The Costa Blanca coast is becoming an attractive region for new foreign investors looking for homes that match their lifestyle. The province of Alicante, traditionally associated with European buyers, is now attracting a much more diverse audience.
At the same time, investors from the Middle East are playing an increasingly visible role – particularly from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, who are seeking to complement their investments on the Costa del Sol with assets at more competitive prices.
Altea Hills is becoming one of the centres of new demand
A clear example of this trend is Altea Hills, one of the most exclusive residential complexes in the region.
Over the past 18 months, purchases made by investors from Gulf countries have increased by 45%, with total transactions in 2025 amounting to 85 million euros.
Several factors lie behind this momentum: the desire for geographical diversification against the backdrop of instability in the Middle East, the vacuum created by the withdrawal of Russian capital after the 2022 sanctions, and the attractive price difference of this region compared with other mature markets.
Alicante leads in the share of foreign buyers
According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), housing prices in the province of Alicante rose by 10.8% over the past year, while in the first quarter of 2025, foreign buyers accounted for 43.7% of purchase and sale transactions.
This is the highest figure in Spain, with Alicante ahead even of the province of Málaga (34.75%).
Until 2021, Russian buyers played a defining role in the luxury housing segment. However, the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent international sanctions changed the investment landscape.
The suspension of “golden visas” for Russian citizens and the freezing of assets reduced their share to 1.58% of total purchases in the second quarter of 2022.
This niche has been occupied by Middle Eastern investors seeking refuge in stable European assets. Their strategy does not involve leaving the Costa del Sol, but rather diversifying their investments.
Why the Costa Blanca attracts new investors
Lower prices on the Costa Blanca are complemented by factors such as lower building density, privacy, villages that have preserved their Mediterranean identity, and a well-developed international education system with schools valued by high-income families.
Improved transport connections have also strengthened the appeal of the region. Alicante-Elche Airport continues to expand its international routes, and in 2024 it exceeded 18 million passengers.
Meanwhile, the high-speed train connects Alicante with Madrid in just three and a half hours.
Wellness tourism strengthens interest in Altea
Another distinctive factor is the boom in wellness tourism. The opening of ZEM Wellness Clinic in Altea, specialising in preventive medicine and longevity, is encouraging short-term stays among high-net-worth international clients.
The Agency Costa Blanca North emphasises that the foreign buyer no longer fits a single profile.
Interest is growing from the United States, Gulf countries, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom, driven by people seeking to establish permanent residence in Spain or work remotely from here.
The modern buyer looks for sea views, privacy and infrastructure
The strengthening of certain currencies, especially the US dollar, has contributed to rising demand, while the limited supply of quality homes in the most exclusive areas continues to support property prices.
As a result, with each new transaction, the market is becoming less regional and increasingly international.
The modern buyer gives priority to energy-efficient homes, open and bright spaces, spacious terraces and sea views, as well as residential complexes with infrastructure – especially in privileged locations such as Altea Hills.
Against this backdrop, villas in Spain with privacy, modern technology, panoramic views and high-quality infrastructure are becoming one of the most sought-after formats for international buyers in the premium segment.
