Apartment for sale in Alicante – buying guide for Swedes 2026

An apartment for sale in Alicante costs on average €2,400 per square metre. This means a two-bedroom apartment of 75 square metres in the city centre can be found from around €140,000, while a beachfront three-bedroom apartment in Playa San Juan starts from around €270,000. Prices have risen by 13–18 percent over the past year, driven by strong foreign demand and limited supply. Despite the price increase, Alicante remains 30–40 percent below northern Costa Blanca towns such as Jávea and Moraira, and rental yields of 5–6 percent make the city one of the most interesting buying opportunities on the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

What does an apartment cost in Alicante in 2026?

Prices in Alicante vary enormously by district. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive district is almost threefold. During 2026 the market has continued upward with an average annual price increase of 13–18 percent, driven by foreign buyers who account for 44 percent of all transactions in Alicante province.

Here is an overview of what you can expect to pay by district.

Price per square metre by district

More precisely the price levels look like this per square metre, based on data from Idealista and Investropa (January 2026):

The average for all of Alicante city is €2,400–2,435 per square metre. This is roughly in line with Spain's national average, but considerably below Barcelona (€4,800/sqm), Palma de Mallorca (€4,200/sqm) or Málaga (€3,100/sqm).

New-build vs second-hand

Newly built apartments in Alicante cost 10–20 percent more per square metre than second-hand properties. In practice this means:

• New-build: €2,500–3,200 per square metre in most areas. Typically includes communal pool, gym, parking and energy-efficient standards (A or B classification). Deposit at contract signing, remainder at delivery.
• Second-hand: €1,800–2,800 per square metre depending on location and condition. Lower entry price but potentially higher renovation costs. Negotiation room of 5–10 percent, especially in winter.

For investors planning to rent out, new-build can be worth the premium. Modern apartments with a pool and parking generate 15–25 percent higher rents than older apartments in the same area, and maintenance costs are lower during the first ten years.

Which districts are best for buying?

The choice of district depends on what you prioritise: beach life, urban atmosphere, budget or investment potential. Here is a breakdown of the most interesting areas for Swedish buyers.

Playa San Juan — premium beachfront living

Playa San Juan is Alicante's most sought-after residential area. The beach is six kilometres long, wide and sandy with Blue Flag certification. The area has its own boulevard with restaurants, cafés and shops, and the tram takes you to the city centre in 20 minutes.

Prices are the highest in Alicante at €3,580 per square metre and an annual increase of 17.2 percent. A two-bedroom apartment with sea views starts from around €250,000, while a three-bedroom apartment in a newer complex with a pool costs from €350,000 upward.

Playa San Juan suits those who prioritise beachfront living, high standards and an international environment. The area is popular among Scandinavian buyers and has good rental potential during the summer months.

Centro and Casco Antiguo — urban pulse and character

Alicante's city centre offers a completely different living experience: narrow lanes in the old town (Casco Antiguo), the Explanada de España promenade along the harbour, market halls, museums and a vibrant entertainment scene. Here you live in the heart of the city with everything within walking distance.

Prices stand at €3,375 per square metre with 14.2 percent annual growth. A renovated two-bedroom apartment in the old town starts from €160,000, while a modern apartment with a terrace and harbour views can be €300,000–400,000.

The centro is ideal for those who want an active city life, cultural offerings and restaurants just outside their door. Rental potential is high year-round thanks to tourism and business travellers.

Cabo de las Huertas — quiet coast with character

Cabo de las Huertas lies between Playa San Juan and the city centre, on a headland with dramatic cliffs and small coves. The area has a calmer atmosphere than Playa San Juan, with lower buildings and more greenery. Here you also find the popular Postiguet beach near Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

Prices are around €3,200 per square metre. A two-bedroom apartment starts from €220,000. The area suits those who want coastal living with a shorter distance to the city centre than Playa San Juan.

Albufereta — family-friendly with sea views

Albufereta lies north of the city centre, between San Juan and Cabo de las Huertas. The area has its own beach, parks and a quiet residential neighbourhood with both older villas and modern apartment complexes. Prices are €3,000–3,200 per square metre.

The district is popular among families thanks to the calm environment, good nearby schools and walking distance to the beach. A three-bedroom apartment with sea views starts from around €280,000.

