PULL-OUT
Property paradise
SPAIN’S shining Costa Blanca is preparing for another bustling peak season, and along with it come visitors that are ready to look at some of its most beautiful properties.
In recent years, the Costa Blanca has become one of Spain’s prime real estate hotspots, boasting areas that rival some of the most desirable destinations in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, and even the coveted Balearic Islands. Hubs like Alicante and Benidorm are now not only popular with tourists; they
are hotspots for buyers.
The Costa Blanca is one of the top destinations in Spain, in terms of what buyers get for their money. For the average price of a UK home (£271,000, or around €310,000), buyers can get a much more spacious twoor three-bedroom property on the coastline overlooking the Mediterranean, often even with sea views, terraces, swimming pools and private gardens as added bonuses. In smaller, but more popular inland towns
like Torrevieja or El Campello, properties are less pricey but offer more culture, giving interested buyers a taste of the desirable Mediterranean lifestyle, right on the shoreline, without the cramped busyness of peak season.
The Costa Blanca is also desirable for its myriad of cultural and musical events, with music festivals attracting tens of thousands of people annually to its sparkling shores, and fun festivals like the San Juan festivities bringing a dose of tradition and colour to its
charming streets.
It’s no surprise that buyers, especially foreign buyers from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, consistently look towards the Costa Blanca for the absolute best that Spain has to offer. With a laid-back lifestyle, a large population of expatriates, and views that cannot be beaten, the Costa Blanca has quickly become the apple of buyers’ eyes for an affordable coastal property, without the added noise.
Photo Credit: Mark Owen Wilkinson Hughes / Unsplash
Foreign buyers flock to Costa Blanca for affordable coastal homes.
Stormy start to the year
THE year has started stormy in Spain. After several severe storms, the latest one to arrive, Storm Nils, caused strong wind gusts and damage in various parts of the country. Unfortunately, we are increasingly seeing reports of solar panels coming loose or even being blown away, resulting in damage to homes, vehicles, and the surrounding environment.
Over the past few days, SolarNRG received many messages and phone calls from concerned homeowners facing storm damage to their solar installations.
Fortunately, we can confirm that not
THE coastal lifestyle has always been about sunshine, sea views, and relaxed elegance, and the latest property trend is taking this ethos straight into the garden. Outdoor kitchens and alfresco dining areas are fast becoming the must-have feature for homes along the coast, blending functionality with eye-catching design.
No longer simply a barbecue in the corner of the terrace, these outdoor spaces are fully equipped culinary zones. Homeowners are opting for built-in grills, stone countertops, sinks, fridges, and even pizza ovens. The aim is to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, turning patios, rooftops, and gardens into social hubs that can host everything from casual family lunches to stylish evening gatherings. Design is as important as practicality. Sleek lines, high-quality materials, and clever lighting are transforming outdoor kitchens into statement pieces rather than just functional spaces. Weather-resistant finishes, durable cabinetry, and covered seating areas ensure these spaces can be used year-round, taking full advantage of the region’s mild winters and long summers. Natural stone, timber, and ceramic tiles are popular choices, complementing the Mediterranean surroundings.
The appeal extends beyond aesthetics. Outdoor kitchens and dining areas increase the usability and value of a property, a key consideration for buyers in this competitive market. For those who love to entertain, they provide a practical solution to hosting larger
a single SolarNRG installation has suffered any damage. No system has come loose or caused damage elsewhere.
The installations for which we were contacted were not installed by us. Nevertheless, we try to support everyone as much as possible and provide advice during this unpleasant situation.
Unfortunately, we also have to disappoint many people. In several cases, we are unable to repair installations because substructures and mounting methods were used that we do not work with or that do not meet our quality and safety standards. As a result, safe repair is not always possible. However, using our high-standard substructures, we can restore the system on the roof and bring it back into operation.
Why quality makes the difference
When purchasing solar panels, price often plays an important role, and that is understandable. A solar installation is a significant investment. This period of storms clearly shows how important
the quality of materials and installation truly is.
Our substructure is sometimes seen as a more expensive option, but during these extreme weather conditions it has clearly proven its value. SolarNRG works with additional reinforcements and uses wind deflectors (for flat-roof systems), among other measures, allowing installations to better withstand strong winds and severe storms.
