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Everything you ever wanted to know about the Balearic Islands

The Mediterranean’s most sought-after destination

The Balearic Islands are much more than the group of four stunning islands—Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera—that have captivated travelers for decades. For international property buyers, these Mediterranean jewels represent one of Europe’s most compelling real estate opportunities, offering an unbeatable combination of year-round sunshine, robust rental markets, and a quality of life that has attracted over 200,000 international residents.

Whether you’re dreaming of a holiday home where your family can create lasting memories, seeking an investment property in one of Europe’s most visited destinations, planning your retirement in a place where healthcare exceeds expectations, or looking to establish a base for remote work in paradise, each island offers distinct advantages tailored to different property goals.

The numbers speak for themselves: with over 11 million tourists visiting annually, properties here benefit from exceptional rental demand. International buyers represent over 40% of all property purchases, with British, German, Dutch, and French nationals leading the way. The islands have recovered strongly from the 2008 crisis, with property values in prime locations now exceeding their historical peaks, yet still offering compelling value compared to similar destinations in France or Italy.

These pearls of the Mediterranean continue to be the preferred destination for discerning property buyers who understand that owning here isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about securing a piece of one of Europe’s most desirable lifestyles.

Why are the Balearic Islands a paradise on earth?

One of the best destinations to spend the summer is Ibiza. If you’re looking for a party, this is the place to be. Apart from the mad nights, Ibiza also offers a range of other activities, including visiting its beaches and coves, savoring the variety of dishes and traditional island drinks, and purchasing handcrafted items at its local markets.

For lovers of culture, the Castell de Bellver, located in Palma de Mallorca (capital of the Balearic Islands), is one of the few in Europe with a circular floor plan. From its walls, you will have the best views of the Bay of Palma and the Sierra de Tramuntana.

On the same island of Mallorca, in the south, are the small Islands of “Es Vedrà”. This islet (one of the most visited points of the Balearic Islands) has a height of 385 meters, and since 2002, it has been considered a natural reserve (to enter, you need a permit).

If what you are looking for is more tranquillity, the islands of Menorca and Formentera are the best. The first, renowned for its coves and tranquil beaches, is the ideal destination for couples and families. The second, smaller, but no less visited (its proximity to Ibiza makes it a good day getaway), offers beaches that could be from the Caribbean itself, thanks to the green and turquoise colour of its waters.

Of course, the weather is outstanding. Check the monthly weather statistics for Mallorca before booking your holidays.

The Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca

Let’s start with gastronomy 🙂

Gastronomy is a fundamental part of the Balearic Islands, as they treasure a great diversity of exquisite, high-quality products, including oil, ensaimada, sobrasada, cheese, wine, flaó, herbs, and sea salt. All these products are deeply rooted in the land, its traditions, and the unique characteristics of each island, giving them a distinct identity based on authenticity, quality, and tradition. All these products can be found in markets, wineries, and restaurants. Furthermore, it is possible, and at the same time very advisable, to take any of these foods unique to these islands as a souvenir.

Must-See Places of the Balearic Islands and Prime Property Locations

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the population of the Balearic Islands exceeds 1,100,000 people. The most populated island is Mallorca, with almost 900,000 inhabitants. Ibiza and Menorca have around 100,000 inhabitants, while Formentera has a population of just over 10,000 people.

Understanding what makes each area special is crucial when choosing where to invest your money and your future. The Balearic Islands offer far more than beautiful beaches—each location has its own story and provides different opportunities for property buyers.

Mallorca: The Island That Has Everything

Palma Cathedral and the Historic Center form the beating heart of Balearic life, where Gothic architecture meets contemporary Mediterranean living. The area surrounding the cathedral, known as Casco Antiguo, has become increasingly sought-after by international buyers seeking luxury apartments and historic buildings with character. Properties here aren’t just homes—they’re pieces of living history, with many buildings dating back centuries, now carefully restored to offer modern amenities while preserving their authentic charm. The neighborhood’s proximity to Palma’s best restaurants, galleries, and cultural sites makes it particularly attractive to buyers who want to immerse themselves in authentic Spanish culture while enjoying urban conveniences.

The Serra de Tramuntana, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a completely different property experience. This dramatic mountain range, stretching along Mallorca’s northwest coast, is home to some of the island’s most exclusive fincas and rural estates. Properties in this area often come with olive groves, citrus orchards, and panoramic views that extend to the sea. The mountain villages of Valldemossa, Deià, and Soller have become magnets for international celebrities and artists, driving property values while maintaining their authentic Mallorcan character. For buyers seeking privacy, natural beauty, and investment potential, the Tramuntana region represents some of the island’s finest opportunities.

Soller Valley deserves special mention for its unique combination of accessibility and authenticity. The famous vintage train that connects Palma to Soller isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a testament to the area’s enduring appeal. Properties in Soller town and the coastal Port de Soller benefit from this direct connection to the capital while maintaining their traditional charm. The valley’s citrus groves and traditional architecture create an atmosphere that attracts both holiday home buyers and those seeking permanent relocation.

Alcudia’s Roman ruins and family beaches represent northern Mallorca’s appeal to families and cultural enthusiasts. The well-preserved Roman walls and archaeological sites create a unique backdrop for property ownership. At the same time, the excellent beaches and family-friendly infrastructure make this area particularly appealing to buyers with children. Properties here benefit from consistent tourism demand while offering access to some of the island’s most important historical sites.

Valldemossa village has achieved legendary status among international property buyers, thanks partly to its association with Chopin and George Sand. This picturesque mountain village offers some of Mallorca’s most exclusive properties, where traditional stone architecture meets modern luxury. The village’s artistic heritage continues to attract creative professionals and cultural enthusiasts who value both beauty and authenticity in their property investments.

Cala Mondragó Natural Park represents the growing trend toward eco-luxury property development. This protected area offers properties that strike a balance between environmental responsibility and luxury living, appealing to buyers who prioritize sustainability without compromising on quality. The natural park’s protection ensures that development remains limited, supporting long-term property values.

The island of Mallorca can be reached by boat or plane (its airport is the third-largest in Spain). There are also multiple sea connections with Ibiza, Menorca, Barcelona, Valencia, and other cities in Spain and the Mediterranean. The airport of Mallorca offers routes to the main cities of Spain and Europe. Many roads can take you anywhere on the island. There is also a train line that crosses the island from the south (Palma de Mallorca) to the north.

Ibiza: Where Lifestyle Meets Investment Returns

Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s UNESCO-protected old town, represents the pinnacle of exclusive Mediterranean living. Properties within these ancient fortified walls are among the most coveted real estate assets in Europe. The combination of historical significance, stunning harbor views, and proximity to the island’s cultural heart creates property values that have consistently outperformed broader market trends. For buyers who can afford the premium pricing, Dalt Vila offers not just a home, but membership in one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive communities.

The western coastline, dominated by the mystical Es Vedra rock formation, has become synonymous with luxury living. Villas perched on cliffs overlooking this dramatic seascape command some of Spain’s highest property prices, but also deliver exceptional rental returns from visitors willing to pay premium rates for this iconic setting. The sunset views from these properties have become Instagram-famous, driving demand from both traditional luxury buyers and a new generation of digital influencers and entrepreneurs.

Sant Antoni’s Sunset Strip offers a unique investment opportunity, centered on the tourism infrastructure that drives Ibiza’s economy. Properties here benefit from the island’s reputation as a world-class entertainment destination; however, buyers should carefully consider the balance between rental income potential and their lifestyle preferences.

The Cala d’Hort beach area offers some of Ibiza’s most dramatic natural settings, with properties providing direct views of Es Vedra and access to pristine beaches. The area has become popular with buyers seeking luxury accommodations that prioritize natural beauty over proximity to nightlife.

Las Salinas salt flats and beach represent Ibiza’s unique combination of natural protection and luxury development. The area’s status as a nature reserve limits new construction while providing a stunning backdrop for existing properties. This combination of environmental protection and luxury amenities creates a unique value proposition for discerning buyers.

In Ibiza, a well-developed road network connects every corner of the island, and various bus lines serve the populated areas. The airport of Ibiza has flights to the largest cities in Spain and Europe. There are also boat connections to the other Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera), as well as to Barcelona and Valencia.

Menorca: The Peaceful Investment

Ciutadella, Menorca’s former capital, showcases some of the most elegant architecture in the Balearics. The town’s historic port, lined with noble palaces and traditional fishermen’s houses, creates a sophisticated atmosphere that attracts discerning property buyers. Unlike Ibiza’s party scene or Mallorca’s bustling tourist areas, Ciutadella offers refined tranquility. Properties here, whether historic town houses overlooking the port or modern apartments near the marina, appeal to buyers who appreciate authentic Mediterranean culture without the crowds.

The island’s pristine southern beaches, including the famous Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta, remain largely undeveloped thanks to Menorca’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. This protection means that properties near these beaches are rare and highly valued. For investment buyers, this scarcity creates long-term value protection that’s difficult to find elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

Menorca also has a well-developed road network that connects every corner of the island. The airport of Menorca, located near Mahón, has connections to the main Spanish cities. Additionally, there are boat connections to the other Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera), as well as to Barcelona and Valencia.

Monte Toro, the island’s highest point, offers properties with 360-degree views across the entire island. The central location provides easy access to both the north and south coasts while maintaining the rural tranquility that makes Menorca special. Properties in this area appeal to buyers seeking authentic island living without sacrificing accessibility.

Mahón, the capital, boasts a unique blend of British colonial architecture that reflects the island’s fascinating history. The natural harbor, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, provides a dramatic setting for waterfront properties. The town’s Georgian influences create a distinctive architectural character that sets Menorcan properties apart from other Mediterranean destinations.

Formentera: The Ultimate Exclusive Retreat

Ses Illetes beach, consistently ranked among the world’s finest, defines Formentera’s appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury properties. The handful of properties with direct beach access or sea views command prices that rival the French Riviera, but with the authenticity and tranquility that have largely disappeared from other Mediterranean hotspots. For buyers seeking the ultimate exclusive retreat, Formentera offers what money often can’t buy elsewhere—genuine isolation and pristine natural beauty.

The island’s eastern plateau around La Mola lighthouse has become a haven for artists and creative professionals, creating a unique micro-market for characterful properties that blend traditional architecture with contemporary artistic vision. These properties appeal to buyers who value creativity and authenticity over pure luxury.

Estany Pudent lagoon and natural reserves provide opportunities for buyers who prioritize environmental consciousness. Properties near these protected areas offer unique natural settings while supporting the island’s commitment to sustainable development. The limited availability of such properties creates natural scarcity that promotes long-term value appreciation.

Formentera, the smallest of the Balearic Islands, features a main road that runs the entire length of the island. The rest are dirt roads that lead to the beaches. The port has multiple daily connections with Ibiza.

Choosing Your Island: Matching Properties to Your Lifestyle Goals

Each island in the Balearic archipelago has developed its own character and property market dynamics. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed investment decisions tailored to your specific needs and goals.

For Holiday Home Buyers

Mallorca remains the overwhelming favorite for families and couples seeking a holiday home they’ll use regularly throughout the year. The island’s superior infrastructure ensures that even if you visit for only a few weeks annually, your property remains accessible and well-maintained. The extensive flight network from Northern Europe—with direct connections to over 100 European cities—makes spontaneous weekend breaks entirely feasible. Property management services are well-established, offering a range of services from basic maintenance to complete concierge services for arriving guests.

Menorca appeals to holiday home buyers who prioritize tranquility over convenience. The island’s deliberate development restrictions mean fewer crowds and a more authentic experience, but this comes with trade-offs in terms of flight connectivity and service availability. For families with young children or buyers who prefer peaceful relaxation over nightlife and activities, Menorca’s offering is unmatched in the Mediterranean.

Ibiza offers the most dynamic holiday home experience, particularly for buyers who appreciate the island’s world-renowned social scene. The combination of luxury amenities, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches creates a unique atmosphere that appeals to buyers seeking excitement alongside relaxation. However, the higher prices and seasonal crowds require careful consideration of usage patterns and investment goals.

Formentera represents the ultimate in exclusive holiday home ownership, offering privacy and natural beauty that’s increasingly rare in the Mediterranean. The limited property availability and extremely high prices mean this option is reserved for buyers who prioritize exclusivity above all other considerations.

For Investment Property Buyers

Ibiza continues to deliver the strongest rental yields in the Balearics, with prime properties achieving annual returns that can exceed 8-10%. The island’s reputation for luxury and exclusivity allows property owners to command premium rental rates year-round, not just during summer months. However, these higher returns come with higher purchase prices and increased competition from other investors.

Mallorca offers more balanced investment opportunities, with steady yields of 4-6% and lower volatility, compared to Ibiza. The diversified tourism market—from cultural tourists visiting Palma to hiking enthusiasts in the mountains—creates year-round demand, reducing seasonal rental risks. For investors seeking steady returns with capital preservation, Mallorca’s established market provides reassuring stability.

Menorca represents the archipelago’s best value opportunity for patient investors. Current property prices remain below their potential given the island’s UNESCO protection and improving tourism infrastructure. The limited new supply due to environmental restrictions creates long-term scarcity value that should support price appreciation over time.

Formentera offers investment opportunities for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking trophy assets rather than traditional rental yields. The extreme exclusivity and limited supply create a market more similar to art collecting than conventional real estate investment.

For Retirement Living

Mallorca’s healthcare infrastructure makes it the clear choice for retirees prioritizing medical access and quality. The island’s university hospital rivals any European medical facility, while the large international community ensures English-speaking healthcare professionals are readily available. The established expatriate community, comprising over 80,000 international residents, means newcomers can easily find social connections and practical support.

For retirees seeking a quieter pace of life, Menorca offers excellent healthcare in Mahón combined with a more intimate island community. The lower cost of living and reduced tourist pressure create an environment where retirees can integrate more easily into local life while still maintaining connections to international culture.

Ibiza attracts retirees who want to maintain an active social life within an international community. The island’s year-round cultural calendar and sophisticated dining scene appeal to retirees who view their relocation as an opportunity for new experiences rather than a quiet retreat.

Formentera appeals to retirees seeking ultimate tranquility and connection to nature. The island’s small size and limited development create a unique environment for those who prioritize peace and natural beauty above urban conveniences.

For Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Mallorca has emerged as a significant hub for remote work, with Palma developing a thriving co-working scene and startup ecosystem. The island’s fiber internet infrastructure now matches that of major European cities, while the international business community offers networking opportunities that can enhance career development alongside lifestyle benefits.

Ibiza attracts creative professionals and entrepreneurs who value the island’s inspirational environment and the networking opportunities it offers within the creative industries. The higher cost of living is often justified by the unique business connections and innovative collaborations that emerge from the island’s dynamic international community.

Menorca offers remote workers seeking work-life balance in a peaceful environment. The improving internet infrastructure and lower costs make it attractive to digital nomads who prioritize tranquility and natural beauty over urban amenities and networking opportunities.

Formentera provides the ultimate retreat for remote workers who can operate independently and value complete disconnection from urban pressures. The limited infrastructure makes this option most suitable for established professionals who don’t require extensive business networking or services.

Balearic Islands map

Our Balearic Islands map is available for easy download. Don’t hesitate.

Find everything on the Costa del Blanca: its Airports, its AVE stations, its Cities and villages, its shopping places: Traditional & Flea markets, Outlets and shopping malls. What should you visit? The Unesco sites, the parks for kids, the green parks, the golf courses, the universities, and last but not least the top beaches.

Download our map of the Balearic Islands here

The Reality of Living in the Balearics

Beyond the apparent attractions of sunshine and beaches, international residents discover that the Balearic Islands offer a quality of life that often exceeds their expectations, supported by infrastructure and services that make permanent or extended living both comfortable and practical.

Healthcare Excellence that exceeds expectations

The Balearic Islands’ healthcare system consistently ranks among Europe’s finest, often surprising newcomers with its quality and accessibility. The main hospital in Palma, Son Espases, is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of the Balearic Islands, ensuring access to the latest medical innovations and specialist treatments. International residents regularly comment that healthcare here exceeds what they experienced in their home countries, both in terms of quality and responsiveness.

For non-EU residents, private healthcare insurance costs significantly less than equivalent coverage in Northern Europe while providing access to the same high-quality facilities and English-speaking medical professionals. The mild climate contributes to improved health outcomes, with many residents reporting improvements in conditions such as arthritis, respiratory issues, and overall well-being after relocating to the islands.

