Property Supplement CBS 19 - 25 February 2026 Issue 2120

Costa Blanca calling

THE Costa Blanca is entering 2026 as one of Spain’s most resilient and attractive property markets, combining lifestyle appeal with long-term investment potential. After several years of strong growth fuelled by international demand and limited housing supply, the region is now entering a phase of stability and sustainable price growth, offering confidence for buyers, investors, and homeowners alike.

Following rapid price increases in recent

years, 2026 is expected to bring moderate, steady growth, reflecting a market driven by real demand rather than just speculation. Prime coastal towns and well-established residential areas are likely to outperform the regional average, while inland or less developed zones offer opportunities for buyers who are seeking long-term value.

International buyers remain a driving force, particularly from Northern Europe and the UK, drawn by the mild climate, exce-

llent infrastructure, high-quality healthcare, strong rental potential, and lively Mediterranean lifestyle. Their ongoing presence supports price stability and reinforces Costa Blanca’s position as a globally attractive real estate market.

Modern, energy-efficient homes continue to be highly sought after, with features like open-plan layouts, private terraces, and smart systems helping properties retain value. Meanwhile, the rental market remains

strong, fuelled by tourism, population growth, and relocation of remote workers, offering attractive returns in both coastal and urban areas.

Entering 2026 from a position of strength, the Costa Blanca market balances healthy growth, supply constraints, international interest, and rental demand. For anyone buying, selling, or investing, it remains a place where Mediterranean lifestyle and sound property fundamentals go hand in hand.

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JANUARY 2026 was a record-breaking month for 5 Real Estate, with 65 sales agreed across our network. In a market where many agents are experiencing extended selling times these results highlight a simple fact - properties priced correctly and marketed properly, by the right local agent, are selling. So, when it comes to selling your property in the Costa Blanca South and Murcia regions, one thing matters more than anything elsechoosing an agent that gets results and genuinely understands your local market.

At 5 Real Estate, we are proud to be a truly local estate agency with nine offices across the region, including Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja, Ciudad Quesada, La Marina, San Pedro del Pinatar and Los Alcazares and covering all the surrounding areas.

We don’t operate from a distance - we are based in the communities we serve. Our teams live and work here every day, giving us real-time insight into buyer demand, pricing trends and knowing what it actually takes to get properties sold.

This local presence is not just about visibi-

lity - it delivers results.

So what makes the difference between your house languishing on the market for months with others around you achieving sales?

Firstly, accurate pricing based on real sales evidence - not inflated valuations simply designed to win instructions, with no realistic prospect of selling. Our experienced teams

HOMEOWNERS in Spain planning energyefficient renovations have been given a final window to secure substantial tax savings. A tax incentive that was set to expire has now been extended, allowing eligible homeowners to deduct up to €3,000 from their income tax in 2026. The measure, approved in December and published in the Official State Gazette, applies to individual homes until the end of 2026 and to residential buildings until the end of 2027. With energy costs still weighing on household budgets, the extension combines financial relief with a clear push toward greener housing.

The deduction is available to owners who carry out renovations that genuinely reduce energy consumption. It applies to primary residences, second homes used privately, and, in some cases, entire apartment buildings. Cosmetic upgrades do not qualify. The works must lead to measurable improvements, such as lowering non-renewable energy use or significantly improving the property’s energy rating. To prove this, homeowners must obtain two official energy efficiency certificates: one before the renovation and one after completion. Both are mandatory, and the initial certificate can be up to two years old.

Not all projects are treated equally. Renovations qualify if they reduce non-

focus on achievable pricing strategies that generate serious buyer interest from day one.

Secondly, proactive buyer management. With over 18,500 buyer enquiries over the last 12 months, particularly from the UK and Europe, all actively searching across our database - our system matches properties directly to qualified buyers, even before featu-

renewable primary energy consumption by at least 30 per cent or improve the home’s energy rating to class A or B. Typical eligible works include insulation, window replacement, heating system upgrades, renewable energy installations and comprehensive refurbishments that cut overall energy demand.

The tax benefit is structured across three levels. Smaller improvements that reduce heating and cooling demand by at least 7 per cent allow a deduction of up to €1,000. The most attractive option for individual homeowners offers up to €3,000, applying a 40 per cent deduction to qualifying renovations. For full building renovations, owners can deduct up to €3,000 per year, with unused amounts carried forward for up to four additional years.

There are important conditions. Only one deduction level can be applied per project, public grants must be deducted from the base amount, and payments must be made via traceable methods such as bank transfer or card. Documentation is essential.

