Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Spain Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Spain Property Pack
If you're a foreigner thinking about buying an apartment on the Costa Blanca, you probably want to know what things actually cost in early 2026.
We've put together all the real numbers, from purchase prices to ongoing fees, so you can plan your budget without surprises.
We constantly update this blog post to make sure everything stays accurate and useful.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Costa Blanca.
Insights
- Costa Blanca apartment prices rose about 14% year-over-year into late 2025, making it one of the fastest-appreciating coastal markets in Spain right now.
- The price gap between Jávea (around €3,880 per square meter) and inland Alicante city (around €2,510 per square meter) shows you can save roughly 35% by choosing location carefully.
- New-build apartments on the Costa Blanca typically cost 20% to 30% more than comparable resale units, driven by demand for modern amenities and energy efficiency.
- Buyers should budget around 32% to 33% of the purchase price in cash, covering both the typical 20% down payment and 12% to 13% in closing costs.
- Within Dénia alone, prices range from €2,040 per square meter in Saladar to €3,600 per square meter in El Puerto, a 75% difference within the same town.
- Monthly HOA fees on the Costa Blanca can swing from €80 for basic buildings to over €350 for resort-style complexes with pools, gyms, and security.
- Summer air conditioning can push Costa Blanca electricity bills to €110 per month, even though heating costs are much lower than in northern Spain.
- Property tax (IBI) in Costa Blanca ranges from €400 to €1,200 per year depending on your apartment's cadastral value, not its market price.
How much do apartments really cost in Costa Blanca in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, the average apartment price on the Costa Blanca sits around €205,000 (about $215,000 or €205,000), while the median is closer to €190,000 (roughly $200,000), reflecting a market where luxury beachfront properties pull the average up.
When you look at price per square meter, Costa Blanca apartments average around €2,550 per square meter (approximately $2,680 or €237 per square foot) for actual transactions, though asking prices run closer to €2,700 per square meter before negotiation.
Most standard apartments on the Costa Blanca fall within a price range of €150,000 to €280,000 (about $157,500 to $294,000), which covers the majority of two-bedroom resale units that foreign buyers typically consider.
How much is a studio apartment in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical resale studio apartment on the Costa Blanca costs around €105,000 to €115,000 (approximately $110,000 to $121,000), though prices vary significantly based on proximity to the beach.
Entry-level studios in less touristy areas start around €95,000 ($100,000), while high-end or new-build studios in prime coastal locations like Jávea or Calpe can reach €150,000 to €170,000 ($157,500 to $178,500).
Studio apartments on the Costa Blanca typically measure between 35 and 45 square meters, and smaller units often carry a slight premium per square meter because you're still paying for the same location and building amenities.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment on the Costa Blanca costs around €140,000 (approximately $147,000), making it a popular choice for holiday buyers and investors looking for rental income.
Budget-conscious buyers can find entry-level one-bedroom apartments starting around €125,000 ($131,000) in areas like inland Alicante, while premium one-bedrooms in towns like Altea or Benidorm range from €180,000 to €235,000 ($189,000 to $247,000) for new builds.
One-bedroom apartments on the Costa Blanca typically measure between 50 and 60 square meters, giving you enough space for comfortable living while keeping overall costs manageable compared to larger units.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment on the Costa Blanca costs around €205,000 (approximately $215,000), which represents the most common purchase for families and retirees moving to the region.
Resale two-bedroom apartments range from €170,000 to €260,000 ($178,500 to $273,000) depending on location and condition, while new-build two-bedrooms with modern amenities and sea views can cost €230,000 to €360,000 ($241,500 to $378,000).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Costa Blanca.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment on the Costa Blanca costs around €270,000 (approximately $283,500), though prices vary widely from family-oriented inland units to luxury penthouses near the sea.
Entry-level three-bedroom apartments start around €240,000 ($252,000) in areas like Torrevieja or inland Orihuela, while high-end three-bedrooms in premium locations like Jávea or Calpe can reach €400,000 to €520,000 ($420,000 to $546,000) for new construction.
