Spain's Las Vegas — a skyline of hotels and holiday apartments, non-stop entertainment and a British holiday atmosphere
Benidorm has one of Spain's most active markets for tourist apartments as an investment. Prices are relatively low and the potential return is high thanks to the enormous tourist flow. It is, however, a polarising place — tourists and expats love it, while others look for a quieter setting.
Why Benidorm?
Buy property in Benidorm — the property market
Looking to buy property in Benidorm? Benidorm is located on the Costa Blanca and offers one of the most affordable property markets compared with the rest of the coast. The town is characterised by spain's las vegas — a skyline of hotels and holiday apartments, non-stop entertainment and a british holiday atmosphere, which makes buying property in Benidorm a natural choice for international buyers looking for a combination of quality of life, climate and a sound return on their investment.
Benidorm has one of Spain's most active markets for tourist apartments as an investment. Prices are relatively low and the potential return is high thanks to the enormous tourist flow. It is, however, a polarising place — tourists and expats love it, while others look for a quieter setting.
The market for property in Benidorm has seen growing interest from foreign buyers in recent years, particularly from Scandinavia, the UK and Germany. That means healthy demand, but also that the most attractive homes in the best areas often sell quickly — it pays to have your financing and documentation in order before you start looking at property for sale in Benidorm.
Property prices when buying in Benidorm
Price levels in Benidorm naturally vary depending on location, condition and views, but as a general guideline an apartment can be expected to cost 80,000-150,000 EUR, while a house typically falls in the range of 120,000-220,000 EUR. Villas with a pool and private plot start from 220,000-400,000 EUR, depending on size and distance to the coast.
On top of the purchase price itself, you should budget for extra costs for the property transfer tax (ITP at 10% in Valencia region for resale property), notary fees, land registry fees and legal fees. For new-build property, VAT (IVA) at 10% is paid instead.
How to buy property in Benidorm — step by step
The process of buying property in Benidorm follows the same basic steps as the rest of Spain: you need an NIE tax number, a Spanish bank account and an independent lawyer to check the property before you sign anything at all.
Once you have found the right property in Benidorm, you typically sign an arras contract with a deposit of around 10% of the purchase price, before the final notary completion takes place some weeks or months later. Your lawyer will make sure the nota simple (land registry extract) is clean, and that there are no loans or charges on the property.
Who chooses to buy property in Benidorm?
Benidorm attracts a wide range of international buyers — from families looking for a holiday home they can use themselves and rent out the rest of the year, to retirees dreaming of a life in the sun, and investors who see the potential in a growing market.
What particularly draws people to buy property in Benidorm is enormous tourist capacity — never a dull moment, affordable property and food prices and good weather almost all year round — a combination that is hard to find elsewhere on the Spanish coast.
Advantages and pitfalls of buying property in Benidorm
The advantages of buying property in Benidorm are the attractive combination of price, climate and lifestyle. The town has a well-functioning range of international services — banks, lawyers and agents used to helping international buyers through the process in English or other languages.
The most important consideration is to get a thorough understanding of the ongoing costs (IBI property tax, community fees and utilities) as well as how owning foreign property is treated for tax purposes in your home country, before you buy property in Benidorm. We always recommend partnering with an independent advisor who knows the rules of both countries.
Life and culture in Benidorm
Benidorm celebrates its Fiestas Patronales in November in honour of the town's patron saints, with processions, fireworks and street parties, but the town is primarily known internationally for its huge tourism industry and skyline of high-rises, which has earned it the nickname "Spain's Manhattan" or "Spain's Las Vegas". The old town around Plaza de la Constitución, however, still retains a more authentic Spanish atmosphere.
Nightlife in Benidorm is intense and varied — particularly the British-style "Square" with its pub scene, but also a large Spanish and international club and bar landscape. It is one of Europe's most entertainment-heavy destinations, with theme parks such as Terra Mítica and Aqualandia just outside town.
Location and infrastructure
Alicante-Elche airport is around 45 minutes' drive from Benidorm. There is no direct train connection to Benidorm itself, but good bus connections run along the coast.
Taxis are widespread and easy to find thanks to the huge tourist flow. The short distance to Alicante airport makes Benidorm practical for Danish travellers, although transport from the airport requires a bus, taxi or car.
Tourism & leisure
Benidorm has two long, wide sandy beaches (Levante and Poniente) of high quality — among the best urban beaches on the entire Costa Blanca. Golf is not a major part of the town's identity, though a few courses exist inland.
Benidorm is one of the noisiest towns on the coast in the evenings and at night, especially around "the Square" and the central tourist streets — for most buyers here, this is part of the town's character rather than a downside. The climate is mild and dry, typical of the Costa Blanca, with slightly less rainfall than the Costa del Sol.
Everyday costs & what to know before you buy in Benidorm
Eating out in Benidorm is affordable and varied, with everything from cheap British pub menus to authentic Spanish restaurants. Rent and property prices are among the most affordable on the entire Spanish Mediterranean coast, giving strong return potential for investors.
Before you buy: Benidorm is primarily an investment and rental market rather than a quiet residential destination — be realistic about the type of buyer or tenant you're targeting. The Valencia region's tourist licence is required for short-term letting.
Areas in Benidorm
Explore the individual areas in Benidorm for more specific information on prices and character:
Frequently asked questions about buying in Benidorm
How much does it cost to buy property in Benidorm?
Buying property in Benidorm typically costs 80,000-150,000 EUR for an apartment, 120,000-220,000 EUR for a house, and from 220,000-400,000 EUR for a villa with a pool. On top of that, budget for ITP transfer tax (10% in Valencia region), notary fees and legal fees.
Is buying property in Benidorm a good investment?
Benidorm has shown stable to rising prices in recent years, driven by international demand on the Costa Blanca. In general, the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are considered some of Spain's most robust property markets for those who want to buy property in Spain.
Can I get a mortgage to buy property in Benidorm as a foreign buyer?
Yes. Spanish banks offer loans to non-resident EU citizens, typically up to 60-70% of the appraised value. Many international buyers, however, choose to finance via equity in a property in their home country, as it often gives a lower interest rate and simpler administration.
Which areas in Benidorm are best to buy property in?
It depends on your priorities — whether you're looking for proximity to the beach, city life or peace and quiet. See our overview of the individual areas in Benidorm to find the best match for your needs and budget.
How long does it take to buy property in Benidorm?
From finding the right property in Benidorm to having the keys in hand typically takes 6-12 weeks — depending on whether you are financing with a loan or paying cash. The notary completion itself can be carried out in a matter of days once all the documents are in place.
Need help finding property in Benidorm?
Contact us for a no-obligation chat about your options in Benidorm. We give impartial advice and help you move forward — whether you're just starting your research or ready to take the next step.
Contact us about Benidorm