Buying a Home for Retirement on the Southern Costa Blanca

Are you interested in buying a home for your retirement on the Southern Costa Blanca? If so, you’re likely looking for a home differently than someone who’s just looking for a vacation home.

When it comes to a second home, the beach, a pool, and that vacation feeling may be the top priorities. For permanent residence after retirement, however, other factors become increasingly important: everyday amenities, health care, accessibility, winter sun, maintenance, accessibility, and whether you’ll still be comfortable living in the same home ten or twenty years from now.

That’s why a beautiful villa with a private pool isn’t necessarily the best retirement home. For one buyer, a single-story villa in Ciudad Quesada is ideal. For another, an apartment with an elevator in Guardamar is a better fit, since shops, the beach, and restaurants are within walking distance. And yet another person might deliberately choose a Spanish village like Benijófar, Los Montesinos, or Pilar de la Horadada.

So, the best home for your retirement is one that’s not only appealing right now but will also remain practical as your daily life changes.

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

First, decide how you want to spend your retirement in Spain

Choosing a retirement home doesn't start with the number of bedrooms.

It's better to start with the question:

What is a typical Tuesday like for you in Spain?

Would you like to walk to the bakery in the morning, have coffee in town, and then head to the beach? Would you like to play golf, garden, or just spend a lot of time outdoors? Do you often have your children and grandchildren over? Would you like to be able to get around without a car? Or are you looking for peace and quiet, plenty of space, and a private pool?

Your daily lifestyle determines which location and type of home are the best fit.

Permanent residence or just spending the winter here first?

Not everyone moves permanently right away.

Many people start by saying:

a few months a year;
overwinter;
longer vacations;
or a second home that will later become a permanent residence.

That might be a sensible way to find out which place is truly right for you.

A home that’s ideal for three weeks in the summer can actually be quite different when you live there from November through March.

A vacation home sometimes becomes a retirement home later on

This scenario is common.

You are currently buying a vacation home and plan to live there permanently in the future.

In that case, it’s a good idea to take the following into account from the start:

stairs;
maintenance;
car dependency;
health care;
winter sun;
groceries;
and accessibility.

That will prevent you from having to move again in a few years.

Living on the ground floor

For many retirees, living on one level is a natural preference.

That could mean:

single-story detached villa;
ground-floor bungalow;
ground-floor apartment;
or an apartment with a good elevator.

But look beyond just the words “ground floor.”

A home can be entirely on one level inside, while outside:

six steps to the front door;
steep driveway;
lower-level pool;
or stairs to the parking lot

has.

Fully accessible or just one floor?

That difference is important.

For some buyers, “ground floor” means:

bedroom and bathroom downstairs.

For someone else, it means:

From the car to the shower without a single step.

Therefore, determine in advance just how important accessibility really is.

Apartment with an elevator as a retirement home

An apartment can be surprisingly practical for retirees.

Benefits may include:

low maintenance;
no garden;
lift;
stores nearby;
beach on foot;
community that maintains the building;
and make it easier to cancel your subscription when you travel to the Netherlands or Belgium.

On the other hand, this means less privacy and less land of one's own.

Villa with a private pool as a retirement home

For many people, this remains the quintessential Spanish experience.

A villa can offer:

privacy;
garden;
private pool;
parking space;
outdoor life;
and space for visitors.

But think about the future, too.

A pool, a garden, and a larger lot require maintenance.

You can outsource that, but those costs are part of the overall picture.

How much maintenance would you like in the future?

This is an important question.

You might really enjoy gardening.

In fifteen years, you might prefer to:

smaller lot;
artificial turf;
tiled garden;
communal pool;
or no pool at all.

A home that requires less maintenance can offer a lot of freedom in the long run.

Private pool or communal pool?

Both options are attractive to retirees.

Private Pool

Who it's for:

wants complete privacy;
swims every day;
considers having a private patio important;
and wants to arrange for maintenance.

Communal swimming pool

Who it's for:

does want to swim;
requires little maintenance;
does not want to manage a technical system;
and pays community fees.

For a second home that will eventually serve as a retirement home, a communal pool can be practical.

Tuin

A large Mediterranean garden looks fantastic.

But a garden also means:

irrigation;
pruning;
leaves;
weed;
trees;
insects;
and periodic maintenance.

Ask yourself how much of your garden you actually use.