Education and Family Life

International families find that the islands offer exceptional educational opportunities that often surpass what’s available in major European cities. The British School of Mallorca, Queen’s College, and other international institutions offer world-class education based on familiar curricula, complemented by the invaluable benefit of multilingual development. Children typically become fluent in Spanish and Catalan while maintaining their native language, creating advantages that last throughout their lives.

The outdoor lifestyle available year-round means children develop strong connections to nature and outdoor activities that are increasingly rare in urban European environments. Many families report that their children become more independent, confident, and culturally aware as a result of growing up in this international island community.

The Digital Revolution

The transformation of internet infrastructure across the islands has been remarkable, with fiber connections now reaching even remote rural properties. This digital revolution has enabled the islands to attract a new generation of remote workers and digital entrepreneurs who can maintain international careers while enjoying Mediterranean living. Palma’s co-working spaces have become networking hubs where international professionals collaborate on projects spanning multiple continents.

Community and Integration

Perhaps most surprisingly for newcomers, the Balearic Islands have developed some of Europe’s most welcoming international communities. Unlike traditional expatriate enclaves that remain separate from local culture, the islands’ international residents often develop deep connections with Spanish neighbors and a genuine appreciation for local traditions. This integration is facilitated by the inherently relaxed Mediterranean approach to life and the islands’ long history of welcoming visitors who choose to make them their home.

The cost of living, although higher than in mainland Spain, remains significantly lower than in equivalent lifestyle destinations in Northern Europe. A comfortable lifestyle that might require substantial wealth in London, Paris, or Amsterdam becomes accessible to middle-class professionals in the Balearics, creating opportunities for life changes that seemed impossible in more expensive European cities.

Events and parties

As it is, the Balearic Islands also have a wide range of parties. For example, in Palma de Mallorca the city day is celebrated on January 20 (fiestas de San Sebastián) where small bonfires called ” foguerons ” are made. On the same island, in Pollença, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels is celebrated on August 2, where Joan Mas’s fight against the invading pirates is reenacted.

In Mahón, Menorca, the carnival is celebrated in February. On the same island, specifically in Ciutadella, the Fiestas de San Juan are celebrated at the end of June, making it one of the most attractive festivals in Spain. The celebration of this population dates back more than 600 years. One of the highlights of the celebrations is when the horses get caught up in the crowd of the public.

On August 24, San Bartolomé celebrates essential cultural and sports festivities in San Antonio, Ibiza.

In Formentera, on August 5, a very popular party is celebrated, that of Santa María de las Nieves, with cultural events.

Cala Agula, Mallorca

The Balearic Islands Property Market

Outperforming Spain in a challenging environment

The real estate market in the Balearic Islands has delivered one of Europe’s most impressive property market performances, significantly outpacing both national trends in Spain and most international alternatives. The data reveal a market that has not only recovered from previous challenges but has also established itself as a premium European destination, where scarcity and international demand continue to drive exceptional returns.

Outstanding Price Performance: nearly 10% annual growth

The numbers tell a compelling story of market strength. From the first quarter of 2022 to the end of 2024, Balearic property prices surged from €2,511 to €3,316 per square meter—a remarkable 32.1% total appreciation over three years, representing an annualized growth rate of 9.7%. This performance becomes even more impressive when compared to the Spanish national market, which grew from €1,734 to €1,972 per square meter over the same period, delivering a total growth of 13.7% and a more modest annualized appreciation of 4.4%.

Balearic Islands property market performance vs Spain mainland through December 2024, showing 77% total growth since 2013 compared to Spain’s 34%, with current prices at €3,316/m² vs €1,972/m² nationally. The chart illustrates three distinct market phases: synchronized growth (1995-2007), crisis response (2008-2014), and premium market emergence (2015-2025) across four diverse island property markets.

The Balearic Islands haven’t just outperformed the national market—they’ve dramatically expanded their premium positioning. In early 2022, Balearic properties commanded a 45% premium over the national average in Spain. By the end of 2024, this premium had expanded to 68%, reflecting growing international recognition of the islands’ unique value proposition. This expanding premium suggests that the Balearics are increasingly viewed as a distinct asset class rather than simply expensive Spanish real estate.

Market Resilience despite volume normalization

While prices have soared, transaction volumes tell a more nuanced story that strengthens the investment case. Quarterly transactions in the Balearics declined from 4,797 in Q1 2022 to 4,295 in Q4 2024, representing a 10.5% decrease over the three years. However, this decline closely mirrors the Spanish national pattern, where transactions fell from 175,383 to 159,051 quarterly sales, a 9.3% decrease over the same period.

This parallel decline suggests that the Balearic market isn’t experiencing unique demand challenges but rather reflecting broader European real estate normalization following the post-pandemic surge. The critical difference lies in price resilience: while transaction volumes normalized, Balearic prices continued their upward trajectory, indicating that serious buyers remain willing to pay premium prices for quality properties.

The Quality over Quantity market dynamic

The combination of declining transaction volumes with accelerating price growth reveals a market increasingly driven by quality rather than quantity. The peak quarterly activity of 5,365 transactions in Q2 2022 coincided with the post-pandemic reopening rush, when pent-up international demand created exceptional market activity. As this initial surge normalized, the market has settled into a pattern where fewer, but more committed buyers, compete for the limited premium inventory.

This evolution benefits serious property buyers in multiple ways. The reduced speculative activity means fewer properties being purchased purely for short-term flipping, while sustained price growth validates long-term value creation. International buyers now compete primarily with other serious owners rather than opportunistic speculators, creating a more stable foundation for community development and property maintenance standards.

Comparative Performance: Why the Balearics Lead

The 9.7% annual price appreciation in the Balearics, compared to 4.4% nationally, reflects fundamental differences in market dynamics. While mainland Spanish markets benefit from urban development and economic growth, the Balearics offer something increasingly rare: genuine scarcity combined with growing international demand.

The Spanish national market, despite solid performance, faces the reality of virtually unlimited developable land in many regions. The Balearics, constrained by UNESCO protections, water limitations, and environmental regulations, are unable to increase their supply to meet growing demand. This scarcity premium, reflected in the expanding price differential with mainland Spain, creates structural support for continued appreciation that doesn’t exist in markets with flexible supply responses.

Island-Specific Performance Within the Archipelago

While the overall Balearic figures show exceptional performance, individual islands have experienced varying degrees of appreciation. Formentera has achieved the extraordinary distinction of becoming Spain’s most expensive municipality, with prices reaching €9,000 per square meter in December 2024. Prices have remained high, with values above €10,000 per square meter in recent months. This places the island among the Mediterranean’s most exclusive real estate destinations.

Ibiza continues to command exceptional prices across different market segments, with prime municipalities like San José averaging €8,000 per square meter, while maintaining its position as a year-round luxury destination rather than just a summer party spot. The island’s evolution has attracted ultra-high-net-worth individuals who view properties as alternative investments comparable to art or rare collectibles.

Mallorca’s diverse market has consistently delivered strong returns, with remarkable regional variation. Prime Palma neighborhoods have experienced extraordinary growth, with 2024 providing an annual appreciation of 24.5% to reach more than €5,000 per square meter, making it Spain’s fourth most expensive capital city. The contrast with more affordable areas, such as Sa Pobla, at under €2,000 per square meter, highlights the island’s unique ability to cater to different buyer segments while maintaining a premium positioning across all price ranges.

Menorca, starting from a lower baseline, has delivered exceptional value appreciation while maintaining its position as the archipelago’s most accessible entry point. Despite average prices remaining below those of other islands, the UNESCO protection and growing recognition create significant appreciation potential for patient investors.

Investment Returns in an international context

The 9.7% annual appreciation rate places Balearic real estate among Europe’s top-performing asset classes over the recent period. These returns exceed those of most European stock markets, bond yields, and alternative investments, while also providing the additional benefits of personal use and rental income potential. When combined with rental yields of 4-8% depending on location and property type, total returns for well-positioned Balearic properties have regularly exceeded 15% annually.

More importantly for long-term investors, these returns have been delivered during a period of rising interest rates, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions that challenged most traditional investments. The resilience of Balearic property values during challenging global conditions suggests strong fundamental demand that transcends typical economic cycles.

Market Outlook: structural strengths support continued growth

The expanding premium over Spanish national prices—from 45% to 68% in just three years—indicates that the Balearics are increasingly viewed as a distinct market rather than expensive Spanish real estate. This differentiation, combined with limited supply growth and expanding international demand from remote workers, retirees, and investors, creates structural support for continued outperformance.

The normalization of transaction volumes at elevated price levels suggests the market has reached a mature equilibrium where serious buyers recognize current pricing as fair value rather than speculative excess. For property buyers considering 2025 purchases, this combination of proven performance, structural scarcity, and international demand validation creates compelling investment fundamentals that extend well beyond traditional real estate cycles.

The Balearic Islands have established themselves not only as premium Spanish destinations but also as European lifestyle assets where a limited supply meets an unlimited international appeal. This combination continues to deliver exceptional returns for informed property buyers. Remote working and quality of life could have helped the beautiful islands, as we wrote in our article: Spain is one of the best countries in the world for remote work.

Foreigners are very active in the region:

“British, Germans, Dutch and French are the biggest buyers”.

Chart with the real estate price evolution for the Balearic Islands since 1995

Real Estate prices in Mallorca are 68% higher than the national average and have returned to their highest prices since 2007. Activity is vigorous, nearly back to the pre-COVID period.

Current Market Pricing by Island

Foreigners remain exceptionally active across all islands, with British, German, Dutch, and French buyers continuing as the dominant international purchasers. The current pricing levels reflect not only recovery from previous challenges but also a genuine market transformation driven by fundamental changes in how international buyers value lifestyle assets.

• • Formentera leads the ultra-premium market, with prices above €9,000 per square meter, making it Spain’s most expensive municipality. This extraordinary pricing reflects the island’s unique combination of pristine natural beauty, minimal developable land, and growing recognition among ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking the ultimate exclusive retreat.

• • Ibiza maintains its position as the established ultra-premium market, with significant variation reflecting different luxury market segments. The three most expensive municipalities remain Sant Josep de sa Talaia and Santa Eulalia des Riu, both above €4,000/m², and Ibiza town above €3,500/m², demonstrating the island’s ability to serve both ultra-luxury buyers and those seeking entry into the Ibiza market at more accessible price points.

• • Mallorca exhibits sophisticated diversity within its premium territory, with the most exclusive areas of Calvià, particularly Portals Nous-Bendinat, reaching €8,500 per square meter. Meanwhile, Palma‘s remarkable growth, surpassing €5,000 per square meter, reflects the capital’s evolution into a sophisticated urban market that rivals major European cities.

• • Menorca remains the most accessible entry point into Balearic property ownership, while also fully participating in the overall market appreciation. The island’s UNESCO protection and deliberate development restrictions create long-term scarcity value that supports sustained appreciation potential.

Getting Started: Your Path to Balearic Property Ownership

The opportunity to own property in the Balearic Islands represents more than a real estate transaction—it’s a gateway to a lifestyle that combines Mediterranean tranquility with modern conveniences, financial returns with personal fulfillment, and international sophistication with authentic local culture.

The market data, lifestyle benefits, and investment performance all point to the same conclusion: the Balearic Islands have evolved from seasonal destinations to year-round lifestyle choices for discerning international buyers. Whether your goal is creating family memories in a holiday home, building wealth through strategic investment, enjoying a healthy and fulfilling retirement, or establishing a base for location-independent work, these islands offer proven opportunities for achieving your objectives.

The key to success lies in understanding that each island serves different needs and preferences. The diversity within the archipelago means that buyers can find their perfect match while participating in one of Europe’s strongest property markets. From Formentera’s ultra-exclusive retreats to Menorca’s value opportunities, from Ibiza’s dynamic luxury market to Mallorca’s sophisticated diversity, the Balearic Islands offer something exceptional for every serious property buyer.

With our team of over 100 local real estate partners, HowtobuyinSpain helps foreigners navigate this remarkable market with confidence. Our local experts are active in all the fields you need to find your Spanish dream property, ensuring that your journey to Balearic property ownership is as rewarding as the destination itself.

The Mediterranean lifestyle you’ve imagined is not just possible—it’s proven, profitable, and waiting for you to discover it in the Balearic Islands.

For expert guidance on finding your perfect property in the Balearic Islands, connect with our network of vetted local professionals who understand both the market dynamics and the lifestyle dreams that bring international buyers to these exceptional islands. Françoise, Sofia, Luca, and Jeremy are our local property hunters in the Balearic Islands, ready to assist you with your property search. They will make it happen for you!

Check the Ibiza property Market and the Balearic Islands property market in our quarterly report dedicated to the analysis of the Spanish real estate market.

Discover the best new build projects in the Balearic Islands available right now.

Read our earlier article on Palma de Mallorca if you want to learn more: Mallorca, a paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean

Are you looking for a local partner, such as a lawyer or property hunter, on the Costa del Sol? Don’t look further, check our team and ask us for the correct contact.

1. Best Professionals 2. Follow-up 3. Competitive pricing 4. Partners 5. Qualitative Check

Balearic Islands map – details

Here are all the main items you’ll find in our Balearic Islands infographic.

• Airport: Ibiza, Menorca, Palma de Mallorca
• Ave stations: –
• Cities: Manacor (40,300 inhabitants), Inca (25,900 inhabitants), Pollensa (16,200 inhabitants), Alcúdia (19,300 inhabitants), Ibiza (132,600 inhabitants), Ciutadella de Menorca (28,600 inhabitants), Mahón (28,100 inhabitants), Palma de Mallorca (402,900 inhabitants),
• UNESCO sites: None. Find all the UNESCO Sites in Spain on our page: “10 reasons why you should buy in Spain”
• Top beaches: Balnearion de San Juan, Plage de Ses Illetes (Formentera), Cala Comte (Ibiza), Playa de Muro Beach (Playa de Muro), Cala Pregonda (Minorque), Cala Macarelleta (Minorque), Port de Pollença Beach (Port de Pollença), Playa de Alcudia (Port d’Alcudia), Playa de Son Bou (Alaior), Playa de Llevant (Formentera), Cala Turqueta (Ciudadela), Cala Mitjana (Cala Galdana), Playa de Migjorn (Migjorn), Cala Saladeta (Sant Antoni de Portmany), Cala Millor Beach (Cala Millor)
• Kids Parks: “Western Water Park (Magaluf), Forestal Park Mallorca (Palma de Mallorca), Aqua Center (Cala’n Blanes) Katmandu Park (Magaluf), Jungle Parc (Santa Ponsa), Marineland Majorca (Calviá), Hidropark (Port d’Alcudia), Wave House (Magaluf), Aqualand El Arenal (El Arenal), Katmandu Park (Magaluf) .
• Shopping Malls & Outlets: Centre Comercial S’Escorxador, Centro Comercial Porto Pi, Fan Mallorca Shopping (Palma de Mallorca)
• Traditional & Flea markets: Binissalem (Mallorca), Las Dalias (Ibiza), Ciutadella (Menorca), Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca), Calviá (Mallorca), ahón (Menorca), Ferreries (Menorca)
• Top golf courses: Son Gual Alcanada, Son Muntaner, Son Vida Maioris, Vall d’Or Puntiro Play with the best golf clubs sets in Spain thanks to our local partner.
• Natural Parks: Cabrera Archipelago Parc Natural de Mondrago (Cala d’Or), Lithica (Ciutadella), Parque natural s’Albufera de Mallorca (Can Picafort), Artestruz Mallorca (Campos), Parc Nacional de Cabrera (Colonia de Sant Jordi), La Gola (Port de Pollenca), Parc Natural de la Península de Llevant, Parc Natural Ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera, Mondragó Natural Park, Sa Dragonera Natural Park, Archipiélago de Cabrera National Park
• University: Universitat de les Illes Balears (Palma de Mallorca)
• Hospitals: Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Hospital Son Llàtzer (Palma de Mallorca)

Read further on the Balearic Islands and Spain

1. TOURIST OFFICES:
   • Palma de Mallorca
   • Ibiza
2. AIRPORTS: All the Spanish Airports and flights info on the official site of AENA
3. TRAINS: Renfe website
4. BEACHES: Where will you find the top beaches in Spain?
5. GOLFS: Reread our Summer paper on the subject What are the top golf courses in Spain? Play with the best golf clubs sets in Spain thanks to our local partner. Check the Spanish Federation here: Looking for a Golf Club in Spain?
6. KIDS PARKS: Our selection of the Top parks for children in Spain
7. MUST VISIT IN SPAIN: Our top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain, Find all the Unesco sites in Spain

Find all our other articles and downloadable maps on the Spanish Costas:

With our team of over 100 local real estate partners, HowtobuyinSpain helps foreigners buy real estate in Spain.

