Dreaming of owning property in Spain without emptying your bank account? Get ready to turn that dream into reality! We've scoured our property listings in Spain to uncover the most budget-friendly locations that offer more than just low prices – we're talking breathtaking mountain views, pristine beaches, and authentic Spanish living. From €20,000 renovation projects in historic villages to €75,000 beachfront studios, these hidden gems prove that your Spanish property fantasy is within reach.
Whether you're seeking a retirement retreat, a holiday home, or a permanent move, our curated list showcases locations that blend affordability with incredible lifestyle opportunities. Forget expensive coastal resorts – these destinations offer the real Spanish experience at prices that will make your wallet sing!
Ever fancied living in a spa town where the water is so good they bottle it? Lanjarón might just be your cup of mineral-enriched tea. This charming mountain pueblo of 3,500 souls sits at the gateway to the Alpujarras, where the last Moors of Spain made their dramatic last stand (and clearly had excellent taste in real estate).
Perched high in the Sierra Nevada, Lanjarón is essentially a wellness retreat masquerading as a town. Between the thermal baths, honey museum, and surrounding orchards bursting with peaches, oranges, and pomegranates, it's impossible not to feel healthier just by being here. But it's not all health and wellbeing, there's plenty of fun to be had in Lanjarón too. The town is also famous for its annual Water Festival - imagine an entire neighbourhood getting stuck into a midnight water fight, because why not?!
Why buy property in Lanjarón: With townhouses and apartments starting from an astonishing €50,000, you're essentially paying Costa del Sol parking space prices for a slice of mountain paradise. Most properties come with either roof terraces offering knockout mountain views or charming courtyard gardens perfect for your future pomegranate tree collection.
Other reasons to move to Lanjarón: Just 30 minutes from the Mediterranean and 40 minutes from Granada airport, you get mountain living without the isolation. Plus, a thriving international community means you won't have to explain your tea-drinking habits to puzzled locals.
Nearby alternatives to Lanjarón: While Órgiva offers similar mountain views, it lacks Lanjarón's spa town cachet and that absolutely fabulous water fight festival.
Hidden gem: The honey museum for its impressive wax press, the only one of its kind in Andalucia, it’s a real conversation starter at dinner parties.
Pro tip: Time your property viewings for June's Water Festival, but perhaps pack a waterproof camera.
If you've ever fantasised about owning a castle-view property without requiring a royal budget, Sax might just be your Spanish property dream come true. This affluent yet surprisingly affordable town, perched roughly 40 minutes inland from Alicante, offers that perfect blend of authentic Spanish living and gentle expatriate influence, all wrapped up in a package that won't send your bank manager into therapy.
The town's piece de resistance is its medieval castle, which appears to float magically above the terracotta rooftops come nightfall (thank you, clever lighting department). But Sax isn't just about Instagram-worthy castle shots - it's a proper Spanish town with proper amenities, including everything from 24-hour medical care to a rather sophisticated theatre. The narrow, winding streets reveal layers of history at every turn, from Iberian necropolis to Roman villas, while the weekly market serves up enough local produce to keep even the most ambitious home chef happy.
Why buy property in Sax: Because where else can you find an affluent Spanish town where property prices haven't gone completely bonkers? Whether you're after a modern apartment, a villa with views, or a rustic finca with enough land to start that olive grove you've been dreaming about, Sax delivers without the coastal premium.
Other reasons to move to Sax: Excellent transport links (including direct trains to Madrid, should you fancy a capital adventure), proper year-round community rather than seasonal tourist crowds, and a "buddy system" in local schools that pairs bilingual children with newcomers - possibly the most civilised approach to integration we've encountered.
Nearby alternatives to Sax:Yecla's wine-rich heritage and Elche's historic palm groves, both offering similar inland charm but lacking Sax's unique castle views and community spirit.
Hidden gem: The chapel of Ermita de San Blas - less flashy than the castle perhaps, but a perfect spot for quiet contemplation about whether you really need that beach view after all.
Pro tip: Time your property viewings for the evening when the castle is illuminated. Not only will you see the town at its most magical, but you'll also get a sense of the nighttime atmosphere - and possibly catch the locals heading out for their evening paseo, giving you a glimpse of the community you might be joining.
If the thought of waking up to mountain views in a village that celebrates black pudding with its own festival appeals to your sense of adventure, welcome to Canillas de Aceituno. This enchanting pueblo blanco, with its tangle of Moorish streets and population of just 1,700, sits like a dropped sugar cube in the dramatic Axarquía mountains.
