Buy a single-story home on the Southern Costa Blanca

Are you interested in buying a single-story home on the Southern Costa Blanca? If so, you’re probably looking not only for a specific type of home, but also for long-term comfort.

A home where the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms are all on one floor may be of interest to:

retirees;
families with young children;
people who shop with an eye toward the future;
buyers who want to avoid stairs;
and homebuyers who want everything conveniently on one floor.

On the southern Costa Blanca, you’ll find various types of single-level homes. These include detached villas, single-story bungalows, ground-floor apartments, and some townhouses or semi-detached homes with all living areas on the ground floor.

However, in Spain, “ground floor” does not automatically mean that a home is completely barrier-free or wheelchair-accessible. That is precisely why it is important to look beyond just the description in an ad.

Check out our current listings, the available new-construction homes, and our current new-construction projects.

What does a single-story home in Spain mean?

In real estate listings, you may come across various terms, such as:

planta baja, una sola planta, single level, ground floor, bungalow ground floor of villa en una planta.

Those terms don't all mean exactly the same thing.

A single-story villa usually means that the main living area is entirely on one floor.

A planta baja can simply mean that it is a ground-floor apartment.

A ground-floor bungalow often refers to a ground-floor unit in a low-rise complex.

That's why you should always look at the actual layout.

"Ground floor" is not the same as "barrier-free"

This is one of the most important points to consider.

A home can be entirely on one level, and yet:

have three steps from street level;
have a raised patio;
have a pool on a lower level;
have a steep driveway;
have a shower pan with a high rim;
or accessible via a staircase from the parking lot.

Anyone looking to buy with an eye toward the future should therefore evaluate the entire lot, not just the floor plan.

Who might be interested in living on one level?

Living on one level can be particularly pleasant if you’re planning to live in the home for the long term.

Many buyers start by purchasing a vacation home and later decide to move to Spain permanently.

In that case, a home without stairs to climb every day can be much more practical.

This applies, for example, to:

growing older;
temporary injuries;
mobility issues;
visits from older family members;
young children;
and everyday convenience.

Detached single-story villa

A single-story detached villa is the ideal combination for many homebuyers.

You may receive:

own lot;
private pool;
multiple bedrooms;
private parking space;
patio;
garden;
and everything on one floor.

This type of home can be found in various locations along the Southern Costa Blanca.

Where can you find single-story villas?

Depending on current availability, you can find them in or around the following locations, among others:

Ciudad Quesada;
Rojales;
Benijófar;
Algorfa
The Montesinos;
San Miguel de Salinas;
Campoverde Pine Forest
Pilar de la Horadada;
Saint Fulgence
and various parts of Orihuela Costa.

Housing types vary greatly from place to place.

Ciudad Quesada for single-story villas

Ciudad Quesada has a wide selection of existing villas from various periods of construction.

There, for example, you may come across homes with:

two or three bedrooms;
private pool;
own lot;
everything on one floor;
and possibly a tanning bed.

Please be aware of the steep slopes in some parts of Quesada.

A single-story villa may be located on a street that slopes quite steeply uphill or downhill.

La Marquesa and the elevation difference

Around La Marquesa Golf, elevation changes are particularly important.

A home can be entirely on one level, but:

be located high above street level;
have multiple outdoor staircases;
have a pool one level lower;
or have a steep driveway.

Anyone who values mobility should take a particularly close look at this.

Benijófar

Benijófar might be of interest to those looking for a more modern villa in a relatively flat area.

Depending on what's available, you'll find the following here:

detached villas;
new construction;
private pool;
modern layouts;
and village amenities relatively close by.

For future-oriented living, it is precisely that combination of flat terrain and amenities that can be appealing.

The Montesinos

Los Montesinos also has a fairly flat residential profile.

Depending on the market, you can find modern villas or bungalows here.

The main advantage is the combination of:

a compact Spanish village;
flat landscape;
modern housing projects;
and the coast is within driving distance.

San Miguel de Salinas

San Miguel de Salinas actually has more elevation changes.

A single-story newly built villa might be an attractive option here, but be sure to check:

street slope;
access;
parcel level;
swimming pool;
on the way to stores.

So the term “single level” doesn’t really say enough in that context.