For homeowners already considering upgrades, 2026 represents a last real opportunity to combine energy improvements with meaningful tax savings, while also boosting comfort, efficiency and long-term property value.

ring on our extensive advertising campaigns. And thirdly, strong negotiation. Agreeing a sale is not just about finding a buyer; it’s about securing the best possible financial outcome and successfully progressing the transaction through to completion.

With nine offices working collaboratively, your property is exposed not just locally, but across our entire regional network. This cross-office approach ensures maximum visibility with access to the widest possible pool of buyers.

If you are considering selling in 2026, ask yourself one key question: is the agent actually selling properties in your area or simply looking to get your property on his books, with no realistic prospect of a sale?

At 5 Real Estate, we are proud to say - we sell properties - consistently, professionally, and with proven verifiable results.

So if you want to sell your property, contact us now to arrange a free, no-obligation valuation with your local 5 Real Estate office, and discover what a results-driven, locally based agency can achieve for you.

THE Your Dream Home team is dedicated to making your purchase in Spain as simple as possible. With offices in Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Fuerteventura we have something for everyone, from luxury apartments to contemporary villas and everything in between whether on the beach, whitewashed pueblos or world class golf resorts we will find Your Dream Home!

Our international multilingual team will help you before you even arrive in Spain and can offer advice on areas, what it’s like to live in Spain and the Spanish market. We’ve all made the move and never looked back, so come and join us!

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All the team have lived here for many years and love sharing our favourite beaches, restaurants and things to do which you may not know, however frequent a visitor you are.

Our relationship with you doesn’t end once you’ve bought your property, our after care team can help you with property management, rentals and even reforms or building work. If you’ve purchased an unfurnished property, not a problem we offer a comprehensive interior design service to suit all pockets and needs.

To begin your journey, simply get in touch with our friendly team who will be delighted to assist you at every step. You can contact us on Tel: (+34) 952 475 715 or (+34) 658 017 138, email: info@yourdreamhome.es or visit our website at yourdreamhome.es. We look forward to helping you find and enjoy your perfect home in Spain.

MOVE over stark white - there’s a new neutral in town. Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201), is a warm, ethereal off-white that evokes the gentle drift of sunbleached linen. It’s softer, calmer, and infinitely more inviting than the cold whites that have dominated interiors for the past decade.

Cloud Dancer isn’t just a colour; it’s a mood. In a world that often feels hurried and cluttered, this serene shade encourages a sense of reflection and calm.

Homes painted in Cloud Dancer immediately feel lighter and airier, yet cosy - the perfect backdrop for modern living where comfort and style go hand in hand.

Interior designers are embracing this shade for its versatility. Unlike stark white, which can feel sterile, Cloud Dancer works beautifully across different materials and textures. Imagine the gentle contrast against natural oak floors, the subtle complement to muted terracotta tiles, or the soft glow it brings to cream-coloured fabrics. It’s a neutral that doesn’t fade into the background; it elevates every element in a room.

Its calming effect is also a nod

to well-being. In spaces coloured with Cloud Dancer, the everyday bustle seems just a little more manageable. Whether it’s a sundrenched living room or a quiet study, this off-white creates a sanctuary where thought and imagination can breathe.

For property owners looking to make a subtle yet impactful statement, Cloud Dancer offers a timeless choice. It’s ideal for those aiming to refresh interiors without committing to bold

transforms spaces.

In 2026, the mantra for home interiors seems clear: less harshness, more warmth.

colours, bringing a contemporary elegance that appeals to a wide range of tastes. From freshly painted walls to kitchen cupboards, furniture finishes, and even soft furnishings, this colour is a simple update that

Cloud Dancer reflects a cultural shift towards mindful living and thoughtful design. It’s a colour that whispers rather than shouts, inviting calm, creativity, and a little bit of luxury into every room. In a property market that prizes mood and ambience as much as square metres, painting your home in this shade could be the easiest way to elevate both style and soul.

INMO INVESTMENTS REAL ESTATE is a leading estate agency on the Costa Blanca. The company prides itself on its quality properties, expert advice, and professional yet friendly service.

Established in 2003, this family-run business in La Zenia has expanded and grown over the past two decades, with local offices in Orihuela Costa staffed by a motivated, multilingual and friendly team of professionals.

Their Managing Director, Alexander Pichlmayr, has been working in the property industry for more than 20 years, and has a clear vision of offering a transparent and honest service to home sellers in six of the most common European languages: English, German, Swedish, Dutch, French, and Spanish.

The company offers a comprehensive service under one roof, including legal and financial services, and assistance with every aspect of buying or selling a home in Spain.

Sellers can rest assured that their property is in the safe hands of an established, trusted, and legally registered local com-

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pany, receiving regular updates and reports each month on the progress of the marketing and sale of their home.