Our local experts from our network are active in all the fields you need to find your Spanish dream property:

1. Property finders
2. B&B
3. Lawyers
4. Tax
5. Architects
6. Money Transfer
7. Mortgage
8. Holiday rental management
9. Ensure your Spanish property
10. Property survey
11. Renovation

Looking for an expert in Spain? Ask us directly!

Stéphane

Senior Analyst and Strategist at HTBIS

Check the full team at HTBIS here

The post Discover the Balearic Islands appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

Click on any flag to get an automatic translation from Google Translate. Some news could have an original translation here: News Nouvelles Nieuws Noticias Nachrichten

What are the best Spanish mortgage rates?

Here is our June 2025 update with the latest data available

Leveraging our expansive network of local partners, we secure Spain’s most favourable mortgage rates for those looking to finance their homes. Throughout much of 2022, we observed significant discounts on mortgage rates as inflation surged while long-term rates remained subdued, thanks to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) efforts. In early 2025, inflation is more controlled, at 1.9% as of May 2025, returning to the low end of the range over the past three years. It appears that economies are suffering from the ECB’s restrictive monetary policy. In this context, some market experts expect the central bank to lower rates. We can already see this impacting mortgage conditions and long-term rates.

To stay informed about the latest Spanish mortgage rate trends, it’s crucial to consult real-time data from the most recent mortgages issued in Spain. This insight allows you to understand the most competitive rates currently available. Foreigners must note that rates may vary since their assets are primarily overseas.

We’ve built the most extensive database to monitor fluctuations in this sector, allowing us to generate dynamic and engaging charts. The “Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas” (INE) has recently published mortgage statistics for Spain as of March 2025, providing a clear view of current market rates.

Thanks to our network of local partners, we get the best mortgage rates in Spain if you want to finance your home in Spain. Take 30 seconds to complete this quick form to get the best Spanish mortgage rates.

1. Spanish mortgage rates: our 2-minute video

    
   Would you like to watch this video in your language? Click on the bottom right of the video on “cc” to get subtitles in your language.
   

    

2. What are the current mortgage rates in Spain?

    

   Current market conditions

   • The average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.97% (vs 3.25% end of December 2024)
   • The lowest rate ever was 2.44% reached in September 2020.
   • The average rate for variable-rate mortgages is 2.82% (vs 3.16% end of December 2024)
   • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.05% (vs 3.30% end of December 2024)

    

   Check the evolution of the mortgage rates (average, fixed and variable ) over the last years on our interactive chart (browse with the mouse to check data)

    

   What are the best mortgage rates for our customers?

   As of September 2024, our partner can get perfect conditions for mortgages for our non-resident buyers:

   • Fixed rates: from 2.85%
   • Mixed solution: from 2.50% fixed for 5 years, after Euribor + 0.75%
   • Variable rates: from 2.50% fixed for 1 year, after Euribor + 0.75%

   And of course, they don’t stop with foreigners, our partner gets very competitive mortgage rates for Spaniards:

   • Fixed rates: from 2.52% (if taking other products like insurance from the bank, for instance,…)
   • Mixed solution: from 1.50% fixed for 5 years, after Euribor + 0.60%
   • Variable rates: from 1.35% fixed for 1 year, after Euribor + 0.25%

   So, don’t hesitate to fill out this quick form if you want a free quote from our partner. They specialise in working with foreigners looking for a mortgage in Spain. Please note that to get the best rates, banks add some conditions, as in your home country.

   Essential information on Spanish Mortgages for non-residents

   As a non-resident, you can take a mortgage to finance your second home or your investment. Of course, since your assets won’t be based in Spain, the bank will require warranties and generally won’t allow a loan-to-value ratio of more than 70%. The loan-to-value is the amount of mortgage you can get divided by the value of your property before tax, but this percentage is only for reasonable inquiry. Don’t hesitate to ask for a free quote from our mortgage broker; he knows exactly how it works and which Spanish banks are friendly to foreigners.

   Don’t miss our new detailed article on that subject: Mortgage rates in Spain for non-residents: our detailed guide.
   

   

   Get the best mortgage rate in Spain

    

3. Calculate the cost of your Spanish mortgage

    
   Check our ultimate Spanish mortgage calculator.

   To help you out, we’ve created an easy-to-use table showing the monthly repayments depending on the amount you want to borrow for a mortgage. If you want to go deeper into details, use our calculator to fine-tune your mortgage to your situation, and you will find out what your monthly payments, mortgage schedule, etc., would be.

    

   

   We developed a detailed mortgage calculator: Payment schedule, monthly payments,…

   What is the cost of a €100,000 mortgage over 10 years?

   If you want to go into the details, here is a calculation example we did:

   As you will see, if you take out a €100,000 mortgage for 10 years at a rate of 3.5%, your monthly payment to repay the mortgage will be €989.

   Thanks to our Spanish mortgage rate calculator, you can change any number and calculate what your situation would be.

    

   Summary table of your monthly reimbursements for a €100.000 Mortgage

   €100,000	10 Year	12 Year	14 Year	16 Year	18 Year	20 Year
   Rates	120 months	144 months	168 months	192 months	216 months	240 months
   1.50%	-€898	-€759	-€660	-€586	-€529	-€483
   2.00%	-€920	-€782	-€683	-€609	-€552	-€506
   2.50%	-€943	-€805	-€706	-€632	-€575	-€530
   3.00%	-€966	-€828	-€730	-€656	-€600	-€555
   3.50%	-€989	-€851	-€754	-€681	-€625	-€580
   4.00%	-€1,012	-€876	-€778	-€706	-€650	-€606

    

4. Buy to let in Spain?

    
   If you are about to invest in Spain, it is always interesting to compare the financing conditions with your return prospects. Check our last article on that subject:

   What return will you make on your Spanish Property investment? If you see your property investment in Spain as an investment, adding some financing (without being crazy) will increase your return and decrease your costs.

    

5. Should I take a mortgage with fixed or variable rates?

    
   Fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgages are the two main categories of mortgages you can choose from. Of course, there are many other possibilities between the two.

   Check the evolution of the percentage of mortgages with fixed and variable rates, with the inflation rate

    

   The Spanish mortgage market has undergone a dramatic transformation since 2021. Our latest data shows 64% of property investors now choose fixed-rate mortgages at 3.17%, while just 36% opt for variable rates – a complete reversal from the pre-2021 landscape when variable rates dominated at 60-65%.

   This shift tells a compelling story: When inflation exploded from near-zero to 11% in 2022, investors rushed to lock in fixed rates, pushing fixed-rate adoption to 75% at its peak. Now, even as inflation has cooled to 2.30%, the majority remains cautious – maintaining their preference for fixed-rate protection.

   The key takeaway: Spanish property investors have learned from the recent inflation shock. Despite rates declining from their peaks, 64% still choose the certainty of fixed rates over potential savings from variable options. This persistent preference for stability suggests the market anticipates future inflation risks – a view we share, as we believe current inflation levels represent the lower end of the range.

    

   Why would you take a fixed-rate mortgage?

   A fixed-rate mortgage has the advantage that, regardless of future market conditions, it will remain the same. To get that advantage, you will, on average, pay a higher rate than with a variable-rate mortgage. For instance, as of September 2024, mortgages with variable rates were issued at rates of 2.92%, while those with fixed rates were issued at 3.30% for an average length of 24 years.

   Why would you take a mortgage with a variable rate?

   It could be because it is less expensive than a mortgage with fixed rates (monthly instalments) because you don’t see inflation or rates going higher or because you are comfortable financially and can face higher rates in the future. Another reason variable rates cost less than fixed rates is that for the banks issuing them, it matches their sources of funds, such as savings accounts, and they take less risk by issuing them rather than fixed-rate mortgages.
   To sum up, if you want safety, take a fixed-rate mortgage. If you see inflation spiking or interest rates going higher (in general due to a strong economy) you could as well go for a fixed-rate mortgage. Of course, the longer your mortgage is, the higher your risk will be.
   Don’t hesitate to ask your Spanish mortgage broker for pricing with both and compare both offers.

    

   Inflation update since the start of 2023

   After the big inflation spike of 2022 around the world and in Spain, inflation in Spain is finally moderating to +2.2% as of August 2024. We note that since 2022, the trend has changed clearly, and the majority of mortgages are issued with fixed rates. We kept telling you in 2022 to lock in those crazy long-term rate levels… remember our chart:

   

   As we enter 2025, with inflation now at what we view as the lower end of its range, we see a higher risk of inflation rising from here. Some people see a real risk of inflation staying high, which in turn should lead to higher variable rates. Since June 2023, we have still seen fixed-rate mortgage initiations dominate, and we believe this trend should continue. While rates have declined through late 2024 and early 2025, we strongly recommend locking in fixed rates now while they remain historically attractive. As of early 2025, with both short-term and long-term rates converging around 2.3-2.4%, this presents an excellent opportunity to secure predictable financing costs before potential inflation pressures push rates higher again. Check our interactive chart on that.

   We wrote an article on that subject: “Fixed or Variable Mortgage for My Spanish Home?“

 

6. How do you secure the best mortgage rates in Spain?

    
   You are about to buy a lovely second home in Spain. Do you want to know how to get the best mortgage rates on your Spanish property? Even as a foreigner?
   Check our detailed paper on this subject and follow the link or listen to our 2-minute video on how to apply for your mortgage up to the end and get all our tips to get the best rates:
   

    
   You have to ask yourself: What is the ideal mortgage customer for a bank? The bank will take a risk, the risk of not being repaid. In this case, the bank will need to take legal action to control your property and sell it on the market afterwards. We saw what happened after the 2008 financial crisis: thousands of properties were handed over to banks as owners couldn’t pay their mortgages.

   The ideal mortgage customer for a Spanish bank

   • has a good professional profile: he is employed and has a stable, nice income stream,
   • has a good credit report, he does not have too much debt vs. his income,
   • can afford to have debts: his debt-to-income ratio is under 35%, which means that his monthly net income is three times bigger than his monthly debt repayments.
   • The property has a good resale value:
     1. The property price is correct vs. the market
     2. There is demand in the market for such a property
   • is coming from OECD countries. As you know, with anti-money laundering laws that have gone into effect across Europe, it is challenging for banks to lend to residents of certain countries. Of course, if you are a resident of the European Union, it will be the easiest.

    

   

   How to get the best rates as a non-resident?

    

   Get a free mortgage quote

   At howtobuyinSpain.com, you’re in good hands. We work with a mortgage broker who gets the best mortgage prices from all Spanish banks. Depending on your profile, some banks will be more aggressive, while others won’t. Our mortgage partner knows that, and they will go to the best bank or will ask for quotes from many Spanish banks to get you the best quote. They work with all the biggest Spanish banks, including BBVA, Bankia, and Santander. Get a free mortgage quote from our partner.

 

7. Spanish Mortgage Rates: Market Insights and Trends

    

   423,761 mortgages issued in Spain in 2024

   2022 was a record year for mortgage rates in Spain, with 464,000 credits issued. Even stronger than 2021, which was already strong. So, in 2024, with the rise of interest rates, the number of mortgages is back to a strong level and growing 11% vs previous year (which was itself a weak year with a decrease of 18%), while at the same time, the number of transactions increased by 7% to 636,909.

   A healthy market: Only 67% of properties are bought with a mortgage (vs 64% in 2023). In our opinion, the market is not over-leveraged. Have a quick look at the table for statistics since 2015. Yes, we are far from the high-leverage situation we had in 2007.

    

   Last but not least, it is always interesting to know the long-term rates and the Euribor, as those are the rates at which Spanish banks get financed.

   Spanish Bank Financing Costs: 10-Year Bond Yields vs. Euribor Rates (2020-2025)

    

    

   The chart reveals a fascinating story of European monetary policy and interest rate evolution:

   The Ultra-Low Rate Era (2020-2022)

   From 2020 through early 2022, all rates remained historically low. The 10-year Spanish bond yield hovered between 0% and 0.5%, while both 1-month and 12-month Euribor rates were actually negative – a remarkable period where banks essentially paid to borrow money.

   The Great Rate Surge (2022-2024)

   Starting in early 2022, we witnessed a dramatic shift. All three rates exploded upward in response to the ECB’s aggressive monetary tightening to combat inflation:

   • 10-year bonds peaked around 3.7% in late 2023
   • 12-month Euribor reached above 4%
   • 1-month Euribor climbed to nearly 4%

   The Turning Point (Late 2024-2025)

   The most encouraging development for investors is the clear reversal beginning in late 2024. As of early 2025, all rates have begun declining:

   • 1-month Euribor: 2.4% (down from ~4%)
   • 12-month Euribor: 2.3% (down from >4%)
   • 10-year bond: 2.8% (down from ~3.7%)

   Implications for Property Investors – Our View

   While the current rate decline is encouraging, we believe investors are seeing a critical inflection point. With inflation now at what we view as the lower end of its range, we see asymmetric risks tilted toward higher inflation from here. In this environment, we strongly recommend property investors lock in long-term fixed rates now. The convergence of short and long-term rates around 2.3-2.4% presents an excellent opportunity to secure predictable financing costs before potential inflation pressures push rates higher again.

   The strong 11% year-over-year growth in Spanish mortgage issuance suggests the market agrees – now is the time to act on financing while rates remain historically attractive.

    

   Historical evolution of Spanish mortgage rates and other & useful information

   • The average mortgage duration is 25 years
   • Only 9% of issued mortgages in Spain are more significant than 80% of the property value.
   • 33% have variable interest rates (vs 37% in December 2024)
   • 67% have fixed interest rates (vs 63% in December 2024)
   • The average amount issued per mortgage is €156,700.

    

   Check the evolution of the average amount issued per mortgage over the last year in Spain in our interactive chart

   • How much leverage is given by banks? What is the average Loan-to-Value in Spain? (If your property value is 100%, how big will your mortgage be?) The quick answer is 64%.
   • 42,831 mortgages were issued +48% vs last year.
   • € 6.7 billion of mortgages issued for housing in March 2025, +65% compared to 2024.

    

8. Resources on Spanish mortgage rates

    

   Discover the best new build projects in Spain.

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   New build for sale in Spain € 529,000

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   New build for sale in Spain € 319,000

   2 beds 2 baths 87 m²

    

   Check out our latest articles on Spanish mortgage rates

   • Spanish Mortgages for Non-Residents: Our Detailed Guide.
   • Mortgage rates comparison between all European countries, and why Spain as advantages…
   • Your definitive guide to your Spanish mortgage
   • Our ultimate mortgage calculator
   • Is it easy to get a Spanish mortgage as a foreigner in a post-COVID-19 world?
   • How do I choose between fixed and variable rates for a mortgage?

   All our interactive charts in this article are available in a downloadable format

    

    

   

   The average Spanish mortgage loan-to-value ratio is 64% in 2025, recovering from recent dips but still below 2019 peaks. Data shows banks’ willingness to finance property purchases has stabilised after pandemic-era fluctuations.

   

   Spanish banks show remarkable lending restraint in 2025, with just 8.6% of mortgages financing above 80% of property value, down sharply from 15% in 2020. This conservative approach protects the banking sector and homebuyers from overleveraging in Spain’s robust but carefully regulated property market.

   

   Spanish Bank Financing Costs_ 10-Year Bond Yields vs. Euribor Rates (2020-2025)

   

   Line graph showing the average size of a mortgage in Spain from 01/2019 to 05/2023, peaking sharply in early 2020 and ending at €152,000—an essential trend for those tracking Spanish mortgage rates for non-residents.

   

   Spanish mortgage activity showed robust 11% growth in 2024, with 423,741 new loans issued against 636,909 property sales. While still below the 2022 peak, the upward trend and 67% mortgage utilization rate suggest renewed confidence in Spain’s real estate financing market after the 2023 contraction.

