The first decision is whether to live in Costa Blanca North or Costa Blanca South.
If you want a green landscape, views and a more exclusive environment, you will find it in the north. The south is suitable for those who like it flat and want good access to sandy beaches and golf courses, or are moving for health reasons. The price level is generally lower in Costa Blanca South than in the north. Here we take a closer look at what both areas have to offer.
Costa Blanca North: More lush landscape with mountains and a rugged coastline.
The North has a greener landscape with more rainfall and is around 2-3 degrees cooler in the summer. Many find this more comfortable than the heat further south. With a rougher coastal landscape and more mountains, Costa Blanca North offers a more interesting landscape for those seeking good views and hiking opportunities in hilly terrain.
Popular areas include Altea with its artistic old town, Alfaz del Pi which is quiet and family-friendly, the charming small towns of La Nucia and Polop in the mountainside, as well as the coastal town of Calpe with the iconic Peñón de Ifach mountain. Finestrat offers a good combination of city life and quiet surroundings, with proximity to Benidorm city.
Costa Blanca South: Flatter landscape with salt lakes and beautiful beaches.
Costa Blanca South is drier and warmer than the north, with only around 44 rainy days per year. Summer temperatures are 30-32°C, and it is precisely the southern area that WHO has named one of the world’s healthiest climates.
The Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa area is by far the most popular. Ciudad Quesada is calm and family-friendly area with good access to facilities and tidy urbanizations. Orihuela Costa (La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, Villamartin) offers high activity throughout the year and proximity to golf and the beach.
Why did WHO designate Costa Blanca South as one of the world’s healthiest places?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has named the southern part of Costa Blanca as one of the world’s healthiest climates. With around 320 sunny days per year, a unique microclimate and temperatures between 18-25°C all year round, it is perhaps not surprising that tens of thousands of foreigners have chosen to buy property here.
Winter rarely reaches below 15°C during the day, while summer rarely exceeds 32°C along the coast. The climate is documented to be beneficial for rheumatism, asthma, cardiovascular diseases and joint ailments.
The unique microclimate is due to a perfect combination of geography and nature. The mountain range along the coast acts as a barrier against cold from the interior, while the Mediterranean and the large salt lakes around Torrevieja create stable humidity and temperature.
Alicante province also has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in Spain. Blue Flag guarantees high water quality, safety and good facilities. The varied landscape offers coast, mountains, green valleys and historic small towns – you can swim in the Mediterranean in the morning and go hiking in the afternoon.
In short
Costa Blanca South is flatter and somewhat warmer than the north. The microclimate around the salt lakes near Torrevieja has a particularly healthy climate. If you want good access to beaches or golf, there is plenty of this in Costa Blanca South. Prices here are also lower than in the north, largely due to greater access to land for development.
Costa Blanca North has a more hilly terrain with mountains and a rougher coastline. This means that it is more lush in the north and easier to find good views. There are also great hiking areas and beautiful rock formations. Prices are somewhat higher than in Costa Blanca South.
Apartment, townhouse or villa. Which home suits you?
Apartment is the most popular choice. Lowest maintenance costs, often with shared swimming pool and garden areas in the complex. Perfect for a holiday home or for those who do not want to spend time on maintenance. Prices start low, especially in Costa Blanca South.
Townhouse gives more space than an apartment, often with a private garden and roof terrace. Shares walls with neighbors and is usually part of an urbanization with a shared swimming pool. This is popular among families who want more space without too much maintenance.
Villa (detached house) gives a private plot with full control and often its own swimming pool. You get maximum privacy, but also slightly higher maintenance costs. For those who value space and independence. If you want to rent out, it is an advantage to buy a villa, as you do not have to have approval from a condominium.
Where should you live? Popular areas by need .
Families with children often choose Ciudad Quesada, Orihuela Costa, Finestrat or La Nucia areas. Safe, family-friendly and well-facilitated.
