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.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Your complete property journey in Spain with trusted local experts
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!
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.
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
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.
Credit: BongkarnGraphic / Shutterstock
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.
WITH housing prices continuing to rise and supply failing to keep up, ultra-small homes are no longer a curiosity in Spain. Converted shops, former garages and compact studios are increasingly presented as viable housing options, often because they are the only ones within reach. But as these properties become more common, a key question keeps surfacing: how small can a home legally be in Spain?
The short answer is that there is no single national minimum size. Spain does not apply a uniform rule across the country. Instead, each autonomous community sets its own habitability standards, and those rules determine whether a property can legally be classified as a dwelling. Size alone is not decisive. What matters is whether the home meets regional requirements and has the correct documentation, such as a cédula de habitabilidad or a first occupation licence.
This is why many very small properties are still legal. In Madrid, for example, since 2023 any newly built home or property created through a change of use must have at least 40 square metres of usable space. However, the rule is not retroactive. Homes approved
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.
under older regulations can remain on the market even if they fall below today’s threshold. The same logic applies across Spain: legality often depends on when the home was authorised, not just how big it is now.
Minimum size requirements vary widely by region. Madrid and Murcia set the bar at 40m², while Catalonia requires 36m² and the Basque Country 35m². Many regions, including Valencia, Castilla y Leon and Castilla-La Mancha, allow new homes from 30m². At the lower end, Andalucia permits 24m², the Canary Islands 25m², and the smallest legal homes are found in Ceuta, at just 20m².
Even then, size is only part of the equation. National rules under the Technical Building Code require natural light, ventilation, minimum ceiling heights, independent bathrooms, proper utilities, energy efficiency certification and telecommunications access. Without these, a property cannot legally be considered a home, regardless of its surface area. As housing pressure pushes people towards ever-smaller spaces, the real dividing line is not square metres, but whether a property was legally authorised to be lived in at all.
AS energy prices continue to fluctuate and global uncertainty affects markets around the world, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to take control of their energy future. One of the most practical and forward-thinking solutions is solar power. Companies like Medsun Solar are helping households make the transition to renewable energy, offering systems that provide both financial and practical benefits for years to come.
Installing solar panels allows homeowners to generate their own electricity directly from sunlight. This reduces dependence on traditional energy suppliers and protects households from unpredictable price increases. With electricity costs changing frequently, producing your own power offers stability and long-term savings that many homeowners now see as essential rather than optional.
Solar energy can also add measurable value to your property. According to some real estate agents, homes with solar panels installed can sell for up to
€15,000 more than comparable properties without them. Buyers increasingly recognise the benefits of purchasing a home that already has a renewable energy system in place. Lower running costs, reduced environmental impact, and energy independence are attractive features that make a property stand out in today’s market.
Another important advantage is energy security. In an era when power outages and grid instability can occasionally occur, solar systems offer an additional layer of protection. With the right setup,
particularly when combined with battery storage, homeowners can continue to access electricity even when the grid goes down. This means essential appliances, lighting, and home systems can still operate, providing peace of mind during unexpected disruptions.
Medsun Solar focuses on making renewable energy accessible and practical for homeowners who want to future-proof their properties. Advances in solar technology mean modern systems are more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective than ever before. Each installation
can be tailored to suit the property’s energy needs, ensuring the system performs at its best while maximising savings.
Beyond the financial benefits, choosing solar energy is also a positive step toward a more sustainable future. Every unit of solar electricity generated reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps lower overall carbon emissions. For many homeowners, this combination of economic and environmental advantages makes solar an obvious choice. With energy markets uncertain and sustainability becoming a priority for buyers and homeowners alike, now is the time to act.
By installing solar with Medsun Solar, homeowners can protect their energy supply, increase property value, and invest in a cleaner, more secure future.
Exciting times ahead from
AFTER more than 21 years of successfully serving homeowners across Spain, Euroguard Windows and Doors is entering an exciting new chapter of growth and expansion. Built on a strong reputation for quality products, professional installation, and outstanding customer service, Euroguard has become a trusted name in the home improvement sector.
For more than two decades, the company has helped customers enhance their homes with high-quality windows and doors designed to suit the Spanish climate and lifestyle. Combining durability, security, and energy efficiency, Euroguard’s products are carefully selected to pro-
vide long-lasting performance while improving the comfort and appearance of homes.
In addition to windows and doors, Euroguard has expanded its range of modern glass solutions to help homeowners make the most of their living spaces. Stylish glass curtains allow terraces and balconies to be
enclosed while still enjoying natural light and uninterrupted views, creating flexible spaces that can be used throughout the year. Euroguard also installs elegant glass railings, offering a contemporary finish that enhances safety without obstructing views, making them ideal for balconies, terraces, and staircases.
As the company continues to grow, Euroguard is proud to announce another important step forward. HI-SPEC Windows is now joining the Euroguard family, strengthening the company’s product offering and bringing additional expertise in high-performance window and door systems.
This expansion represents an exciting opportunity to broaden the range of solutions available to customers, combining Euroguard’s long-standing reputation in Spain with the advanced window technology and product innovation that HI-SPEC Windows provides. The result is an even stronger offering for homeowners looking to impro-
ve insulation, energy efficiency, and overall home comfort.
While the company continues to expand, the values that have guided Euroguard for more than two decades remain the same: quality workmanship, reliable service, and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.
With over 21 years of experience and new opportunities on the horizon, the future looks bright. As Euroguard welcomes HI-SPEC Windows into the family and continues to grow its range of products and services, it looks forward to helping even more homeowners across Spain improve and enjoy their homes.