Life here moves at a deliciously slow pace, punctuated by impromptu gatherings in the village squares and walks to the Mirador Blas Infante, where you can enjoy the sort of views that make estate agents reach for their thesaurus. The Sierra Tejeda National Park serves as your rather spectacular back garden, while La Viñuela reservoir sparkles in the distance.
Why buy property in Canillas de Aceituno: Traditional whitewashed houses here offer the chance to live out your Andalusian dream without requiring a lottery win. Whether you're after a cozy village house with character by the bucket load, or a more substantial villa in the surrounding countryside, you'll find prices that make the Costa del Sol seem positively greedy.
Other reasons to move to Canillas de Aceituno: A welcoming international community (about 20% of residents are foreign) means you'll never lack for dinner party invitations. The municipal pool doubles as a concert venue in summer, and there's a spring whose waters allegedly cure everything (though we suspect the local wine might help too).
Nearby alternatives to Canillas de Aceituno:Alcaucín's rural charm, Sedella's secluded streets, and Vélez-Málaga's urban amenities, each offering unique takes on Axarquía mountain living
Hidden gem: The annual Día de Morcilla festival – possibly the only black pudding celebration you'll ever attend where the setting is this spectacular.
Pro tip: Visit during winter to test the heating – those mountain views come with mountain temperatures, and what seems charming in August might feel rather different in January.
If you're seeking a slice of Mediterranean paradise that hasn't been completely overrun by tourism (and its accompanying price tags), Puerto de Mazarron might just be your perfect match. This former Roman harbour turned fishing port offers a refreshingly authentic Spanish experience, with properties starting from a mere €70,000 - about the price of a luxury garden shed in certain parts of northern Europe.
Blessed with over 300 days of sunshine annually and some of Spain's cleanest waters (officially certified by the World Health Organisation, no less), this Costa Calida gem manages to balance its working fishing port heritage with modern coastal living. Six Blue Flag beaches stretch along its coastline, ranging from the family-friendly shallows of Playa de la Isla to the livelier shores of Playa de Bolnuevo, where beach soccer matches continue well into the balmy evenings. The water hits a rather pleasant 20°C in summer, making those morning dips decidedly more appealing than Brighton in August.
Why buy property in Puerto de Mazarron: Because where else can you find beachfront living at inland prices? The property market offers everything from compact studios to sprawling triplexes and modern villas, all at prices that won't require selling vital organs. Plus, the area's careful development restrictions mean your sea view is unlikely to be blocked by a sudden forest of high-rises.
Other reasons to move to Puerto de Mazarron: Roman ruins turned museums, remarkable natural rock formations at Bolnuevo, and a rather spectacular coastal boardwalk at Mirador del Cabezo del Gavilan. Not to mention some of the freshest tuna you'll ever taste, straight from the fishing fleet to your plate.
Nearby alternatives to Puerto de Mazarron: While neighbouring coastal towns might offer similar amenities, few can match Puerto de Mazarron's combination of authentic port life, pristine beaches, and remarkable value for money.
Hidden gem: The Virgen del Carmen festival, where fishing boats carry the Virgin out to sea - possibly the most stylish religious procession you'll ever witness.
Pro tip: Consider visiting in spring or autumn when the British contingent returns home for winter. You'll get a true feel for the town's rhythm, plus you can test out those famous 300 days of sunshine claims. And with both Murcia and Alicante airports just over an hour away, weekend trips are entirely feasible - assuming you can tear yourself away from those Blue Flag beaches.
Looking for a slice of Game of Thrones without the dragons? Peñíscola, perched dramatically on a rocky peninsula jutting 64 metres into the Mediterranean, might just be your answer. This fortress town on Valencia's Orange Blossom Coast manages to be both spectacularly medieval and delightfully liveable at the same time.
The ancient city rises from a slender thread of sand like a stone ship, crowned by the Castle of Pope Luna – a 14th-century Templar fortress that's less brooding Game of Thrones location, more five-star viewpoint over the endless blue of the Mediterranean. Below, the new town stretches along two Blue Flag beaches, while the Serra d'Irta National Park provides a rugged backdrop of secret coves and walking trails.
Why buy property in Peñíscola: With apartments starting from €75,000, you're getting remarkable value for a town that's officially one of Spain's most beautiful. Whether you fancy a bijou old town apartment above an artisan's workshop or something more modern with sea views, Peñíscola delivers without breaking the bank.