A Mature Garden Versus a Compact Outdoor Space

An older villa can have a beautiful, mature garden.

A modern home often comes with a smaller, low-maintenance lot.

Both have their advantages.

If you mainly want to eat and sit outside, you might not need a large yard at all.

A patio can be more important than a garden

For many retirees, a nice patio is ultimately more valuable than hundreds of square meters of land.

A functional patio provides space for:

dining table;
lounge;
sun loungers;
plants;
barbecue;
and shade.

Pay special attention to orientation and privacy.

Winter Sun

For a retirement home, winter sun is particularly important.

If you live there year-round or spend the winter there, you actually use the home a lot during the months when the sun is lower in the sky.

A home that’s wonderfully cool in July can feel gloomy in January.

Therefore, please check the following:

sun on the patio;
living room;
swimming pool;
garden;
and the shade cast by surrounding buildings.

South-facing isn't always automatically better

A south-facing outdoor space can be pleasant in winter.

But in the summer, an east-facing or partially sheltered patio may be more comfortable.

A home with multiple outdoor spaces is often ideal.

Then, throughout the day, you can choose between:

zon;
shadow;
wind;
and shelter.

View Orientation in Real Life

Don't just look at the compass direction listed in the ad.

Visit the home and take a look:

where the sun shines in;
which patio you actually use;
how much shade there is;
and how surrounding buildings have an impact.

With new construction, this can be harder to visualize, so the site plan is especially important in that case.

The Coast or the Inland for Your Retirement?

This is one of the biggest decisions.

Kust

Benefits may include:

beach;
boulevard;
many restaurants and bars;
international residents;
and many apartments.

Domestic

Benefits may include:

more space;
a more peaceful lifestyle;
a wider selection of homes for the same budget;
village life;
and less tourist traffic.

The best choice depends on your daily life.

Guardamar for Retirees

Guardamar del Segura might be of interest to those who want to combine a beach with a compact town center.

There you will find:

apartments;
penthouses;
stores;
restaurants;
sandy beach;
dunes;
in a pine forest.

A centrally located apartment can be especially appealing if you plan to do a lot of walking.

Apartment in Guardamar

For retirees, an apartment with a good elevator, parking space, and terrace can be particularly practical.

It requires less maintenance than a villa, yet you can still live nearby:

beach;
center;
supermarket;
and the hospitality industry

living.

Penthouse or a lower-floor apartment?

A penthouse may offer:

large terrace;
view;
privacy.

But a middle floor can:

less wind;
lower price;
better shelter;
and the same location

offer.

So, for everyday permanent living, a penthouse isn't necessarily the best choice.

Torrevieja for Retirement

Torrevieja is a larger international coastal city.

That might be interesting if you want a lot of features.

Among other things, you'll find:

stores;
the beach;
hospital facilities;
hospitality industry;
international community;
and a wide selection of homes.

For someone who wants to live in a more urban setting, Torrevieja may be a more practical choice than a small residential development.

Downtown or the suburbs?

In Torrevieja, the neighborhood makes a huge difference.

A centrally located apartment offers plenty within walking distance.

A bungalow or villa in the suburbs may offer:

more peace and quiet;
swimming pool;
patio;
and a parking lot.

This is often offset by greater dependence on cars.

La Mata

La Mata may be a good fit for retirees who:

long sandy beach;
smaller coastal core;
hospitality industry;
and nature

enjoy.

Be sure to check for differences in elevation when searching outside the central area.

Ciudad Quesada for Retirement

Ciudad Quesada is very popular among foreign permanent residents.

Among other things, you'll find:

villas;
bungalows;
apartments;
private swimming pools;
restaurants;
stores;
golf;
and international facilities.

The area is large and varies greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Which parts of Quesada are practical?

For permanent residence, it may be advantageous to live close to amenities.

Think about topics such as:

Avenida de las Naciones;
Mrs. Pepa
Good morning
of La Marquesa.

But always check the exact route.

Elevation Differences in Ciudad Quesada

Parts of Quesada are hilly.

That could lead to some great views.

But when it comes to future-oriented living, slopes can be a drawback.

A villa on a hill might seem fantastic right now, but doing your daily grocery shopping on foot might not be as appealing.

The Marchioness

Around La Marquesa Golf, you'll find many homes with views and international amenities.

This could be ideal for golfers.

But the area has significant elevation changes.

Anyone who values mobility should take this into account.