Choose Inmo Investments as your sole agent, and you are guaranteed maximum exposure, profiting from the extensive network of trusted and respected local and international collaborators, whilst ensuring the ease and convenience of a single focal

point of contact.

When it comes to marketing, digital content is invaluable, and Inmo Investments has invested in the latest web technology to ensure maximum exposure for the properties

they represent, reaching potential buyers throughout the European continent and beyond.

The company is highly active on social media and engages with the most effective property portals in Europe. Their multilingual sales force deals with incoming enquiries every day.

Knowledge of the current market is paramount, and they advise potential sellers on the accurate and true value of their home so it can be marketed at a realistic price.

The administration team ensures that all necessary and correct paperwork is in place, and with a dedicated legal team and pre-qualified buyers, there won’t be any unwanted surprises during the exchange process.

With professional photographers and best-in-class digital photographic equipment, Inmo Investments provides a high-quality presentation of your home, including aerial photography and video. Their passion for a first-class presentation is second to none.

The company offers a ‘no-sale, no-fee’ business model for home sellers in the Costa Blanca. Contact Alexander today

a free no-obligation valuation of your home, register online at www.inmoinvestments.co/sell, or send

SPAIN’S architectural heritage is experiencing a stylish renaissance. Across the country, from sun-soaked Andalucian plains to the cobbled streets of Catalonia, old fincas, cortijos, and even neglected townhouses are being transformed into stunning contemporary homes. The trend, known as adaptive reuse, is redefining how we live in historic spaces.

At the heart of this movement is a careful balance: preserving original character while integrating modern comforts. Picture a centuries-old stone farmhouse with its rugged façade and exposed wooden beams, now boasting an openplan kitchen, underfloor heating, and state-of-the-art appliances. It’s a fusion that appeals to buyers seeking both charm and convenience.

Visual contrast is key. Architects and designers are embracing the beauty of juxtaposition - ancient stone walls paired with sleek glass doors, rustic wooden beams highlighted by contemporary lighting, and traditional arches framing minimalist interiors. The result is a dramatic, Instagram-

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materials, ensuring these historic homes are not only beautiful but future-proof.

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worthy aesthetic that doesn’t compromise on functionality. Sustainability also plays a central role. Repurposing

existing structures reduces the need for new construction, conserving resources and limiting environmental impact.

Many projects incorporate energy-efficient solutions such as solar panels, smart heating systems, and sustainable

For property buyers in Spain, adaptive reuse offers unique opportunities. Unlike newly built estates, restored historic homes carry a story in every stone and timber. Each property is oneof-a-kind, reflecting regional traditions while offering all the conveniences of modern living. The market is responding enthusiastically: well-executed restorations are increasingly sought after by locals and international buyers alike, with many projects selling quickly.

Even smaller townhouses are not being overlooked. Neglected urban properties are being reimagined as boutique homes or stylish holiday rentals, proving that adaptive reuse isn’t just for grand country estates. These projects breathe life into streets and neighbourhoods, preserving heritage while revitalising communities.

For those looking to invest in Spanish property, this trend offers not just a home, but a living piece of history - where the past meets the present in perfect harmony.

Renovation mistakes that devalue

RENOVATING is widely considered one of the smartest ways to increase a home’s value, but property experts warn that the wrong decisions can quietly do the opposite.

Paint is one of the renovation decisions most likely to influence how a home is perceived. The biggest mistake homeowners make is choosing a colour based on trends or tiny samples rather than how natural light behaves in the space. Dark shades can work beautifully in sun-lit Spanish properties, while orientation matters more than room size. North-facing rooms may need warmer undertones, whereas south-facing spaces can handle richer tones. Testing swatches at different times of day helps avoid costly missteps.

A renovation is an opportunity to refresh a space, but leaning too heavily into personal taste can limit appeal. Bold tiles, highly specific schemes or trend-led features may feel exciting now, yet buyers typically favour neutral, adaptable interiors that allow them to imagine their own lives there.

Open layouts and oversized sui tes are desirable, but rarely at the expense of bedroom count. In many markets, value is closely tied to how many bedrooms a property offers, and removing one to create a larger living area or dressing room can significantly affect valua tion.

Budget pressures can make cheaper materials tempting, but buyers are quick to notice poor workmanship. Uneven flooring, thin countertops or badly fitted cabinetry suggest future main tenance and can prompt lower offers. Quality finishes signal that a home has been carefully main tained.

However beautiful a renova tion may be, a home still needs to function. A lack of built-in war drobes, kitchen storage or prac tical utility space can make even newly updated properties feel im practical. Smart storage consis tently adds both desirability and perceived value.