Other reasons to move to Peñíscola: More than 200 restaurants, international guitar and film festivals, and year-round Spanish tourism keep things lively. Plus, you're spoiled for choice with airports – Castellón is just 40 minutes away, with Valencia, Reus, and Barcelona all viable options. And if all that wasn't enough, the upcoming Mediterranean Corridor rail project (due for completion in 2027) will make zipping between Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón a breeze.
Nearby alternatives to Peñíscola:Benicarlo offers similar coastal proximity, but can't match Peñíscola's dramatic medieval setting, historical gravitas, and spectacular castle views.
Hidden gem: The secluded pebble beaches within Serra d'Irta National Park – your own private slice of Mediterranean when the main beaches get busy.
Pro tip: Visit in both summer and winter before buying – the town's personality shifts dramatically between high season buzz and winter tranquility.
Imagine a village where geraniums cascade from whitewashed balconies, where mosaic-studded plazas host impromptu gatherings, and where half your neighbors are likely to be fellow international dreamers who've fallen for the same Spanish mountain charm. Welcome to Cómpeta, where the views stretch from rolling hills to hazy mountain peaks, and where the property prices might make you wonder if you've time-travelled back to the 1990s.
This enchanting pueblo blanco in the Axarquía region has mastered the art of blending traditional Andalusian life with international flair. With nearly 4,000 residents split evenly between locals and foreigners (many British, but with a healthy sprinkling of Germans, Dutch, and Scandinavians), it's the sort of place where you can practice your Spanish at the market in the morning and attend an English-language book club in the afternoon.
Why buy property in Cómpeta: Town houses here start from as little as €40,000 for renovation projects – a small price to pay for your slice of mountain paradise. Whether you're after a cosy village house with a sun-drenched terrace or a more substantial property with views across the Mediterranean, Cómpeta delivers remarkable value for money.
Other reasons to move to Cómpeta: Sitting on the edge of the Sierras de Tejeda y Almijara natural park, you've got hiking trails and adventure sports on your doorstep. The coast is just a short drive away, and the annual Noche del Vino festival proves the village knows how to throw a proper party. Plus, with Málaga airport within easy reach, you're never far from an escape route when the family decides to visit.
Nearby alternatives to Cómpeta:Archez and Frigiliana offer equally stunning mountain views and Andalusian charm, each providing their own unique flavour of Axarquía village life
Hidden gem: The Lucero Peak trail – a challenging hike that rewards you with views stretching all the way to Africa on a clear day.
Pro tip: Join the Cómpeta Lifestyle Facebook group before you even start house hunting – with 4,500 members in a village of 4,000 people, it's essentially the town's digital plaza mayor.
Picture the scene: you're strolling along a wooden boardwalk at sunset, salt-tinged breeze in your hair, deciding which of the beachfront chiringuitos will have the pleasure of serving you dinner tonight. This isn't some fancy Costa del Sol resort where your wallet gets lighter by the minute - this is La Mata, where studio apartments start at €75,000 and living the Spanish dream doesn't require a lottery win.
Nestled between turquoise salt lagoons and the Mediterranean Sea, this Costa Blanca village offers that increasingly rare combination: authentic Spanish charm with just enough development to keep things comfortable. The Blue Flag beach stretches out like a golden carpet, mercifully free from the parasol-to-parasol overcrowding of its glitzier neighbours. And while nearby Torrevieja pulses with Pacha's beats and shopping centres, La Mata maintains its village vibe, complete with weekly markets where you can haggle over everything from fresh produce to leather goods.
Why buy property in La Mata: Because you can still snap up a townhouse for €120,000 in one of Costa Blanca's most charming spots. The low-rise developments mean your sea views are safe, and the property mix - from cosy studios to family-sized townhouses - suits every budget and lifestyle.
Other reasons to move to La Mata: Three water parks within splashing distance, three golf courses within a 20-minute drive, and the therapeutic salt lakes of Parque Natural del Mata y Torrevieja on your doorstep. Plus, you're just 36km from Alicante Airport - perfect for when the grandchildren come to visit.
Nearby alternatives to La Mata:Torrevieja offers more buzz and amenities, La Zenia has those gorgeous Blue Flag beaches.
Hidden gem: La Pinada picnic spot overlooking the coast - the perfect place to enjoy local wines and market finds while watching the sun paint the salt lakes pink.
Pro tip: The wheelchair-accessible paths around the salt lakes make this an excellent option for buyers considering their mobility needs in later years. Plus, those therapeutic salt baths might just keep you feeling younger - though we can't promise anything about the effects of consuming the local wine.