Three-bedroom apartments on the Costa Blanca typically measure between 95 and 120 square meters, offering spacious living that appeals to families who want year-round residence or extended holiday stays.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments on the Costa Blanca typically cost 20% to 30% more than comparable resale units, driven by strong demand for modern, energy-efficient properties with amenities like pools and underground parking.
New-build apartments on the Costa Blanca average around €3,050 to €3,300 per square meter (approximately $3,200 to $3,465 per square meter, or €283 to €307 per square foot), reflecting the premium buyers pay for turn-key properties.
Resale apartments, by comparison, average around €2,550 per square meter ($2,680 per square meter or €237 per square foot) in actual transactions, making them a more accessible entry point for budget-conscious buyers willing to renovate.
Make a profitable investment in Costa Blanca
Better information leads to better decisions. Save time and money. Download our guide.
Can I afford to buy in Costa Blanca in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical all-in budget to buy a standard two-bedroom apartment on the Costa Blanca is around €230,000 (approximately $241,500), which includes both the purchase price and all buyer-side costs.
Beyond the apartment price itself, your all-in budget on the Costa Blanca needs to cover transfer taxes (ITP for resale or VAT for new builds), notary fees, land registry fees, and potentially legal or translation costs if you're a foreigner navigating Spanish property law.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Costa Blanca property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Costa Blanca.
What down payment is typical to buy in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical down payment for a Costa Blanca apartment purchase is around 20% of the price, plus another 12% to 13% for closing costs, meaning you'll need roughly 32% to 33% of the purchase price in cash.
Most Spanish banks cap mortgage lending at around 80% of the appraised value, so for a €200,000 apartment, you'd need approximately €40,000 as a down payment at minimum.
To secure the best mortgage rates and terms on the Costa Blanca, lenders often prefer seeing 25% to 30% down, which gives you more negotiating power and can lower your monthly payments significantly over a 20 to 25 year loan.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Spain.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Spain compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Costa Blanca in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, apartment prices per square meter on the Costa Blanca range from around €2,040 ($2,140 or €190 per square foot) in affordable inland areas to €3,880 ($4,070 or €360 per square foot) in prime coastal towns.
The most affordable neighborhoods on the Costa Blanca include Saladar in Dénia at €2,040 per square meter, Alicante city center at €2,510 per square meter, and La Mata near Torrevieja at €2,710 per square meter, all offering good value without being too far from the coast.
The most expensive neighborhoods include Jávea at €3,880 per square meter, Calpe at €3,480 per square meter, Altea at €3,430 per square meter, and Benidorm at €3,390 per square meter, where international demand and limited beachfront supply keep prices high.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Costa Blanca.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, the three best neighborhoods for budget-conscious first-time buyers on the Costa Blanca are Saladar in Dénia, Centro Urbano in Dénia, and residential areas around Torrevieja that are not directly on the beachfront.
In these budget-friendly Costa Blanca neighborhoods, you can find two-bedroom apartments for €140,000 to €180,000 ($147,000 to $189,000), which is 20% to 30% less than waterfront zones in the same towns.
These neighborhoods offer good access to local shops, restaurants, and public transport, plus you're usually just a 10 to 15 minute walk or short drive from the beach, giving you coastal lifestyle benefits at lower cost.
The main trade-off is that these areas tend to attract fewer tourists, so rental income potential may be lower, and you won't have the immediate sea views that premium locations offer.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Costa Blanca in 2026?
As of January 2026, the three neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices on the Costa Blanca are Benidorm, the broader Alicante province coastal areas, and Orihuela, all posting double-digit annual gains.
Benidorm saw prices rise around 14.2% year-over-year, while Orihuela grew 13.4% and Dénia increased 13.3%, making these among the hottest markets on Spain's Mediterranean coast heading into 2026.
The main driver behind these rapid price increases is strong foreign demand combined with limited new construction on desirable coastal land, plus the Costa Blanca's appeal to retirees and remote workers seeking sunny, affordable European living.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Costa Blanca.