Benijófar for Retirees

Benijófar is a great choice if you're looking for a compact, relatively flat place to live.

The village offers a combination of:

Spanish core;
newer residential neighborhoods;
international residents;
restaurants;
stores;
and its proximity to Rojales and Ciudad Quesada.

For permanent residence, this could be an attractive compromise.

Villa and amenities relatively close by

That is precisely one of Benijófar's strengths.

Depending on what's available, you can have a villa or townhouse without living in a completely secluded area.

This may be of interest to retirees who want both privacy and convenient access to daily amenities.

The Montesinos

Los Montesinos is a small Spanish village in the interior.

It is relatively flat and has a local center.

It may be a good fit for people who:

Spanish Daily Life;
peace;
smaller scale;
and don't need a beach right outside their door.

A car is still practical for longer trips.

Almoradis

Almoradí might be worth considering if you're looking for a larger town in the Spanish interior.

There you will find:

stores;
market;
apartments;
hospitality industry;
and everyday necessities.

The city center is relatively flat.

For someone who isn't so interested in the beach but wants to be able to do a lot of things locally, this can be practical.

Formentera del Segura

Formentera del Segura is smaller and quieter.

This may be appealing if you:

compact village;
flat terrain;
apartment or townhouse;
and its proximity to Rojales and Guardamar

want to combine.

Rojales

Rojales has two very different residential profiles.

You can choose from:

traditional Spanish town center;
or international residential areas such as Ciudad Quesada.

That makes the municipality an attractive option for retirees with a variety of preferences.

Saint Fulgence

San Fulgencio also has a large international community.

Here you'll find plenty of:

low-rise buildings;
villas;
bungalows;
flat terrain;
and homes with outdoor space.

To get to the beach, drive toward La Marina.

Algorfa at La Finca

Algorfa might be of interest to golfers or people looking for a quieter place to live.

You can choose between:

traditional village;
residential developments;
at La Finca Golf.

If you're looking for a permanent place to live, you should carefully consider the distance to everyday amenities.

Golf as Part of Retirement

For many retirees, golf is an important social and athletic activity.

On the southern Costa Blanca, you can live close to:

The Marchioness
The Farm;
Villamartín
Campoamor;
Las Ramblas;
Beautiful view
in Las Colinas.

But don't buy based solely on golf.

Everyday necessities remain just as important.

San Miguel de Salinas

San Miguel de Salinas is located at a higher elevation and has more elevation changes.

This may be appealing to:

view;
a quieter living environment;
and its proximity to Orihuela Costa.

When it comes to future-oriented living, you need to pay special attention to slopes and car dependency.

Orihuela Costa

Orihuela Costa is a good choice if you:

beach;
international community;
golf;
stores;
and modern homes

want to combine.

However, the area is large.

The specific urban development makes a huge difference in everyday life.

Village of Martin

Villamartín may be of interest to retirees who:

golf;
international hospitality industry;
apartments or townhouses;
and its proximity to Orihuela Costa

search.

If you want to get around a lot on foot, you'll need to choose the right neighborhood carefully.

Pilar de la Horadada

Pilar de la Horadada might be an interesting option for permanent residence.

The center offers:

stores;
sport;
hospitality industry;
schools;
and everyday life in Spain.

The coastline is particularly scenic in areas such as Torre de la Horadada and Mil Palmeras.

Pilar Center or Torre de la Horadada?

This is an interesting comparison for retirees.

Pilar Downtown

More practical for:

daily necessities;
permanent residence;
groceries;
sport;
and Spanish city life.

La Horadada Tower

Best for:

beach;
zee;
second home;
and that beach vibe.

Your daily priorities will determine which one is a better fit.

Campoverde Pine Forest

Pinar de Campoverde offers a completely different profile.

Here you will find:

villas;
private swimming pools;
green;
nature;
and larger plots.

For those who value peace and quiet, this could be ideal.

This is usually offset by greater dependence on cars and higher maintenance costs.

Holy Pole

Santa Pola might be worth considering if you're looking for an authentic Spanish coastal town.

You combine:

port;
the beach;
stores;
hospitality industry;
apartments;
and the airport is relatively close by.

For retirees who enjoy walking a lot, a centrally located apartment may be appealing.

An apartment or a villa for your retirement?

There is no single best choice for everyone.

Apartment

This is more appropriate if you're looking for:

low maintenance;
lift;
center;
beach nearby;
and make it easier to close.