Lighting is one of the most un

Biophilic design

BIOPHILIC design weaves nature into the built environment as a way to reconnect people with the natural world. Once considered a niche aesthetic, biophilic principles are now shaping residential developments, commercial buildings and urban planning strategies worldwide.

Biophilic design goes beyond adding a few potted plants. Nature is truly integrated into architecture, layout and material choices. As well as being an aesthetic choice, it’s a good sustainable practice. Shading from trees reduces heat gain, green roofs improve insulation, and natural ventilation lowers energy consumption.

Some of the most famous examples of biophilic design are unmistakable. Around the world, Vertical Forests are being integrated into major cities as apartment towers are turned into living ecosystems. Another notable example of biophilic design is Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport. With its indoor forest and cascading waterfall, the airport itself has become a tourist attraction in its own right.

Biophilic design is also just as powerful when it’s subtle. Cottages with ivy climbing the walls are a classic example of biophilic design, one most people have enjoyed without realising the exact name of the design style.

As sustainability moves from being a niche design choice to an expected element of every building, biophilic design is becoming less of a trend and more of a quiet standard.

AI in Real Estate

A GROWING trend in real estate marketing involves using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance or generate property listing photos, raising concerns about potential misrepresentation. AI tools can improve lighting, tidy interiors, virtually stage rooms, or generate images of features that do not exist, giving buyers an idealised impression of properties. While agencies argue that this attracts more views and helps compete in crowded markets, authorities warn that exaggerated images may mislead consumers.

Some AI-enhanced photos alter structural features, space, or furniture, creating false expectations that can frustrate prospective buyers.

Regulators in countries such as the US have begun requiring that digitally altered images be labelled and original photos remain accessible. Ethical codes for real estate professionals also stress transpa-

rency and accuracy to maintain trust.

In Spain, buyers often rely on international portals that may host AI-enhanced listings. Even where local regulations are limited, experts advise verifying details in person or requesting original images.

Questions to ask include whether photos were AI-enhanced, whether virtual staging is used, and whether views and spaces reflect reality.

While AI can improve marketing efficiency and help buyers visualise potential, it risks eroding trust if misused.

The ideal approach combines innovation with transparency, ensuring buyers understand which images reflect reality and which are enhanced.

The trend illustrates the tension between technological advancement and consumer protection in real estate, with implications for domestic and international buyers alike.

Simple alarms

IN Spain, where daily life moves to the rhythm of early mornings, late dinners, and vibrant street culture, safety at home should not be complicated. Yet often, alarm systems are marketed as complex, expensive, and difficult to manage. What most households truly need are safe and simple alarms - systems that protect without overwhelming.

Security should not require a technical manual the size of a novel. Families, elderly residents, and small business owners deserve alarms that are intuitive, reliable, and quick to install. In a country where many live in apartment buildingss and shared communities, straightforward systems with clear alerts and easy mobile integration make far more sense than elaborate, hard-to-maintain setups.

Spain has seen steady demand for home protection in recent years, particularly in urbanisations and coastal regions with seasonal residences. But higher demand should not mean higher confusion. The best alarm is one that works

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seamlessly:

clear notifications, simple arming and disarming, and dependable customer support in English.

Simplicity improves safety. When systems are easy to understand, users are more likely to activate them consistently. Complicated technology often leads to user error - forgotten codes, disabled sensors, or ignored alerts. Straightforward design reduces these risks.

Security is not about sophistication for its own sake. It is about peace of mind. Safe and Simple Alarms can empower households to protect what matters most - without turning security into a burden. Practical protection should be accessible, transparent, and above all, easy to use. So contact Pete now on 632 258 576 or pete@safeandsimplealarms. com or check out the website www.safeandsimplealarms.com

IS the feature wall dead?

Once the go-to trick for brightening up a space, the single statement wall fell out of favour as style trends evolved. Feature walls are not dead, they’ve matured, with many homeowners prioritising texture over bold colours or bright wallpapers.

Limewash finish, stone cladding, timber slats are just some of the current stylistic choices that homeowners are choosing to add depth and value to their homes. They want character without

the gimmicks. Oftentimes, these statement pieces are in neutral shades, as interior design has shifted focus to calm, cohesive interiors. Using one base colour creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere, while the textured elements create an interesting dichotomy.

For some homeowners, one feature wall simply didn’t cut it. They want the whole room to make a statement. In order to do that, they lean into the maximalist style completely, decorating all

four walls and even sometimes the ceiling in the same vibrant wallpaper. It is also true that homeowners are swapping statement walls for statement pieces. They keep the walls a neutral colour and inject colour and intrigue with vintage dressers, handmaid rugs and one of a kind artwork.

So, is the feature wall dead? Not at all. The era of the random accent wall may be fading, but intentional, well-integrated features are alive and well.