Campoverde Pine Forest

Pinar de Campoverde is an attractive option for anyone looking to combine a single-story villa with:

green;
peace;
nature;
own lot;
and a private pool.

There are many single-family homes and existing villas here.

The area is quite spread out, so a car is practical.

Pilar de la Horadada

Pilar de la Horadada offers a variety of options.

For example, you can choose between:

single-story villa;
ground-floor bungalow;
ground-floor apartment;
or a home closer to the coast.

The specific residential zone determines how much you can do on foot.

Saint Fulgence

San Fulgencio has a wide selection of low-rise homes and villas.

This may be of interest to buyers who want to live on the ground floor, especially if you:

private pool;
own garden;
international environment;
and flat terrain

is looking for.

Orihuela Costa

Orihuela Costa offers a wide variety of housing types.

Among other things, you'll find:

ground-floor bungalows;
ground-floor apartments;
detached villas;
townhouses;
and new construction.

If you want to live on the ground floor and have the beach relatively close by, you'll find some interesting options here.

Ground-floor bungalow

One of the most popular types of single-story homes is the Spanish ground-floor bungalow.

This is usually a unit on the ground floor of a low-rise building.

You often:

separate entrance;
patio;
garden or patio;
everything on one floor;
and a shared swimming pool.

For many buyers, this is a practical alternative to a villa.

Why choose a ground-floor bungalow?

A ground-floor bungalow may be a good choice if you:

don't want stairs;
considers outdoor space important;
don't want to maintain a large lot;
want a swimming pool;
and is looking for a home that is relatively low-maintenance.

This can be particularly practical for a second home.

Single-story bungalow vs. villa

A villa offers more privacy and its own lot.

A single-story bungalow often offers:

less maintenance;
less work in the garden;
shared pool;
community management;
and living in a more compact space.

The choice depends mainly on how much maintenance you want to do yourself.

Ground-floor apartment

A ground-floor apartment can also be a form of single-level living.

Be sure to check whether it is actually accessible in practice.

For example, some complexes have:

stairs from the street;
raised stage;
parking garage without an elevator;
or the difference in elevation between the apartment and the common areas.

The elevator may still be important

Even if your apartment is on the ground floor, an elevator can be useful.

For example, when your:

parking space;
salvage;
pool level;
or shared entrance

is on a different floor.

So take a look at the entire building.

Private garden with a ground-floor apartment

A ground-floor apartment may have a garden or a patio.

Check the legal documentation to see how this outdoor space is defined.

These may include:

private property;
joint ownership with exclusive right of use;
or another arrangement.

That difference is important when you want to make a change.

Future-Oriented Purchasing

People who are healthy and mobile right now often don't give much thought to accessibility.

But a home is sometimes purchased for ten, twenty, or thirty years.

That's why it might be wise to start paying attention to the following right now:

stairs;
width of doors;
shower;
parking space;
entrance;
slope;
and distance to everyday amenities.

A home that is practical now will continue to function well in the future.

Bathroom

One of the most important spaces for future-oriented living is the bathroom.

For example, check:

walk-in shower;
height of the shower pan;
space next to the toilet;
door width;
non-slip flooring;
and ventilation.

A modern bathroom is not automatically designed to be accessible.

Walk-in shower

Many new homes these days have a shower with a relatively low threshold.

But always double-check this.

Even a small edge can become important later on if mobility is limited.

Ground-floor bedroom

In a multi-story home, it may still be possible to live mostly on the ground floor if the following are available downstairs:

living room;
kitchen;
bedroom;
bathroom;
and outdoor space.

That could be a good compromise.

Townhouse with a bedroom on the ground floor

Not every townhouse has to be ruled out if you want to live on one level.

Some models feature:

downstairs bedroom;
downstairs bathroom;
kitchen and living room downstairs;
extra bedrooms upstairs.

You'll then be able to live comfortably downstairs and use the upper floor primarily for guests.

Guests upstairs

This could be ideal for families or retirees.

You live entirely on the ground floor, while your children or guests have their own space upstairs:

bedrooms;
bathroom;
and, if available, a patio

have.

Villa with a sun deck

A single-story villa may also have a rooftop terrace or solarium.

The main residence will then remain entirely on one level.

The solarium provides additional outdoor space.

That might sound appealing, but ask yourself if you really need it when climbing stairs is precisely the reason you're looking for a ground-floor apartment.

