Buying a house in Benidorm

Buying a Home in Benidorm – Living Between the City, the Beach, and the Skyline on the Costa Blanca

Would you like to buy a home in Benidorm? Then you're choosing one of the most iconic coastal towns on the Costa Blanca.

Benidorm is located in the province of Alicante and stands out from many other places in the region. The city is compact and built on a steep slope, which means that many homes, shops, restaurants, beaches, and other amenities are relatively close together.

For example, you can search here for:

an apartment on Playa de Poniente;
a home near Playa de Levante;
an apartment in Rincón de Loix;
a penthouse with a view of the sea;
new construction in a modern residential tower;
a home for permanent residence;
a second home;
or real estate as an investment.

Be sure to read our detailed information about buying a home in Benidorm and check out our current listings.

Why live in Benidorm?

Benidorm is not a typical Spanish coastal town.

It is a compact city with:

large sandy beaches;
high-rise building;
stores;
hospitality industry;
medical facilities;
public transportation;
sport;
recreation;
and a large permanent population.

That makes Benidorm an attractive option for homebuyers who like to have plenty of amenities nearby.

For those looking for absolute peace and quiet, a large lot, and rural living, other parts of the Costa Blanca are probably a better fit.

Benidorm is more than just a vacation destination

The city is internationally known as a tourist destination, but people also live and work there year-round.

That difference is important when comparing Benidorm to smaller residential developments that consist mainly of second homes.

For permanent residents, the following may be particularly useful:

supermarkets;
stores;
restaurants;
public transportation;
medical care;
sport;
and day-to-day services.

Which areas are worth visiting in Benidorm?

There are clear differences within Benidorm.

Well-known areas include:

Stand up;
Loix Corner;
Downtown;
Old Town;
West;
La Cala;
and residential areas located at higher elevations.

An apartment in Levante offers a completely different living experience than a modern home in Poniente.

Levante Beach

Playa de Levante is probably the most famous beach in Benidorm.

The environment is lively and strongly focused on:

hospitality industry;
restaurants;
entertainment;
apartments;
hotels;
and a trip to the beach.

For a second home, this location may be appealing if you enjoy being right in the heart of the action.

For permanent residence, you should carefully check the exact street name.

Buy an Apartment at Levante

When looking at an apartment in the Levante area, we would consider the following, among other things:

distance to the beach;
floor;
view;
lift;
parking space;
sound;
community;
sun orientation;
and the hustle and bustle around the house.

“200 meters from Levante” doesn’t really tell you much on its own about how quiet or convenient an apartment’s location actually is.

Loix Corner

On the eastern side of Levante lies Rincón de Loix.

This is a large residential and tourist area with many high-rise buildings.

There you will find:

apartments;
hotels;
stores;
hospitality industry;
facilities;
and homes on the slopes leading toward Serra Gelada.

The lower areas are much easier to reach on foot than some of the streets located higher up.

High-rise or low-rise living in Rincón de Loix?

That can make a big difference.

An apartment on a higher floor may offer:

panoramic view;
ocean view;
peace;
and larger patios.

But you may also receive:

steep access roads;
greater dependence on cars;
and more challenging hiking trails.

This is especially important when living there permanently or in retirement.

Poniente Beach

Playa de Poniente is located on the west side of downtown.

This area has developed into a major modern residential neighborhood in Benidorm.

Here you'll find plenty of:

modern apartments;
high-rise building;
new construction;
large terraces;
ocean view;
and residential complexes.

For buyers of modern real estate, Poniente is an important area to consider.

Poniente or Levante?

This is one of the most important comparisons in Benidorm.

Levante is usually:

more lively;
more touristy;
printer;
and more focused on the hospitality and entertainment industries.

Poniente has a more residential character in various parts and features many modern residential buildings.

That doesn't mean that Poniente is quiet everywhere or that Levante is only suitable for tourists.

The exact location remains the deciding factor.

La Cala in Benidorm

At the western end lies La Cala.

This area is practically adjacent to Finestrat and has a different character than central Benidorm.

Among other things, you'll find:

apartments;
residential complexes;
beach;
stores;
and the exit toward Cala de Finestrat.

When looking at real estate listings, it's important to carefully verify whether a property is officially located in Benidorm or Finestrat.

Downtown Benidorm

The center of Benidorm is located between Levante and Poniente.

Here you'll find plenty of everyday amenities within walking distance.

Consider:

stores;
restaurants;
supermarkets;
public transportation;
the bank;
and municipal services.

For people who prefer to live without a car, a central location can be convenient.

Old Town

The historic center is located on and around the rocky headland between Levante and Poniente.

Here you will find:

narrow streets;
white buildings;
small squares;
restaurants;
historical elements;
and the famous viewpoint overlooking the sea.

