The idyllic Spanish properties to snap up now… irrespective of your finances: As Spain threatens a 100% expat tax, our specialists reveal the properties you should buy for as little as £13,000 – earlier than it is too late

In January, Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez and his Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party proposed a new law to impose a 100 per cent tax on property purchases for non-European residents buying Spanish property.

It would mean buying a 200,000-euro villa in Spain would cost you another 200 euros in taxes to the Spanish government. 

Although such a law hasn’t come into force as yet – and there are numerous governmental obstacles to overcome before Sánchez wishes could be granted – the threat of such a punitive tax, or something similar, remains very much on the cards. As such, now may be the time to grab a dream Spanish property at a bargain price – while you still can.

Spain is more popular than ever with the British. Indeed, travel industry group Exceltur has found that between January and August this year, 13 million Britons visited Spain, which equates to a 4.3 per cent rise year-on-year. Britons are the largest group of visitors by nationality, and online property portal Idealista found that in 2024, Britons completed almost a tenth (8.5 per cent) of property purchases by foreign buyers in the country, the biggest share of any non-Spanish nationality.

It’s no wonder Spain has for many years been so popular with Brits; it consistently outranks many other countries when it comes to factors such as quality of life, safety, affordability and infrastructure. What’s more, it has an excellent healthcare system and boasts more than 300 days of sunshine each year.

We’ve selected a range of lovely – or potentially lovely – properties at all budget levels that you can buy right now in Spain and escape the 100 per cent surcharge, should it come into force.

Santiago de Calatrava, Jaen, Andalucia – €16,000/£13,921

With a population of around 680, this attractive and friendly little town is surrounded by attractive olive groves. A Baroque church and Roman and Arab remains indicate its impressive historic roots, and it has a gym, theatre and, in summer months, a municipal pool.

GETTING THERE: Granada Airport is 117km away.

BUY IT: If you’re handy with DIY, this three-bedroom townhouse reduced from €25,000/£21,752 to €16,000/£13,921 may be just the ticket. Centrally located in the town and close to amenities, the garden area has scope for building a pool. The property needs work but rooms are generally in good nick. Available with Andalucia for €16,000/£13,921.

Barcelona, Catalonia – €450,000/£391,000

Barcelona (population 1.73million) is, of course, one of Spain’s most fabulous and popular cities, brimming with historic sites such as Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, and the charming Gothic Quarter. There’s a huge choice of restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries and boutique shops, and it even has its own beach.

GETTING THERE: Barcelona Airport is 17km south-west of the city centre.

BUY IT: Enjoy stylish city living in this fully renovated three-bedroom penthouse. There is a bright, open-plan living dining room, as well as an equipped kitchen. On the main terrace, there is a barbecue, a lounge corner and bar, shower and jacuzzi. Available with Dupont Estate for €825,154/£727,113.

Blanca, Ricote Valley, Murcia – €37,000/£32,193

If you want to be surrounded by Spanish culture and picturesque mountains, choose Blanca, just 30 minutes’ drive from Murcia. Located in the heart of the Ricote Valley on the banks of the River Segura, Blanca (population 6,825) is friendly and traditional. With picturesque walks on your doorstep, you can also nip to the coast in an hour. It has a host of historic buildings and other sites including a 12th-century Moorish castle and a museum and art centre. There is a good weekly market, fishmongers, butchers and small supermarkets, as well as a good choice of restaurants and tapas bars.

GETTING THERE: Murcia Airport is 48km away.

BUY IT: This detached, family-sized three-bedroom town house is located in a sunny, sought-after, elevated residential area close to historic Blanca town centre. The spacious accommodation includes a sizeable roof terrace. While in need of some modernisation, the property is in good condition. Available with Real Homes Spain for €37,000/£32,193.

Cuevas de San Marcos, Malaga, Andalucia – €69,950/£60,863

Cuevas de San Marcos has a population of around 3,800, and therefore has all the facilities and amenities for day-to-day living. It has a rich history, with numerous historic buildings including churches and civil buildings. Surrounded by olive groves, as well as walking and biking trails, residents can enjoy water sports at the Genil River and the Iznajar Reservoir in the vicinity. The nearest beaches are an hour’s drive.

GETTING THERE: Malaga Airport is 90km away.

BUY IT: Full of Spanish character with beamed ceilings and original tiled floors, this centrally-located, recently redecorated four-bedroom townhouse is within walking distance of local amenities including shops, bars, restaurants and a municipal swimming pool during the summer. Located on a quiet street, it has a courtyard ideal for al fresco dining. Available with Inland Andalucia for €69,950/£60,863.

Muniesa, Teruel, Aragon – €24,000/£20,882

Muniesa is a peaceful and picturesque town with a population of around 570. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it is ideal for hiking enthusiasts, and has a good range of facilities including a school, health centre, cafes and bars, a swimming pool and sports facilities.

GETTING THERE: Zaragoza Airport is 72km away.

BUY IT: You’ll need to get your paint brush out and do a spot of cleaning, but this three-bedroom single-storey house built in 1900 has the potential to be a lovely rural home with spacious rooms. There’s also a basement storage area, a large garage and a garden. Available with IAD Espana for €24,000/£20,882.

Sitio de Calahonda, Malaga, Andalucia – €289,000/£251,458

Situated halfway between Fuengirola and Marbella, Sitio De Calahonda is a feast of restaurants, bars, shops – and beaches. With a lively nightlife, parks, green spaces, golf and other sports available, there’s never a dull moment. The 15,000 population rises to 45,000 during the height of the summer.

GETTING THERE: Granada-Jaen Airport is 63km away.

