Foreign real estate investment hits record high in Spain

Foreign investment in the Spanish housing market has reached record levels, even as the broader national market experiences a slowdown. According to data from the Registradores and Idealista, international buyers accounted for 51,630 transactions in the first half of 2026, representing 14.9% of the total market—a record high. This surge contrasts with a 1.9% decline in total domestic sales during the same period.

The profile of the international buyer is shifting from those seeking second homes to individuals looking to establish permanent residency. In 2025, foreign residents accounted for 11.6% of the residential market, compared to 7.2% for non-resident buyers. Furthermore, foreign buyers are paying significantly higher prices, averaging 2,479 euros per square meter, which is approximately 35% more than the 1,839 euros paid by domestic buyers.

Key nationalities driving this demand include citizens from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Morocco, with additional interest from the United States, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and Poland. Investment is heavily concentrated in coastal and island regions, including the Valencian Community, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, and Andalusia, as well as areas like Alicante and Malaga.