The area feels completely different from the modern skyline surrounding it.

Balcony of the Mediterranean

One of the most famous spots in Benidorm is the Balcón del Mediterráneo, located at Punta Canfali between Levante and Poniente.

A defensive fortress once stood at this strategic location. According to municipal historical records, a castle was built there in 1325; after various conflicts and acts of destruction, only parts of the old walls ultimately remained.

Today, the observation deck is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

Church of St. James and St. Anne

The Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana is located in the old town.

This area provides a nice contrast to Benidorm’s modern high-rises.

For people looking for a place to live, the historic center is particularly appealing when:

atmosphere;
hospitality industry;
walk;
and living in the city center

are more important than a modern housing development with a swimming pool.

The Benidorm Skyline

The tall residential towers are a distinctive feature of Benidorm.

That construction method also has practical advantages.

By building homes vertically, amenities and the waterfront remain relatively close together.

As a result, you'll find many apartments that feature:

ocean view;
communal swimming pool;
parking space;
lift;
and large terraces.

However, when dealing with high-rise buildings, always check the specific characteristics of the building.

Buying an Apartment in a Residential Tower

For example, note the following:

number of elevators;
elevator capacity;
community;
wind;
floor;
sun exposure;
garage;
fire safety measures;
emergency facilities;
and the condition of common areas.

An apartment on the 35th floor offers a very different living experience than one on the fourth floor.

Ocean View in Benidorm

A view of the sea is a major factor in pricing.

But advertisers use this term broadly.

There is a difference between:

direct ocean view;
panoramic ocean view;
side view;
partial ocean view;
and a view that can only be seen from the terrace.

That's why you should always check the actual view from the home.

Beaches of Benidorm

In addition to Levante and Poniente, Benidorm also has smaller beaches and coves.

Well-known coastal areas include, among others:

Stand up;
West;
Not Bad;
Cala del Tío Ximo;
in Cala Almadrava.

The municipality monitors the swimming water quality in these various coastal areas.

Blue Flag

The original text automatically designates a Blue Flag for Levante and Poniente.

Since the Blue Flag is awarded anew each year, I wouldn't write on an evergreen page—without specifying the year—that a particular beach has always held this distinction.

For example, in previous years, the municipality listed Levante, Poniente, and Mal Pas as Blue Flag beaches.

To ensure your claim is up to date, I would check the official list every year.

Serra Gelada

The Parque Natural de la Serra Gelada begins on the east side of Benidorm.

The area was designated a marine-terrestrial nature park in 2005 and, according to the municipality, was the first nature park of its kind in the Valencian Community. Approximately 88% of the protected area consists of sea.

That gives Benidorm a striking contrast:

A compact high-rise city right next to a protected coastal landscape.

Hiking at Serra Gelada

For hikers, the area offers various trails and scenic viewpoints.

The terrain is hilly, and some routes are challenging, especially in high temperatures.

For people looking for a home near Rincón de Loix, the proximity to Serra Gelada may be appealing if nature and hiking are important to them.

Benidorm for people who want to live without a car

Benidorm might be an interesting option for that.

In many central areas, you'll find:

supermarket;
hospitality industry;
beach;
stores;
pharmacy;
and public transportation

at a relatively short distance.

That's what sets Benidorm apart from many villa communities where a car is practically indispensable.

Public Transportation in Benidorm

In addition to city and regional buses, Benidorm is connected to the TRAM networks in the province of Alicante.

This makes it possible to travel to other destinations along the Costa Blanca.

For permanent residents, accessibility by public transportation can be a relevant selection criterion.

Benidorm of Finestrat?

This is a common comparison.

Benidorm and Finestrat are particularly close to each other around Poniente and La Cala.

Benidorm has more to offer:

urban amenities;
apartments;
beach;
walk;
hospitality industry;
and public transportation.

Finestrat offers more in various new development areas:

villas;
modern residences;
larger patios;
new residential developments;
and homes located on higher ground.

You can also learn more about the wider region on our page about buying a home in Benidorm.

Benidorm or Villajoyosa?

Villajoyosa is located south of Benidorm and has a completely different character.

Villajoyosa offers:

colorful historic center;
fewer high-rise buildings in many areas;
local Spanish atmosphere;
and various beaches.

Benidorm is bigger, busier, and more urban.

Benidorm or Calpe?

Calpe also has high-rise buildings and beaches, but is located further north.

In many areas, Calpe has a more intimate feel and is strongly defined by the Peñón de Ifach.

Benidorm has more to offer:

urbanity;
entertainment;
retail facilities;
and large-scale high-rise buildings.

Benidorm of Alicante?

