British interest in moving to Spain has surged to record levels, as growing numbers look to swap grey skies for sunshine and a more relaxed way of life.
Searches for “move to Spain” jumped by 40% in the last month, with around 13,000 searches in January alone. According to analysts, this represents the third-highest peak in interest in the past five years, underlining how strongly Spain continues to appeal to would-be British expats.
Brits moving to Spain
At the centre of this trend is the Costa Blanca, which has emerged as the top location in Spain for British expat property ownership.
New research examining 50 Spanish cities and regions found that 43% of properties in Alicante are owned by foreign residents. This is the highest proportion anywhere in the country. That figure places the Costa Blanca capital well ahead of its nearest rivals.
For many Britons, the appeal is easy to understand. The Costa Blanca combines:
- Mild winters and long summers
- Coastal living with beaches close to the city
- Relatively affordable property compared with other hotspots
- A well-established English-speaking community
- An international airport with frequent UK connections
- Strong rail links for travel within Spain
The result is a destination that feels accessible, familiar and practical, especially for those planning a permanent move rather than a holiday home.
How other regions compare
After the Costa Blanca, the next most popular areas for expat property ownership are Balearic Islands and the Costa del Sol, which share second place. In both locations, around 31% of properties are owned by international buyers.
Further down the list:
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife – 26%
- Girona – 25%
- Murcia – 21%
- Las Palmas – 20%
While these destinations remain popular, none currently match the concentration of foreign homeowners seen in Alicante.
Why Brits keep choosing the Costa Blanca
Property experts point out that Alicante offers a rare balance. While the Balearics and parts of Málaga have seen prices climb sharply, much of the Costa Blanca still provides better value for money, particularly for retirees and remote workers.
The area also benefits from long-established expat services, international schools, English-speaking healthcare options and social networks that make settling in easier. For many newcomers, that support structure is just as important as the climate.
