International demand has been one of the driving forces behind the Valencian real estate market in recent years, but the latest figures point to a change in trend. During the first half of 2026, home purchases by foreign nationals in the Valencian Community fell by 15.4%, according to Spain’s General Council of Notaries. Today, at Quinta Avenida Real Estate, we analyse the figures, the behaviour of international buyers and the differences in property prices depending on their country of origin.
Foreign Home Purchases in the Valencian Community Decline by 15.4%
Property transactions involving free-market homes purchased by foreign nationals in the Valencian Community fell by 15.4% during the first six months of 2026. This was one of the steepest declines in Spain, exceeded only by Cantabria, at 20.5%; the Canary Islands, at 20.3%; and the Community of Madrid, at 19.7%. The Balearic Islands recorded the same decline as the Valencian Community.
The region’s performance reflects a broader decrease in home purchases by foreign buyers across Spain. A total of 62,327 transactions were recorded nationwide during the first half of the year, 13% fewer than in the same period a year earlier. These purchases accounted for 18.3% of all property transactions, compared with 19.2% in 2025 and 20.3% in 2024.
The figures point to a decline in the relative importance of international demand across the national housing market, although foreign buyers continue to account for a significant share of property transactions in Spain.
Moroccan Buyers Overtake British Buyers in the Number of Transactions
One of the most notable developments during the first half of the year was the emergence of Moroccan buyers as the largest foreign nationality group purchasing homes in Spain.
Between January and June, Moroccan nationals completed 4,960 property purchases, representing 8% of all transactions involving foreign buyers. British buyers ranked second, with 4,541 purchases, accounting for 7.3% of the total.
They were followed by Italian buyers, with 4,109 transactions; Romanian buyers, with 3,974; and German buyers, with 3,907.
These figures demonstrate that international demand is not a single, uniform market. Differences between nationalities can influence preferred locations, budgets and the types of properties buyers are looking for.
For real estate agencies, understanding these changes can help tailor the marketing and sale of properties to the needs of different buyer groups.
Purchases by Non-Resident Foreign Buyers Record the Sharpest Decline
The downturn has been particularly pronounced among foreign buyers who do not live in Spain. This group, which accounts for approximately 37% of purchases by foreign nationals, recorded an 18% decline during the first half of 2026.
Foreign residents, meanwhile, accounted for 63.2% of property purchases made by foreign nationals, although their transactions also decreased, by 9.7%.
Among foreign residents, Moroccan buyers led the figures, accounting for 12.4% of purchases, followed by Italians at 9.2% and Romanians at 9%. British buyers ranked fourth, with 5.5%.
Among non-residents, the leading groups came from the Netherlands, accounting for 12.6%; Germany, at 11.8%; the United Kingdom, at 10.4%; and Poland, at 8.1%.
The performance of these two groups is important for the real estate market, as foreign buyers do not all seek the same types of homes or have the same residential needs.
Foreign Buyers Pay More per Square Metre
The decline in the number of transactions coincides with an increase in the average price paid by international buyers. According to figures from Spain’s General Council of Notaries cited in the report, foreign buyers paid an average of €2,644 per square metre nationwide during the first half of 2026, an increase of 9.4%.
The difference becomes particularly significant when comparing residents and non-residents. Non-resident foreign buyers paid an average of €3,493 per square metre, compared with €2,102 for foreign residents and €1,971 for Spanish buyers.
The gap between non-resident and resident foreign buyers reached €1,391 per square metre, a record according to the published figures.
By nationality, American buyers recorded the highest average price, at €3,948 per square metre. They were followed by Swedish buyers, at €3,839; German buyers, at €3,763; Swiss buyers, at €3,760; and Norwegian buyers, at €3,588.
At the other end of the scale, Moroccan buyers paid an average of €801 per square metre, followed by Romanian buyers at €1,439, Ecuadorian buyers at €1,531 and Colombian buyers at €1,604.
These differences highlight the wide range of budgets within international demand and the importance of matching homes for sale to the profile of each potential buyer.
Only Purchases by Venezuelan and Colombian Buyers Increase
The figures by nationality also reveal very different trends. During the first half of 2026, home purchases increased only among Venezuelan and Colombian buyers, rising by 10.2% and 7.4%, respectively.
By contrast, the steepest declines were recorded among Russian buyers, whose transactions fell by 26.2%, and Chinese buyers, with a decrease of 26.1%.
Purchases by American buyers also fell by more than 20%, declining by 22%. Other significant decreases included Bulgarian buyers, down 21.6%; Belgian buyers, down 21.3%; and British buyers, down 21%.
These trends show that international demand is undergoing significant changes. For real estate professionals, monitoring these developments can help guide strategies for attracting buyers, promoting listings and marketing properties.
Conclusion: International Demand Is Reshaping the Real Estate Market
The 15.4% decline in home purchases by foreign buyers in the Valencian Community represents a significant change in an important segment of the sector. Nationwide, transactions have also fallen, particularly among non-resident buyers, while the average prices paid by foreign purchasers continue to rise.
In this context, analysing market data, understanding the preferences of different buyer groups and adapting sales strategies are essential for anyone looking to sell a property.
At Quinta Avenida Real Estate, we closely monitor developments in the Valencian real estate market to provide useful information for homeowners and buyers.
If you want to sell, buy or rent your property, visit the Quinta Avenida Real Estate website to discover how we can support you with personalised advice throughout the entire process.