Villa

This is a better match if you're looking for:

privacy;
garden;
private pool;
parking space;
and more living space.

The choice depends mainly on how much maintenance and dependence on a car you're willing to accept.

A bungalow as a compromise

A bungalow can be an interesting compromise.

You may receive:

separate entrance;
patio;
communal swimming pool;
relatively low maintenance;
and a more homey feel than in an apartment.

A ground-floor bungalow can also be entirely on one level.

Townhouse

A townhouse may be a good choice if you:

multiple bedrooms;
guests;
private outdoor space;
and garage

wilt.

But be sure to note the number of floors.

For a retirement home, having a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor can be important.

Extra bedroom for family

Many retirees want space for their children and grandchildren.

That makes sense.

But ask yourself how many days a year that room is actually used.

Perhaps it is:

two bedrooms;
sofa bed;
hotel nearby;
or guesthouse in a complex

more practical than maintaining a much larger home every day.

Three bedrooms or a larger patio?

This is often an important consideration.

An extra bedroom sounds practical.

But if there are two of you living there full-time, you might use a nice patio every day and the third bedroom only ten days a year.

Choose based on your actual usage.

Guest Bathroom

A second bathroom can actually offer a lot of convenience when children and grandchildren visit regularly.

This prevents you from constantly having to share your own bathroom.

Health Care at Your Retirement Home

For permanent residence, health care is an important factor in choosing a location.

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

Read more about healthcare in Spain and our information on hospitals, clinics, and Dutch doctors on the Costa Blanca.

Family doctor and pharmacy nearby

Even if you hardly ever use medical care now, proximity may become more important later on.

Therefore, please check the following:

health center;
pharmacy;
specialized care;
hospital route;
taxi;
and public transportation.

Public or private healthcare

Some foreign residents use public health care, while others use private health care or a combination of the two.

Your options depend on your personal circumstances and insurance coverage.

Therefore, your choice of housing should not be based on a single specific care pathway without taking your own situation into account.

Living Without a Car After Retirement

This could be an important wish.

You may enjoy driving now, but in ten or fifteen years, you might want to be less dependent on a car.

In that case, compact spaces are more appealing.

For example:

Guardamar;
Old Tower
Saint Pol
Pilar de la Horadada;
Almoradis;
Benijófar;
and some parts of Rojales.

Villa vs. Living Independently Without a Car

A large villa in a quiet residential community offers privacy.

A centrally located apartment can actually offer more independence when driving becomes more difficult later on.

That's a decision you'd be better off making before you buy, rather than years later.

Supermarket within walking distance

For a retirement home, this is more practical than many people realize at first.

Walking distance to:

supermarket;
hills;
pharmacy;
hospitality industry;
and daily necessities

can have a big impact on how free you feel.

Flat Living

When it comes to future-oriented living, the entire living environment is important.

Not just the house.

A single-story villa on a steep hill is still a hillside home.

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

Benijófar;
Formentera del Segura;
Almoradis;
The Montesinos;
Saint Fulgentius
Daya Nueva;
in Daya Vieja.

Living in the Hills

Areas with greater elevation changes can offer stunning views.

Consider:

The Marchioness
parts of Ciudad Quesada;
San Miguel de Salinas;
Great Alicante
and certain coastal areas.

Decide for yourself whether the view is more important than walkability.

Home with a ocean view for retirement

A view of the sea can bring joy every day.

But a home with a view can also mean:

living in a higher-end home;
more wind;
steeper route;
or a greater distance from amenities.

Therefore, always weigh the ocean view against everyday convenience.

Beach within walking distance

To many retirees, this sounds ideal.

You can:

hiking;
swimming;
drink coffee;
and being outside

without a car.

But test the actual route.

A beach may seem close by, yet it may be accessible only via steep stairs or a busy road.

Indoor Climate

Just because it's in Spain doesn't mean a home is automatically comfortable all year round.

Please note:

insulation;
glazing;
air conditioning;
heating;
moisture;
zon;
ventilation;
and orientation.

This is especially important if you don't just stay here during the summer.

Heating

A home can feel chilly in the winter.

Check what type of heating system is installed.

This could include, for example:

air conditioning with a heat pump;
electric heating;
underfloor heating;
or other systems.

When it comes to new construction, don't automatically assume that climate control is fully installed.

