Thinking of investing in a luxury property in the sun? Spain, with its balmy climate, vibrant culture and breath-taking golden sand beaches is the obvious choice, and whether you’re dreaming of a sprawling oceanfront villa or a lavish penthouse apartment with city views, the sun-soaked Costa Blanca, on the country’s south-western coast, offers a plethora of high-end real estate designed for the most refined of tastes that’s ready for you to take your pick from.
Home to some of the nation’s best beaches and some seriously dramatic mountain scenery, the Costa Blanca offers an excellent culinary scene, stylish marinas and an elevated outdoor lifestyle that appeal to wealthy buyers and holidaymakers alike – so it’s easy to understand why a growing number of affluent property hunters are seeking second homes and holiday homes in the region.
It certainly boasts its fair share of appealing luxury real estate – but buying a luxury property in Spain is about much more than simply finding a beautiful one in a desirable location. While the aesthetics certainly do matter, functionality is equally important, and the right choice should support your lifestyle as well as your long-term plans.
If you’re dreaming of a new slice of life in the sun, then good news – because we asked the experts at leading Costa Blanca real estate group 1 Real Estate to share how to choose the perfect luxury property in the region – whether as a holiday home, a permanent home, or the latest addition to your ever-expanding portfolio.
Your own version of luxury
Before you begin your search, defining your needs is paramount. Luxury means something different to everyone – so to find your ideal property, you’ll need to determine what it means for you personally.
While some may prefer a traditional Spanish home with original features, set amidst olive groves and rolling hills, others may prefer a contemporary oceanfront villa with a spacious terrace and an infinity pool at its heart.
Being steps away from excellent dining spots and boutiques might be a priority for some, but if for you, being able to stroll along the coast for miles whilst barely bumping into another soul feels more meaningful, your property search will likely look a little bit different.
Take some time to think about what really matters to you before you even begin looking at properties, and it will reduce the sense of overwhelm, giving you a clearer picture of what it actually is that you’re looking for.
Location
Location is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make next. The Costa Blanca is made up of a diverse array of towns and resorts, each offering its own unique character and its own version of luxury living – but choosing the right place requires a careful balance and must support the lifestyle that you ultimately dream of living.
In Alicante, stunning penthouse apartments overlook a large stretch of golden, sandy beach, with a plethora of excellent restaurants and shops right on your doorstep – while beyond the city, coastal locations like Jávea and Altea offer spacious villas in a quieter setting and beautiful scenery, making them the perfect choice for those seeking a more laid-back but equally elevated lifestyle.
Thinking about factors such as whether you need the space of a villa or if an apartment will suffice, what kind of outside space you require and the facilities and amenities that are non-negotiables will all help you to narrow down your search more easily, and quickly identify the locations that cater to your needs.
Deciding on whether you’d like to be close to the thick of the action, or whether peace and privacy are more important, will also help to guide you.
Condition, views and orientation
Once you’ve found a property that appears to tick all the boxes, it can be tempting to go ahead and put in an offer – but it’s important to take additional factors like condition, views and orientation into consideration before you do. Older properties might look good at first glance, but can sometimes require significant renovation – and even newer properties can present buyers with unexpected challenges if not professionally inspected.
Plumbing, roofing, air conditioning and electrical systems, insulation and windows should all be assessed carefully – as should additional features like swimming pools, gardens and irrigation – to identify any potential issues so that there are no nasty surprises to contend with once you’ve exchanged.
The position of a property is also worth considering, particularly if you’re set on ocean views or all-day sunshine out on the terrace. Factors like these are often some of the biggest deciding factors and can make or break the overall living experience, so be sure not to overlook them, or you might find yourself regretting it later on.
