Buying a Second Home in La Mata: Beach, Nature, and Torrevieja Nearby

Are you interested in buying a second home in La Mata? If so, choose a coastal area on the north side of Torrevieja where a long sandy beach, a charming village center, and nature are all relatively close together.

La Mata is administratively part of Torrevieja, but has a distinctly different character than the city’s bustling center. The area feels more intimate and is more focused on the beach and nature.

La Mata is particularly appealing as a second home if you're looking for:

beach a short distance away;
apartment or penthouse;
bungalow;
patio or sun deck;
ocean view;
communal swimming pool;
a home you can use even outside of the summer;
and Torrevieja, a larger city within easy reach.

Be sure to check out our page on La Mata, our current listings, and our new-construction homes.

La Mata is part of Torrevieja

La Mata is not an independent municipality.

It is part of the municipality of Torrevieja.

That means that municipal matters such as:

standard;
municipal taxes;
urban planning regulations;
permits;
and local regulations

pass by the Torrevieja City Hall.

For those looking for a home, it does make sense to consider La Mata as a distinct residential area, because the atmosphere and housing market differ significantly from those of, for example, Playa del Cura or Los Balcones.

Why buy a second home in La Mata?

A second home does not have to have the same characteristics as a primary residence.

For vacations and longer stays, the following are often more important:

beach;
patio;
outdoor space;
easy to lock up when you leave;
restaurants;
supermarket;
accessibility;
and maintenance.

La Mata might be particularly interesting because of that combination.

One of the major differences: the beach

La Mata is located right on a long sandy beach.

That makes the area attractive to people who, during their stay, mainly:

walking along the seashore;
swimming;
go to the beach;
eating outdoors;
and not much driving

consider important.

However, the value of that location depends heavily on the specific home.

Not every home in La Mata is located by the sea

The name "La Mata" is sometimes used quite broadly in real estate listings.

A home can be located:

right in the heart of the historic center;
right behind the beach;
up toward Torreblanca;
closer to Cabo Cervera;
or further toward the residential areas surrounding the nature park.

Therefore, always check the exact address.

Second home in downtown La Mata

The historic center of La Mata is located right behind the beach.

Here you'll find, among other things:

apartments;
restaurants;
cafés;
stores;
supermarket;
full;
and the beach is a relatively short distance away.

For a second home, this can be especially convenient if you want to rely on your car as little as possible while on vacation.

Buying an Apartment in La Mata

Apartments make up a significant portion of the housing supply.

An apartment can be appealing for the following reasons:

less maintenance;
easier to lock up when you leave;
lift;
patio;
beach nearby;
and sometimes a view of the sea.

For a second home, this may be more practical than a villa with a large yard and a private pool.

An older apartment or a new construction?

In La Mata and the surrounding residential areas, you'll find both existing and newer homes.

Existing Buildings

This might be interesting because:

better location closer to the beach;
a well-established street;
immediate availability;
wider selection;
and sometimes larger homes.

New Construction

This might be interesting because:

a more modern layout;
more recent installations;
energy performance;
patio;
parking space;
and less direct renovation work.

Be sure to check out our existing homes and new construction homes as well.

Primary Care in La Mata

An apartment right on the beach sounds like the perfect second home.

You may receive:

ocean view;
the beach right outside the door;
that vacation feeling;
and you don't need a car for days at the beach.

But primary care also requires extra attention.

Salt, Wind, and Maintenance

A home near the sea is more likely to experience:

salt;
wind;
humid sea air;
corrosion;
and stress on facades, windows, and metal components.

Therefore, when inspecting older apartments, check the following:

window frames;
balcony;
roller shutters;
air conditioning;
facade;
and common areas.

A ocean view is not the same as a waterfront location

A home located higher up may also have a view of the sea.

That might even offer a better view than a low-rise apartment right on the beach.

But then there may be other drawbacks:

steeper slope;
longer beach route;
greater dependence on cars;
and a greater distance from the city center.

Buy a Penthouse in La Mata

A penthouse can be an attractive option as a second home because:

large terrace;
view;
privacy;
zon;
and plenty of outdoor space without a large yard.

Be sure to check:

lift;
wind;
waterproofing;
orientation;
outdoor faucets;
electricity;
and the legal status of the terrace.

Private tanning salon

In some homes, a sunroom is part of the house.

Always check to make sure that:

is privately owned;
refers to exclusive use;
or a shared roof with a right of use.

That difference is legally relevant.

Bungalows in La Mata

You'll also find bungalows in and around La Mata.