Alicante is a larger provincial capital with:

university in the immediate vicinity;
a larger labor market;
airport closer;
train station;
port;
and a metropolitan character.

Benidorm focuses more on tourism and residential areas located directly along the beaches.

Buying an Apartment in Benidorm

Apartments are by far a major part of the housing market.

For example, you can search for:

apartment near Levante;
apartment on Poniente;
apartment in Rincón de Loix;
apartment in the city center;
or an apartment near La Cala.

Which location is best depends mainly on how the home will be used.

Beachfront Apartment

An apartment right on the beach can be appealing for the following reasons:

view;
beach;
walk;
and location.

But please also note:

sound;
traffic;
salt intake;
wind;
community;
and parking.

A house on the waterfront isn't necessarily more practical than an apartment a few blocks away.

Buying a Penthouse in Benidorm

Penthouses are popular because:

large terraces;
view;
privacy;
and outdoor space.

Be sure to check:

wind load;
sun exposure;
lift;
waterproofing;
ownership status of the terrace;
and maintenance.

Buying a Villa in Benidorm

Benidorm itself consists largely of apartments.

Anyone looking for a detached villa with:

large lot;
garden;
private pool;
and plenty of privacy

should therefore use a wider search radius.

Consider, for example, Finestrat, La Nucía, and other surrounding residential areas.

New Construction in Benidorm

Benidorm has an interesting selection of newly built homes, with modern apartment complexes and residential towers standing out in particular.

Be sure to check out the current new construction projects as well.

New Construction on Poniente

In the Poniente area, you'll find modern developments featuring, for example:

large terraces;
communal swimming pool;
parking garage;
fitness;
gardens;
and a view of the sea.

The amenities included vary by project.

What is included in new construction?

Never automatically assume that:

full set of kitchen appliances;
furniture;
air conditioning;
parking space;
salvage;
lighting;
or all the amenities visible in the renderings.

Always check the specifications, the technical description.

Common Amenities

Modern high-rise buildings may feature a wide range of amenities.

For example:

multiple swimming pools;
fitness;
sports fields;
coworking;
playground;
communal gardens;
concierge;
of wellness.

That could be appealing.

However, extensive amenities usually also mean higher community fees.

Community fees for an apartment

This is an important issue in Benidorm.

The costs can vary significantly between a simple, older building and a luxury new residential tower.

Check:

monthly contribution;
reserve fund;
elevators;
swimming pools;
gardens;
concierge;
scheduled work;
and any debts.

New construction or existing property?

Both have their advantages.

New Construction

New construction often offers:

modern architecture;
recent installations;
modern energy performance;
large terraces;
and very little immediate renovation work.

Existing Buildings

Existing homes offer:

much more choice in established neighborhoods;
central locations;
immediate availability;
and sometimes more living space for the same budget.

Older apartments

Benidorm has many apartment complexes built during different periods.

When looking at an older building, you shouldn't just focus on the interior of the apartment.

Also important are:

facade;
elevators;
pipes;
electricity;
dak;
balcony;
swimming pool;
and the financial situation of the comunidad.

Legal Review of Existing Buildings

Depending on the home, the following factors, among others, may be considered:

ownership;
children;
registration;
surfaces;
renovations;
community;
and the municipal situation.

Any discrepancies between the recorded and actual areas must also be investigated.

Living in Benidorm Year-Round

Would you like to move to Spain permanently?

In that case, Benidorm has a very different character than many other vacation resorts.

You can enjoy a relatively urban lifestyle there, with many amenities nearby.

For permanent residence, we would primarily consider:

supermarket;
health care;
parking space;
public transportation;
sound;
lift;
orientation;
and distance to everyday amenities.

Benidorm for Families

Families should pay special attention to:

school;
route to school;
number of bedrooms;
sport;
leeway;
parking space;
and living environment.

An apartment in the heart of a tourist area may be less practical than a quieter residential complex.

Be sure to also read our information about education in Spain.

Health Care in Benidorm

There are both public and private medical facilities in Benidorm and the surrounding region.

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

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

Benidorm for Retirees

For people who want to spend their retirement in Spain, Benidorm can be a practical option.

The following may be of particular interest:

many amenities;
beach;
public transportation;
elevators;
stores nearby;
and less need for a large garden.

Please be aware of slopes in higher-elevation areas.

Second home in Benidorm

For second-home owners, an apartment can be practical for the following reasons:

little outdoor maintenance required;
communal swimming pool;
beach;
hospitality industry;
stores;
and good amenities.

A home in a larger complex may be easier to manage during a long-term absence than a villa.

Investing in Benidorm

Would you like to invest in Spanish real estate?

In that case, I would completely remove the original wording stating that vacation rentals are “lucrative.”