This approach offers several advantages:
* extra stability under heavy wind loads
* better protection for both the roof and the installation
* reduced risk of damage to property or surroundings
* long-term safety and reliability
Quality
At SolarNRG, we consciously choose quality. This means we invest not only in high-quality materials, but also in careful installation, safe constructions, and
durable solutions designed to last for many years even under severe weather conditions.
Although this sometimes requires a higher initial investment, we are convinced that true sustainability begins with long-term safety and reliability.
Working together towards safe and sustainable energy
We remain committed to helping both our customers and non-customers wherever possible with advice and support. Ultimately, we all strive for the same goal: safe, sustainable energy that you can enjoy worry-free for many years.
Alfresco coastal living
groups, while keeping cooking and cleanup outside the main living area. For quieter homeowners, these spaces offer a private retreat for weekend breakfasts or sunset dinners with family.
Local architects and designers are
embracing this trend, offering tailored solutions that fit unique home layouts. Customisation is key: some clients opt for minimalist, modern designs, while others prefer rustic, Mediterranean-inspired layouts with cosy corners for lounging.
With property buyers increasingly seeking lifestyle as well as luxury, investing in an outdoor kitchen could transform a garden into the ultimate social and culinary space, making the most of sun, sea, and Spanish evenings in style.
MATTE, tactile surfaces are quietly taking over the interiors of modern homes, signalling a shift away from the high-gloss finishes that dominated for years. From kitchens to bathrooms, and even outdoor spaces, designers and homeowners are embracing materials that feel as good as they look.
Open-pore wood and travertine are at the forefront of this movement. Unlike polished alternatives, these surfaces invite touch, adding depth and warmth to any room. Their subtle texture catches the light in a soft, understated way, creating a calming, natural ambience that contrasts sharply with the reflective, sometimes clinical look of gloss finishes. In addition, these materials age gracefully, acquiring character over time rather than showing wear too quickly.
Fixtures are following suit. Brushed brass and satin nickel taps, handles, and fittings are increasingly preferred over traditional chrome. Not only do these finishes add a sophisticated, contemporary feel, but they are also far more practical for busy homes. Fingerprints, watermarks, and the notorious saltspray marks in coastal properties are far less visible, meaning less frequent cleaning and a perpetually polished look with minimal effort. For Spanish coastal towns where humidity and sea air can take a toll on shiny surfaces, these finishes are proving particularly appealing.
This tactile trend extends beyond aesthetics. Homeowners are drawn to the sensory experience: the smooth yet textured feel of travertine underfoot, the gentle warmth of open-pore timber, and the soft
matte of a brushed brass tap. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and slick, digital interfaces, bringing touchable, grounded materials into the home offers a welcome sense of connection and comfort.
Designers also highlight the versatility of these surfaces. They blend effortlessly with both modern and traditional interiors, complementing neutral palettes or standing out against bold colours.
Ultimately, the move towards matte, tactile surfaces signals more than a fleeting trend. It reflects a broader desire for homes that feel lived-in, welcoming, and resilient, marrying beauty with practicality. For homeowners in Spain and beyond, the message is clear: it’s time to touch, feel, and enjoy the surfaces around us.
Get a fixed survey quote
2025 was a busy year for all those involved in property sales. Most estate agents have increased their advertising to vendors as their portfolios of properties have reduced in size. This is a good sign that the Costa Blanca is extremely popular with buyers, and prices have increased accordingly. Despite the high demand, there are still surprisingly some great value property deals to be had, and many properties that are resales actually remain below cost price (when considering what the build and plot would cost at today’s prices). Even newbuilds can offer great value when you compare what you might get in other parts of the world for your money.
During last year the Dutch have made up a majority percentage of buyers, but the Brits as always still love to buy in Spain and a significant
number of buyers from the USA are now discovering the Costa Blanca and the lifestyle opportunities it presents. The French, Belgians, Scandinavians and Germans also retain a keen interest in Spain’s low cost of living and sunny climate. It appears that demand in 2026 will continue in a upward trend.
If you are investing your money in Spanish property, it is wise to use a lawyer for all legal checks and have a structural survey as part of the purchase process.
EVERY element of a Spanish home is purposefully designed to keep out the heat, from the terracotta roofs all the way down to the tiled floors.
Tile is the predominant flooring choice in Spain for one simple reason: it absorbs the heat. When the temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius during the summer months, that’s a must. It’s a durable material that doesn’t warp or melt, and it stays cool even in the most intense heat.