As is often the case in Spain, this can mean:

ground-floor apartment with a garden;
or an upstairs apartment with a private sunroom.

This type of home may be a good option if you want more outdoor space than an apartment offers.

Single-story bungalow as a second home

A ground-floor apartment can be attractive for the following reasons:

private patio;
garden;
no stairs leading to the apartment;
space for bicycles or beach gear;
and an outdoor area right outside.

Be sure to check your privacy and security settings when you'll be away for an extended period of time.

Upper-level bungalow with a sun deck

An upstairs bungalow can actually be appealing because of:

more privacy;
large rooftop terrace;
view;
and no one above you.

The stairs are right across from there.

Apartment with a shared pool

In newer or residential complexes, you'll often find a communal swimming pool.

This can be an attractive option for a second home because:

you don't have to maintain a pool yourself;
the costs are shared;
and that the complex is well maintained while you are away.

On the other hand, there are community fees.

Is a swimming pool necessary if you live near the ocean?

That's a good question.

If you live just a few minutes from the beach, you might use the pool much less than you initially think.

A complex without a swimming pool can offer advantages:

the local community;
less joint maintenance;
fewer crowds;
and sometimes a more central location.

So don't automatically buy a pool just because it's "part of the deal" in Spain.

Private Pool

Detached homes with private pools are less common in La Mata itself than apartments and bungalows.

Anyone specifically looking for:

large villa;
private pool;
large lot;
and privacy

You can also compare Ciudad Quesada, Los Balcones, or other villa communities.

Second home with parking space

It's easy to underestimate the importance of a parking space at a vacation rental.

During busier periods, parking in coastal areas can become more difficult.

Therefore, please check whether the home has:

private parking space;
enclosed parking lot;
private driveway;
or sufficient on-street parking.

Check the Legal Status of a Parking Space

A parking space can:

belong to the same escritura;
be registered separately;
be part of the comunidad;
or sold separately.

Please check this before purchasing.

Salvage

A storage shed is often very practical for a second home.

For example, you can leave the following there:

suitcases;
beach chairs;
umbrella;
cycling;
tools;
and personal belongings.

That way, you don't have to bring everything with you on every trip.

Lift

When you buy an apartment, don't just look at the floor level.

Also check:

elevator from street level;
any stairs in front of the elevator;
access from the garage;
wheelchair accessibility;
at comunidad-kosten.

A third-floor apartment without an elevator might seem fine during vacations, but it can become less practical in the long run.

A patio is often more important than living space

When you have a second home in Spain, you often spend a lot of time outdoors.

That's why an apartment that's, say, just a little less than a few square meters with a nice terrace might be more pleasant than a larger home with hardly any outdoor space.

Please note:

surface area;
width;
orientation;
privacy;
wind;
zon;
and the view.

Morning sun or afternoon sun?

There is no single ideal orientation that works for everyone.

The morning sun can be appealing when having breakfast on the patio.

If you spend most of your time outdoors later in the day, you might find a different seating position more comfortable.

In the summer, shade can actually be a big advantage.

La Mata and the Nature Park

Just inland lies the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja.

The protected area consists of the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja and the surrounding nature reserve.

For residents, the area offers opportunities for:

hiking;
nature;
birdwatching;
and biking.

Important: The salt lakes are protected nature areas and should not be considered ordinary recreational or swimming lakes.

Hiking Around Laguna de La Mata

The area around Laguna de La Mata is particularly appealing to people who value nature as well as the beach.

That's what makes a second home in La Mata different from a purely urban beach apartment.

For example, you can combine your stay with:

morning walk along the beach;
nature trail;
cycling;
and a stay in Torrevieja.

Beach or nature right outside your door?

The specific home determines which of the two is closer.

A home closer to downtown is more practical for:

beach;
stores;
hospitality industry.

A house further inland might be closer to:

nature;
open space;
and quiet residential areas

are.

La Mata in Winter

An important question to consider when buying a second home is whether you want to stay there only in July and August.

No matter who comes:

in the spring;
fall;
winter;
or longer periods

has different requirements.

In that case, the following, for example, become more important:

sun exposure;
insulation;
heating;
facilities;
restaurants that are open year-round;
and public life outside the peak season.

Winter Sun

An apartment that stays pleasantly cool in August may get little direct sunlight in January.

Therefore, whenever possible, check the sun exposure throughout the different seasons.

For those spending the winter here, this can be much more important than, say, a view of the sea.