Air Conditioning

Check whether the air conditioning:

fully installed;
via the channel;
through individual units;
or just prepared

is.

This is more important for permanent residence than for short-term vacation use.

New Construction for Retirement

New construction can be appealing to retirees because:

modern layouts;
recent installations;
energy performance;
elevators;
parking spaces;
and less direct renovation work.

But a modern home doesn't automatically mean a convenient location.

New construction on the outskirts of town

Many new projects are being built where building lots are still available.

That could be further away from:

center;
supermarket;
health center;
or beach

are.

When it comes to future-oriented living, an older home in a better location may be more practical.

What is included in new construction?

Always check the specifications.

Don't automatically assume that:

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

Buying Off-Plan Around Retirement

Are you buying a home that hasn't been built yet?

Please note that delivery dates are estimates and are subject to change.

So be sure to plan your:

permanent emigration;
sale of current home;
move;
and registration

Don't be too rigid about a single expected date.

Key-ready

An existing home can be an attractive option if you want less uncertainty as you approach retirement.

You can rate it right away:

light;
view;
street;
lift;
stairs;
swimming pool;
facilities;
and the actual finish.

Existing Buildings for Retirement

Existing homes can actually be attractive because of:

prime location;
larger plots;
mature garden;
immediate availability;
and existing amenities around the home.

Renovation could be an alternative.

Renovations Before You Move

If you plan to move permanently, it may be a good idea to complete any major projects before your final move.

Consider:

bathroom;
kitchen;
the frame;
air conditioning;
electricity;
and accessibility modifications.

Making Your Bathroom Future-Proof

For example, a practical retirement bathroom has:

spacious walk-in shower;
low or no step;
good ventilation;
enough room to move around;
and a non-slip floor.

This is often relatively easy to factor into a renovation plan in advance.

Doors and Passages

If accessibility is important, be sure to also consider door widths and hallways.

Older Spanish homes may have narrow hallways.

No problem for normal use, but it might become an issue later on.

Parking Lot

A private parking space is also valuable for retirees.

In that case, you don't have to:

to go a long way;
look for street parking;
or carrying heavy groceries over long distances.

In apartment buildings, an elevator connecting the garage to the apartment is especially convenient.

Car in the Sun

A carport or garage can provide comfort.

In the summer, a car can get very hot when parked in direct sunlight.

In addition, covered parking protects against:

zon;
fabric;
and weather conditions.

Safety and Convenience

For permanent residence, a home may have:

roller shutters;
good locks;
enclosed parking lot;
and, if applicable, a secure community

provide extra comfort.

This is especially true if you travel back to the Netherlands or Belgium on a regular basis.

Community or completely detached?

A community can be enjoyable because certain matters are handled collectively.

For example:

swimming pool;
garden;
lift;
lighting;
and group insurance.

In return, there is a recurring payment.

Community

When renting apartments, bungalows, and some villas, always ask about:

current contribution;
reserve fund;
scheduled work;
owe;
lift;
swimming pool;
and rules.

Fixed expenses are important when planning a retirement budget.

Spill

A derrama is an additional payment for special work.

For example, for:

lift;
dak;
facade;
swimming pool;
garage;
or pipes.

Before making a purchase, ask about work that has already been approved.

Fixed monthly expenses

Predictability can be important when it comes to retirement.

Therefore, before making a purchase, make a list of:

community;
municipal tax;
insurance;
energy;
water;
internet;
swimming pool;
garden;
and maintenance.

This will give you a more realistic picture than just the purchase price.

How much house do you really need?

A big house is nice when family comes to visit.

But on a daily basis, it also means:

more cleaning;
more furniture;
higher energy costs;
more maintenance;
and a larger garden.

A more compact home can actually offer more freedom.

Storage

Even in a smaller home, having enough storage space is important.

Please note:

built-in cabinets;
salvage;
garage;
utility room;
and space for suitcases.

Especially when you're emigrating permanently, you'll take more belongings with you than you would for a vacation.

Children and Grandchildren Visiting

Many retirees want space to entertain family.

Think beyond just bedrooms.

Also important are:

second bathroom;
parking space;
safe garden;
pool safety;
shadow;
and plenty of patio space.

Proximity to the airport

If family members visit regularly, the accessibility of Alicante-Elche Airport may be a factor.

But don't let the distance to the airport be the only deciding factor.

You live there every day; your family only visits a few times a year.

So the daily location has to be right for you.