   

   Line graph compares percentages of fixed and variable rate mortgages in Spain, highlighting a shift toward fixed rates around 2022. Annotations indicate inflation, interest rates, and trends in Spanish mortgage rates 2025.

   

   Line chart showing mortgage in Spain and inflation for April 2025: Fixed rate at 3.17%, variable at 2.94%, average at 3.08%, and inflation rate at 2.30%.

   

   Spanish mortgage durations have steadily lengthened since 2020, reaching an average of 25 years in 2025. While shorter than the 30-year standard in some countries, this represents a gradual extension of loan terms in Spain’s property market, potentially helping buyers manage monthly payments despite rising property values.

   FAQ Spanish mortgage rates

   How much deposit do I need for a Spanish mortgage?

   For your second residence and as a non-fiscal resident, a bank will finance no more than 70 % of the value of your property. This means that you would need to invest at least 45% of the property value from your assets.

   What is the interest rate in Spain?

   As of March 2025, the average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.97%. The lowest rate ever was 2.44%, very close to the current level! The average mortgage duration is 25 years 33% have variable interest rates 67% have fixed interest rates. The average rate for variable-rate mortgages is 2.82%, and The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.05%. Read our dedicated article on that subject for more recent data.

   Can foreigners get a mortgage in Spain?

   Yes, foreigners can get a mortgage up to 70% of the Value of a property.

   Can I get a Spanish mortgage?

   It is very easy to get a mortgage in Spain. What are the documents requested? Your Passport / ID for all the applicants Your NIE: “Número de identificación fiscal para extranjeros” or Foreign Resident’s Tax Number. How do you get your NIE in Spain? What do you need to get it? Why do you need it? Last 3 paychecks with the contract of employment Proof of income/Contract A view of your assets and debts If it’s a new building: the “Deed for the new building” The private sale-purchase contract If you have a mortgage at home, land registry information on the property and the mortgage If pensioners: Official proof of annual income.

   

   Here are the statistics for earlier years:

    

   1. 1. • • The Spanish mortgage rates situation for December 2021

             1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.53%
                • The lowest rate ever was 2.44% reached in Nov 2020!
                • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                • 32% have variable interest rates
                • 68% have fixed interest rates
                • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.08%,
                • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.8%,
                • The average amount issued per mortgage is €145,500: an increase of 1.9% vs last year.
                • 32,905 mortgages were issued +23% vs last year.
                • 4,8 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in December 2021, +32% vs last year.

              

             The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued (Monthly):

             1. 1. • Aragon, +33% to 1.159 mortgages
                   • Extremadura, +29% to 683 mortgages

             The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued (Annual)

             1. • Balears, 211m€, +116%
                • La Rioja, 19m€, +77%
                • Aragon, 169m€, +70%

    

   The Spanish mortgage rates situation for October 2021

   1. 1. • • 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.48%
                                     • The lowest rate ever was 2.44% reached in Nov 2020!
                                     • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                     • 33% have variable interest rates
                                     • 67% have fixed interest rates
                                     • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.11%,
                                     • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.7%,
                                     • The average amount issued per mortgage is €137,900: an increase of 1.9% vs last year.
                                     • 33,105 mortgages were issued +67% vs last year.
                                     • 4,6 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in August 2021, +70% vs last year.

    

   The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued (Monthly):

   1. 1. • • 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Navarra, +77% to 510 mortgages
                                     • Murcia, +7% to 1,099 mortgages
                                     • Andalusia, +2% to 6,589 mortgages

   The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued (Annual)

   1. • • • • • • • • • • • • Madrid, 1.2bn€, +89%
                            • Andalusia, 793m€, +89%
                            • Catalonia, 863m€, +87%

        • The Spanish mortgage rates situation for February 2021

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.49%
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.44% reached in Nov 2020!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 47.3% have variable interest rates
                                  • 52.7% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.16%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.88%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €131,380: an decrease of 13.8% vs last year.
                                  • 31,647 mortgages were issued -23.1% vs last year.
                                  • 4,1 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in February 2021, -29.9% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued (Monthly):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Murcia, +45% to 1007 mortgages
                                  • La Rioja, +40% to 215 mortgages
                                  • Valencian Community, +24% to 3600 mortgages

          The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued (Annual)

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Navarra, 54m€, +19%
                                  • La Rioja, 18m€, +16%
                                  • Gallicia, 116m€, +13%

        • The Spanish mortgage rates situation for January 2021

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.47%
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.44% reached in Nov 2020!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 48.8% have variable interest rates
                                  • 51.2% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.17%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.81%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €129,003: an increase of 13.5% vs last year.
                                  • 27,518 mortgages were issued -31.6% vs last year.
                                  • 3,5 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in January 2021, -22.4% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued (Monthly):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Navarra, +63% to 458 mortgages
                                  • Balears, +27% to 643 mortgages
                                  • La Rioja, +24.4% to 153 mortgages

          The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued (Annual)

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Cantabria, 40m€, +0%
                                  • Catalonia, 758m€, -7%
                                  • Castilla y Leon, 126m€, -9%

        • The Spanish mortgage rates situation for December 2020

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.53%
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.44% reached in Nov 2020!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 51.6% have variable interest rates
                                  • 48.4% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.20%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.97%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €135,658: an increase of 9.2% vs last year.
                                  • 26,128 mortgages were issued -14.8% vs last year.
                                  • 3,5 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in December 2020, -7% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued (Monthly):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Cantabria, +9.3% to 354 mortgages
                                  • Extremadura, +4.8% to 551 mortgages
                                  • Aragon, +0.2% to 862 mortgages

          The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued (Annual)

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Aragon, 111m€, +62%
                                  • Castilla y Leon, 118m€, + 38%
                                  • Galicia, 123m€, +34%

        • The Spanish mortgage rates situation for November 2020

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.45%
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.44% reached in Nov 2020!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 52.6% have variable interest rates
                                  • 47.4% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.05%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.86%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €136,676: an increase of 5.5% vs last year.
                                  • 28,756 mortgages were issued +2.4% vs last year.
                                  • 3,9 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing inNovember 2020, +3% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued (Monthly):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Pais Vasco, +19% to 1729 mortgages
                                  • Cantabria, +16% to 324 mortgages
                                  • Catalonia, +15% to 4711 mortgages

          The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued (Annual)

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Castilla – La Mancha, 115m€, +32%
                                  • Aragon, 97m€, +31%
                                  • Galicia, 104m€, +21%

        • The Spanish mortgage rates situation for October 2020

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.47%
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.44% reached in Nov 2020!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 25 years
                                  • 51.1% have variable interest rates
                                  • 48.9% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.19%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.85%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €134,900: an increase of 4.6% vs last year.
                                  • 28,248 mortgages were issued -5.9% vs last year.
                                  • 3,8 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in October 2020, -1.6% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued (Monthly):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Castilla y Leon, +28% to 1226 mortgages
                                  • La Rioja, +26% to 179 mortgages
                                  • Navarra, +21% to 332 mortgages

          The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued (Annual)

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Extremadura, 40m€, +29%
                                  • Aragon, 93m€, +23%
                                  • Asturias, 46m€, +19%

        • The Spanish mortgage rates situation for September 2020

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.44%
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.44% reached in Nov 2019!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 51.5% have variable interest rates
                                  • 48.5% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.12%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.84%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €135,035: a decrease of 1% vs last year.
                                  • 26,878 mortgages were issued 18.4% vs last year.
                                  • 3,6 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in September 2020, +17.2% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Madrid, +66% to 5,077 mortgages
                                  • Balearic Islands, +63% to 823 mortgages
                                  • Catalonia, +42.4% to 3,968 mortgages

          The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Extremadura, 51m€, +220%
                                  • La Rioja, 13m€, +106%
                                  • Cantabria, 39m€, +106%
                                  • Asturias, 55m€, +105%

        • The Spanish mortgage rates situation for August 2020

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.49% (vs 2.54% last month)
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.47% reached in Nov 2019!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 50.6% have variable interest rates
                                  • 49.4% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.18%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.87%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €134,700: an increase of 4% vs last year.
                                  • 19,825 mortgages were issued -3% vs last year.
                                  • 3,7 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in August 2020, +0.5% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Navarra, +32% to 286 mortgages
                                  • Castilla – La Mancha, +15% to 981 mortgages
                                  • Cantabria, +12% to 279 mortgages

          The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • La Rioja, 15m€, +145%
                                  • Canarias, 126m€, +91%
                                  • Castilla – La Mancha, 94m€, +49%
                                  • Extremadura, 33m€, +34%

          1. The Spanish mortgage rates situation for July 2020

             1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.54% (vs 2.49% last month)
                                     • The lowest rate ever was 2.47% reached in Nov 2019!
                                     • The average mortgage duration is 23 years
                                     • 47.5% have variable interest rates
                                     • 52.5% have fixed interest rates
                                     • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.27%,
                                     • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.86%,
                                     • The average amount issued per mortgage is €132,346: an increase of 8.9% vs last year.
                                     • 26,014 mortgages were issued -23% vs last year.
                                     • 3,4 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in July 2020, -16% vs last year.

              

             The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued:

             1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • La Rioja, +51% to 202 mortgages
                                     • Canarias, +45% to 1,221 mortgages
                                     • Valencian community, +31% to 3,341 mortgages

             The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued

             1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Basque Country, 282m€, +33%

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation for June 2020

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.5% (vs 2.49% last month)
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.47% reached in Nov 2019!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 23 years
                                  • 54% have variable interest rates
                                  • 46% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.11%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.96%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €131,670: an increase of 7.5% vs last year.
                                  • 26,748 mortgages were issued -13% vs last year.
                                  • 3,5 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in June 2020, -6% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Basque Country, +129% to 2,811 mortgages
                                  • Extremadura, +79% to 562 mortgages
                                  • Murcia, +59% to 798 mortgages

           

          The top regions in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (change vs 1 year ago):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Basque Country, 366m€, +95%
                                  • Extremadura, 45m€, +85%
                                  • Murcia, 68m€, +57%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in May 2020

          Best mortgage conditions in Spain?

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.49% (vs 2.48% last month)
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.47% reached in Nov 2019!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 23 years
                                  • 50.5% have variable interest rates
                                  • 49.5% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.11%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €127,145: an increase of 3.2% vs last year.
                                  • 25,538 mortgages were issued -27% vs last year.
                                  • 3.2 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in May 2020, -29% vs last year.

           

          The top regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Andalusia, +6.8% to 5,580 mortgages
                                  • Basque Country, +6.5% to 1,221 mortgages
                                  • Galicia, +6.4% to 820 mortgages

           

          The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (change vs 1 year ago):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Murcia, 56.8 M€, +22%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in April 2020

          Best mortgage conditions in Spain?

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.48% (vs 2.56% last month)
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.47% reached in Nov 2019!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 48.4% have variable interest rates
                                  • 51.6% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.13%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.86%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €125,300: an decrease of 1.2% vs last year.
                                  • 23,840 mortgages were issued -18% vs last year.
                                  • 3 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in April 2020, -19% vs last year.

           

          The 3 regions with the biggest decreases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Andalusia, +6.8% to 5,580 mortgages
                                  • Basque Country, +6.5% to 1,221 mortgages
                                  • Galicia, +6.4% to 820 mortgages

           

          The top region in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (change vs 1 year ago):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Murcia, 56.8 M€, +22%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in March 2020

          Best mortgage conditions in Spain?

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.56%
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.47% reached in November 2019!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 23 years
                                  • 47% have variable interest rates
                                  • 53% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.21%,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.92%,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €127,888: an increase of 1.6% vs last year.
                                  • 26,382 mortgages were issued -15% vs last year.
                                  • 3.4 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in March 2020, -13% vs last year.

           

          The top region with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • La Rioja, +44% to 254 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (change vs 1 year ago):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Aragon, 93 M€, +48%
                                  • Asturias, 57 M€, +24%
                                  • Cantabria, 34M€, +8%

           

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in February 2020

          Best mortgage conditions in Spain?

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.64% (vs 2.55% last month)
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.47% reached in November 2019!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 23 years
                                  • 62% have variable interest rates
                                  • 37% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.47%
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.02%

           

          The 3 regions with the biggest decreases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Navarre, -45% to 373 mortgages
                                  • Asturias, -38% to 694 mortgages
                                  • Canary Islands, -31% to 1.035 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (change vs 1 year ago):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Catalonia, 2.378 M€, +200%
                                  • Andalusia, 1.109 M€, +57%
                                  • Aragon, +30%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in January 2020

          Best mortgage conditions in Spain?

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.55% (vs 2.53% last month)
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.47% reached in November 2019!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 22 years
                                  • 58% have variable interest rates
                                  • 42% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.22%
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.05%

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Balearic Islands, +144% to 1.494 mortgages
                                  • Asturias, +134% to 1.120 mortgages
                                  • Castilla y Leon, +111% to 1.884 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (change vs 1 year ago):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • La Roja, 20 M€, +84%
                                  • Navarre, 71 M€, +75%
                                  • Balearic Islands, +74%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in December 2019

          Best mortgage conditions in Spain?

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.53% (vs 2.47% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 5% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.47% reached in November 2019!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 23 years
                                  • 56% have variable interest rates
                                  • 44% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.2%, 9.1% less than 1 year ago
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.06%, 2.6% more than 1 year ago

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Castilla – La Mancha, +97% to 1.952 mortgages
                                  • Canary Islands, +55% to 1.824 mortgages
                                  • Madrid, +23% to 6.787 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (change vs 1 year ago):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Castilla – La Mancha, 143 M€, +137%
                                  • Madrid, 1.114 M€, +57%
                                  • Canary Islands, +54%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in November 2019

          Best mortgage conditions in Spain?

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.47% (vs 2.5% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 6.1% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is the current rate 2.47%!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 57.3% have variable interest rates
                                  • 42.7% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.15%, 12.1% less than 1 year ago
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.01%, 0.3% more than 1 year ago
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €129,800: a decrease of 2.1% vs last year.
                                  • 29,416 mortgages were issued -0.5% vs last year.
                                  • 3.8 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in October 2019, -0.9% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          All the regions noticed a month on month decrease

          Here are the most noticeable regions:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Extremadura, +26.4% to 526 mortgages
                                  • Cantabria, +13.6% to 376 mortgages
                                  • Valencia Community, +12.8% to 3614 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (change vs 1 year ago):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Extremadura, 48 M€, +72%
                                  • Balearic Islands, 200 M€, +37%
                                  • Cantabria, 43 M€, +36%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in October 2019

          Best mortgage conditions in Spain?