Air Conditioning and Heating

Many modern air conditioning systems can also provide heat.

For existing homes, you should check:

type of installation;
age;
energy consumption;
condition of equipment;
and whether all rooms can be properly heated or cooled.

Moisture in a second home

A home that remains closed for months requires attention to ventilation.

Be sure to check the following, especially in existing apartments:

moisture;
condensation;
bathrooms;
exterior walls;
the frame;
and ventilation options.

Have your home inspected periodically, even during extended absences.

Key Management

If you don't live in Spain permanently, a local locksmith service can be convenient.

For example, someone can:

inspect the home;
View post;
ventilate;
check after severe weather;
report a leak;
and grant access to maintenance services.

This is particularly relevant for second homes.

New Construction in La Mata

Depending on current availability, new construction may be available in La Mata or the immediate surrounding area.

This could include, for example:

apartments;
penthouses;
bungalows;
or modern residential projects.

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

New construction near the beach

“Close to the beach” should always be verified in practice.

Question:

How many meters?
Which walking route?
slope?
busy street?
Which part of the beach?
And do his daily errands take him in the same direction?

A sales brochure can make a distance seem different from what it actually is.

What is included in new construction?

Always check the specifications.

Don't automatically assume that:

kitchen appliances;
full air conditioning;
furniture;
lighting;
parking space;
salvage;
solar panels;
swimming pool;
pergola;
or outdoor kitchen.

Buying Off-Plan

Are you buying before the house is finished?

In that case, you’ll base your purchase on, among other things:

floor plan;
renders;
site plan;
technical description;
and planning.

Have it reviewed by a lawyer as well:

contract;
payment schedule;
protection of advance payments;
permits;
and terms of delivery.

Turnkey new construction

With an existing home, you can better assess the actual condition.

This is especially useful for a second home, because you can immediately see:

a genuine ocean view;
zon;
privacy;
patio;
walking distance;
sound;
and the surrounding area.

Existing Buildings

Existing homes can actually be attractive because of their location.

In coastal towns, many of the most centrally located lots were developed long ago.

As a result, an older apartment may be located closer to the beach or downtown than a new development.

Renovation

If you own a second home, you may need to consider the following:

kitchen;
bathroom;
the frame;
electricity;
air conditioning;
floors;
painting;
and a patio.

Be sure to take a look at the entire building as well.

Homeowners' Association of an Older Building

Before purchasing, check the following:

monthly contribution;
reserve fund;
lift;
facade;
dak;
swimming pool;
garage;
and scheduled work.

Special Assessments

A derrama is an additional fee that owners may be required to pay for major repairs.

For example:

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

Always ask if there are any approved or expected derramas.

Distance to the Beach vs. Price

The closer a home is to the beach, the more attractive it may be to certain buyers.

But don't automatically pay extra without evaluating what you're actually getting.

Compare, for example:

on the main street, with no parking;
second row with a large terrace;
further away with a swimming pool;
or a penthouse on a higher floor with a view.

The best choice depends on how you use the home.

Primary care or a five-minute walk?

For many second-home owners, a home just a few streets from the ocean may be more practical.

You may have:

less wind;
less salt intake;
easier parking;
more peace and quiet;
and there's still a beach nearby.

So primary care isn't automatically the best value.

City center or residential development?

This, too, is an important decision.

Downtown La Mata

This is more appropriate if you're looking for:

beach;
restaurants;
stores;
vitality;
and walk a lot.

Residential area

This is more appropriate if you're looking for:

peace;
swimming pool;
parking space;
more modern complexes;
and doesn't mind driving a car.

La Mata or downtown Torrevieja?

Downtown Torrevieja has more to offer:

stores;
boulevard;
port;
urban amenities;
and everyday city life.

La Mata has more to offer:

long sandy beach;
smaller scale;
nature nearby;
and a gentler coastline.

When it comes to a second home, that difference can be the deciding factor.

La Mata of Guardamar?

Guardamar del Segura is an independent coastal municipality with a larger town center of its own.

Guardamar offers, among other things:

long beaches;
dunes;
pine grove;
center;
and various residential areas.

La Mata offers:

Torrevieja right at your fingertips;
compact coastal town;
long beach;
and the nearby nature park.

It makes sense to consider both options when the beach is a priority.

La Mata in Aguas Nuevas?

Aguas Nuevas is located further inland and is a residential area.

La Mata

Better results when you search for:

beach;
coastal vibe;
hiking;
and a smaller town center.

