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The property market on the Costa Blanca remains tight. Between Dénia and Torrevieja, asking prices continue to rise, whilst the available stock remains scarce in many areas. It is not only well-known high-end locations such as Jávea/Xàbia, Dénia or Calpe that are particularly noticeable. Benidorm, La Vila Joiosa and Torrevieja are also seeing significant increases.
According to the latest data from Idealista, the average asking price in the province of Alicante in May 2026 was €2,811 per square metre. This represents an increase of 11.5 per cent compared to May 2025. It is important to note that Idealista measures asking prices, not the final sale prices recorded at the solicitor’s office. Nevertheless, the data provides a very clear indication of the direction in which asking prices are moving.
In the north of the Costa Blanca, price levels remain well above the provincial average. According to Idealista, Dénia reached €3,404 per square metre in May 2026, an increase of 9.4 per cent year-on-year. Jávea/Xàbia reached €4,072 per square metre, remaining one of the most expensive markets on the Costa Blanca. In certain locations, such as the harbour or Balcón al Mar, asking prices are still significantly higher.
Calpe, too, remains in the higher price bracket at around €3,545 per square metre. The northern Costa Blanca is therefore no longer merely a fallback market. Buyers here are not just comparing prices, but above all the location, condition, sea views, energy efficiency and legal documentation of the property.
The central Costa Blanca is proving particularly buoyant. In May 2026, prices in Benidorm stood at €3,678 per square metre. This represents an increase of 16.5 per cent compared with the previous year. In sought-after locations such as Playa de Poniente, prices are even higher.
La Vila Joiosa stands out even more. Idealista puts the average price for May 2026 at €3,539 per square metre. The year-on-year increase stands at 31.6 per cent. This brings the town more firmly into the spotlight in a market that is expanding beyond the traditional premium locations.
The reason is obvious: anyone who can no longer find what they’re looking for in particularly well-known coastal towns, or who no longer wishes to buy there, will look to neighbouring markets. Good transport links, proximity to the coast, new-build developments and international demand can then quickly drive up prices.
In the south of the Costa Blanca, prices remain lower than in Jávea, Dénia or Benidorm. However, the gap is narrowing. In May 2026, prices in Torrevieja stood at €2,548 per square metre. This represents an increase of 16.6 per cent compared with the previous year.
Orihuela Costa also remains an important market for international buyers. According to Idealista, asking prices there stood at around €3,037 per square metre. Pilar de la Horadada stood at around €3,377 per square metre.
This trend is particularly significant for international residents. Many still regard the southern Costa Blanca as a comparatively affordable market. However, the latest figures show that asking prices are rising significantly here too, particularly in modern developments, coastal areas and well-connected residential areas.
The Costa Blanca is not purely a local property market. According to Alicante Plaza, citing figures from the Spanish Registradores, 44.65 per cent of residential property purchases in the province of Alicante in the first quarter of 2026 were made by foreign buyers.
This explains part of the ongoing pressure on prices. Buyers from Northern and Central Europe, the UK and other countries are competing with Spanish prospective buyers, residents and second-home buyers for a limited supply. The impact varies from place to place, but the underlying trend remains the same: as long as demand remains stable and supply does not increase significantly, the market will remain tight.
For prospective buyers, this development means that the price per square metre alone is no longer a reliable guide. The decisive factors are the micro-location, year of construction, condition, service charges, energy performance certificate, urban planning and potential renovation costs. Particularly in the case of older existing properties, a seemingly low purchase price can quickly be put into perspective.
For owners, the market is generally favourable, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s easy. High asking prices do not mean that every property will sell quickly. Well-documented, well-maintained properties in desirable locations have clear advantages. Properties in need of renovation, with unclear documentation or overpriced, on the other hand, can remain on the market for longer even in a strong market.
The Costa Blanca will remain a sought-after property market in 2026. However, the sub-markets between Dénia, Benidorm, Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja are developing at different rates. This is precisely the key takeaway from the latest data: demand is becoming more widespread, prices are following suit, and competition for good properties remains fierce.
Source reference for the article
The prices quoted are based on current market data from Idealista for May 2026.