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.50% (vs 2.51% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 5% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is the current rate 2.50%!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 54.7% have variable interest rates
                                  • 45.3% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.09%, 11.2% less than 1 year ago
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.02%, 1.4% less than 1 year ago
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €129,000: a decrease of 2.1% vs last year.
                                  • 29,691 mortgages were issued -1.1% vs last year.
                                  • 3.8 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in September 2019, -1.1% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          All the regions noticed a month on month decrease

          Here are the most noticeable regions:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • La Rioja, +127% to 186 mortgages
                                  • Extremadura, +92% to 416 mortgages
                                  • Cantabria, +80% to 331 mortgages

           

          The top 5 regions in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (change vs 1 year ago):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Madrid, 936 M€, -12%
                                  • Catalonia, 788 M€, -12%
                                  • Andalusia, 660 M€, +8%
                                  • Valencia Community, 327 M€, +20%
                                  • Basque Country, 235 M€, +20%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in September 2019

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.51% (vs 2.55% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 3% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is the current rate 2.51%!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 63.4% have variable interest rates
                                  • 36.6% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.13%, 9.3% less than 1 year ago
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.16%, 2.5% less than 1 year ago
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €135,452: a increase of 5.3% vs last year.
                                  • 22,488 mortgages were issued -29.9% vs last year.
                                  • 3 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in August 2019, -29.9% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest increases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Navarre, +50% to 328 mortgages
                                  • Madrid, +47% to 4,708 mortgages
                                  • Castilla La Mancha, +26% to 897 mortgages

           

          The top 5 regions in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (change vs 1 year ago):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Madrid, 936 M€, -27%
                                  • Catalonia, 545 M€, -28%
                                  • Andalusia, 463 M€, -29%
                                  • Valencian Community, 255 M€, -29%
                                  • Basque Country, 203 M€, -21%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in August 2019

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.55% (vs 2.56% last month)
                                    • The average mortgage rate decreased by 3% vs 1 year ago
                                    • The lowest rate ever is the current rate 2.55!
                                    • The average mortgage duration is 23 years
                                    • 60.7% have variable interest rates
                                    • 39.3% have fixed interest rates
                                    • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.21%, 3.2% less than 1 year ago
                                    • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.18%, 1.5% more than 1 year ago
                                    • 20,385 mortgages were issued -29.9% vs last year.
                                    • The average amount issued per mortgage is €128,501: a increase of 5% vs last year.
                                    • 2,6 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in August 2019, -29.9% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest decreases for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

           

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • La Rioja, -72% to 74 mortgages
                                  • Extremadura, -57% to 279 mortgages
                                  • Castilla La Mancha, -53% to 714 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest decreases in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (yearly change):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • La Rioja, -65% to 6m issued
                                  • Extremadura, -56% to 23m issued
                                  • Canariasa, -45% to 66m issued

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in July 2019

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.56% (vs 2.57% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 1.2% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is the current rate 2.56!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 23 years
                                  • 58.1% have variable interest rates
                                  • 41.9% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.14%, 7.3% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.16%, 2.8% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €121,414: a decrease of 2,5% vs last year.
                                  • 33,344 mortgages were issued +13.1% vs last year.
                                  • 6,3 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in July 2019, +15.2% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          For a first time since long, all the regions suffer a month on month negative growth. The one with the smallest decreases are

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • La Rioja, +79.3% to 269 mortgages
                                  • Castilla La Mancha, +44% to 1,508 mortgages
                                  • Asturias, +37% to 671 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (yearly change):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Extremadura, +45.9% to 652 mortgages
                                  • Castilla La Mancha, +38% to 1,508 mortgages
                                  • Castilla y Leon, +33.9% to 1,430 mortgages

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in June 2019

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.57% (vs 2.62% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 3% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.57!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 55.5% have variable interest rates
                                  • 44.5% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.29%, 6.1% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.01%, 1.3% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €119,964: a increase of 3,7% vs last year.
                                  • 29,900 mortgages were issued -2.5% vs last year.
                                  • 3,6 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in May 2019, -6.1% vs last year.

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          For a first time since long, all the regions suffer a month on month negative growth. The one with the smallest decreases are

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Region of Murcia, -2.6% to 824 mortgages
                                  • Community of Navarra, -4.5% to 383 mortgages
                                  • Basque country, -5.2% to 1,703 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (yearly change):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Community of Valencia, +16.9% to 3,748 mortgages
                                  • Region of Murcia, +12% to 824 mortgages
                                  • Basque country, +9.3% to 1,703 mortgages

           

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in May 2019

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.59% (same as last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 2.9% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.57!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 56.8% have variable interest rates
                                  • 43.2% have fixed interest rates (+6.7% vs last year)
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.3%, 5.1% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.09%, 1.8% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €124,700: a increase of 3.9% vs last year.
                                  • 29,032 mortgages were issued -0.1% vs last year.
                                  • 3.6 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in April 2019, +0.6% vs last year.

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Community of Navarra, +45.3% to 510 mortgages
                                  • Aragon, +19.7% to 814 mortgages
                                  • Asturias, +11.9% to 556 mortgages

           

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in March 2019

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.62% (same as last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 2.3% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.57!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 58.1% have variable interest rates
                                  • 41.9% have fixed interest rates (+24.5% vs last year)
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.34%, 2.7% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.11%, 1.6% more than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €125,341: a increase of 3.9% vs last year.
                                  • 30,716 mortgages were issued + 9.2% vs last year.
                                  • 3.8 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in March 2019, +20.3% vs last year.

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • The Balearic Islands, +47% to 1,159 mortgages
                                  • Andalusia, +17% to 6,069 mortgages
                                  • Extremadura, +14% to 503 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (yearly change):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • The Balearic Islands, +49% to 1,159 mortgages
                                  • Extremadura, +36% to 503 mortgages
                                  • Murcia, +31% to 503 mortgages

           

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in February 2019

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.62% (vs 2.57% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 1.1% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The current rate: 2.62% is close to the lowest rate ever of 2.57!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 23 years
                                  • 58.2% have variable interest rates
                                  • 41.8% have fixed interest rates (+17.4% vs last year)
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.37%, 4% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.05%, 0.4% more than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €123,911: a increase of 2.9% vs last year.
                                  • 31.018 mortgages were issued + 9.2% vs last year.
                                  • 3.8 € Bn of mortgages issued for housing in February 2019, +12.3% vs last year.

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          After a seasonally slower December, January looks even stronger vs December:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Asturias, +24.9% to 728 mortgages
                                  • Catalonia, +8.4% to 5.448 mortgages
                                  • Pais Vasco, + 2.9% to 1.713 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (yearly change):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Asturias, +56% to 728 mortgages
                                  • Castilla – La Mancha, +43% to 1.321 mortgages
                                  • La Rioja, + 39% to 241 mortgages

           

          The 6 regions with the biggest growth on the full year 2018

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • The Valencian Community, +15.7% to 38.004 mortgages
                                  • The Community of Madrid, +14.9% to 65.503 mortgages
                                  • Castilla – La Mancha, +14.8% to 12.501 mortgages
                                  • La Rioja, +13.5% to 2.332 mortgages
                                  • The Community of Navarre, +13.4% to 4.615 mortgages
                                  • Catalonia, +13% to 57.477 mortgages
                                  • Extremadura, +12.3% to 5.550 mortgages

           

          The 4 most active regions in 2018

          No surprises, we keep the same regions as the most active ones in terms of transactions:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • The Community of Madrid, 65.503 mortgages with a growth of 14.9%
                                  • The Andalusia, 65.431 mortgages with a growth of 8.6%
                                  • Catalonia, 57.477 mortgages with a growth of 14.9%
                                  • The Valencian Community, 38.004 mortgages with a growth of 15.7%

           

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in January 2019

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.57% (vs 2.62% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 4.3% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The current rate: 2.57% is the lowest rate ever!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 22 years
                                  • 62.8% have variable interest rates
                                  • 37.2% have fixed interest rates (+9.1% vs last year)
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.32%, 8% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.09%, 1.6% more than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €121,036: a decrease of -0.7% vs last year.
                                  • 36.832 mortgages were issued + 22.5% vs last year.
                                  • 4.4 € Bn of mortgages issued in January 2019, +21.6% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          After a seasonally slower December, January looks even stronger vs December:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Madrid Community, +168% to 10.478 mortgages
                                  • Castilla – La Mancha, +101% to 1.485 mortgages
                                  • Extremadura, + 76% to 542 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (yearly change):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Madrid Community, +105% to 10.478 mortgages
                                  • Castilla – La Mancha, +25% to 1.485 mortgages
                                  • Aragón, + 17% to 910 mortgages

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in December 2018

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.62% (vs 2.61% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 3.9% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.57%!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 58.6% have variable interest rates
                                  • 41.4% have fixed interest rates (+9.1% vs last year)
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.42%, 4.7% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.98%, 4.8% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €126,394: an increased of 9.4% vs last year.
                                  • 20.933 mortgages were issued + 0.9% vs last year.
                                  • 2.6 € Bn of mortgages issued in December 2018, +10.4% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          All the regions had a negative growth. Of course December is well known for being less busy all over the world.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (yearly change):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • The Basque Country, +20.1% to 1.333 mortgages
                                  • The Valencian Community, +17.3% to 2.456 mortgages
                                  • Catalonia, +12% to 3.390 mortgages

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in November 2018

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.61% (vs 2.57% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 5.7% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.57%!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 23 years
                                  • 64% have variable interest rates
                                  • 36% have fixed interest rates (+25.9% vs last year)
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.42%, 0.7% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.07%, 14.1% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €130,651: an increased of 5.5% vs last year.
                                  • 28.835 mortgages were issued + 14.2% vs last year.
                                  • 5.6 € Bn of mortgages issued in November 2018, +13.7% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • The Canary Islands, +39.4% to 1.299 mortgages
                                  • The Balearic Islands, +17.8% to 899 mortgages
                                  • Asturies, +4.7% to 532 mortgages

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (yearly change):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • The Canary Islands, +28.6% to 1.299 mortgages
                                  • Catalonia, +25% to 5.363 mortgages
                                  • The Valencian Community, +24.4% to 3.178 mortgages

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in October 2018

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.57% (vs 2.59% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 4.3% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.57%! YES, the current rate!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 60.4% have variable interest rates
                                  • 39.6% have fixed interest rates (+25.9% vs last year)
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.43%, 2.9% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.99%, 3.7% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €126,926: an increased of 4.6% vs last year.
                                  • 30.356 mortgages were issued + 20.4% vs last year.
                                  • 5.8 € Bn of mortgages issued in October 2018, +13.9% vs last year.

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Navarra Community, +21.6% to 472 mortgages
                                  • Catalonia, +10.7% to 5.808 mortgages
                                  • Castilla y Leon, +4.8% to 1.153 mortgages

          The top 3 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (yearly change):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Navarra Community, +53.7% to 472 mortgages
                                  • Catalonia, +40.7% to 5.808 mortgages
                                  • Aragon, +36.8% to 729 mortgages

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in September 2018

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.59% (vs 2.62% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 8.3% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.59%!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 59.9% have variable interest rates
                                  • 40.1% have fixed interest rates (+16.7% vs last year)
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.36%, 10.8% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.02%, 5.9% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage is €127,732: an increased of 4.1% vs last year.
                                  • 32.457 mortgages were issued + 9.5% vs last year.
                                  • 6.6 € Bn of mortgages issued in September 2018, +10% vs last year.

          The top 4 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are (monthly changes):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Valencian Community, +32.5% to 3.863 mortgages
                                  • Madrid, +30.6% to 6.530 mortgages
                                  • Murcia, +21.5% to 866 mortgages
                                  • Catalonia, +18.4% to 5.246 mortgages

          The top 4 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are (yearly change):

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • La Rioja, +123%
                                  • Extremadura, +54%
                                  • The community of Navarre, +37%
                                  • Madrid, +28%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in August 2018

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.62% (vs 2.59% last month)
                                  • The average mortgage rate decreased by 4.3% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.59%!
                                  • The average mortgage duration is 24 years
                                  • 59.8% have variable interest rates
                                  • 40.2% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.43%, 5.5% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 2.99%, 3.1% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage stands at €122,424, an increased of 9.8% vs last year.
                                  • 28.755 mortgages were issued + 6.8% vs last year.
                                  • 5.4 € Bn of mortgages issued in August 2018, +11% vs last year.

           

          The top 4 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued are:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Extremadura, +31% to 604 mortgages
                                  • The Canary Islands, +19,6% to 1.396 mortgages
                                  • Cantabria, +16,4% to 326 mortgages
                                  • Madrid, +13,9% to 5.000 mortgages

           

          The top 4 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued are:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Extremadura, +61%
                                  • Madrid, +29%
                                  • Andalusia, +28%
                                  • Basque country, +24%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in July 2018

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.59% (vs 2.63% last month)
                                  • Average mortgage rate decreased by 6.3% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.59%! YES, the current rate reached this month!
                                  • Mortgage duration is 22 years
                                  • 62.3% have variable interest rates
                                  • 37.7% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.32%, 7.3% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.07%, 5.7% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage stands at €125,120, an increased of 2.1% vs last year.
                                  • 29.287 mortgages were issued + 14.6% vs last year.
                                  • 3.6 € Bn of mortgages issued in July 2018, +17% vs last year.

           

          The top 4 regions with the biggest growth for the number of mortgages issued:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Extremadura, +38.9% to 457 mortgages.
                                  • The Valencian Community, +28.1% to 3.276 mortgages
                                  • La Rioja, +28.1% to 283 mortgages
                                  • Madrid, +27,5% to 5.713 mortgages

           

          The top 4 regions with the biggest growth in terms of amounts of mortgages issued:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • La Rioja, +77.3%
                                  • The region of Murcia, +43%
                                  • Cantabria, +39.8%
                                  • The Valencian Community, +39%

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in June 2018

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.63%
                                  • Average mortgage rate decreased by 6.8% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever is 2.62% reached in March 2018
                                  • Mortgage duration is 23 years
                                  • 62.9% have variable interest rates
                                  • 37.1% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.19%, 11.3% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.25%, 0.5% more than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage stands at €123,896, an increased of 5.1% vs last year.
                                  • 30.600 mortgages were issued + 3.9% vs last year.

           

          The top 3 regions with the biggest mortgages growth:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Madrid, +23,2% to 6.399 mortgages,
                                  • Aragon, +10.6% to 957 mortgages,
                                  • Extremadura, +18.4% to 616 mortgages.

           

          The Spanish mortgage rates situation in May 2018

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Average mortgage has an interest rate of 2.63%
                                  • Average mortgage rate decreased by 4.3% vs 1 year ago
                                  • The lowest rate ever was 2.62% in March 2018
                                  • Mortgage duration is 22 years
                                  • 61.9% have variable interest rates
                                  • 38.1% have fixed interest rates
                                  • The average rate for variable rate mortgages is 2.4%, 9.8% less than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average rate for fixed-rate mortgages is 3.12%, 6.6% more than 1 year ago,
                                  • The average amount issued per mortgage stands at €117,044, an increased of 2.8% vs last year.
                                  • 31.166 mortgages were issued + 7.3% vs last year.

           

          While the top 4 regions in terms of annual growth were:

          1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • The Canary Islands, +70,9% to 1.984 mortgages,
                                  • Extremadura, +18.5% to 570 mortgages,
                                  • Pais Vasco, +18.4% to 1.783 mortgages,
                                  • Navarra, +17.3% to 441 mortgages

           
          Check the Spanish report from the INE.

          Looking for a mortgage or a local expert in Alicante, Malaga, Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona,…? Ask us directly!

          

          Stéphane

          Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

          Check the full HTBIS team here

    

    

The post What are the best Spanish mortgage rates? June 2025 update appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

Click on any flag to get an automatic translation from Google translate. Some news could have an original translation here: News Nouvelles Nieuws Noticias Nachrichten

How do I choose between fixed and variable rates for a mortgage?

1. Should I take a mortgage with fixed or variable rates?

    
   Fixed-rate mortgages and variable-rate mortgages are the two main categories of mortgages you can pick. Of course, there are many other possibilities between the two.
    

2. Why would you take a fixed-rate mortgage?

    
   A Fixed rate mortgage has the advantage that whatever the market conditions will do in the future, it will remain the same. To get that advantage, you will on average pay a higher rate than on a variable-rate mortgage, for instance, as of May 2025, mortgages with variable rates are issued at rates of 2.9% while those with fixed rates are issued with 3.0% for an average length of 24 years.

   As we are writing, May 2025, Inflation rate has stabilized in Spain: the level as of May 2025 is 2.5%.

    

3. Why would you take a mortgage with a variable rate?

    
   It could be because it is less expensive and because you don’t see inflation or rates going higher or because you are comfortable financially and can face higher rates. Another reason for variable rates to be lower is that for the banks issuing them, it matches their sources of funds (saving’s accounts).
    
   So, to sum up, if you want safety, take a fixed-rate mortgage. If you see inflation spiking or interest rates going higher (in general due to a strong economy) you could as well go for a fixed-rate mortgages. Of course, the longer your mortgage is the higher your risk will be.
   Don’t hesitate to ask to your Spanish mortgage broker a pricing with both and compare both offers.
    

4. May 2025 update

    
   After the dramatic changes seen in recent years, the mortgage market has stabilized significantly. While in 2021-2022 we saw a sharp increase in fixed-rate mortgages due to inflation concerns, the trend has now moderated as of May 2025. Currently, 64% of mortgages are issued with fixed rates, a slight decrease from the 75% peak we saw in late 2021. This reflects increased confidence in economic stability and normalized inflation expectations.

   Check the evolution of the percentage of mortgages with fixed and with variable rates

    

5. Are fixed mortgage rates less expensive than variable mortgage rates?

    
   As of May 2025, the gap between fixed and variable mortgage rates has narrowed significantly. Fixed rates are currently averaging 3.0%, while variable rates average 2.9%, making the difference minimal at just under 0.4 percentage points. This is a dramatic change from the 0.5-0.7 percentage point gap we saw during the high inflation period of 2021-2022.