Aguas Nuevas

Better results when you search for:

modern complexes;
bungalows;
swimming pools;
parking space;
and a residential neighborhood.

La Mata in Ciudad Quesada?

Ciudad Quesada offers a completely different type of second home.

Ciudad Quesada has much more to offer:

villas;
private swimming pools;
golf;
larger plots;
and the international hospitality industry.

La Mata has more to offer:

beach;
apartments;
compact living;
and coastal life.

La Mata in Orihuela Costa?

Orihuela Costa consists of several residential and coastal areas.

There, for example, you can choose from:

La Zenia;
Flamenco Beach
Cabo Roig;
Campoamor;
in Mil Palmeras.

La Mata is more compact and has a more distinct town center and a long, continuous beach.

Second home without a car

One of the advantages of a well-located home in La Mata is that you won't have to drive very far during your vacations.

If your home is in a convenient location, you may be able to walk to:

beach;
supermarket;
restaurant;
coffee;
and local amenities.

A car after all?

For visits to:

Downtown Torrevieja;
shopping centers;
Alicante-Elche Airport;
surrounding villages;
golf courses;
and other beaches

A car can still be practical.

Bus and Public Transportation

Public transportation may be a good option for a second home if not every family member has access to a car at all times.

Therefore, please check the following:

nearest stop;
road;
frequency;
and seasonal variations.

Don't just check to see if there's "a bus stop" on the map.

Second home for personal use

If you don't plan to rent it out, you can base your decision entirely on your own lifestyle.

Ask yourself:

How many weeks a year are you here?
Summer or winter?
Beach or pool?
Drive or walk?
Lots of visitors?
How many bedrooms?
Large terrace?
Need storage?
Pets?

This will quickly help you determine which type of home is right for you.

Two bedrooms or three?

An extra bedroom can be appealing for family visitors.

But you may also be paying for:

additional purchase price;
more square meters;
more furniture;
and higher maintenance costs.

If guests only come a few weeks a year, a spacious two-bedroom apartment can sometimes be more practical.

A second home for the whole family

If multiple generations are using the home, pay special attention to:

lift;
stairs;
swimming pool;
beach route;
bedrooms;
privacy;
and bathrooms.

What's ideal for one couple may be less practical for a family.

Pets

If you have a dog, a bungalow or a ground-floor apartment may be more appealing than a high-rise apartment.

Be sure to check:

community rules;
patio;
lift;
outdoor space;
and hiking trails.

Second home and permanent residence later

Some buyers first purchase a vacation home and later want to move there permanently.

If that option is available, make a forward-thinking purchase now.

For example, note the following:

lift;
stairs;
parking space;
supermarket;
health care;
winter sun;
bedrooms;
storage;
and year-round amenities.

Be sure to also read our information about moving to Spain.

La Mata for Retirees

For people who want to spend their retirement in Spain, La Mata may be an attractive option because of its combination of beaches and amenities.

When looking for a future permanent home, be sure to pay special attention to:

lift;
slopes;
medical facilities;
winter sun;
parking space;
and daily groceries.

Health Care

La Mata is part of Torrevieja and makes use of the broader healthcare network in this area.

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.

Want to rent out your second home when you're not there?

Some buyers want to rent out the property during their time off.

Make that a separate decision before you buy.

A home that’s perfect for your own vacations isn’t necessarily suitable for renting out.

Vacation Rentals in La Mata

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

Check before purchasing whether this is possible for that specific property.

That may depend on:

regulations of the Valencian Community;
City of Torrevieja;
urban planning context;
homeowners' association;
and registration requirements.

Therefore, don't make a purchase based solely on projected rental income.

Community and Vacation Rentals

In apartment buildings and bungalow complexes, the community association is important.

Check the following beforehand:

articles of incorporation;
resolutions;
any restrictions;
and applicable rules.

A real estate agent or seller who says, “Everyone rents out properties here,” is no substitute for a legal review.

Renting is not a guaranteed return

If you own a second home, you should keep the following in mind:

periods without tenants;
management;
cleaning;
maintenance;
taxes;
community;
insurance;
and regulations.

Therefore, consider various scenarios.

Long-Term Rentals

Are you interested in renting it out on a long-term basis?

In that case, different features are important than for vacation rentals.

Consider:

parking space;
internet;
storage;
number of bedrooms;
groceries;
schools;
and year-round amenities.

Maintenance Costs

With an apartment, you generally have less maintenance to do yourself than with a house.

But keep in mind:

community;
insurance;
air conditioning;
devices;
patio;
furniture;
and periodic repairs.

