself for a bonification of 2% on transfer tax, and that makes a hell of the difference. So, um, yeah, that's the only way around not losing that much on the going in costs.

Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Your Best Investment

I hope this was of value and a lot of information thrown your way, but I really think that if you're going to be buying a property in Spain, investing in property in Spain, you need to know this. So the biggest piece of advice I can give you guys as first-time buyers or, you know, if you're about to enter into buying and flipping or whatever you're going to be doing, is understand the market value, make sure that you're actually buying something at the right price. If it's at market value, don't expect for it to appreciate by 20 or 30%—it's not going to happen. Define your timeline. Communicate to the agent you work with what your expectations are so the professionals in the sector can align with what you're looking for. So if you're looking to buy something and appreciate by 20 or 30%, establish or make sure that from the beginning you can tell the property professional you're talking with what your expectations are, and expectations are the growth of the property, the timeline in which you want to exit that investment, and number three, what your gross profit and what your net profit projections are.