When a town offers both a 10km stretch of powder-soft beach and townhouses from €40,000, one tends to sit up and take notice. Oliva, with its elegant streets and 300 days of sunshine a year, is the sort of place that makes you wonder if the estate agent has made a typing error with their prices.
This seaside haven manages to pull off that rare trick of being both authentically Spanish and internationally welcoming, with its 25,000 residents including a healthy 20% foreign population. The old town is a maze of atmospheric streets where local life revolves around the Mercado Municipal, while a pleasant 30-minute stroll (or breezy 7-minute cycle) takes you to that showstopper beach backed by natural dunes.
Why buy property in Oliva: From renovation projects starting at €40,000 to elegant townhouses in the historic center, Oliva offers remarkable value for a Mediterranean coastal town. Many properties come with those quintessential Spanish touches – think internal courtyards and roof terraces perfect for sunset gin and tonics.
Other reasons to move to Oliva: Beyond the beach, you've got the Font Salada thermal spring nearby (a civilised wild swimming spot), excellent restaurants like Ca Fran with its famous wood-fired oven, and a yacht club that welcomes newcomers. Plus, the new €4 million healthcare centre which opened in 2024 suggests this town is very much on the up.
Nearby alternatives to Oliva:Gandia offers more urban amenities, and the pretty town of Pego, while not on the coast, it makes up for it with its authentic Spanish charm.
Hidden gem: The Friday market (Mercado de los Viernes), when the whole town comes alive with stalls selling everything from local produce to clothing – the perfect place to practice your Valencian haggling skills.
Pro tip: Join the Oliva Women's Network or Men's Group if you're English-speaking – they're excellent shortcuts to finding your feet in the local community.
Who says you can't buy a slice of Spanish history for less than the price of a second-hand car? Welcome to Vélez-Blanco, where ruined townhouses start at €20,000 and habitable properties kick off at a mere €35,000 - and did we mention you'll be getting a front-row seat to one of Spain's most extraordinary historical landscapes?
Perched at 1,100 metres above sea level in the Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park, this village of 2,500 souls is less a destination and more a time machine. Imagine owning a property in a place where Neolithic cave paintings rub shoulders with Renaissance castles, where Arabic urban planning whispers stories of centuries past, and where the landscape changes from pine forests to aromatic herb-filled lowlands in the blink of an eye. The local castle might have had its interior marble courtyard spirited away to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1903, but the views? They remain resolutely, breathtakingly here.
Why buy property in Vélez-Blanco: Because for less than the price of a luxury car, you could own a piece of a living museum. Think UNESCO World Heritage Site cave paintings (the Indalo) and a National Historic Monument castle.
Other reasons to move to Vélez-Blanco: Summers that are perpetually long but mild, hiking trails that would make mountain goats weak at the knees, and a local community that includes everything from a women's club to a choir. Plus, you're just a one hour drive from the coast and one hour 20 minutes from Murcia airport.
Nearby alternatives to Vélez-Blanco: While other Almería villages offer rural charm, few can match the historical depth and natural beauty of this extraordinary location.
Hidden gem: The Five Spouts Fountain, commissioned by the first Marquis of Los Vélez, complete with family crests and a Latin inscription that references classical mythology. Because why have a standard water feature when you can have a Renaissance conversation piece?
Pro tip: Learn about the area's extraordinary forest resources - from esparto grass used in everything from footwear to furniture, to the aromatic herbs that have been harvested here for centuries. Your new neighbours might just teach you how to make traditional flour crumbs served with grapes, tomatoes and olives - a dish that's basically edible local history.
Nestled between the dramatic Els Ports Natural Park and the languorous Ebro River, Roquetes is a charming town that offers that increasingly rare combination: genuine Spanish character and genuinely affordable property. With ruins starting at a mere €20,000 (yes, really) and habitable homes from €80,000, it's the sort of place where that dream of a Spanish renovation project actually stands a chance of becoming reality.
Just 25 minutes from the coast and an hour from Reus airport, Roquetes, which has a population of 8,297, manages to be both accessible and delightfully off-grid. The town proper offers all the essentials of Spanish life - from a 19th-century municipal market to tennis courts and even an indoor swimming pool (because sometimes one needs a break from all that relentless sunshine). But the real draw? The Els Ports Natural Park on your doorstep, where wild boars and mountain goats roam free, and eagles soar over limestone peaks. It's like having your own private wilderness, only with excellent WiFi.