Annual costs

In addition to maintenance, there may be recurring costs such as:

IBI;
waste collection fee;
community;
water;
electricity;
internet;
insurance;
and, if applicable, management.

When looking at a specific property, always ask for the actual, recent prices.

How much does a second home in La Mata cost?

There is no reasonable fixed amount for that.

There are significant price differences between:

older apartment;
primary care;
renovated home;
bungalow;
penthouse;
new construction;
ocean view;
and a home with a parking space.

So be sure to check out our current listings to see what's available on the market.

Is it cheaper farther from the sea?

That's possible, but not always.

Price is also influenced by:

living space;
patio;
year of manufacture;
state;
view;
swimming pool;
parking space;
floor;
as a community.

That's why you should compare entire homes.

Total Budget

In addition to the purchase price, you should take the following into account:

purchase costs;
furniture;
renovation;
air conditioning;
parking space;
community;
insurance;
and any key services.

This will prevent your entire available budget from being spent solely on the purchase price.

Purchase Costs

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

These differences include, among other things:

existing buildings;
and new construction.

In addition, there may be costs associated with:

notary;
property registry;
legal assistance;
and financing.

Always have a personalized estimate prepared for a specific home.

Mortgage for a second home

Non-residents can also apply for a Spanish mortgage under certain conditions.

Funding depends, among other things, on:

income;
financial obligations;
age;
taxation;
purchase price;
and personal circumstances.

Learn more about a mortgage in Spain.

NIE number

To buy a second home in Spain, you need a NIE number.

An NIE number does not automatically mean that you are a resident of Spain.

Learn more about NIE and residencia.

Legal Review

For a second home in La Mata, the following items, among others, can be checked:

ownership;
children;
Land Registry;
Census;
built-up area;
patio;
solarium;
parking lot;
salvage;
community;
renovations;
and any rental opportunities.

Dutch real estate agent for a second home in La Mata

Are you looking for a Dutch real estate agent for a second home in La Mata?

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian homebuyers in Torrevieja, La Mata, and the broader Southern Costa Blanca region.

We can help you with:

determine a budget;
Compare the city center and residential areas;
Compare apartments and bungalows;
Assess the distance to the beach;
Compare new construction and existing buildings;
select suitable housing;
viewings;
funding;
purchase costs;
and coordination with legal counsel.

Learn more about Casas Palmeras as a Dutch real estate agency on the Costa Blanca and about our approach.

First, decide how you'll use your second home

This is more important than just the number of bedrooms.

Would you like to:

Just summer vacations?
Hibernate?
Every school vacation?
Hosting a lot of family?
The beach every day?
Swimming pool?
Use the car as little as possible?
Live there permanently later on?
Or maybe rent it out?

This determines the appropriate type of housing.

Four second-home profiles in La Mata

Apartment in the city center

For those looking for:

beach on foot;
restaurants;
stores;
low maintenance;
and not many cars.

Apartment with a view of the sea

For those looking for:

view;
patio;
that vacation feeling;
and is willing to carefully compare the location and elevation.

Bungalow with a garden or sunroom

For those looking for:

more outdoor space;
separate entrance;
swimming pool;
and residential living.

New-construction apartment

For those looking for:

modern facilities;
recently completed;
patio;
parking space;
and very little immediate renovation work.

Who is a second home in La Mata best suited for?

La Mata may be of particular interest if you are looking for:

sandy beach nearby;
a less "coastal" feel than downtown Torrevieja;
nature alongside the residential environment;
apartment, penthouse, or bungalow;
opportunities to do a lot on foot;
and a home that is also suitable for longer stays.

If you're primarily looking for a large lot, a private pool, and a villa, you should also compare residential areas further inland.

View vacation homes in La Mata

Would you like to know which properties are currently available in La Mata 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 within walking distance of the beach;
apartment with a view of the sea;
penthouse;
bungalow with a garden;
upper bungalow with a sun deck;
home with a pool;
new construction;
home with a parking space;
second home for the winter;
or a home that can be used permanently in the future?

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

A second home in La Mata is especially appealing if the beach is a key part of your stay, but you don’t want to be right in the middle of a large coastal city. The choice between downtown, beachfront, an apartment on a higher level, or a bungalow in a residential complex determines how much you can actually do on foot and how much maintenance you’ll have. So don’t just look at the ocean view or the pool; focus especially on the terrace, parking, elevator, winter sun, community fees, distance to daily amenities, and how you actually plan to use the property throughout the year.