The Great Return: Britons Are Buying Back Into Europe

With Málaga International Airport offering direct flights to and from the UK all year round, the Costa del Sol continues to provide something few regions can — sunshine and sophistication, with the convenience of home just a few hours away.

Affordable homes, higher quality of life

While UK housing prices have climbed to record levels, many parts of Southern Europe still offer exceptional value.

It’s possible to find a modern two-bedroom apartment in Spain, Greece, or Portugal for under £150,000, particularly outside the main tourist hubs. Daily living costs — from groceries to utilities — are often 20–40% lower than in the UK, allowing families and retirees to stretch their income further without sacrificing comfort.

Add in affordable healthcare, lower property taxes, and a slower, community-driven pace of life, and it’s easy to see why thousands are now calling the Mediterranean home.

Simplified routes for residency and relocation

Residency options have also evolved. Several European nations have introduced welcoming visa schemes for UK nationals and other non-EU citizens:

• Portugal’s D7 Visa allows those with passive or remote income to gain residency with a relatively low income threshold.
• Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2023, enables remote workers and freelancers to live legally in Spain while working for overseas employers.
• Greece’s Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment programmes, offering five-year renewable residence permits through real estate ownership.
• Cyprus continues to offer straightforward property ownership rights, an English-speaking legal system, and tax incentives for both families and investors.

While Spain is phasing out its property-based Golden Visa, it continues to attract relocation seekers through its other visa pathways — proof that the demand for European living remains strong.