A solarium as a bonus, not a necessity

A tanning bed can be fun for:

view;
zon;
guests;
solar panels;
and additional outdoor space.

However, everyday amenities such as a washing machine, storage room, or utility room should preferably not be accessible only via those stairs if accessibility is a priority.

Private Pool

A private pool can be an attractive feature in a single-story villa.

But take a good look at the location.

Sometimes the pool is:

lower than the house;
accessible by stairs;
behind a steep slope;
or on a raised terrace.

That can partly negate the advantage of living on one level.

Swimming pool on the same level

For accessibility, it is best if the house, patio, and pool are largely on the same level.

This makes it easier to use and reduces the number of steps taken each day.

Communal swimming pool

If you're staying in a bungalow or apartment, you should also consider how to get to the pool.

Check:

stairs;
slope;
gate;
distance;
and, if necessary, access for people with mobility issues.

A swimming pool “on the grounds” can still be difficult to access in practice.

Parking space on the same level

A point that is often overlooked.

Ideally, you should be able to walk from your car to the house without having to climb any significant elevation changes.

Check:

private driveway;
garage;
distance;
slope;
step;
and width of the entrance.

Garage under the house

Some single-story villas have the living area above a garage or basement.

Technically, the entire living area is on one floor, but you may need to use a staircase to get from the garage to the house.

So take a look at your actual daily route.

Street Parking

If you're staying in a bungalow or apartment without a private parking space, street parking can be a great option.

But think about the future, too.

If you sometimes have to walk hundreds of meters from your car, that might become less practical later on.

Flat Campsites on the Southern Costa Blanca

If accessibility is important to you, you should also consider the character of the entire community.

You'll find relatively flat areas, for example, around:

Benijófar;
Formentera del Segura;
The Montesinos;
Almoradis;
Daya Nueva;
Daya Vieja;
Saint Fulgence
and various coastal areas.

In contrast, there are areas with greater elevation differences, such as parts of Ciudad Quesada, San Miguel de Salinas, and certain coastal developments.

Formentera del Segura

Formentera del Segura might be a good option if you're looking for a small, flat, and relatively compact place to live.

Depending on what's available, you'll find apartments, townhouses, and low-rise buildings here.

It's less focused on villas than Ciudad Quesada, but it can be a practical option for permanent residence.

Almoradis

Almoradí is larger and more urban.

The flat terrain and the wider range of amenities may be of interest to those who:

apartment;
lift;
stores;
health care;
and not many cars

considers important.

New Daya in Old Daya

These small villages are located in a very flat part of the Vega Baja.

The housing supply is limited, but anyone who finds a practical village home or townhouse can live here in relative comfort and tranquility.

You can take advantage of the wider range of amenities in the surrounding towns.

Coastal and single-story

Would you like to live in a single-story home that's also close to the sea?

In that case, you might want to consider, for example:

Guardamar;
Torrevieja
La Mata;
Saint Paul
Orihuela Costa;
La Horadada Tower;
in Mil Palmeras.

There, you'll find mostly ground-floor apartments and single-story bungalows.

Guardamar

Guardamar del Segura might be worth considering if the beach is important to you.

A ground-floor apartment close to downtown can be convenient, but be especially careful:

street level;
garage;
lift;
any slopes;
and distance to the beach.

Old Tower

Torrevieja has a very large and varied selection of homes.

For single-story living, you might want to consider:

ground-floor bungalows;
ground-floor apartments;
detached villas in the suburbs;
and modern new construction.

Areas such as Aguas Nuevas, Torreblanca, Los Altos, and other residential areas offer a variety of options.

La Mata

La Mata is a good choice if having a beach nearby is a priority.

Here you'll find mostly apartments and bungalows.

Be sure to check the elevation differences outside the immediate city center, as some residential areas are higher up toward Torreblanca.

Saint Paul

Santa Pola might be a good choice if you're looking for a ground-floor apartment in a true coastal town.

The city center and several western beach areas are fairly flat in many places.

The sections toward Santa Pola del Este and Cabo de Santa Pola may have a greater elevation change.

Orihuela Costa

Orihuela Costa has many ground-floor bungalows and single-level apartments.