Pensioners often thrive in Torrevieja with its large community and many activities, Orihuela Costa with golf and beach, or Altea with cultural life and charm.
Golf enthusiasts will find dream homes in Villamartin, Las Colinas and La Finca – all with well-known golf courses and direct access from the residential areas.
Sports enthusiasts often like the La Nucia area, where you will find 400,000 m2 of world-class sports facilities including a tennis academy, Olympic stadium, Spain’s largest surf park, football center and a new golf training center under construction.
Those seeking authentic Spain should look at small coastal towns such as El Campello, Villajoyosa, Calpe, Moraira, Javea, Pilar de Horadada, Santa Pola, or generally small and large towns further inland. Here you get more traditional Spanish life.
What does it actually cost to buy a home here?
In addition to the purchase price itself, you must expect approx. 12-13% in taxes and fees.
On new builds you pay 10% IVA (VAT), 1.5% AJD (stamp duty) while used homes have 10% ITP (tax). Add lawyer (approx. €2,500), notary (approx. €1,200) and registration (approx. €800).
The annual operating costs vary, but expect property tax (€300), operation of condominium on apartments and townhouses (€500-1,200+ depending on facilities), renovation fee (€70) and home insurance (€300). In addition, there is water, electricity, bank charges and any maintenance.
In total, we see consumption on apartments and townhouses in condominiums is around €3,600 annually, or €300 per month. On villas, it will normally be somewhat higher due to the pool and higher consumption, but here you avoid joint expenses.
See our guide on the costs of owning a home in Spain for further explanations: https://www.soleada.no/kostnader-eie-bolig-spania-komplett-oversikt/
For specific costs on the various properties, contact us directly.
Why choose a real estate agent when buying in Costa Blanca?
Many are concerned about language barriers and complex legal documents when buying in Spain. This is understandable, as the system is different and complex, and the stories from the real estate market are many.
The seller pays the broker for the assignment, so for you as a buyer it costs nothing to use real estate agent when buying a property.
A real estate agent gives you the opportunity to communicate in your language throughout the process. They understand your concerns and understand the Spanish system.
Soleada offer security from the first contact, to key handover, and further support when you have moved in. Contact us today, and we will help you get started.
Frequently asked questions about Costa Blanca North and South
What is the difference between Costa Blanca North and South?
The North is suitable for those who want a green landscape and a more exclusive environment. The South is suitable for those who move for health reasons, like it flat, sandy beaches.
Which areas are most popular?
The Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa areas in the south clearly has the most buyers, and many who stay here for large parts of the year. Ciudad Quesada and Benidorm areas are also very popular among families.
How much does a home in Costa Blanca cost?
It varies enormously. Generally, the south is cheaper than the north, and inland is cheaper than the coast. A good apartment in Torrevieja can be obtained from around €150,000, while an exclusive villa in Alfaz del Pi and Altea can cost over €1,000,000. Contact us to have specific examples sent based on your wishes and budget.
Where in Costa Blanca is it best to play golf?
There are far more golf courses in Costa Blanca South due to the landscape. If you are resident in the Torrevieja area, you will have a lack of 18-hole golf courses to choose from within a 20-minute drive.
Where in Costa Blanca are the best beaches?
In Costa Blanca South there are far more sandy beaches than in Costa Blanca North. You will find sandy beaches along large parts of the coast in Costa Blanca South, while in the north there is a rougher coast and more pebble beaches. There are also beautiful sandy beaches in Costa Blanca North. Including in San Juan, Benidorm and Villajoyosa.
Which areas in Costa Blanca have the best views?
It is easier to get good views in Costa Blanca North, as it is with hilly terrain and mountain landscape by the coast. In Costa Blanca South there is a flatter landscape, with some heights.
Ready to find your home on the Costa Blanca? Contact us for a non-binding conversation. We will help you find the right area and type of housing – whether you are looking north or south, apartment or villa, holiday or permanent home. Book a viewing trip and we will show you the difference between the areas and help you make the right choice.