Don't lose money on your property in Costa Blanca
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Costa Blanca in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Costa Blanca?
For a typical €200,000 apartment on the Costa Blanca, total buyer closing costs run around €22,000 to €26,000 ($23,100 to $27,300), covering taxes, regulated fees, and administrative expenses.
The main categories of closing costs include the transfer tax (ITP for resale or VAT plus stamp duty for new builds), notary fees for signing the deed, land registry fees for recording ownership, and optional costs like legal representation or translation services.
The largest closing cost by far is the transfer tax, which runs 10% of the purchase price for resale apartments in the Valencia region, or 10% VAT plus 1.5% stamp duty (AJD) for new-build apartments on the Costa Blanca.
Notary and registry fees are regulated by Spanish law so they don't vary much between transactions, but legal fees and bank-related costs (if you're getting a mortgage) can sometimes be negotiated or shopped around.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Costa Blanca?
On the Costa Blanca, buyers should budget around 11% to 13% of the purchase price for closing costs on a resale apartment, or 12% to 14% for a new-build apartment due to the different tax structure.
The realistic range for most standard Costa Blanca transactions falls between 10% on the low end (if you skip optional legal help and have minimal bank fees) to 15% on the high end (if you're financing and using full professional support).
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Costa Blanca.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Spain versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Costa Blanca in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Costa Blanca right now?
HOA fees (called "comunidad" in Spain) are very common on the Costa Blanca, and a typical apartment owner pays around €100 to €150 per month ($105 to $158) to cover shared building expenses like cleaning, lighting, and basic maintenance.
The range is quite wide though: basic apartment buildings without amenities might charge €80 per month ($84), while resort-style complexes with swimming pools, gyms, gardens, and 24-hour security can run €250 to €350 per month ($263 to $368) or even higher.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Costa Blanca right now?
For a typical apartment on the Costa Blanca, total monthly utilities run around €100 to €160 ($105 to $168), covering electricity, water, and basic services.
The range depends on your apartment size and habits: a studio with minimal air conditioning might cost €70 to €90 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment with heavy summer cooling could reach €150 to €180 per month.
Your monthly utility budget on the Costa Blanca typically includes electricity (the biggest chunk), water and sewerage, and sometimes a small municipal waste fee that may be billed separately or included in property taxes.
Electricity tends to be the most expensive utility for Costa Blanca apartment owners, especially during summer when air conditioning runs frequently, with typical bills ranging from €70 to €110 per month depending on usage.
How much is property tax on apartments in Costa Blanca?
The typical annual property tax (called IBI) for an apartment on the Costa Blanca ranges from €400 to €800 ($420 to $840), though larger or more valuable properties can pay €1,000 to €1,200 or more.
IBI is calculated by applying the municipal tax rate to your property's cadastral value, which is an administrative value set by the Spanish cadastre and is usually much lower than the market price you paid.
The realistic range for Costa Blanca apartments runs from around €300 per year for small units with low cadastral values to €1,200 or more for larger apartments in municipalities with higher tax rates or recently updated cadastral assessments.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Costa Blanca.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Costa Blanca?
For apartment owners on the Costa Blanca, yearly building maintenance costs are typically €1,000 to €2,000 ($1,050 to $2,100) when you combine regular HOA fees with an allowance for occasional special assessments.
The range varies from around €960 per year ($1,010) for basic buildings with minimal amenities to €3,500 or more per year ($3,675) for luxury complexes with extensive facilities and older buildings needing more repairs.
These maintenance costs typically cover common area cleaning, lighting, elevator maintenance, garden upkeep, pool maintenance (if applicable), building insurance, and a reserve fund for major repairs.
On the Costa Blanca, building maintenance is almost always included within your monthly HOA fees, but be prepared for occasional "derramas" (special assessments) when major work is needed, like facade repairs or elevator replacement.
How much does home insurance cost in Costa Blanca?
A typical annual home insurance policy for a Costa Blanca apartment costs around €200 to €280 ($210 to $294), covering contents, personal liability, and any owner-specific building elements not covered by the community policy.