This might be of interest to you if:

beach;
communal swimming pool;
patio;
stores;
and international facilities

want to combine.

Playa Flamenca in La Zenia

In this wider coastal area, you'll find many apartments and bungalows.

A ground-floor apartment can be practical for:

second home;
permanent residence;
retirement;
or families.

Please note the actual walking routes to stores and the beach.

Punta Prima

You'll also find many modern apartments and residential complexes around Punta Prima.

Always check the exact municipality, because real estate names in this area are sometimes used more broadly than administrative boundaries.

New Single-Story Home

Those specifically looking for new construction have several options.

Consider:

single-story villa;
ground-floor bungalow;
ground-floor apartment;
Townhouse with a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor.

To learn more, check out our new-construction homes and new-construction projects.

Advantages of New Construction

New construction can be appealing from an accessibility standpoint because you’re more likely to find modern floor plans.

Possible benefits include:

wider passageways;
modern bathroom;
fewer barriers;
new elevator;
modern garage;
and ground-level terraces.

But never assume this automatically.

New construction is not automatically wheelchair-accessible

Even a brand-new home can have practical limitations.

Consider:

narrow garden gate;
step at the sliding glass door;
stairs to the pool;
narrow parking space;
Difference in elevation between the street and the entrance.

Visit and measure the home when accessibility is essential.

What is included in new construction?

Always check the specifications.

Don't automatically assume that:

full air conditioning;
kitchen appliances;
solar panels;
private pool;
parking lot;
salvage;
landscaped garden;
furniture;
lighting;
pergola;
or outdoor kitchen.

Newly built single-story villa

When building a new villa, the site plan is particularly important.

Check:

location of the house on the lot;
access from the street;
parking space;
swimming pool;
elevation differences;
and outdoor space.

A good floor plan only shows how the interior space is laid out.

Buying Off-Plan

With off-plan new construction, you cannot yet physically test the accessibility.

Therefore, please review the following with extra care:

cross-sections;
levels;
site plan;
access;
technical description;
and a parking solution.

Please provide written answers to the questions.

Key-ready

With a newly built home that’s already been completed, you can actually test:

admission;
stairs;
doors;
bathroom;
parking space;
patio;
swimming pool;
and street.

For someone with specific accessibility needs, this is a major advantage.

Existing single-story villa

Existing homes can actually offer more choices.

For example, an older villa might feature:

larger lot;
mature garden;
more spacious rooms;
a well-established residential street;
and a completely single-level layout.

But the vehicle's mechanical condition deserves special attention.

Renovating an Older Home

It is relatively easy to make some existing homes more future-proof.

Consider:

replace the shower;
remove the threshold;
widen the door;
build a ramp;
renovate the patio;
or change the bedroom's function.

Have a preliminary assessment conducted to determine what is technically and legally feasible.

Stairlift as an alternative

A home with a single main staircase doesn't always have to be a drawback.

Sometimes, installing a stairlift may be technically feasible.

But with narrow, winding Spanish staircases, this isn't necessarily the case.

Have this evaluated before you buy if it's part of your long-term plan.

Apartment with an elevator

A multi-story home may sometimes have its own elevator.

This is particularly common in larger newly built villas.

This could be an alternative to living entirely on one level, but it has the following drawbacks:

purchase;
maintenance;
inspection;
power consumption;
and repair

mee.

Maintenance is part of future-oriented living

A large lot with lots of plants and a private pool can be beautiful, but it requires a lot of work.

When making a future-oriented purchase, be sure to also consider:

garden area;
swimming pool;
stairs;
outdoor maintenance;
cleaning;
and technical systems.

A smaller home may be more practical in the long run.

A single-story villa or an apartment?

Villa

This is more appropriate if you're looking for:

privacy;
own garden;
private pool;
parking space;
and no upstairs neighbors.

Apartment

This is more appropriate if you're searching for:

less maintenance;
smaller outdoor space;
lift;
community management;
and nearby amenities.

Both can be entirely on one level.

Bungalow or apartment?

A single-story bungalow usually has:

separate entrance;
more outdoor space;
a sense of being in a low-rise building;
and often a swimming pool.

An apartment can actually:

be more centrally located;
have an elevator;
be more accessible;
and require less outdoor maintenance on the part of the owner.

Permanent residence

Would you like to move to Spain permanently?