Why buy property in Roquetes: Because where else can you find a house with mountain views for the price of a decent car? The property options range from romantic ruins begging for transformation to perfectly habitable homes that won't require you to sell a kidney. Plus, there's serious potential for off-grid living in the surrounding countryside - perfect for those harbouring fantasies of a sustainable Spanish life.
Other reasons to move to Roquetes: The Ebro Observatory (for your inner scientist), a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene with everything from chess clubs to classic car enthusiasts, and let's not forget the Punyetes de Roquetes - a local pastry so beloved it was voted the town's official treat by popular decree. Because if you're going to live somewhere, it might as well have its own signature dessert.
Nearby alternatives to Roquetes: While the neighbouring towns might offer similar price points, they can't quite match Roquetes' winning combination of urban amenities and pristine natural surroundings.
Hidden gem: The Caro viewpoint, at 1,441 meters, with its newly installed wooden walkway. It's like having a front-row seat to one of nature's greatest shows - the Ebro Delta stretching out before you like a fan unfurled across the landscape.
Pro tip: Time your house hunting around the Tradicionàrius de les Terres de l'Ebre festival in late August. Not only will you get a crash course in local culture, but you'll also discover whether you can handle the enthusiasm with which Catalans celebrate their traditions. Plus, there's nothing like a few glasses of local wine to make those renovation projects seem even more appealing.
Forget everything you know about sleepy Spanish mountain villages. Molvízar is not your typical rural retreat, but a subtropical hidden gem where figs grow as freely as local legends, and houses start at a wallet-pleasing €45,000. Nestled between the Sierra de los Guájares mountain range and the Mediterranean coast, this pocket-sized paradise of 2,670 souls offers authentic Spanish living with a side of tropical fruit and mountain views.
Five kilometres from the Costa Tropical and just a 15-minute drive from stunning coastal resorts like Salobreña and Almuñécar, Molvízar exists in that sweet spot between mountain wilderness and Mediterranean glamour. The landscape descends dramatically from 1,069 metres to just 90 metres, creating a topographical drama that would make landscape painters weep with joy. By day, you'll wander through landscapes of figs, vineyards, and tropical fruits; by night, you'll watch the sun set over mountains that have witnessed centuries of Mediterranean history.
Why buy property in Molvízar: The property market here offers incredible value, with the added bonus of a microclimate that's essentially Mother Nature's most generous mood board.
Other reasons to move to Molvízar: Annual festivals featuring traditional "Moros y Cristianos" representations, hiking trails that would make mountain goats jealous, and a location close enough to Granada airport (55 minutes) to feel connected, but far enough to feel blissfully removed from tourist chaos.
Nearby alternatives to Molvízar: While nearby coastal towns offer similar Mediterranean charm, few can match Molvízar's combination of mountain scenery, agricultural heritage, and astonishingly affordable property.
Hidden gem: The Cerro del Águila viewpoint at 638 metres - a spot where eagles soar and your Instagram followers will develop immediate wanderlust.
Pro tip: Time your visit for the July 26th Santa Ana celebrations. Not only will you witness a spectacular "Moors and Christians" historical reenactment, but you'll also get to experience the town at its most vibrant - and possibly sample some extraordinary local wine in the process.
The delightfully unpretentious town of Maella in Zaragoza province is the sort of place where you might accidentally find yourself living the Spanish dream while smugly counting the money you've saved on property.
Nestled in a landscape of olive groves and vineyards, Maella is split between its medieval upper quarter – where a rather magnificent 11th-century castle keeps watch over the Matarraña river – and a more modern lower section. With its half-dozen wineries, award-winning butchers, and bakeries that will test your willpower daily, it's essentially a masterclass in Spanish gastronomy disguised as a sleepy market town.
Why buy property in Maella: Absurdly reasonable property prices. Think characterful town houses with enough room for your entire extended family, or rustic fincas where your biggest daily decision will be whether to pick olives or almonds from your own trees.
Other reasons to move to Maella: Just over an hour from both the coast and Reus airport, with proper sports facilities including municipal pools. Plus, you'll be living in admired sculptor Pablo Gargallo's birthplace – do drop that into conversation whenever possible.
Nearby alternatives to Maella: Caspe offers waterfront living on the “Sea of Aragon.”
Hidden gem: La Fontcalda thermal springs, a 45-minute drive away, where you can soak in warm waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.
Pro tip: Time your house viewings for January 17th, when the San Anton festival fills the streets with bonfires. If you can fall in love with a property while the town is at its most gloriously chaotic, you'll know you've found your Spanish home.
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