Pick up family

If you live in, for example, Santa Pola, Guardamar, Rojales, or the surrounding areas, Alicante-Elche is usually the most convenient airport for many flights from the Netherlands and Belgium.

Those who live further south may also want to consider other routes.

Be sure to focus on the routes you actually use.

Social Environment

This is often underestimated.

After retirement, you'll have more free time.

That is why one's social environment can be important.

Consider:

sport;
golf;
walking groups;
associations;
hospitality industry;
neighbors;
market;
and local activities.

A beautiful home in a secluded location may be less appealing if you want a lot of social interaction.

A Spanish village or an international setting?

Both can be good.

Spanish village

Offers:

local culture;
language;
traditions;
and a more vibrant Spanish daily life.

International Urbanization

Often offers:

easier to connect with other foreigners;
international hospitality industry;
services in multiple languages;
and a faster social network.

Ask yourself what kind of environment you really want.

Learn Spanish

If you live in Spain permanently, speaking Spanish makes everyday life much easier.

Especially for:

municipality;
health care;
neighbors;
stores;
and local activities.

Living in a small Spanish town can naturally expose you to the language more.

Emigrating After Retirement

Are you planning to move permanently?

Be sure to read our information on moving to Spain and our emigration checklist.

Think about the following well in advance:

unsubscribe;
registration in Spain;
NIE;
residence;
health care;
taxes;
insurance;
and banking.

NIE for residents

To buy a home, you need an NIE number.

If you plan to live in Spain permanently, there are also other residency and registration requirements that apply.

Learn more about NIE and residency in Spain.

Receiving a Pension in Spain

Moving to Spain does not simply change the fact that you receive your Dutch or Belgian pension, but your tax and administrative situation may change.

Your personal circumstances are important.

Therefore, have tax and pension matters assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Be sure to also read our general information about retirement in Spain.

Tax Implications

When you become a tax resident of Spain, different rules may apply than if you simply own a second home.

This depends on your personal situation.

Therefore, seek guidance from a specialist who is familiar with both your housing status and your sources of income.

Mortgages Around Retirement Age

Would you like to finance the purchase of the home?

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

Age may be a factor in the evaluation, as may:

income;
retirement income;
financial obligations;
taxation;
and home value.

Learn more about a mortgage in Spain.

Don't wait until after retirement?

Some buyers purchase a home several years before retirement.

This can offer advantages:

gradually get used to the region;
home decorating;
getting to know the area;
building social connections;
and find out if the location is really a good fit.

That way, the final move will be less of a hassle.

Want to rent first?

Renting may also be a sensible temporary option if you’re still undecided between different regions.

A few months of actually living there often tells you more than several vacations.

After that, you'll be able to shop with more precision.

Buying remains a personal decision

Renting offers flexibility.

Buying gives you more control over your home and the ability to make changes.

Which one is a better fit depends on:

planning;
budget;
certainty;
and how firm your plans to emigrate are.

Buying a House as an Investment for Retirement?

A retirement home is, first and foremost, your home.

Therefore, don't treat him solely as an investment.

Of course, future resale value and the property’s value may be important, but your day-to-day living comfort should be the priority.

Long-term marketability

Still, it’s wise to factor in the possibility of reselling it in the future.

Examples of features that appeal to a broader audience include:

good location;
few stairs;
parking lot;
patio;
stores nearby;
and a practical layout.

That could be helpful later on, although there is no guarantee that the value will increase.

Vacation Rentals Before Retirement

Some buyers want to rent out their home for a few years before moving in permanently.

Before purchasing, check whether tourist rentals are permitted for that specific property.

That may depend on:

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

Don't assume that every vacation rental can automatically be rented out.

Long-Term Rentals Before Your Move

Long-term rentals are another strategy.

But even in that case, you should keep the following in mind:

lease agreements;
availability whenever you want to move;
tax;
maintenance;
and management.

Be sure to seek sound advice on this beforehand.

New construction or existing property for your retirement?

New Construction

May be appealing because:

modern layout;
less maintenance;
energy performance;
recent elevator;
modern bathroom;
and often a parking lot.

Existing Buildings

May be appealing because:

a better central location;
larger lot;
established neighborhood;
larger rooms;
and immediate availability.

So a new home isn't necessarily the best choice.

"Ready to move in" does not mean fully furnished

In the case of new construction, “key-ready” or “move-in ready” can mean that the home has been built and is available.