   Check the evolution of the mortgage rates (average, fixed and variable )over the last year

    

6. Our other resources on “Spanish mortgage rates”

    

   • Your definitive guide to your Spanish mortgage
   • Our ultimate mortgage calculator

 
Looking for a mortgage or a local expert in Alicante, Malaga, Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona,…? Ask us directly!
 

Are you looking for a property lawyer in Spain? Follow the link and get one of our local lawyers. Looking for another real estate expert in Spain: Mortgage, Insurance, Survey of property, Property hunting, …? Contact one of our 100+ local partners!
 

Stéphane, Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Stéphane, with over 20 years of experience in real estate, finance, and entrepreneurship, is the co-founder of www.howtobuyinspain.com. With an extensive network of local partners in Spain, his deep commitment to the real estate sector, strong analytical skills, and a problem-solving mentality have fueled his success. Constantly eager to learn and passionate about teaching, Stéphane believes in the power of knowledge-sharing to master any subject.

Check the entire HTBIS team here

The post How do I choose between fixed and variable rates for a mortgage on my Spanish property? appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

]]> https://howtobuyinspain.com/en/buy-property-in-spain/spanish-mortgage-rates/fixed-variable-mortage-rate-spain/feed/ 0 Stéphane co-founder of HTBIS https://howtobuyinspain.com/en/buy-property-in-spain/currency-exchange/how-to-pay-spanish-property/ https://howtobuyinspain.com/en/buy-property-in-spain/currency-exchange/how-to-pay-spanish-property/#respond Tue, 06 May 2025 06:34:09 +0000 https://howtobuyinspain.com/?p=8473 Reading time 4 minutes. Use our table of content for a quick read. Last Updated on 08/05/2025 by STEPHANE      

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The post How to pay in £,$,¥ Pounds, Dollars, Francs, Yuan for my Spanish property? appeared first on How to buy in Spain.

]]> Reading time 4 minutes. Use our table of content for a quick read.
Last Updated on 08/05/2025 by STEPHANE

Click on any flag to get an automatic translation from Google translate. Some news could have an original translation here: News Nouvelles Nieuws Noticias Nachrichten

 

How to pay in Pounds £, Dollars $, Yen ¥, Swiss Francs, Yuan for my € Spanish property?

How can I transfer my cash efficiently to Spain?

 

Many foreigners, including British, Canadian, American, Swiss, Israeli, Moroccan, Chinese, and Russian, have a different currency at home than the Euro.

 

In the long term, it is a perfect diversification strategy to have some assets, like real estate, in another country and in another currency than in your home country.

Most of your assets are in your home country, but:

• The economic cycle is different in Spain from your home country
• Inflation is different in Spain from your home country
• Monetary policies are different in Spain from those in your home country
• The euro is used by more than 300 million people in Europe

 

 

To help you check the long-term evolution of the main currencies against the Euro, we have created a table with the latest Sterling, Ruble, Swedish Krona, Norwegian Krone, Dollar, Yuan, and Shekel long-term evolution against the Euro.

Check what happened to Sterling after the 2016 Brexit vote. The British who bought properties in Spain before the Brexit vote were pleased with that diversification.

If you buy a property in Spain in the short term, you will have to cover some currency volatility and costs if you invest outside the EU zone. 

In 2024, about 15% of the properties bought by foreigners in Spain were purchased by the British.

After feeling the effect of the Brexit vote on June 23rd, 2016, the British were less active in the Spanish real estate market, and the pound lost 10% of its value vs. the Euro. Check any currency pair, for instance, get a chart on the Sterling evolution vs. the Euro here from Reuters. Of course, in 2020, activity was much lower due to COVID-19. But by the end of 2021, activity was back.

Foreigners buy their property in euros while having their home currency in their bank account.

 

Book your free appointment with the currency hedging specialist.

 

What solutions are available for foreigners buying real estate in euros with a different home currency?

1. Ask their bank to exchange their home currency into euros and transfer the funds to Spain.
2. Benefit from lower exchange rates thanks to online platforms like Currencytransfer.com to convert their home currency into euros and to transfer the funds to Spain

Foreign exchange services

If you need to send money overseas, you could save significantly with our currency partner TorFX.

 

Save time and money on your currency transfers.

When moving overseas, you often need to transfer money abroad as part of the process, whether it’s to purchase a property, cover expenses, or repatriate income.

However, some banks and currency providers offer uncompetitive exchange rates and charge transfer fees. Exchange rates are always moving, so finding the right time to transfer your money can be tricky.

Fortunately, our partner TorFX offers excellent exchange rates with no transfer fees, specialist services, and tailored support to help you get the best deal on your transfers.

 

HowtobuyinSpain negotiated with them so that customers get a preferred rate for their property purchases.

 

What are the most significant advantages of the latter?

• No commission system, much lower final cost than with a bank taking a commission for converting your currency into Euro AND for wiring the funds to Spain
• No hidden fees: the exchange rate includes a small margin from the mid-bank rate
• Get the best price anytime on the market: Many well-known FCA-regulated currency providers compete for the flow.
• Segregated account: Your money is on a transit account bearing your name of an FCA-regulated currency entity; it is never on the platform’s balance sheet.
• Transfer the correct amount in the local currency.
• As corporations do, a dedicated relationship manager will help you manage your hedging most efficiently.
• You can instruct your Relationship Manager to wait for your precise exchange rate (to gain more or to lose less)
• If your account is open, you can lock a rate once your account is open and transfer the money afterwards.

 

 

With Torfx you’ll benefit from:

TorFX is fully authorised by the FCA and registered with regulators worldwide.

Expert guidance

Your own dedicated Account Manager can provide personalised support and help you time your transfer, simplifying the process and making your money go further.

Rate improver guarantee

TorFX promise to match or beat any valid quote from a bank or another currency provider, so you know you’re getting the best exchange rate.

No transfer fees

It’s free to open an account with TorFX and there are no transfer fees or hidden charges – just send the money and they’ll transfer it at the agreed rate.

A secure service

TorFX is fully authorised by the FCA and registered with regulators worldwide. It transacts around £10bn in currency transfers a year.

A platform accessible on your Mobile

 

Request a free quote from TorFX today and determine how much you could save on your currency transfers.

For all foreigners looking to buy with non-Euro currencies such as Sterling, American Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Shekel, Yuan, Ruble, Swedish Krona, Norwegian Krone, and other Asian currencies,… when you are buying a property in Euros, you will need to exchange your currency into Euros and transfer the money to buy your property. This usually involves huge bank costs: up to 5% and mostly close to 3%.

Please have a look at our partner based in London: TorFX! We have negotiated with them the best service and the best rates for our customers. They take a very low commission rate and transfer the funds without cost. You can create your account for free and lock your exchange rate into Euros even before wiring funds with your local currency. Look at their website and don’t forget to mention “HTBIS” in the field “Where did you hear about us?” to get the best rates we negotiated with them for the members of our network.

Ask our partner what is the most efficient strategy to hedge your currency risk

How does it work in practice?

1. Open your free account on TorFX and mention HTBIS code in the field “Where did you hear about us” to get the best rates.
2. Lock an exchange rate between your local currency and the Euro (or instruct a threshold exchange rate to be traded later)
3. Wire the funds in your local currency to your segregated account in a top-tier bank.
4. Receive the funds in Euro on your account in Spain, on the account of your lawyer,…

 

Let’s have a look at an example of trade with TorFX

Let’s say you’re a British person looking to purchase your second home in Spain for €200,000.

• • STEP 1: You book a deal on the CurrencyTransfer platform to buy €200,000 at an exchange rate of €/£ 0.8500, which will cost you £170,000.
  • STEP 2 Behind the scenes, your selected FCA payment provider buys €200,000 from one of its market counterparties to ensure they have funds available to honour your deal.
  • STEP 3 The next step is to pay your winning provider the £170,000. You pay this directly to their Segregated Client Account. These are all secure, separate client accounts with stable, tier-1 banks (such as Barclays or RBS). This ensures that your money is safe from any business liabilities the payment provider could be affected by.
  • STEP 4 With your payment of £170,000 now safe in the payment provider’s Segregated Client Account, the broker will wire the €200,000 to your Spanish lawyer, notary or even your Spanish account on your chosen date.
  • FINISH Once the payment has been delivered to the beneficiary, the transaction is complete

 

As of January 2025, here is the business update from TorFX

• • Clients: thousands
  • Currencies: > 30
  • Value of the currencies TorFX exchanges yearly: It transacts around £10bn a year in currency transfers.
  • *Average saving: £1,260
  • Proud to have saved our clients millions in hidden currency fees.

 

 

 

Other uses? Transfer cash (minimum €10.000) to relatives everywhere around the world.

 

Looking for a lawyer, an architect, or a property hunter in Spain? Ask us directly!

 

Stéphane

Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Check the full HTBIS team here

 

 

 

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]]> https://howtobuyinspain.com/en/buy-property-in-spain/currency-exchange/how-to-pay-spanish-property/feed/ 0 Currencies Book your currency appointment (1) Currency Exchange & fund transfer savings Stéphane co-founder of HTBIS https://howtobuyinspain.com/en/spanish-economy/spain-electricity-black-out/ https://howtobuyinspain.com/en/spanish-economy/spain-electricity-black-out/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 14:44:14 +0000 https://howtobuyinspain.com/?p=50255 Reading time 6 minutes. Use our table of content for a quick read. Last Updated on 06/05/2025 by STEPHANE   Click on any flag to get an automatic translation from Google Translate. Some news could have an original translation here: News Nouvelles Nieuws Noticias Nachrichten   Experience Barcelona 3.0: When

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Click on any flag to get an automatic translation from Google Translate. Some news could have an original translation here: News Nouvelles Nieuws Noticias Nachrichten

 

Experience Barcelona 3.0: When the City of Lights Went Dark

April 2025 brings a stark reminder of our technological fragility as the Iberian Peninsula experiences an unprecedented power outage, leaving millions without electricity for 14 hours.
 

It was Monday, 28th of April, 12:05 PM. After a 20-minute walk, I entered IKEA on Avinguda de la Granvia de l’Hospitalet in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Something felt off immediately. The lighting was unnaturally dim—perhaps 10% of normal—with dark corners reminiscent of nightclubs rather than a bright Scandinavian furniture store. I found myself using my phone’s flashlight to check price tags and product details, an odd necessity in a retail space designed for visibility.

This was just the first whisper of something larger unfolding across the Iberian Peninsula.

The Great Shutdown

Finishing my shopping, I boarded a bus toward Barcelona’s city centre. The vehicle grew increasingly crowded with each stop, unusually for a Monday afternoon. Fragments of concerned conversation filled the compressed space around me. “Metro no funciona,” a woman beside me explained to a confused tourist. The underground system, Barcelona’s arterial transit network, had stopped completely.

The 15-minute journey stretched to 50 minutes as traffic congealed across the city. The growing anomaly became impossible to ignore when I finally disembarked near Universidad, close to Plaza Catalunya. Traffic lights stood dark and lifeless. Shop interiors were shadowed caves. The vibrant electronic pulse of a major European city had flatlined without warning.

Spain and Portugal—the entire Iberian Peninsula—had gone dark.

Satellite view of the Iberian Peninsula at night shows Spain and Portugal as mostly dark, with brightly lit France and coastal North Africa.

Digital Desert

Back at my accommodation, the implications of the blackout began to crystallise. My phone battery displayed an ominous 52% at only 3:00 PM. With no way to recharge, the countdown to digital isolation had begun. The precious device—typically just a convenience—had transformed into an essential lifeline, its remaining power requiring strategic rationing.

A simple need for bread turned into a 20-minute urban expedition, passing darkened storefronts and increasingly anxious faces. During this search, I overheard a delivery man sharing news gleaned from that suddenly precious technology—a battery-powered radio. “Es nacional,” he explained to a cluster of people. “Portugal también.” The scale became clear: this wasn’t a neighbourhood or city problem. Two entire countries had been unplugged from modern existence.

Outside banks, scenes reminiscent of historical economic crises unfolded as people formed desperate queues for ATMS that couldn’t dispense the suddenly precious commodity of cash. Those fortunate enough to have paper money in their wallets became the unexpected privileged class. At the same time, digital-only travellers found themselves suddenly penniless in a city that could no longer process electronic payments.

Palm trees line a walkway near a sandy beach bustling with people; a tall, sail-shaped glass building rises in the background, yes, the Hotel W —an iconic spot often featured in buying property in Spain guides and discussions on holiday rental Spain regulations.

 

The Economic Ripple

For local businesses, the financial impact was immediate and severe. Restaurants with gas stoves could still cook but struggled with inventory management and payments. Most closed their doors after serving whatever could be prepared without refrigeration. Tourism-dependent businesses—Barcelona’s economic lifeblood—suffered particularly, with tour operators, souvenir shops, and attractions forced to shut down entirely. Each hour of darkness translated to thousands of euros in lost revenue across the city, with small businesses lacking generator backup bearing the heaviest burden. The outage revealed the razor-thin margins many operated on, with a single day’s disruption threatening their financial stability.

Generation Disconnect

The crisis revealed a stark generational divide. Young people who had grown up immersed in digital ecosystems found themselves particularly disoriented. Their smartphones—useless without networks—had become mere glass paperweights. Once universal, the intuitive knowledge of navigating analogue systems had become a generational skill gap.

Meanwhile, older residents emerged as unexpected guides, remembering protocols from an era when digital convenience wasn’t assumed. They knew which stores might have manual processing capabilities, how to navigate by landmarks rather than GPS, and the importance of physical currency—insights suddenly invaluable in this temporary regression to pre-digital living.

Vertical Vulnerability

As evening approached, the building architecture itself revealed hidden vulnerabilities. Those living on higher floors of apartment buildings found themselves facing additional hardships. Without elevators, ninth-floor apartments became isolated islands requiring exhausting climbs. Water pressure failed in taller buildings as the pumping systems ceased operation. A simple rule emerged: the closer to the ground you lived, the more resilient your situation. First and second floors became the enviable locations in this new reality.

Residents of higher floors formed impromptu communities on ground levels, sharing resources and information rather than attempting the multiple climbs required throughout the day. Building lobbies transformed into command centres where neighbours who had never previously spoken coordinated water distribution and checked on vulnerable residents.

Barcelona’s marina with several yachts docked.

Locked Out in the Dark

Modern hotel security systems, entirely dependent on electricity, had transformed from conveniences into barriers. Electronic key cards became useless plastic as hotel door locks defaulted to their secure state. Travellers returned from daytime excursions to find themselves unable to access their rooms and belongings.

In a moment of foresight as night fell, I found myself in a peculiar negotiation with staff at a prominent French hotel chain, pleading for five minutes of their emergency power to charge my phone to 100%. The request, trivial on any typical day, had become a significant ask in this new reality. The charged device might be my only communication tool if the blackout extended into the next day.

Rumours circulated through darkened streets about when power might return. Would it be hours? Days? The authorities could only communicate through radio, reaching a fraction of the population. The rest of us navigated an information vacuum filled by speculation and growing concern. In the end, electricity would return around 2:00 AM, but during those 14 hours of darkness, Barcelona revealed vulnerabilities and strengths few had recognised before.

Official Response

The authorities’ reaction unfolded in stages, initially hampered by the same communication challenges affecting everyone. Within hours, Barcelona’s mayor appeared on emergency radio broadcasts, urging calm and announcing police deployment to major intersections and public areas. The Spanish electrical network authority, REE, issued statements confirming they were working to reconnect to the European grid. Regional emergency services prioritised hospitals and care facilities, dispatching fuel trucks to maintain generator operations.

Most notably, the municipal government quickly established information points at central plazas, staffed by officials with battery-powered megaphones sharing updates at regular intervals. The military was deployed to assist with traffic management and security at key infrastructure. Yet for many citizens, the official response seemed simultaneously impressive in its rapid mobilisation and inadequate against the scale of systems collapse, highlighting the limitations of disaster preparedness in an electricity-dependent society.

 

Vehicles Paralysed, Both Old and New

Would you like to watch this video in your language? Click on the bottom right of the video on “cc” to get subtitles in your language.

#BarcelonaBlackout #PowerOutage #SpainPortugalOutage #UrbanResilience #CrisisManagement #DigitalDependency #ModernVulnerability

Transportation Chaos Across the City

The transportation ecosystem revealed surprising vulnerabilities. While fuel-powered vehicles initially seemed advantageous, gas stations couldn’t pump without electricity, creating new mobility limitations as tanks emptied. Even more striking was the complete immobilisation of electric vehicles—the supposed future of transportation. EVs stood abandoned in charging stations or parked along streets, their batteries holding a charge but their owners anxious about depleting their remaining range in a city where recharging had become impossible.