Terracotta or marble are the typical choices, becoming a classic element of Spanish architecture. One flooring material that is not typically found in Spanish homes is wood.
Wood is not suited to hot, humid climates. The heat and humidity cause the wood to expand and swell, quickly becoming deformed. It also doesn’t help cool the house down, as wood is a natural insulator.
Starting over in Spain doesn’t mean saying goo-
dbye to hardwood flooring. It simply requires a little creativity and ingenuity.
Wood effect tiles are a smart alternative that gives homeowners the best of both worlds: the benefit of tile and the homey aesthetic of wood. Wood effect tiles are becoming increasingly popular, with retailers stocking tiles of various wood tones.
Using wood effect tiles is a great way to blend personal style preference with climate control.
Experienced Estate Agents at your service
COASTLINE PROPERTIES is an established, trusted independent estate agent with over 20 years’ experience, based in Denia, covering the northern Costa Blanca.
Founder Philip Westerby says: “With our extensive knowledge of the region, combined with our property portfolio (which includes a wide range of villas, townhouses, bungalows and apartments) and our personalised service, we are confident that we will be able to find your dream property.”
We pride ourselves on our high-quality service and professional advice, which is reflected in the comprehensive recommendations of our many satisfied clients. Our expertise will help you at every step of the buying process, and we also offer a complete service for owners looking to sell their property.
The following services are included
free of charge when buying a property with us:
• Location identification
• Property search, viewing and showing
• Negotiation of terms, price and contract
• Accompaniment and translation at the notary
• Help with money transfers
• Recommendations to qualified Spanish tax advisors and lawyers
• Help with opening a Spanish bank account
• Assistance with bank mortgages
If you need advice or a free valuation, please contact Philip Westerby. Through our website:www.coastlinepropertiesspain.com WhatsApp: +34 606 798 213 | info@coastlineproperties.es
Wood effect tiles blend practicality and personal style.
Denia, a unique way of life
FOR those dreaming of a new life on the Costa Blanca, at Abbey Properties we offer more than just real estate - we offer a gateway into the lifestyle that makes Denia so special.
We have been part of this community since the late 1960s, giving us over half a century of local knowledge and experience. Over the years, we’ve seen Denia grow into one of the most desirable places to live on the Mediterranean, and we are proud to have helped generations of clients find their place here.
Set between the sea and the beautiful Montgó, Denia offers a unique way of life - relaxed, welcoming, and centred around family, sunshine, and outdoor living. It’s a place where mornings start slowly, and evenings are enjoyed with friends, good food, and a true sense of community.
As a family business, we understand that buying or selling a property is about much more than a transaction - it’s about people, lifestyle, and trust. That’s why we take the time to listen, to guide, and to support you through every step of the journey.
Our portfolio includes a carefully selected range of properties, from seaside apartments to spacious villas, always tailored to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Many of our clients come back to us or recommend us to family and friends, and for us, that is the greatest measure of success. At Abbey Properties, we’re here to help you not just find a property - but to feel at
Quirky cleaning hacks
SPRING cleaning season is here, but do you know these quirky, game-changing home hacks to lift your space from stale to sparkling? Ever tried the pillowcase ceiling fan trick? Fans collect thick layers of dust that scatter when disturbed. Slide a pillowcase over each blade and pull back slowly, trapping dust inside rather than releasing it into the air. It’s quick, satisfying, and instantly improves how clean a room feels.
Before reaching for harsh chemicals, try a home-ma-
de all-natural spray. Combine equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle with a few drops of lemon essential oil. This mixture cuts grease, lifts residue, and neutralises odours without synthetic scents, leaving spaces genuinely fresh.
Lighting is often overlooked. A thin layer of dust on bulbs dulls brightness, making rooms feel flatter. Wiping bulbs with a soft cloth restores their glow, making spaces lighter and more inviting.
Clearing dust behind radiators also has a big effect. Hidden from view, it circulates whenever the heating is on, creating a subtly stale atmosphere. A long radiator brush or even a hairdryer can help.
For steamed-up mirrors, ordinary shaving cream can act as a defogger. Apply a thin layer, leave 10-15 minutes, then buff off. An invisible barrier prevents moisture from settling, keeping mirrors clear for weeks and giving bathrooms a polished, well-maintained look.