It doesn't automatically mean:

furniture;
curtains;
lamps;
equipment;
garden;
and decoration

are included.

Always check the technical specifications.

Final Inspection

For new construction, it’s a good idea to conduct a thorough final inspection.

For example, check:

the frame;
doors;
tile work;
plumbing;
kitchen;
electric;
air conditioning;
patio;
drainage;
and outdoor space.

Technical Inspection of an Existing Home

In existing buildings, the following, among other things, deserve attention:

moisture;
dak;
electric;
pipes;
the frame;
swimming pool;
air conditioning;
and previous renovations.

Attractive interior design can hide technical issues.

Legal Review

For each property, an independent verification must be conducted to ensure that the legal and factual situations match.

Consider:

ownership;
children;
Land Registry;
Census;
built-up area;
swimming pool;
garage;
outbuildings;
community;
and renovations.

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.

Therefore, always have a customized, comprehensive calculation prepared for the specific home.

Create a retirement budget, not just a spending budget

This may be even more important.

Don't just calculate what you can buy.

Also calculate how much you'd be comfortable paying per year for:

home;
maintenance;
car;
health insurance;
energy;
swimming pool;
garden;
community;
travel;
and daily life.

As a result, a slightly smaller home can offer much more freedom.

Low fixed costs give you freedom

A large villa may be perfectly affordable, but high maintenance costs might limit your budget for:

travel;
restaurants;
golf;
family visit;
and other activities.

Your retirement home should support your lifestyle, not dictate it.

Four Practical Retirement Profiles

Central apartment with an elevator

Ideal for those who want to get around on foot, prefer low-maintenance living, and value having amenities nearby.

Single-story villa with a private pool

Ideal for those who value privacy, outdoor space, and independent living, and for whom maintenance is not an issue.

Ground-floor bungalow with shared pool

Ideal for those who want a single-story, low-maintenance home with a private patio.

Village home close to amenities

Ideal for those who value everyday Spanish life more than the beach or resort amenities.

Which location is best suited for which retirement profile?

If you're looking for beaches and plenty to do on foot, consider places like Guardamar, Torrevieja, La Mata, or Santa Pola.

If you're looking for a villa, a pool, and an international atmosphere, check out Ciudad Quesada, Benijófar, San Fulgencio, or parts of Orihuela Costa.

If you're looking for a Spanish village and a quieter lifestyle, consider Los Montesinos, Almoradí, Formentera del Segura, or Pilar de la Horadada.

If you're looking for golf and international amenities, check out La Marquesa, La Finca, Villamartín, or other golf communities.

Dutch real estate agent for your retirement home

Are you looking for a home on the Southern Costa Blanca for your retirement?

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian buyers who want to relocate permanently, spend the winter there for the first time, or purchase a second home now that will later serve as their retirement home.

In doing so, we can search not only by price and number of bedrooms, but specifically by factors that are important for future-oriented living.

Consider:

single-story living;
lift;
flat terrain;
supermarket nearby;
health care;
winter sun;
low maintenance;
parking space;
beach on foot;
or, on the other hand, a villa that offers privacy.

Choose your lifestyle first, then your home

When it comes to retirement homes, this is actually the most important rule.

Don't start with:

“We want three bedrooms, a pool, and a budget of no more than X euros.”

Start with:

“How do we want to live here every day?”

This naturally leads to more important decisions:

coast or inland;
apartment or villa;
by car or on foot;
large lot or low maintenance;
international or Spanish;
beach or ocean;
and close to healthcare, or perhaps more peace and quiet.

Browse homes on the Costa Blanca for your retirement

Would you like to know which homes fit your plans for the future?

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 home, an apartment with an elevator, a low-maintenance bungalow, a villa with a private pool, a home within walking distance of shops, or a second home that could later be suitable for permanent residence? If so, please fill out the questionnaire for your home search or feel free to contact Casas Palmeras.

Buying a home for your retirement on the Southern Costa Blanca requires a different perspective than buying a vacation home. The beach, pool, and view remain important, but day-to-day convenience becomes just as valuable in the long run. So start thinking now about single-story living, an elevator, winter sun, healthcare, shops, parking, maintenance, and how dependent you want to be on a car. The best retirement home isn’t necessarily the largest or most luxurious one, but the one where you’ll still be able to live happily, independently, and comfortably ten or twenty years from now.