Urban mobility stratified into a hierarchy of resilience: bicycles and scooters became premium transportation, followed by vehicles with full fuel tanks, while electric cars—symbols of technological progress—ironically became the most vulnerable in this regression.

Radio Renaissance

As digital communication networks failed, a technological throwback emerged as the vital link to the outside world: radio. Those fortunate enough to own battery-powered radios became neighbourhood information hubs. Ingenious solutions appeared as people discovered that smartphone radio apps paired with wired earbuds could function as improvised antennas, transforming digital devices into analogue receivers.

Around these radio broadcasts, impromptu listening communities formed in plazas and cafés. For the first time in years, news consumption became a shared, communal experience rather than an isolated, individualised one. Normally consumed privately through personalised feeds, information is transformed into a public good shared through conversation.

Palm trees line the marina walkway of Barcelona with yachts docked in the background.

The Infrastructure Lesson

As details emerged through radio reports, the magnitude of the system collapse became clear: in a mere five seconds, 15 gigawatts of power—equivalent to 60% of Spain’s electricity consumption at that moment—had suddenly vanished from the system. President Pedro Sánchez would later describe this as “something that never had happened before,” underscoring the unprecedented nature of the failure.

In the information vacuum created by the outage, theories about its cause began circulating. While officials initially remained cautious, avoiding speculation, several possible explanations emerged in the days that followed:

According to analysis from the Baker Institute, two consecutive generation failures likely occurred in large solar installations in southwestern Spain. This sudden loss of renewable capacity, combined with limited conventional generation backup and reduced support from neighbouring systems, created what energy experts termed a “perfect storm” for cascading failure.

Other experts pointed to power flux oscillation as the primary trigger. A strong energy flow fluctuation reportedly activated protective disconnects that severed Spain and Portugal from the European electrical grid, initiating the widespread collapse. This theory highlighted the vulnerability of interconnected systems, where a localised disruption can rapidly escalate to region-wide consequences.

The timing of the outage raised questions about Spain’s energy mix. With nuclear plants temporarily offline for maintenance, the grid heavily depended on renewable sources. Energy analyst Carlos Cagigal suggested that when these renewables—feeding already saturated substations—experienced a failure point, there wasn’t adequate conventional power generation to stabilize the system.

While cybersecurity experts from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity indicated evidence of a technical cable fault rather than a malicious attack, government officials maintained that no hypothesis could be completely discarded during the investigation. This cautious approach reflected growing concerns about critical infrastructure vulnerability in an increasingly digitalised energy landscape.

More speculative theories also circulated, including the possibility of an unusual atmospheric phenomenon called “induced atmospheric vibration” affecting electrical infrastructure, though this received less support from official sources.

The event exposed the precarious nature of energy connections between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe. While hospitals maintained operations through backup generators, nearly everything else collapsed: businesses, railways, metros, elevators, traffic lights, and automated systems. The thin veneer of technological reliability had been stripped away, revealing the fragile interdependencies beneath.

In the aftermath, it became clear that modern electrical grids face a delicate balancing act—integrating more renewable energy while maintaining system stability. When disrupted, the blackout revealed how this balance can cascade through every aspect of contemporary life, from transportation to communication, commerce to healthcare.

Barcelona City in Spain seem from the air, showing the impressive architecture and block systems of the apartments and offices in the busy Spanish metropolis

Human Current

What emerged most clearly was how electricity doesn’t just power our devices—it powers our social systems. Without it, the city’s rhythm changed dramatically. Restaurants with gas stoves became impromptu community centres, serving simple meals by candlelight until supplies ran out. The last loaves of bread disappeared from bakery shelves within hours.

Traffic intersections became four-way negotiations without signals to govern flow. Buses, packed beyond capacity, moved through streets with newfound caution as drivers navigated without electronic assistance. Inside these crowded vehicles, strangers exchanged information and theories rather than staring at separate screens—forced connectivity through disconnection.

Silver Linings in the Darkness

As night fell across Barcelona, unexpected positive societal shifts emerged. The streets were filled with people in unprecedented numbers for a Monday afternoon and evening. Without the pull of streaming services and digital entertainment, residents rediscovered the simple pleasure of promenading through public spaces. Conversations between strangers became commonplace rather than unusual.

The forced digital detox created space for direct human connection. Neighbours checked on elderly residents, bringing water and provisions. Communities self-organised to address immediate needs. For many, the evening without Netflix and digital distractions became a welcome reset—a reminder of slower rhythms and direct experiences that predated the digital age.

Most profoundly, the blackout triggered a collective awakening to the limits and fragility of systems often taken for granted. As darkness covered the city, a new light dawned in public consciousness about the vulnerability of our interconnected world and the resilience required to navigate its inevitable disruptions.

The Fragile Machine

As hours stretched into the night, the experience revealed the extraordinary complexity of systems we rarely consider. The invisible infrastructure that makes modern cities function—not just electricity but all the services it enables—became visible precisely because of its absence.

Sagrada Família, usually illuminated against the night sky, stood as a dark silhouette—perhaps closer to how Gaudí himself would have seen it. The architectural wonder, eternally under construction, seemed an apt metaphor for human progress: magnificent but incomplete, vulnerable to disruption.

How to Survive the Great Unplugging

Should you find yourself caught in a significant power outage while travelling, these lessons from Barcelona’s experience might prove valuable:

Before It Happens:

• Carry sufficient cash in local currency—enough for at least two days
• Pack a portable phone charger/power bank and flashlight
• Download offline maps of your location
• Note key locations: the embassy, hospitals, and public gathering points
• Take photos of important documents (accessible even on a dead phone)
• When booking accommodations, prefer lower floors to avoid elevator dependency

When the Lights Go Out:

• Immediately conserve phone battery—use airplane mode and minimum brightness
• Secure water and non-perishable food quickly
• Stay put if it’s safe; unnecessary movement wastes resources
• If locked out of accommodations, find staff with manual override keys
• Remain vigilant about personal security in darkened areas

Communication Strategies:

• Use text messages instead of calls when networks are unstable
• Establish clear meeting points with companions rather than relying on calls
• Seek out radio information sources or use smartphone radio apps with wired earbuds
• Establish simple protocols for family members, including emergency contacts and meeting locations
• Turn on phones only at specific intervals to check for network restoration

Navigation and Transport:

• Orient yourself by landmarks rather than digital maps
• Use the stairs instead of waiting for the elevators
• Treat dark traffic signals as four-way stops
• Expect public transportation delays and overcrowding
• Consider walking for moderate distances rather than waiting for transport

Community Resources:

• Connect with fellow travellers and locals to share information
• Pool resources when possible
• Assist vulnerable people nearby
• Be patient with overwhelmed service workers
• Embrace the unexpected social connections that emerge during shared challenges

The power outage that transformed Barcelona revealed something essential: beneath our technological civilisation lies an older, more direct way of navigating the world. Those who adapted quickest could embrace this temporary step backwards as an adventure rather than merely an inconvenience.

Perhaps there’s something valuable in occasionally experiencing a city stripped of its digital layers—a Barcelona 3.0 that is, ironically, a return to version 1.0—where human connection and resourcefulness matter more than battery percentage and Wi-Fi strength.

 

Are you looking for a property lawyer in Spain? Follow the link and get one of our local lawyers. Looking for another real estate expert in Spain: Mortgage, Insurance, Survey of property, Property hunting, …? Contact one of our 100+ local partners!

 

Stéphane, Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Stéphane, with over 20 years of experience in real estate, finance, and entrepreneurship, is the co-founder of www.howtobuyinspain.com. With an extensive network of local partners in Spain, his deep commitment to the real estate sector, strong analytical skills, and a problem-solving mentality have fueled his success. Constantly eager to learn and passionate about teaching, Stéphane believes in the power of knowledge-sharing to master any subject.

Check the entire HTBIS team here

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]]> https://howtobuyinspain.com/en/spanish-economy/spain-electricity-black-out/feed/ 0 Spain in the Dark IMG-20250430-WA0100 IMG-20250505-WA0012 IMG-20250505-WA0010 Barcelona City Cathedral at Sunset Barcelona City in Spain seem from the air, showing the impressive architecture and block systems of the apartments and offices in the busy Spanish metropolis IMG-20250430-WA0082 Stéphane co-founder of HTBIS https://howtobuyinspain.com/en/buy-property-in-spain/buying-spanish-property/ https://howtobuyinspain.com/en/buy-property-in-spain/buying-spanish-property/#respond Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:02:23 +0000 https://howtobuyinspain.com/?p=20956 Reading time 9 minutes. Use our table of content for a quick read. Last Updated on 25/04/2025 by STEPHANE   Click on any flag to get an automatic translation from Google translate. Some news could have an original translation here: News Nouvelles Nieuws Noticias Nachrichten   How to find the

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Click on any flag to get an automatic translation from Google translate. Some news could have an original translation here: News Nouvelles Nieuws Noticias Nachrichten

 

How to find the ideal Spanish property?

Discover our comprehensive and exclusive steps to find the perfect property that matches your expectations.

 

Since we started investing in the Spanish real estate market in 2012, we have built a network of local real estate experts in Spain and become a one-stop shop solution for foreigners looking for help to buy a property in Spain. We launched this new series of four articles so you can get all your answers and all our tips before pursuing your dream property.

With our first article: How should you start your Spanish property search? We gave you answers on many specific issues related to the purchase of a property in Spain: Why would you buy a property in Spain? What are your objectives? What are the perfect criteria for your future dream home?

With our second article, we helped you to find the perfect location for your property in Spain: Sea view or countryside? When will you visit Spain? Is the cost of life essential? Will you relocate or retire to Spain? Will you look for a second home or an investment property? What are your ideal location criteria? We concluded the article with an overview of the different Spanish Costas.

Now that you know why you want to buy a property in Spain, how you should do it and in which part of Spain, it is time to move on and search for your Spanish dream property. Finding a cheap property in Spain is easy; finding one that matches your expectations is another step.

Our customers have different objectives when they buy a property in Spain: finding a holiday home, relocating, retiring or investing in real estate. All those objectives mean different expectations about an ideal property.

With our help, please make this property acquisition a success.

 

Here is how we will help you out with this property search:

The best searching tips for your Spanish property

As you learned in our previous articles, it is not difficult to buy a property in Spain. It’s even quite affordable compared to other European countries. How can you find your ideal Spanish property?

There are two main avenues: either you go on your own for your property search, or you enjoy the precious help of a Spanish-based property finder who knows the market and will negotiate the price for you. Worst case, he will tell you, “You should pay the requested price because this is a bargain and it won’t stay on the market for long.” Of course, as you will read, the main advantage of a local property hunter is that he is on the ground and you are abroad. So, he will speed up the process.

Whatever avenue you take, that’s why we recommend seeking legal advice and hiring a real estate lawyer. Why? It is well known that issues can arise from a property sale in Spain. Notaries’ duties are lighter than in other European countries. So, you can make it without a lawyer, but we think it’s a safety net that’s essential when discussing significant investments.

The best place for your future dream property is always the place that you will love. So, take time, visit properties, discover neighbourhoods and lovely villages and enjoy yourself first. All the steps we will describe here are the same with or without a property hunter, apart from the first two steps that explain why you should take a property hunter and how he works. If you want to search for your Spanish holiday home on your own, you can skip the first two points.

 

1. The six reasons why a local property hunter is a nice-to-have

   He knows the market. He will save you money and make this property a savvy investment. He will save you time. He will protect your interests. He speaks Spanish and your language. He will find solutions after you make a purchase. So, of course, you can search the property by yourself but as you live abroad, it is not easy, it is time consuming and last but not least you don’t have a clue about the real property market price, that’s why usually he will save a lot of money by working for you. To summarise, working with a local property hunter who speaks your language will speed up the process, make it much smoother, and save you time and money, as you won’t need to travel to visit the 10 properties that don’t match your taste. Follow this link to read our detailed article on the subject.

   Check out the completed missions of our property hunters across Spain.

   • A countryside villa close to Barcelona and Tossa de Mar: Costa Brava property investment
   • A mountain-view detached villa in Calonge: Costa Brava property investment
   • Costa Brava property investment: A sea-view apartment with pool in Platja d’Aro
   • Costa Blanca property investment: a holiday home in Calpe – Alicante
   • Murcia property hunting: 3 case studies
   • Barcelona property hunting: an apartment in Barcelona got a quick refresh for €15,000
   • Costa Blanca property hunting: a property investment and a renovation in Altea
   • Costa de la Luz property hunting: Our property finder in the Costa de la Luz last transaction
   • Tarragona property hunting: a Case study of a property for sale in the Costa Dorada
   • Tenerife property hunting: a Case study of property for sale in Tenerife
   • Barcelona property hunting: a Case study
   • Madrid property hunting: a Case study

 

2. How does a Spanish property finder work?

   There are six main steps: 1. Interview with the customer, 2. The contract, 3.The property search and visits to properties, 4. Feedback and exchange of views with the customer, 5.Purchase of the property, 6. The real estate personal shopper will assist their customer with formalities. Follow this link if you want to read more about what a Spanish-based property finder will do for you. With the same link, you can have a look at some property searches realised by our property hunters in different Spanish Costas, and of course, you can search for your local property hunter in your favourite Spanish region.

 

3. A real estate lawyer is your must-have AND the first step to your Spanish home.

   You can search for your property on your own, but in Spain, a Spanish property lawyer is a clear must. For many reasons:

   Buying real estate in Spain is very easy: what is not, is knowing what you buy. As one of our legal partners summarises:

   “ it is in this context that the role of the lawyer is essential, not only to collect the documents that will allow you to sign and obtain the registration of the property at your name in the property registry (management procedures) but especially to obtain the documents to which the law does not give you obligatorily access before the sale but whose study is essential to know the ins and outs of your purchase (audit procedures).”

   Have a quick look at our two articles on the subject if you want to read more:
   Why do you need a property lawyer for buying real estate in Spain?
   What is the legal due diligence for your Spanish property?
   If you want to find a good local Spanish property lawyer, follow the link and choose one from our network.

 

4. Each person involved with this project should list their objectives

   Remember that, as you saw in our past articles from this series, your objectives will differ depending on the property’s function: a second home, a first home, a retirement home, or an investment property.
   Here is a quick example of an objective: I want a second home where I can live for three months per year (during the summer months and three holiday weeks). I want it to be close to the airport, within walking distance of the beach, and large enough to accommodate all my family (4 bedrooms). As I am a golfer, I want it close to golf courses. My wife wants it close to shopping areas because she doesn’t drive.
   Don’t hesitate to go into further details; the more you do, the easier it will be to know if you’ve found the perfect property.
   Don’t worry if you can’t find many ideas; our criteria lists, available in this article, will help you find the main ones.

 

5. Looking for a Resale in Spain

   The Spanish real estate market is exciting for both resale and new build properties. Of course, you can buy an existing property with its past, or you can go for the comfort of a new build property. Both are possible in Spain. Both are very competitive in terms of price. Of course, the cost of your property will be mainly driven by its location and size. It will be less dependent on whether it is a resale or a new build. Of course, resale could even be more expensive if you take into account the renovation works that will come with it, 90% of the time. Buying a resale in Spain could have a lot of charm, and with some renovation works, you can give it as much of a modern touch as you want. Even if renovation works are not expensive in Spain, they could come more costly than a new build property when you check it at the end of the project.

 

6. Looking for a new build property in Spain?

   Buying a new build property in Spain has many advantages:

   1. Impressive standards specifications: designed for modern living:
   2. Personalise your property to your taste
   3. New build prices in Spain are very competitive vs resale + renovation costs
   4. Fewer uncertainties:
      • 3-year warranty on the building works
      • 10-year warranty on design faults by the architect
      • 10-year warranty on structural defects by the builder

   Read more on that: What are the advantages of buying a new build property in Spain?

    

   Discover the best new build projects in Spain, direct from our partners, with a €5,000 discount!