In that case, living on one level is just one aspect of making future-oriented choices.

Everyday necessities are just as important.

Check:

supermarket;
pharmacy;
family doctor;
hospital;
public transportation;
parking;
and social environment.

A perfect home in an inconvenient location

That happens quite often.

A completely single-story villa may be technically ideal, but it’s less practical if you have to drive twenty minutes for every errand.

An apartment with an elevator in the heart of a village can make it possible to live much more independently in the long term.

So be sure to consider both the home and the location.

Health Care

For those who are buying with the future in mind, proximity to health care may be important.

How you can access the public Spanish healthcare system depends on your personal situation and coverage.

Learn more about health care in Spain and our information on hospitals and clinics on the Costa Blanca.

Retirement in Spain

Many buyers are specifically looking for single-story homes because they want to spend their retirement in Spain later on.

In that case, you should take the following into account right now:

mobility;
maintenance;
car;
health care;
groceries;
winter sun;
and social environment.

This prevents you from having to move again later because the home becomes impractical.

Winter Sun

Sun exposure is important for year-round or winter use.

A home that stays pleasantly cool in August may get little sunlight in January.

Therefore, please check the following:

patio;
living room;
swimming pool;
garden;
surrounding buildings;
and trees.

Especially in low-rise neighborhoods, shade from neighboring homes can make a big difference.

South-facing or not?

A south-facing location can be appealing for winter sun, but it isn't ideal for everyone.

In the summer, you can actually:

east;
shadow;
pergola;
or northern outdoor space

be pleasant.

Your usage determines the best orientation.

Pets

For dog owners, a single-story home can be especially practical.

A single-story bungalow or villa may offer:

direct access to the outdoors;
garden;
patio;
and no elevator needed.

Be sure to check for fencing, shade, community rules, and walking options.

Families with young children

For families, too, having everything on one floor can be convenient.

The benefits are:

no stair gates;
bedrooms nearby;
direct access to the garden;
and a better overview.

Pay extra attention to pool safety.

Pool Safety

For young children, the following are important:

fencing;
lockable access;
non-slip flooring;
view from the living room;
and depth.

A private pool means you are entirely responsible for it.

Second home

A single-story home can also be practical as a second home.

Especially if you:

often has guests;
multiple generations use the home;
want low maintenance;
and you also want to be able to use the home permanently in the future.

A vacation home now, a permanent home later

This is a common scenario.

That's why it might be wise to choose the following right now:

few stairs;
good amenities;
parking lot;
one story;
nice winter sunshine;
and low maintenance requirements.

That way, you won't have to replace your second home later on.

Investing in a single-story home

Would you like to invest in Spanish real estate?

A single-story home may appeal to a broad audience, but that does not automatically translate to a higher return on investment.

Check out:

location;
housing type;
bedrooms;
outdoor space;
swimming pool;
parking space;
response from children;
rental rules;
and future marketability.

Broad target audience

A practical single-story home may be of interest to:

families;
retirees;
vacationers;
people with mobility impairments;
and long-term tenants.

But the location remains the deciding factor.

Vacation Rentals

Are you interested in renting out your property for short-term tourist stays?

Always check this before making a purchase.

The possibilities depend, among other things, on:

regional regulations;
municipality;
urban planning context;
community;
and registration requirements.

Being on the ground floor or having a pool does not automatically mean that tourist rentals are permitted.

Community

In the case of bungalows and apartments, the homeowners' association is important.

Check:

contribution;
swimming pool;
gardens;
accessibility;
elevators;
maintenance;
rules;
and any scheduled work.

Community and Accessibility

For a property with common areas, also ask who is responsible for:

ramp tracks;
elevators;
entrance gates;
pool access;
and their maintenance.

Your home may be fully accessible, even though the common entrance is not.

How much does a single-story home on the Costa Blanca South cost?

There is no set amount for that.

You're comparing homes that are very different:

ground-floor apartment;
bungalow;
townhouse;
existing villa;
newly built villa;
coastal location;
golfzone;
or a village in the country.

Price is determined by, among other things:

location;
lot;
swimming pool;
distance to the beach;
year of manufacture;
state;
bedrooms;
parking space;
and outdoor space.

So be sure to check out our current listings.

