u/Costa-Blanca

This topic comes up constantly with foreign buyers looking at Spain.

A lot of people abroad think okupas are everywhere and that buying property in Spain is super risky.

But from what I’ve seen, the reality is usually more nuanced.

Most issues seem to happen with:

• vacant bank-owned properties
• abandoned homes
• properties left empty for long periods
• certain high-density urban areas

Luxury villas in places like Altea, Moraira or Jávea don’t seem to experience this nearly as often as international media sometimes suggests.

Still, it’s definitely something buyers should understand before purchasing property in Spain.

This breakdown actually explains the situation pretty well:
https://www.costablancainvestments.com/blog/how-common-are-okupas-and-squatters-in-spain/

Curious how people living in Spain currently see it:
real issue, exaggerated by media, or somewhere in between?

Seeing more international buyers ask this lately, especially from the Netherlands, UK and Germany:

“Which areas in Costa Blanca still have strong upside potential?”

A few places that keep coming up:

• Dénia
• Jávea
• Altea
• Moraira
• Benissa

Interesting thing is… the fastest-growing areas right now are not always the ones with the most tourism.

A lot of higher-end buyers seem to care more about:

• lifestyle
• privacy
• marina access
• international community
• long-term appreciation

…instead of just Airbnb returns.

Personally, I think Costa Blanca is shifting more toward a “wealth relocation” market than a pure holiday-home market.

This breakdown was actually useful:
https://www.costablancainvestments.com/blog/highest-growth-areas-costa-blanca-2026/

Curious where people here would buy if the goal was long-term appreciation over the next 5–10 years?

Interesting debate I keep hearing lately from international buyers looking at Costa Blanca.

Most people assume Benidorm is automatically the better investment because of tourism and Airbnb demand.

But a lot of higher-end buyers from the Netherlands, UK and Germany are actually leaning more toward Dénia lately.

Benidorm:

• stronger short-term rental potential
• more tourist traffic
• easier cash flow play

Denia:

• more luxury/lifestyle oriented
• better long-term living environment
• attracts wealthier international buyers

Honestly I think it depends what you care about more:
monthly rental income vs long-term lifestyle value.

This breakdown was actually pretty interesting:
https://www.costablancainvestments.com/blog/invest-benidorm-vs-denia-rental-yield/

Curious what people here would choose personally if buying in Costa Blanca today?