Carolinas and Benalúa — best budget

If you are looking for an apartment for sale in Alicante on a lower budget, Carolinas and Benalúa are the most interesting options. Carolinas lies just north-west of the city centre with prices from €1,769 per square metre — less than half the price of Playa San Juan. Benalúa lies south of the centre at €2,106 per square metre.

Both areas are genuinely Spanish residential neighbourhoods with local services, markets and restaurants. They lack beach proximity but have excellent bus connections and are 15–20 minutes from the coast. A two-bedroom apartment in Carolinas starts from €85,000 — perfect as an investment or entry-level property.

Gran Alacant and El Campello — new-builds outside the city

South of Alicante lies Gran Alacant, a modern residential area with newly built villas and apartments, communal pools and proximity to Carabassí beach. New-build prices start from around €180,000 for a two-bedroom apartment with a pool.

North of the city lies El Campello, a pleasant coastal town with its own beach, fishing harbour and tram connection to Alicante city centre. Here you find both new-builds and second-hand apartments at a quieter pace than the city centre.

Both areas suit those who prioritise new housing with modern amenities and communal spaces at a lower price than central Alicante.

What is the rental yield?

Alicante has an average gross yield of 5–6 percent for apartments, above Spain's national average of 5.4 percent. The average monthly rent is around €12 per square metre, meaning an 80 square metre apartment generates around €960 per month in rental income.

Long-term rental vs short-term rental

Short-term rental via platforms such as Airbnb gives the highest return in areas with high tourist traffic. Alicante had an average occupancy rate of 77 percent during high season, among the best in Spain. Centro and Playa San Juan are the strongest areas for short-term rentals.

Best districts for rental yield

Centro delivers the most stable yield year-round thanks to a mix of tourists, business travellers and students (Alicante's university has 27,000 students). Occupancy drops minimally during winter.

Playa San Juan generates the highest nightly rent during summer but has lower occupancy during November–February. Perfect if you want to use the apartment yourself during winter and rent it out during summer.

Carolinas and San Blas offer the lowest entry price and therefore potentially the highest percentage return, but the rental market is more dependent on long-term tenants.

Alicante compared to Torrevieja — where should you buy?

Many Swedish buyers face the choice between Alicante and Torrevieja. Both are in Alicante province with the same airport, but they offer completely different living experiences.

Choose Alicante if you want urban convenience, cultural life, better infrastructure and a city that works as a permanent residence year-round. Alicante has hospitals, a university, train connections to Madrid and Barcelona and a more diversified economy that does not solely depend on tourism.

Choose Torrevieja if you prioritise the lowest possible entry price for beachfront living, higher rental yields and a large Scandinavian community. Torrevieja has more Swedish shops, associations and services in Scandinavian languages.

The buying process step by step

Buying an apartment in Alicante as a Swedish citizen follows the same process as in the rest of Spain. Here is a summary of the most important steps.

1. Get your NIE number

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreign identification number in Spain. It is required for buying property, opening a bank account and signing contracts. Apply through the Spanish police in Alicante (Comisaría de Policía Nacional) or through the Spanish consulate in Stockholm. Processing time: 1–3 weeks.

2. Open a Spanish bank account

With your NIE you can open an account at CaixaBank, BBVA, Sabadell or Santander — all have branches in central Alicante with multilingual staff. You need the account for the deposit, taxes and ongoing costs.

3. Hire a lawyer

An independent Spanish property lawyer (abogado inmobiliario) costs €1,200–3,000 and checks the land registry, debts, planning permits and contract terms. In Spain there are no licensed estate agents as in Sweden — the lawyer is your most important protection.

4. Find an apartment and reserve it

Sign a reservation agreement with €3,000–6,000 as a deposit. The apartment is taken off the market for 1–2 weeks while your lawyer reviews the documents.

5. Sign the purchase contract (Contrato de Arras)

Pay 10 percent of the purchase price as a deposit. If you withdraw you lose the deposit. If the seller withdraws you receive double back.

6. Notary signing and completion

On completion day you sign the public deed of sale (Escritura Pública) before a notary. You pay the remaining amount by bank draft and receive the keys.

What costs come on top of the price?