The realistic range runs from €150 per year ($158) for basic coverage on a small apartment to €350 or more ($368) for comprehensive coverage on a larger unit or one with valuable contents and higher liability limits.
Home insurance is not legally mandatory for apartment owners in Spain, but if you have a mortgage your bank will require at least building insurance, and most experts recommend contents and liability coverage regardless.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Costa Blanca
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Costa Blanca, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Idealista | Spain's largest property portal with a published methodology for price indices. | We used Idealista to anchor asking prices per square meter as of December 2025. We then adjusted for negotiation to estimate realistic transaction prices. |
| INE (National Statistics Institute) | Spain's official government statistics office for economic data. | We used INE to validate the direction and speed of price growth in Spain. We also checked new-build versus resale price dynamics. |
| Generalitat Valenciana | The official statistics portal for the Valencia regional government. | We cross-checked that regional trends match local Costa Blanca patterns. We used it to avoid relying on a single private data source. |
| Banco de España | Spain's central bank providing official consumer banking guidance. | We used Banco de España to ground typical mortgage lending limits at around 80% of appraised value. We translated this into practical down payment requirements. |
| Agencia Tributaria | Spain's national tax agency explaining property purchase tax rules. | We used Agencia Tributaria to determine whether buyers pay VAT or ITP. We calculated closing costs based on these official tax rates. |
| BOE (Notary Fee Schedule) | Spain's Official Gazette containing the legally binding notary fee framework. | We used BOE to confirm that notary fees are regulated, not arbitrary. We included these fees in our closing cost calculations. |
| BOE (Registry Fee Schedule) | Spain's Official Gazette containing the land registry fee framework. | We used BOE to justify that registry fees are regulated. We added them as a standard line item in buyer closing costs. |
| Administracion.gob.es | Official Spanish government portal for citizen information. | We used this source to confirm the purchase sequence: sign deed, pay taxes, register ownership. We kept our process guidance accurate. |
| Ayuntamiento de Alicante (IBI) | The official city government site for local property tax rules. | We used Alicante's IBI ordinance to show how property tax works locally. We used it as an example buyers can replicate for their target town. |
| Sede Electrónica del Catastro | Spain's official cadastre platform for property tax bases. | We explained how buyers can verify cadastral values and tax references. We helped foreigners understand how property taxes are calculated. |
| Aguas de Alicante | The official local water utility for Alicante-area municipalities. | We used Aguas de Alicante to show that water costs have fixed and variable components. We converted this into a practical monthly budget. |
| INE (Water Statistics) | Official national statistics for household water use and costs. | We estimated realistic water consumption and costs for a typical household. We adapted this to a Costa Blanca apartment budget. |
| OCU (Electricity) | Spain's major consumer organization with transparent utility pricing data. | We anchored recent real-world monthly electricity bill levels from late 2025. We translated this into a practical range for Costa Blanca apartments. |
| CNMC | Spain's national markets and competition regulator. | We cross-checked that electricity pricing is volatile and market-linked. We kept utility budgets as ranges rather than single numbers. |
| IDAE | Spain's official energy agency with household consumption studies. | We grounded typical household consumption patterns to avoid guesswork. We adapted results to Costa Blanca's coastal climate. |
| Ayuntamiento de Alicante (Waste) | The legally binding local ordinance for the municipal waste fee. | We confirmed that trash collection is a formal municipal fee, not optional. We included it in ongoing annual cost calculations. |
| OCU (Home Insurance) | Spain's major consumer organization tracking insurance pricing. | We estimated typical home insurance costs for Costa Blanca apartments. We kept ranges to reflect coverage and property value variations. |
| Idealista (Dénia) | Detailed neighborhood-level pricing data within a key Costa Blanca town. | We showed within-town price variation, like El Puerto versus Saladar. We demonstrated how micro-location dramatically affects apartment prices. |
| Idealista (Orihuela) | Municipality-level pricing data for a key southern Costa Blanca market. | We tracked year-over-year price changes in Orihuela. We identified it as one of the fastest-growing markets on the Costa Blanca. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Spain. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.