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.
Spain is consistently ranked one of the best countries in the world to retire to, and for good reason:
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.
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.
Since the Golden Visa ended in 2024, the best options for relocation or long stays are:
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV):
Digital Nomad Visa:
EU Residency Rights:
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
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.
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
About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
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