Spanish property market outlook 2026: What new homeowners need to know
If 2026 is the year for buying a home in Spain, you might be wondering what you need to know in advance.
Preferred locations, the type of home, how many bedrooms you need – these are all important, but property trends Spain-wide are also crucial.
So, what do you need to know about moving to Spain in 2026 before you pack up your whole life and take the plunge? The expat experts at Furniture Express reveal all!
Overview of the current Spanish property market
The good news is that 2024-25 has been a thriving year for new homeowners in Spain, whether the owners lived there themselves or rented the properties out as an additional revenue stream.
This fertile housing market has seen steadily rising prices over the past two years – a trend that is expected to continue. Great news if you are moving to Spain in 2026 and want to make sure you are investing wisely!
New builds
Mimicking the UK market, the price of new builds in Spain was as much as 44% higher than resale properties in 2024-25, but don’t let this put you off, as they are expected to hold their value or even increase.
This is due to their relative scarcity and the fact that people can move right in without having to do them up first. If you are looking for a rental property, consider a furniture pack to make your investment even easier!
Resale properties sold still grew by 44%, however, (compared to 67% for new builds), so they are still an excellent investment.
Key regions to watch in 2026
As you might expect, the areas of highest price rises have been targeted by international buyers and are primarily tourist-focused areas, including:
- The Balearic Islands – a 9.7% surge in 2025
- Valencia – with prices rising by 7.9% this year
- Madrid – growing by 7.6% in the current financial year
- Barcelona – which had the highest average rental prices at the end of 2024
However, non-touristy areas still experienced growth, including Castilla-La-Mancha and Extremadura, just at a much more manageable rate of approximately 17%.
This suggests that if you are checking the Spanish housing forecast for an investment suitable for short-term rentals and are keen to achieve high rental yields of between 4.8% and 5.8%, you could consider Madrid, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and Andalusia.
But, if you are looking for the best places to live in Spain that are a little way from the hustle and bustle, where you can get the most for your money, try:
Region | Interesting features of the area |
Murcia | · Relaxed yet authentic Spanish vibes · Unique architecture · Mixed landscape, including mountains, quiet beaches, the Segura River valley, and grasslands |
Almeria | · Stunning cultural gems, like the Alcazaba fortress and the fortified cathedral · Cabo de Gata natural park and stunning beaches · A more authentic Spanish feel |
Costa Cálida | · Miles of warm-water blue-flag beaches · Rich Roman and Carthaginian history and ruins · Calblanque Regional Park · World-class golf |
‘Green Spain’ – Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country | · Lush, temperate landscapes and acres of forests, rolling hills, and meadows, as well as mountains and coastlines with beaches · UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Altamira Cave · Quiet medieval villages and towns |
Trends impacting furniture needs for new homeowners
For property investment, Spain is the natural choice for UK residents, visitors from the US, and other European nationals. But how do you furnish your new casa or apartment once you’ve got the keys?
In terms of the cost of living, Spain is significantly lower than the UK, with consumer prices being anywhere from 18-30% less – so shopping for furniture might be cheaper than you expect.
However, you will still need to either shop online or trawl the markets and high streets to furnish your whole place. That is, unless you opt for an easy-peasy furniture pack from the experts at Furniture Express!
To stay ahead of the curve for 2026, look for:
• Colour-drenched furniture elements that match wall colours | With custom upholstery in a range of colours, the Algarve furniture package can be created for bespoke colour-drenching décor plans |
• High contrast pieces – this could be high gloss effects or matte, natural wood | Try our contemporary high gloss furniture package or the Padini package, respectively |
• Natural elements | Like those found in the Ibiza package |
Expert tips for timing your furniture purchases with the market
- Do your research on the area – does it work for your intended purpose?
- Be financially savvy – ensure your budget includes wiggle-room for significant additional costs and furniture.
- Get your NIE number – a Numero de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) is needed for any fiscal transaction, including buying property.
- Find a trusted solicitor – a Spanish, English-speaking solicitor is essential.
- Request a survey – just like you would in the UK, surveys are essential to avoid nasty surprises!
Speak to Furniture Express if you are buying property in Spain
While it might seem a bit forward, if you are narrowing down the best places to buy in Spain (in 2026 or beyond), considering your furnishing needs is also essential, as it will inevitably factor into your budget!
For more information on where you can buy furniture in Spain, check out our complete expat’s guide or speak to the team at info@furnitureexpressspain.com if you think a furniture pack might work for you. Our in-house designers can fill your home or rental property without you having to do much more than sign off on the order and open the door on delivery day!
Leaving you more time to explore the area or have a much-needed siesta in the sunshine!