Budget 10–13 percent in additional costs on top of the purchase price. Here is a complete breakdown:

Calculation example: Apartment in Centro for €200,000

This means you need approximately €23,750 (11.9 percent) on top of the purchase price. If you take out a mortgage and need a 30–40 percent deposit you require at least €83,750–103,750 in your own funds.

Can I get a mortgage as a Swedish buyer?

Yes, Spanish banks offer mortgages to non-residents. As a Swedish buyer you can borrow up to 60–70 percent of the property's value. Fixed rates are at 2.9–4.9 percent with a maximum term of 20–25 years.

CaixaBank, BBVA and Sabadell all have experience with Scandinavian borrowers and branches in central Alicante. Apply for a pre-approval before you start looking — the process takes 1–2 weeks and gives you a clear picture of your purchasing power.

Bear in mind the currency risk: if you earn in Swedish kronor but pay the mortgage in euros you are exposed to exchange rate fluctuations throughout the entire loan period. Consider using a specialist currency service with forward contracts to lock in the exchange rate.

Why Alicante attracts Swedish buyers

Alicante has several specific advantages that make the city attractive for Swedish buyers in particular:

Flight connections. Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) has direct flights from Stockholm Arlanda and Gothenburg Landvetter year-round with Norwegian and Ryanair among others. Flight time is 3.5–4 hours. The airport is just 15 minutes from the city centre — shorter than Torrevieja (40 minutes) or Benidorm (50 minutes).

Climate. Alicante has over 300 sunny days per year and one of the mildest winter climates in Europe. The average temperature in January is 12°C and in July 26°C. Rainfall is concentrated in short periods in autumn.

Infrastructure. Unlike purely holiday resorts, Alicante is a full-scale city with 340,000 residents. You have access to hospitals (Hospital General Universitario de Alicante), a university, a tram network, regional trains and high-speed trains to Madrid in 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Scandinavian community. Alicante province has one of Spain's largest Scandinavian communities. The Swedish church is active in the area, and there are several Swedish associations, restaurants and service providers aimed at Nordic residents.

Affordable compared to alternatives. With an average price of €2,400 per square metre, Alicante is considerably below Málaga (€3,100), Palma de Mallorca (€4,200) and Barcelona (€4,800). You get more property for your money in a location with comparable or better infrastructure.

Market outlook 2026–2027

Alicante's property market is expected to continue upward with 3–8 percent price growth during 2026, according to forecasts from Idealista and Tekce among others. The driving forces are:

• Limited supply: New construction is not keeping pace with demand, particularly in coastal locations.
• Foreign demand: 44 percent of buyers in the province are foreign, and the share is increasing.
• Infrastructure investment: Alicante is expanding its tram network and the harbour area is undergoing extensive transformation.
• Remote working: An increasing number of European remote workers are choosing Alicante for its climate, quality of life and reasonable cost of living.

Common mistakes to avoid

Skipping the lawyer. This is the most expensive mistake you can make. Unpaid community fees, illegal extensions and hidden debts — all discovered by a lawyer but easily missed by an inexperienced buyer.

Relying only on the estate agent. In Spain no licence is required to be an estate agent. Quality varies enormously. Always hire an independent lawyer in addition to the estate agent.

Underestimating purchase costs. Budget 10–13 percent on top of the price. Many Swedish buyers only budget for the purchase price itself and are caught out.

Not checking tourist licence eligibility. If you plan to rent out via Airbnb, check that the apartment can obtain a tourist licence before you buy. Not all residents' associations allow short-term rentals, and the rules are being tightened continuously.

Ignoring community fees. An apartment with a communal pool, gym and garden can have community fees of €200–300 per month. Always check the fee and the community's finances before buying.

Summary: Is Alicante the right choice for you?

Alicante suits those who want a full-scale city on the Mediterranean with urban convenience, beach life and good investment potential. With apartments from €85,000 in budget-friendly districts to premium beachfront living in Playa San Juan, there are options for most budgets.

The city offers the best combination of price, infrastructure and accessibility on the Costa Blanca. Direct flights from Sweden, 15 minutes to the airport, hospitals, a university and high-speed trains to Madrid — all in a city of 340,000 residents with over 300 sunny days per year.

The key to a successful purchase is preparation: get your NIE in good time, hire a lawyer, understand all the costs and choose your district based on your priorities. Do that and you have all the prerequisites for a safe and rewarding property purchase in Alicante.