Buying an Apartment in Spain – Complete Guide 2026

Buying an apartment in Spain is often the most logical first step for Swedish buyers. You typically get a lower purchase price than for a house, less maintenance, simpler running costs and more good locations in areas where everyday life works year-round. That makes an apartment a strong property type for both holiday use, permanent relocation and investment. But it does not mean that all apartments are good purchases. In Spain, value is determined at least as much by the urbanisation, community rules, orientation, lift access, noise level and micro-location as by the number of square metres.

To buy the right apartment you therefore need to think differently than many first-time buyers do. You should not just ask which property looks best in the photos, but which type of apartment suits your everyday life, which region matches your budget and how much of your own capital you actually want to tie up. In this guide we go through region selection, apartment types, costs, mortgages, new-build versus second-hand and the most common pitfalls.

Where should you buy an apartment in Spain?

The choice of region drives almost everything: price, lifestyle, resale prospects, rental potential and how straightforward daily life will be.

Is the Costa Blanca best for value for money?

For many Swedes, yes. The Costa Blanca combines a large supply, a clear Scandinavian presence and apartments across several price ranges. The editorial overview indicates that Torrevieja, for example, often falls in the range of 70,000 to 200,000 euros for many apartment purchases, while the city of Alicante more broadly moves higher depending on location and quality.

This makes areas such as Torrevieja and Alicante strong for different types of buyers. Torrevieja is better for budget, a holiday profile and simple everyday logistics. Alicante is better if you want a real city, more of a year-round market and a stronger urban feel.

When is the Costa del Sol the right choice?

The Costa del Sol suits you if you prioritise an international profile, the premium segment and a stronger lifestyle factor. Price levels are higher there, but you often get better premium supply, more international demand and a stronger position in certain investment segments.

It is rarely the right choice if you are primarily looking for the lowest possible entry price.

Are there cheaper alternatives to the major coasts?

Yes. The editorial overview highlights Costa Cálida and other less heavily priced stretches of coastline as more budget-friendly alternatives for buyers who do not need to be in the most established markets.

What types of apartment are there and who do they suit?

Not all apartments in Spain are the same product. The type you choose affects both day-to-day living and value over time.

Who suits a standard apartment in an urbanisation?

This is the most common choice. You buy an apartment in a complex with a shared pool, garden and sometimes a garage or gym. It suits families, holiday buyers and investors who want a clear management model and less personal maintenance particularly well.

Who suits a penthouse best?

A penthouse or ático suits you if you prioritise terrace space, views and a more private feel. You often pay more for this, but in the right location it can also deliver better long-term appeal.

When is a ground-floor apartment the smarter choice?

A ground-floor apartment with a patio or garden often suits retirees, families with children and buyers who want easy accessibility without stairs or long lift rides better. At the same time it is important to check for overlooking, damp risk and how much foot traffic passes outside.

Should you choose new-build or a second-hand apartment?

There is no universally correct answer.

When is new-build the best option?

New-build suits you best if you want a modern floor plan, better energy performance, less initial maintenance and a home that feels ready to use straight away. The editorial overview also highlights the advantage of more modern building standards and better energy efficiency.

But new-build requires discipline. You must check the payment schedule, bank guarantee and exactly what is included. If you are paying on a project during the construction phase you need strong legal oversight over every step.

When is a second-hand apartment better?

Second-hand apartments often suit you better if you put location first. In Spain it is common for the best walkable locations, the most established neighbourhoods and certain beachside city locations to be dominated by older stock. In that case you can get a better position but lower energy performance or a higher need for renovation.

What mistake do buyers make most often here?

They confuse "new" with "better purchase". A new project in a weaker location can be inferior to a second-hand apartment in a strong micro-location. That is why the total package must always carry more weight than the year of construction.

What does it cost to buy an apartment in Spain?

The apartment price itself is just the start. You should normally budget for 10 to 15 percent on top of the purchase price for tax and fees.

In addition to the purchase there are also running costs:

• IBI (annual property tax)
• community charges
• insurance
• non-resident tax return
• any tax on rental income

The editorial overview points to community charges in many cases of around 350 to 750 euros per year, though this can be higher in complexes with more facilities.

How does a mortgage for an apartment in Spain work?

As a Swedish buyer you have two main routes in practice: a Swedish bank or a Spanish bank.

How do Spanish banks work?

For non-resident buyers, the loan-to-value ratio is often around 60 to 70 percent of the valuation. That means you must fund a large part of the purchase price plus all taxes and fees yourself. In practice, having 40 percent or more as equity is therefore often the realistic requirement.

How do Swedish banks work?

Swedish banks can be simpler in terms of language and administration, but the structure depends on your finances, currency exposure and whether the loan is secured against Swedish assets or not. Regardless of the arrangement you need to factor in both the interest rate and the currency risk between SEK and EUR.

What is the pitfall here?

Thinking that financing is sorted simply because you have approximate borrowing capacity. A bank can value the property lower than the purchase price, meaning you have to put in more capital than planned. This is particularly important in hot or uneven sub-markets.

What warning signs should you watch out for?

Why is the arras contract critical?

The reservation contract, contrato de arras, is binding in a strict sense. Never sign it or pay a deposit until your independent lawyer has checked the property both legally and financially.

What do you need to check in the apartment itself?

• lift and accessibility
• noise level and overlooking
• the community's finances and rules
• rental possibilities and restrictions
• orientation towards sun and wind
• actual community charges
• condition of the facade, shared areas and pool area

What do many Swedish buyers miss?

They focus on the interior but forget what affects everyday life most: how the urbanisation functions, whether neighbours live there year-round, whether parking is available, and whether the property feels good even in February or November.

Is an apartment in Spain the right choice for you?

An apartment suits you if you want simpler ownership than a house, less maintenance and a better chance of finding a good location within budget. It suits holiday use, part-year living and a first purchase in Spain particularly well.

It suits you less well if you know you want a large private patio, no community structure and full autonomy over your plot and building. In that case a house or ground-floor apartment with a garden is often better.

For many Swedish buyers, an apartment is therefore not a compromise choice but the smartest choice. The most important thing is simply to choose the right region, the right complex and the right usage profile from the outset.

Frequently asked questions about buying an apartment in Spain

Last updated: 2026-04-02. Costs, bank terms and regional taxes may change over time.