July 26, 2025
Dreaming of a modern apartment with sea views, within walking distance of the beach, with three bedrooms, a south-facing terrace, a quiet location and fully move-in ready – for less than €200,000? You’re not alone!
Many Belgian and Dutch buyers start their search in Spain with a wish list that would be perfect… if we were still in 2012. But today’s market looks very different.
1. Prices have risen sharply – and they keep rising
Over the past three years (2021–2024), in large parts of Spain, property prices have increased by 20 to 35%, depending on the region. Especially on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and Costa Cálida, the supply of quality homes has come under pressure.
What you could still find in 2020 for €170,000 now easily costs €220,000 or more. Especially when it comes to fully move-in ready homes, in good locations.
🔸 Tip from the real estate agent: do you have a tight budget? Then it’s better to adjust your search criteria than to stubbornly keep looking for something that no longer exists.
2. Walking to the beach = premium
Finding a home within walking distance of the sea for less than €200,000? That’s rarely possible anymore – unless it’s an outdated apartment or a location outside the well-known hotspots.
Coastal properties have been snapped up in large numbers in recent years, including by other European buyers (French, Germans, Swedes).
🔸 Reality: “close to the sea” often means driving 2 to 4 km today. And that’s still Spain: sun, terrace, peace and a holiday feeling.
3. Resale is not necessarily cheaper
Many Belgians think that an existing home (“resale”) is always a better deal than new construction. But that’s not always true.
Good resale homes are rare and often sold quickly. They’re increasingly being sold through networks or pre-launch announcements.
🔸 And importantly: even resale has its hidden costs (renovation, energy efficiency, overdue maintenance). What seems cheap can turn out expensive.
4. What you’re looking for, everyone is looking for too
South-facing, spacious terrace, privacy, no overlooking, low maintenance, no stairs, lots of light, a quiet location but still close to everything… That’s what almost everyone wants.
🔸 Honest advice: the more conditions you put on your list, the smaller the chance you’ll find something. Let yourself be guided by someone who helps you set priorities.
5. Choosing quality is more important today than ever
The days of buying quickly because it’s all so cheap are behind us. Today it’s important to invest in quality, a good location and legal certainty.
I see it all the time: when you’re guided well, you buy more thoughtfully – but also with more satisfaction afterwards.
🎯 What does this mean for you as a prospective buyer?
👉 Come with an open mind.
👉 Adjust your expectations based on today’s reality, not 10 years ago.
👉 And let yourself be guided by someone who doesn’t sell you what you want to hear, but what you truly need.
I’m happy to help you with that.
Want to know what is possible today within your budget and preferences? Then we’ll schedule a first, no-obligation conversation. I’ll give you honest advice, even if that means you need to rethink what you’re looking for.
📩 Just send me a message. Then we’ll see together whether Spain still fits you – and vice versa.