   New build for sale in Spain € 320,000

   2 beds 1 bath 61.3 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 313,000

   2 beds 2 baths 61.3 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 540,000

   3 beds 3 baths 191 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 520,000

   3 beds 2 baths 109 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 345,000

   2 beds 2 baths 97 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 435,000

   3 beds 2 baths 114 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 350,000

   3 beds 2 baths 106 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 273,000

   2 beds 2 baths 83 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 368,000

   3 beds 2 baths 103 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 315,000

   2 beds 2 baths 90 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 245,000

   2 beds 2 baths 83 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 335,000

   3 beds 2 baths 98 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 250,000

   2 beds 2 baths 90 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 420,000

   2 beds 2 baths 81.7 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 475,000

   3 beds 2 baths 101.9 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 490,000

   3 beds 2 baths 119.8 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 540,000

   3 beds 2 baths 129.2 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 530,000

   3 beds 2 baths 106.9 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 370,000

   2 beds 2 baths 88.9 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 440,000

   3 beds 2 baths 106.9 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 367,000

   3 beds 3 baths 177 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 262,000

   3 beds 2 baths 84 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 242,000

   2 beds 2 baths 72 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 277,000

   2 beds 2 baths 73 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 255,000

   3 beds 2 baths 85 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 220,000

   2 beds 2 baths 71 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 240,000

   2 beds 2 baths 80 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 280,000

   3 beds 2 baths 88 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 585,000

   3 beds 3 baths 162 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 348,000

   3 beds 2 baths 220 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 355,000

   3 beds 2 baths 100 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 385,000

   2 beds 2 baths 76 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 325,000

   3 beds 2 baths 97 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 269,000

   2 beds 2 baths 81 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 631,000

   3 beds 2 baths 123 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 345,000

   2 beds 2 baths 154 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 430,000

   3 beds 2 baths 116 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 730,000

   3 beds 2 baths 149 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 529,000

   3 beds 2 baths 133 m²

   New build for sale in Spain € 319,000

   2 beds 2 baths 87 m²

 

7. List your location criteria.

   Get back to our second article, ” Where are the best places for your Spanish property? ” and make sure all your location criteria are listed.

 

8. List your property criteria.

   Of course, you will have the usual suspects: the size of the property, the number of bedrooms, a sea view, a pool, a terrace, or a garden?… Here are some other applicable property criteria: Position of the property vs its environment, Quality of the property, access to amenities, Layout of the property, Neighbours, Outdoor Spaces (Garden, Terrace, Pools,…), Natural light, Eco-friendly?, Community fees, Yearly maintenance costs, taxes

 

9. Use our ranking system for comparing your future Spanish homes

   Ranking your property according to criteria will allow you to achieve three main objectives

   1. remove emotions
   2. help you to compare properties
   3. allow you to discuss and compare properties with your partner

   It is pretty valuable and easy to make.

   In this chapter, you will learn how to do the ranking. We will explain the general method here. In contrast, in the following 4 chapters, you will get specific data related to each particular Spanish property purchase: a second home, a first home to relocate, a home to retire in Spain, an investment property.
   Once you understand how our ranking system works, you can switch directly to the specific chapter that corresponds to your situation, which will also have quick guides. In those chapters, you will find a downloadable form with an example of how to rank your next property. You will need to adjust it according to your own criteria list and assign weights and ratings.

   The idea is simple: to create a weighted matrix containing the physical characteristics (pragmatic, rational) of the house, we will call them the Criteria, and you will assign an importance level (personal, irrational) or weights to each of them. Each person involved with the project should do the same.

    

   By listing those locations and property criteria in a table, you can compare the different properties and assign them a global score.

   The CRITERIA are rational and shouldn’t take into account your personal feelings (unless for one – see the PDF for example). They are listed beforehand by all the parties involved in the form of an exhaustive list of each of their criteria.

   For each of those criteria, you will give them.

   • WEIGHTS, indicating the importance of the criteria for the persons involved in the property search. – ranging from 1 to 10 (best). They are specified on the worksheet before visiting the property and are the same for all your potential properties.
   • RATINGS, which is your view on whether the criteria are fully met or not by this specific property, ranging from 1 to 10 (best). The ratings will be completed after visiting each property. The ratings are specific to each property.

   By multiplying WEIGHTS (1) and RATINGS (2), CRITERIA will get a personal score. By adding all these values, we will get an overall score for the property. This score has two subscores: a location score and a property score.

   To sum it up, here is the step-by-step guide to your ideal Spanish property:

   1. List the criteria for the ideal Spanish holiday home with all the people involved
   2. Give a WEIGHT for each criterion between 1 and 10. (10= important, 1= not important)
   3. Visit the potential properties, and each person involved gives RATINGS between 1 and 10 for all the criteria. (10= criteria met perfectly, 1 = bad)
   4. Compare the total scores for each property, rank them and compare with the results of other persons involved in the project.

   This process will help you to rationalise your property purchase and will remove some of the emotions involved. This is important as buying a second home in Spain is a significant investment.
   For further reading on this subject, read the fascinating article written by our B&B expert, Patrick: How to compare and select the perfect B&B in Spain?

 

10. Compare your Spanish holiday homes – download the PDF form.

    Now that you know how to proceed, we did the work and created a downloadable PDF that’s easy to use, allowing you to compare different Spanish holiday homes. Once you have visited potential second homes, you can compare your ranking with the ranking of your partner. Start discussing your top three properties with your partner and make a choice. If you can’t, that’s because you’re not convinced yet, so keep searching.

    The top 6 location criteria for your Spanish second home

    1. Within 45 minutes of the Airport by car
    2. Is the weather what you want when you go (in the winter months)? Check our monthly weather statistics for the top 20 Spanish cities.
    3. Is the beach close to the property?
    4. If you play golf, are there any golf courses within a 20-minute drive by car?
    5. Discover the best new build projects located on a golf resort
       New build for sale in Spain € 350,000

       3 beds 2 baths 106 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 273,000

       2 beds 2 baths 83 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 368,000

       3 beds 2 baths 103 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 315,000

       2 beds 2 baths 90 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 245,000

       2 beds 2 baths 83 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 335,000

       3 beds 2 baths 98 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 250,000

       2 beds 2 baths 90 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 420,000

       2 beds 2 baths 81.7 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 475,000

       3 beds 2 baths 101.9 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 490,000

       3 beds 2 baths 119.8 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 540,000

       3 beds 2 baths 129.2 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 530,000

       3 beds 2 baths 106.9 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 370,000

       2 beds 2 baths 88.9 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 440,000

       3 beds 2 baths 106.9 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 585,000

       3 beds 3 baths 162 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 348,000

       3 beds 2 baths 220 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 631,000

       3 beds 2 baths 123 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 345,000

       2 beds 2 baths 154 m²

       New build for sale in Spain € 430,000

       3 beds 2 baths 116 m²
    6. Are restaurants close to the property?
    7. Most of the time, you want to relax with your family, so it’s good to have recreational and family activities available in the region.

    You will need to adjust this list with your location criteria for your ideal Spanish holiday home. Please take a look at the downloadable PDF at the end of this section for an exhaustive list of criteria and our ranking system for your future holiday homes.

    The top 7 property criteria for your ideal Spanish second home

    1. Your personal feeling
    2. Is the number of sleeping rooms & bathrooms corresponding to your expectations? Make it big enough, as you’ll always have friends visiting.
    3. Are the outdoor spaces corresponding to what you want? Garden, Terrace,… You will spend 90% of your time outside.
    4. If you want a pool, yes, it’s essential for cooling off during hot summers.
    5. Are the quality of construction and the layout of the property fine?
    6. Is the size of the property as you want?
    7. May I rent the property short term? Is it legal?

    Please have a look at our detailed ranking form in pdf and start now the ranking of all your potential holiday homes.

    Our downloadable PDF form for ranking your different Spanish holiday homes.How to compare two Spanish second homes?

    Read our complete article on that subject: How to find the perfect holiday home in Spain?

    11. Compare investment properties in Spain – download PDF form.

        Now that you know how to rank properties (see bullet 9), here are our top criteria for finding the perfect investment property in Spain. You will find the downloadable PDF easy to use, allowing you to compare your different Spanish investment properties. Once you have visited potential investment properties, you can compare the ranking of each property. To compare investment properties, we have added a series of criteria: “investment criteria”.

        The top 7 investment criteria for investing in real estate in Spain:

        1. Own funds needed to invest
        2. Rental Yield
        3. Potential for value-adding creation
        4. Renovation costs
        5. Ease of selling in the future
        6. The uniqueness of the property
        7. Property Management costs

         

        The top 7 location criteria for your Spanish investment property

         

        1. Close to economic activities: city centre, companies,…
        2. Good public transport network, surely within 10 minutes on foot
        3. Close to universities and research centres
        4. A lot of restaurants in the neighbourhood
        5. Shops in the neighbourhood
        6. Close to tourist places (important if tourist rental)
        7. Strong demand for short-term rentals (if legal)

        You will need to adjust this list with your location criteria for your ideal Spanish investment property. Please refer to the downloadable PDF at the end of this section for an exhaustive list of criteria and our ranking system for future Spanish investment properties.

        The top 7 property criteria for your Spanish investment property

         

        1. The property price is aggressive vs the market.
        2. The size of the property is standard (not too big), i.e., approximately 80 m², which means it will be easy to resell and rent.
        3. Outdoor Spaces: Garden, Terrace,… As the weather is nice 320 days a year in Spain, people often live outside.
        4. Quality of construction / Layout of the property
        5. Personal feeling
        6. Yearly maintenance costs and taxes
        7. May I rent out my property on a short-term basis? It is not always legal to rent a property for a short term in Spain.

        Please review our detailed ranking form in PDF and start ranking all your potential investment properties now.

        Read our complete article on that subject: How to find the perfect investment property in Spain?

        Our downloadable PDF form for ranking your different Spanish investment properties.How to compare two Spanish investment properties?

        12. Compare homes to relocate to Spain – download the PDF form

            Now that you know how to rank and compare properties (see bullet 9), here are our top criteria for finding the perfect home to relocate to Spain. You’ll find the downloadable PDF easy to use, allowing you to compare different homes. Once you have visited potential investment properties, you can compare the ranking of each property.

            The top 7 location criteria for your Spanish first home

             

            1. A lively neighbourhood 12 months per year. It should be active during the winter months.
            2. Commuting time to work and school is less than 40 minutes
            3. Plenty of shops within 10 minutes on foot
            4. Close to a good public transport network
            5. Does the cost of living in your Spanish city fit with your desires?
            6. Is the weather as you want 320 days per year? We all know why we want to live in Spain!
            7. A beach within 20 minutes reach by car. Let’s enjoy the weekends.

            You will need to adjust this list with your location criteria for your ideal first home. Please take a look at the downloadable PDF at the end of this section for an exhaustive list of criteria and our ranking system for your future Spanish home.

            The top 7 property criteria for your first Spanish home

             

            1. Your personal feeling
            2. Is the number of sleeping rooms & bathrooms corresponding to your expectations? Make it big enough, as you’ll always have friends visiting.
            3. If you want a pool, yes, it’s essential for refreshing during hot summers.
            4. Are the outdoor spaces corresponding to what you want? Garden, Terrace,… You will spend 90% of your time outside.
            5. Is the size of the property as you want?
            6. Are the quality of construction and the layout of the property fine?
            7. The property price is in line with the market.

            Please take a look at our detailed ranking form in PDF and start ranking all your potential first homes in Spain now.

            Our downloadable PDF form for ranking your new Spanish first home

            How to compare two Spanish First homes- relocate to Spain

            Read our complete articles on that subject: Why and how to relocate to Spain? How to find the perfect home to relocate to Spain?

            13. Compare homes to retire to Spain – download the PDF form

                Now that you know how to rank properties (see bullet 9), here are our top criteria for finding the perfect home to retire in Spain. You’ll find the downloadable PDF easy to use, allowing you to compare different Spanish homes. Once you have visited potential properties, you can compare the ranking of each property with other ones.

                The top 7 location criteria for your home to retire in Spain

                1. A secure Neighbourhood
                2. Close to family members
                3. A lively neighbourhood 12 months per year
                4. Shops are closed, and it’s less than 10 minutes on foot
                5. Proximity to excellent Hospital & care facilities
                6. Does the cost of living in the city fit with your desires?
                7. Recreational and social activities around?

                You will need to adjust this list to fit your location criteria for your ideal home in Spain. Please take a look at the downloadable PDF at the end of this section for an exhaustive list of criteria and our ranking system for your future Spanish home.

                The top 7 property criteria for your home to retire in Spain

                1. I think it’s time to think about yourself, no?
                2. Security: fence and/or entrance gate, advanced technologies, fire alarm
                3. Outdoor Spaces: Garden, Terrace,… You’re living at home more, so get it as you want it!
                4. Swimming pool (size,…) Sports, social life, and good eating habits are the best ways to maintain good health.
                5. The size of the property corresponds to your taste. You got it, not too small, not too big.
                6. Natural light
                7. Size of Sleeping rooms

                Please take a look at our detailed ranking form in PDF and start ranking all your potential homes for retirement in Spain now.

                Read our complete article on that subject: How to find the perfect home to retire in Spain?

                Our downloadable PDF form for ranking your home to retire to Spain

                

                How to compare two homes to retire to Spain

            14. Is it legal to rent your property on short-term leases?

                Most of the time, when you buy a Spanish holiday home, it’s for yourself. But yes, we have to admit it, there are costs associated with a second home. That’s why many of our customers, after a few years, decide to rent out their properties. The regulation varies in each region of Spain, which is why it is strongly recommended to consult with a local legal advisor. Don’t hesitate to check our network for real estate lawyers in Spain.
                Another point is that if you want to rent your property, you need a property management company to assist you. We will cover this subject in detail in our next article.
                Have a quick look at the different articles we wrote on that subject:
                Tourist rental in Spain: What is it? Is it legal?
                An update on the short-term rental regulation in Andalusia

             

            15. Visit properties at different times of day.

                Ideally, at different times of the year, too, but this one is more challenging. What we mean by that is that some villages are active only during the summer months and are dead in the winter months. That’s why, if you want to retire there, you should know in advance that you won’t find an open restaurant in November.
                The same idea is to visit your property at different times of the day and the week. We all know those calm pedestrian streets in the old city centres. In the morning, it’s quiet… From time to time, it’s peaceful, even in the afternoon and evening. But, for the same price, you get a lot of activity in the evening as bars open their doors for the evening.
                So, check it, it doesn’t cost a lot.

             

            16. A technical survey of your Spanish property could be a nice-to-have

                This is undoubtedly the case if you work on your own, without a real estate agent. You don’t have a technical background, and you know nothing about renovation. This could be a sage decision before pouring all your savings into that dream property. Our partner developed a network of Surveyors covering all of Spain. Don’t hesitate to ask for a survey.

             

            17. How do our partners help you with those first steps?

            We have a local mortgage broker dedicated to helping foreigners get mortgages. Ask for a free mortgage quote.

            Our property hunters are here to help you find the perfect property. More on that in the 3rd article: “How should you search for your dream property?”
            With our team of more than +100 local real estate partners, HowtobuyinSpain helps foreigners to buy real estate in Spain.The experts from our network are active in all the fields you need:

            1. Property finders
            2. B&B
            3. Lawyers
            4. Tax
            5. Architects
            6. Money Transfer
            7. Mortgage
            8. Holiday rental management
            9. Ensure your Spanish property
            10. Property survey
            11. Renovation

            Would you like to read further? Last year, we wrote detailed property buyers guides custom-made for any nationality. Here are our FREE PDF property buyers’ guides written for all the foreign nationalities looking to buy in Spain: Click on your country flag, and you will find your PDF report at the end of each article.

            This was the third article in our new series, “Our Complete Guide to Buying Your Property in Spain.“ In the final article, we will cover what you need to know as a real estate owner in Spain. 

 

Are you looking for a property lawyer in Spain? Follow the link and get one of our local lawyers. Looking for another real estate expert in Spain: Mortgage, Insurance, Survey of property, Property hunting, …? Contact one of our 100+ local partners!

 

Stéphane, Senior analyst and strategist at HTBIS

Stéphane, with over 20 years of experience in real estate, finance, and entrepreneurship, is the co-founder of www.howtobuyinspain.com. With an extensive network of local partners in Spain, his deep commitment to the real estate sector, strong analytical skills, and a problem-solving mentality have fueled his success. Constantly eager to learn and passionate about teaching, Stéphane believes in the power of knowledge-sharing to master any subject.

Check the entire HTBIS team here