Spain: The Gold Standard for Retirement, Rentals, and Seaside Living
- International Property Alerts
- August 4, 2025
I’m a little biased with this one — because I spent five years living and working in Marbella, right on Spain’s sparkling southern coast.
I’ve experienced the daily magic of Spanish life: warm evenings on the paseo, fresh fruit from the local market, and siestas that make so much sense once you live here. But I’ve also seen first-hand how strong, stable, and flexible Spain is as a place to invest, retire, or start a new chapter.
🌞 Retiring in Spain: Sun, Safety, and Simplicity
Spain is consistently ranked one of the best countries in the world to retire to, and for good reason—its international property market offers lifestyle, value, and long-term security.
- Climate: Over 300 days of sunshine a year on the coast. Winter? You’ll be eating outside in a T-shirt.
- Healthcare: World-class public and private care. I’ve used both, and the standard is genuinely excellent — with many English-speaking doctors.
- Cost of Living: Life here is surprisingly affordable — €2.50 coffee with sea views, a menu del día lunch for under €12, and utility bills that don’t give you a heart attack.
- Community: In Marbella alone, you’ll find Brits, Scandinavians, Dutch, Irish, Americans — all living happily, with zero pressure to “blend in” or be fluent.
- Safety & Ease: Low crime, clean streets, and a high quality of life that’s hard to match anywhere else in Europe.
Elly’s IPA Tip: Spain is ideal for both full-time retirement and flexible living. Many clients start with part-year stays, then extend once they realise how easy life here is.
🏡 What Can You Buy in Spain?
There’s something for every buyer:
🏘️ 2-bed apartment in Alicante/Costa Blanca: From €130,000
🏖️ Beachfront apartment in Marbella/Estepona: €250,000–€500,000
🏡 Detached villa with pool: €300,000–€700,000
🏞️ Rustic inland finca with land: From €120,000
Ownership is freehold for foreigners, and the legal process is well-established.
🛍️ Living Well: Day-to-Day Life in Spain
After five years of living here, I can tell you — daily life in Spain is lovely:
🛒 Shopping: You’ll find a mix of modern supermarkets (Carrefour, Mercadona, Lidl) and charming little bakeries, butchers, and fresh produce markets in every neighbourhood.
🧑⚕️ Healthcare: I used private doctors and clinics regularly — no waiting weeks for an appointment, and you’re often in and out within 30 minutes.
🚍 Transport: Excellent local buses and cheap intercity trains. Many areas are walkable, especially in coastal towns like Estepona, Benalmádena, and Torrevieja.
🧘♀️ Leisure: Spanish towns have yoga studios, hiking trails, golf courses, language classes, painting groups… or just a seat in the sun with a glass of wine.
👫 Community: Easy to make friends — especially in active expat areas. There are always events, meetups, and WhatsApp groups to join.
💰 Residency Options in Spain (Post-Golden Visa)
Since the Golden Visa ended in 2024, the best options for relocation or long stays are:
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV):
- For retirees or those with passive income
- Requires income proof (~€30,000/year for singles) and private health insurance
Digital Nomad Visa:
- Designed for remote workers with overseas income
- Great for people combining lifestyle + flexible work
EU Residency Rights:
- If you hold an EU passport, you can buy and live in Spain with no visa requirements.
Elly’s IPA Note: Most retirees choose the NLV route, which is straightforward if you have pension or investment income.
📈 Rental Income and Investment Potential
- Long-term rentals: 4–6% yields
- Holiday lets: 6–8%+ in peak season (especially near the coast)
- Buyer demand: Still high from UK, EU, US, and Nordic buyers
- Hotspots: Marbella, Estepona, Alicante, Valencia, Mallorca
Elly’s IPA Tip: Buy near beaches, town centres, or transport links to ensure year-round rental interest.
📍 Top Locations I Recommend
Marbella: Upmarket, international, full of life — I know it well
Estepona: Quieter than Marbella, but just as charming
Alicante: Flat, affordable, walkable — and hugely popular with retirees
Valencia: Cultural city with beaches, great healthcare, and value
Mallorca: For island luxury and strong year-round demand
💬 Final Thoughts from Elly
Spain is the one place I always find myself coming back to. I know it from the inside — not just as an investor, but as someone who’s lived the lifestyle.
And if you’re looking for somewhere to slow down, feel safe, and live in the sun — while still owning a valuable EU asset — Spain delivers, again and again.
✉️ Want to Buy or Retire in Spain?
Let’s talk. I know the areas, the pitfalls, the paperwork, and the people to trust. Whether you want a cosy retirement base, a rental apartment, or a big move abroad — I’ve got the connections to make it happen.
📩 Email: elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
📱 WhatsApp: +447796174253
📸 Instagram: internationalpropertyalerts
Coming up tomorrow: Portugal, the expat capital of Europe. You won’t want to miss it.
About International Property Alerts
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- Best Places To Retire
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