The profile of the international homebuyer in Spain is changing. Foreign buyers are showing greater purchasing power and an increasing interest in establishing their permanent residence in the country, rather than simply purchasing a second home. Today, from Quinta Avenida Real Estate, we look at this evolution and the growing importance of international demand in the Spanish real estate market.
International Buyers Pay 35% More for Homes
One of the key findings of the report by Unión de Créditos Inmobiliarios (UCI) is the significant difference between the prices paid by foreign and Spanish buyers. In 2025, international buyers paid an average of €2,479 per square metre for homes, compared with €1,839 per m² paid by Spanish buyers.
This represents a difference of almost 35%, highlighting the growing importance of international demand within certain segments of the Spanish property market.
The average amount spent by foreign buyers on a property purchase reached €204,365 in 2025, which was 40% higher than in 2019.
Residential Buyers Are Gaining Ground Over Second-Home Purchasers
One of the most significant changes identified by the report is the growing number of foreign buyers who already live in Spain and are purchasing homes as their main residence.
In 2025, foreign residents accounted for 11.6% of the residential market, compared with 7.2% for non-resident foreign buyers. This reflects demand that is increasingly connected to long-term life plans and permanent settlement in Spain rather than simply acquiring a second home.
For real estate agencies, this change creates new opportunities, as international buyers are increasingly looking for properties that meet the same needs as those of local residents, including permanent housing, good connectivity and access to services.
International Demand Is Becoming More Diverse
The international buyer is no longer represented by a single profile. While the United Kingdom, Germany and Morocco remain among the main nationalities purchasing property in Spain, demand is becoming increasingly diversified.
Buyers from the Netherlands, United States, Belgium, Sweden and Poland are also playing an important role. Their purchasing behaviour can vary significantly depending on their nationality, including the type of property they choose, their budget, financing requirements and preferred location.
This diversification represents an opportunity for real estate companies working with international clients, particularly in areas with an established foreign community and strong demand for homes.
Foreign Buyers Are Looking for Different Types of Properties
The greater purchasing power of international buyers is also reflected in the types of properties they are looking for. While some continue to purchase second homes, others are searching for apartments, villas, townhouses and other real estate properties for permanent residence.
According to the report, Swedish, American, German and Swiss buyers are among those paying some of the highest average prices per square metre. The study also highlights the significant influence of foreign demand in areas with a strong international presence.
The Valencian Community, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and Andalusia continue to concentrate a significant share of international transactions. At the same time, interest is also growing in new residential destinations, including some areas in northern Spain, driven by quality of life, connectivity, remote working and the search for less pressured markets.
Conclusion: International Buyers Are Becoming More Important in Spain
International buyers have become an increasingly important part of the Spanish real estate market. Their higher purchasing power, growing budgets and increasing interest in permanent residence demonstrate how significantly international demand is evolving.
For real estate agencies, understanding the needs of these buyers is becoming essential in an increasingly international market. Spain continues to offer opportunities for those looking to buy a home for permanent residence, investment or as a second property.
At Quinta Avenida Real Estate, we understand the characteristics of the local market and the needs of both national and international buyers. If you want to sell, buy or rent your property, get in touch with our team and discover how we can help you find the right real estate opportunity.