Don't just compare the purchase price

A cheaper villa may end up costing more because of:

renovation;
swimming pool;
garden;
air conditioning;
energy costs;
and maintenance.

An apartment may have a higher price per square meter, but lower maintenance costs.

Therefore, compare the total operating budget.

Total Budget

Please bring:

purchase price;
purchase costs;
renovation;
furniture;
air conditioning;
swimming pool;
garden;
community;
insurance;
and any accessibility adjustments.

Purchase Costs

When buying a house in Spain, there are additional costs on top of the purchase price.

New construction and existing buildings are treated differently for tax purposes.

In addition, costs may be a factor for:

notary;
property registry;
legal assistance;
and financing.

Have a customized calculation done for a specific home.

Mortgage

Dutch and Belgian buyers can apply for a Spanish mortgage under certain conditions.

The possibilities depend, among other things, on:

income;
financial obligations;
age;
taxation;
home value;
and immigration status.

Learn more about a mortgage in Spain.

NIE number

To buy real estate in Spain, you need an NIE number.

An NIE is not the same thing as a residencia.

Learn more about NIE and residencia.

Legal Review

For a single-story home, the following items, among others, can be inspected:

ownership;
Land Registry;
Census;
built-up area;
swimming pool;
patio;
garden;
garage;
expansions;
community;
and permits.

With an existing villa, it is especially important that the pool, outbuildings, and previous renovations have been properly accounted for.

Dutch real estate agent specializing in single-story homes

Are you looking for a Dutch real estate agent to help you find a single-story home on the southern Costa Blanca?

Casas Palmeras is located in Rojales and assists Dutch and Belgian homebuyers throughout much of the Southern Costa Blanca.

We can conduct a targeted search for homes that are not only listed as ground-floor units in the ad, but also practically meet your needs.

For example:

no stairs from street level;
bedroom and bathroom downstairs;
private pool on the same level;
private parking space;
flat living environment;
amenities nearby;
or a ground-floor bungalow with a garden.

First, determine what you mean by “ground floor”

This is actually the most important step.

For some buyers, “ground floor” simply means:

No stairs leading to the bedroom.

For other buyers, this means:

From the car to the shower without a single step.

That's a big difference.

Therefore, decide in advance which of the following are important:

completely barrier-free;
one story;
flat lot;
ground-level pool;
wide doors;
walk-in shower;
parking space next to the house;
and flat terrain.

Four Interesting Home Profiles

Single-story villa with a private pool

Perfect for anyone who wants privacy, their own lot, and everything on one floor.

Ground-floor bungalow with a garden

Ideal for those who want their own outdoor space but prefer less maintenance than a villa requires.

Ground-floor apartment

Ideal for those who want to live on the ground floor and prioritize proximity to shops, the beach, or downtown over having their own lot.

Townhouse with a bedroom on the ground floor

Ideal for those who want extra space for guests but still want to be able to live entirely on the ground floor.

Which region is the best fit?

If you're primarily looking for a villa with a pool, you might want to check out Ciudad Quesada, Benijófar, Los Montesinos, San Fulgencio, or Pinar de Campoverde.

If you're mainly looking for a beach and a ground-floor apartment, you might want to check out Guardamar, Torrevieja, La Mata, Santa Pola, or Orihuela Costa.

If you're looking for a flat, compact, and Spanish-style place to live, you can compare smaller towns such as Formentera del Segura, Almoradí, Daya Nueva, or Daya Vieja.

View single-story homes on the Costa Blanca

Would you like to know which homes currently meet your needs?

Then take a look at our current listings, our existing homes, the available new-construction homes, and current new-construction projects.

Would you like us to focus our search on, for example, a single-story villa, a ground-floor bungalow with a garden, a ground-floor apartment, a home without stairs, a villa with a pool on the same level, or a future-proof home for permanent residence? If so, please fill out the questionnaire for your home search or feel free to contact Casas Palmeras.

A single-level home on the Southern Costa Blanca is particularly appealing if comfort and future-proof living are important to you. But look beyond the terms “single level” or “planta baja.” A home can be completely single-level on the inside yet still have outdoor stairs, a steep driveway, or a lower-level pool. The best home, therefore, combines a practical layout with level access, good parking, suitable outdoor space, and daily amenities that remain easily accessible in the long term.