British buyers remain the largest group of foreign property purchasers in Spain, despite increased competition from other nationalities including the Dutch, Americans, and buyers from the Baltics and Middle East. According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), rising demand from a wider range of international buyers has contributed to an average annual property price increase of 12.2%, making affordable holiday homes progressively harder to find.

Data from Spanish notaries indicates that last year the average price paid by British holiday home buyers was €2,874 (£2,500) per square meter, with a budget of around £100,000 typically securing a 40-square-meter apartment. While this remains significantly higher than property prices in the UK, about 30% of enquiries for Spanish homes currently focus on properties priced at £100,000 or less, according to recent market platforms.

Several regions offer more budget-friendly options away from the major tourist hubs. Axarquia, located in Andalusia, is noted for its quieter coastal towns such as Rincon de la Victoria, Vélez-Malaga, and Torre del Mar, which retain a more authentic Spanish atmosphere. Inland, mountain villages including Cómpeta, Cótar, Colmenar, and Comares present affordable alternatives. Examples include a two-bedroom townhouse with panoramic views priced at €87,000 and a three-bedroom home under €120,000. Nearby Torrox Pueblo also offers fixer-upper options around €86,000.

Alicante province remains popular, with the largest British expat community in Spain, home to approximately 76,000 full-time residents. Torrevieja continues to attract buyers looking for holiday rental returns, while nearby inland towns such as Rosales and San Miguel de Salinas offer apartments just above €100,000, combining authentic local life with expat presence.

In northern Spain, the greener regions of Galicia and Asturias are increasingly drawing buyers seeking relief from southern Spain’s hotter summers. Coastal areas like Vigo and Pontevedra have seen rising popularity, prompting a shift toward more affordable inland spots such as the rural areas of Ourense and Lugo provinces. Properties include a three-bedroom townhouse for €110,000 and a rural stone house needing restoration priced at €80,000.

Murcia attracts buyers with its mild climate, sporting links, and improved connectivity following the opening of its international airport in 2019. A new high-speed rail connection to Madrid expected next year may enhance demand further, especially in towns near Balsicas-Mar Menor. Golf resorts like La Torre Golf Resort and Condado de Alhama still offer apartments or two-bedroom units around the £100,000 mark. Nearby towns such as Sucina and coastal villages like Pila de la Horadada provide more traditional living environments at comparable prices.

Asturias, known for its rugged Costa Verde coastline and the Picos de Europa mountains, recorded the highest property price increase on mainland Spain in the first half of 2026, up 15% year-on-year. The area attracts retirees from Northern Europe and the U.S., as well as remote workers favoring safety and walkable locations in cities such as Oviedo and Gijón. Properties here are generally 30 to 40% less expensive than in major cities like Barcelona. Entry-level options include three-bedroom apartments under €90,000 and rural homes requiring renovation priced below €60,000.

While price pressures are evident across Spain’s property market, interested buyers with a budget near £100,000 can still identify opportunities in less tourist-driven areas that combine affordability with lifestyle appeal.