BUY IT: Enjoying great coastal scenery, this top-floor, two-bedroom apartment is situated in a tranquil setting in the upper part of Calahonda. Located within a secure, gated complex, residents can enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, two swimming pools, and internal communal parking. Bars, restaurants and other local amenities are nearby, and the beach just a five-minute drive. Available with Affinity Property Group for €265,000/£233,863.

Somontín, Almería – €83,000/£72,218

The historic and pretty town of Somontín (population 524) is a great gateway to exploring Almería province and its numerous attractions, such as Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, Tabernas desert and the historic sites of Almería city such as the Alcazaba Fortress.

GETTING THERE: Almería Airport is 104km away.

BUY IT: There’s plenty of scope to turn this spacious two-bedroom country house among olive trees in good condition into something really special. Boasting great views, this tranquil rural retreat is just a few minutes from Somontín village, while the larger town of Olula del Rio is 10 minutes away and has supermarkets, shops, schools and a medical centre. The beaches of Almería are a 40-minute drive. Available with Almería Casas for €83,000/£72,218.

Ciudad Quesada, Alicante, Valencia – €93,000/£80,919

This popular village is around seven kilometres west of Torrevieja, and has all the amenities you need including supermarkets, bars, restaurants, medical clinics and aqua park, bowls club and an 18-hole golf course. Numerous safe, white sandy beaches are within easy reach.

GETTING THERE: Alicante Airport is 26km away.

BUY IT: This semi-detached, top-floor, two-bedroom apartment enjoys panoramic sea and lake views and has a balcony, roof solarium and communal swimming pool. Available with Inmobiliaria, Rojales for €93,000/£80,919.

Alozaina, Málaga, Andalucia – €690,000/£600,000

Alozaina (population 2,250) is a charming whitewashed village of Arab origin, situated at the boundary between the Guadalhorce Valley and the Serranía de Ronda amongst the Sierra de las Nieves mountains. It has a 14th-century castle and church.

GETTING THERE: Malaga Airport is 31km away.

BUY IT: This immaculate dream villa sits in the hills between both Alozaina and Tolox, surrounded by rocks, olive and almond trees. The spacious accommodation includes four bedrooms, a large basement for storage, a shaded terrace, a Mediterranean garden leading to a stream at the bottom of the land, and a fantastic pool area.

Available with Grapevine Properties for €690,000/£600,000.

San Fulgencio, Alicante, Valencia – €105,000/£91,360

San Fulgencio (population 9,400) is close to both expansive countryside and the coast and is known for having one of the highest proportions of foreign residents in Spain, creating a friendly, multicultural society. The Sierra de Salinas National Park and its many walking and cycling trails is nearby.

GETTING THERE: Alicante Airport is 25km away.

BUY IT: This newly renovated one-bedroom apartment (available June 2026) is situated in a quiet and private community and with the advantage of a communal swimming pool. It is close to all amenities, just 8 km from the beach and 10km from golf courses. Available with Watsons Real Estate for €105,000/£91,360.

Cedrillas, Teruel, Aragon – €115,000/£100,000

Located between two mountain ranges, Cedrillas (population 640) retains its medieval origins with its church, castle and narrow streets. Its traditions are still alive, with festivals, markets and fairs throughout the year.

GETTING THERE: Valencia Airport is 110km away.

BUY IT: This three-bedroom mountain house is ideal for skiers, being just 30 minutes from the ski slopes of Valdelinaires. Built in 2008, it has lovely mountain views from its terrace, as well as a garden and garage.

Available with IAD Barcelona for €115,000/£100,000.

Lo Pagan, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia – €158,000/£137,475

If you’re looking for a quieter and more authentic coastal area to buy in, San Pedro del Pinatar (population 27,700) is especially popular with Spanish locals and has family-friendly beaches with shallow waters and plenty of water sports. The Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar Regional Park has mud baths and also salt lakes, rich with flamingos and other wildlife.

GETTING THERE: Murcia Airport is 32km away.

BUY IT: If you’ve relocated to Spain for remote working, you’re going to have to deal with the constant temptation of the beach the whole time – which is just 200 metres from this property. The two-bedroom apartment is in a gated development with a community garden, and is close to shops, bars and other facilities. Available with Your Dream Home for €158,000/£137,475.

Reina, Badajoz, Extremadura – €57,000/£49,550

The attractive rural village of Reina has a rich history but with a population of under 200, is certainly not a place to party. However, those seeking a tranquil life amongst beautiful countryside won’t be disappointed.

GETTING THERE: Seville Airport is 143km away.

BUY IT: It seems hard to believe, but at €57,000/£49,550, this spacious five-bedroom village house is available to buy for less than half the average price of many parking spaces in London. Built in 1943, it has been well maintained and features both a patio and terrace for enjoying plenty of al fresco meals and sundowners. Available with IAD Espana for €57,000/£49,550.

Los Alcázares, Costa Cálida, Murcia – €199,000/£173,150

With both a great mix of shops, restaurants, bars and other amenities and plenty to do – including numerous water sports, especially during the summer – Los Alcázares has lots to offer. It is quiet in the winter, but becomes very lively in summer, when the resident population rises from 15,700 to more than 100,000.

GETTING THERE: Murcia Airport is 25km away.

BUY IT: This well-maintained three-bedroom townhouse situated in the lively coastal Los Narejos neighbourhood is just moments from the sea. The two-level home, with a private patio and rooftop solarium, has access to several communal swimming pools and green spaces. Supermarkets, shops, restaurants, and Los Narejos beach are a short walk away. Available with Space Real Estate for €199,000/£173,150.