That's not guaranteed.

Analyze each home based on:

purchase price;
location;
target audience;
community;
maintenance;
funding;
tax implications;
regulations;
and future marketability.

Vacation Rentals in Benidorm

Benidorm has a large tourist market.

But that does not mean that every apartment can be rented out to tourists.

Before purchasing, be sure to check the following, among other things:

regulations of the Valencian Community;
municipal requirements;
urban planning context;
homeowners' association;
registration requirements;
and the specific home.

So don't buy something just because an ad says it's "perfect for Airbnb."

Community and Vacation Rentals

For apartments, the homeowners' association is also important.

Building regulations may affect the options for tourist rentals.

So you should look into this before buying a home with the primary purpose of renting it out.

Long-Term Rentals

In addition to vacationers, Benidorm also has permanent residents.

Different criteria apply to long-term rentals.

For example, tenants pay attention to:

work;
stores;
parking;
public transportation;
schools;
lift;
air conditioning;
and amenities throughout the year.

How much does a home cost in Benidorm?

On an evergreen page, I wouldn't mention the average home price.

The differences are too great between:

older apartment;
home in Rincón de Loix;
Levante's starting lineup;
modern apartment in Poniente;
penthouse;
and luxury new construction.

So be sure to check out the current listings for current asking prices.

Purchasing Costs in Benidorm

When buying a house in Spain, you need to take additional costs into account in addition to the purchase price.

Examples include:

taxes;
notary;
property registry;
legal assistance;
and any financing costs.

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

Determine the total budget

Don't just look at the asking price.

You might also want to bring:

purchase costs;
community;
renovation;
furniture;
parking space;
insurance;
and financing.

An apartment costing €300,000 with high fixed expenses may turn out to be very different financially in the long run than a home with a higher purchase price and lower community fees.

Mortgages in Spain

Would you like to finance part of the purchase?

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

The possibilities depend, among other things, on:

income;
owe;
age;
taxation;
home value;
and immigration status.

Learn more about a mortgage in Spain.

Explore Financing Options in Advance

If you need a mortgage, it’s a good idea to explore your options before reserving a home.

Then you'll know:

what total budget is realistic;
how much equity capital is needed;
and what price range is feasible.

NIE number

To purchase a home in Spain, you need a NIE number.

For more information, see NIE and residence permit.

Dutch real estate agent in Benidorm

Are you looking for a Dutch real estate agent to help you buy a home in Benidorm?

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian homebuyers in purchasing real estate on the Costa Blanca.

We can help with:

determine your housing needs;
determine the total budget;
compare different areas;
select suitable housing;
Compare new construction and existing homes;
viewings;
purchase costs;
financing options;
coordination with legal counsel;
and guidance toward the transition.

Learn more about our approach.

First, figure out which Benidorm is right for you

In Benidorm, that's more important than just being "close to the beach."

Are you looking for:

the vibrancy of Levante?
A modern apartment in Poniente?
Living in the city center?
A quieter apartment in an elevated location?
A home near La Cala?
Or would you prefer an apartment where you can do just about everything on foot?

Only then does it make sense to compare homes with one another.

Don't just see Benidorm

If you haven't quite decided yet, it might be a good idea to check out some nearby places as well.

Compare, for example:

Villajoyosa;
Calpe;
Finestrat
La Nucía;
and other parts of the Northern Costa Blanca.

If you find Benidorm too urban, you can find a completely different living environment just a short distance away.

Benidorm as an urban destination on the Costa Blanca

Benidorm is especially well-suited for homebuyers who love:

many amenities;
beach;
apartments;
restaurants;
activity;
public transportation;
and urban living.

Those who prefer a quiet Spanish village, a large lot, or a rural finca will likely find a better fit elsewhere along the Costa Blanca.

View properties in Benidorm

Would you like to know which properties are currently available in Benidorm and the surrounding area?

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

Would you like us to conduct a targeted search for, for example:

apartment in Playa de Poniente;
home near Levante;
apartment in Rincón de Loix;
penthouse with a view of the sea;
apartment within walking distance of the beach;
modern new construction;
permanent residence;
second home;
or a home within a certain total budget?

Please fill out the questionnaire for your housing search or contact Casas Palmeras with no obligation.

Benidorm is particularly appealing to homebuyers who want to combine a real city with a beach and plenty of amenities within easy reach. However, Levante, Poniente, Rincón de Loix, Centro, and La Cala differ greatly from one another. Therefore, don’t just consider the ocean view or distance to the beach, but also noise levels, slopes, the community association, parking, public transportation, rental regulations, and your overall purchase budget. By first choosing the right part of Benidorm, it becomes much easier to find a home that truly fits your lifestyle in Spain.