Real estate agent in Alicante

Buying a House in Alicante – Living in a Real Seaside City

Are you looking to buy a home in Alicante? Then you're choosing one of the largest and most vibrant cities on the Costa Blanca.

Alicante combines the city, the beach, the harbor, shopping, restaurants, culture, public transportation, and an international airport just a short distance away.

That makes Alicante attractive to various types of buyers:

people who want to live in Spain permanently;
buyers of second homes;
families;
professionals;
students;
retirees;
and investors.

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian buyers with purchasing a home in Spain and can help you with both new construction and existing homes in and around Alicante.

Why live in Alicante?

Alicante is different from many smaller coastal towns on the Costa Blanca.

It is a full-fledged city with, among other things:

the beach;
port;
historic center;
hospitals;
university in the region;
stores;
restaurants;
tram;
bus;
train station;
airport;
and major urban facilities.

If you'd like to live without being completely dependent on a car, Alicante offers more options than many villa communities along the coast.

City and Beach

One of the main advantages of Alicante is that the beach and the city center are close to each other.

The most famous city beach is Playa del Postiguet, located directly below Castillo de Santa Bárbara and next to downtown.

Further north lies Playa de San Juan, a much longer and wider sandy beach with many residential neighborhoods, restaurants, and amenities.

This means you can experience a wide variety of living situations in Alicante:

right in the heart of the city;
close to the beach;
in a modern residential neighborhood;
or somewhere a little quieter outside the tourist center.

Alicante City or the province of Alicante?

That difference is important.

Alicante is the provincial capital.

The province of Alicante covers a large part of the Costa Blanca, including places such as:

So when someone says, “I want to live in Alicante,” they could be referring to either the city or the province.

That’s a crucial difference when looking for a place to live.

Neighborhoods in Alicante

Alicante has several neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Center

If you want to live right in the heart of city life, you might want to check out Centro.

Here you will find:

stores;
restaurants;
public transportation;
port;
Esplanade;
and beaches that are relatively close by.

The housing inventory consists mainly of apartments.

If you plan to live there permanently, it’s a good idea to pay special attention to:

parking space;
lift;
sound;
patio;
and the condition of the building.

Old Town

The historic center is centered around the Castillo de Santa Bárbara and the old town.

The area is appealing to people who:

atmosphere;
hospitality industry;
culture;
and historic buildings

consider important.

When it comes to peace and quiet and easy parking, it's not quite so straightforward.

Ensanche-Provincial Council

Around the wider downtown area and Avenida Maisonnave, you'll find a more urban and commercial residential neighborhood.

This area is convenient for people who want shops and amenities nearby.

San Juan Beach

Playa de San Juan is one of the most popular residential areas in Alicante.

Here you will find:

wide sandy beaches;
apartment complexes;
green;
sports facilities;
tram;
restaurants;
and often larger residential complexes than in the historic center.

This may be appealing to families and permanent residents.

Cabo de las Huertas

Between Playa de San Juan and downtown lies Cabo de las Huertas.

This area has a completely different character.

You'll find more there:

more exclusive homes;
villas;
low-rise buildings;
ocean view;
and smaller bays.

This might be of interest to anyone who values peace and quiet and the coast but wants to stay close to the city.

Albufereta

La Albufereta is located between downtown and Playa de San Juan.

It is a residential coastal area with apartments and good transportation links to the city.

For people who don't want to live right in the heart of downtown but do want to be close to the ocean and public transportation, this can be a practical compromise.

Buying a Home in Playa de San Juan

Playa de San Juan really deserves its own comparison.

The area feels much less like a downtown area and more like a modern coastal residential neighborhood.

You'll often find:

larger urban developments;
communal swimming pools;
sports facilities;
the terrace;
parking spaces;
and modern apartments.

For a family, that might be more appealing than a small apartment in Ciutat Vella.

Alicante for Families

Alicante is a good fit for families who value city life and amenities.

There are:

schools;
sports clubs;
the park;
medical facilities;
beach;
public transportation;
and lots of activities for kids.

When choosing a home, we would focus primarily on:

route to school;
distance to the beach;
traffic;
parking space;
lift;
outdoor space;
and daily groceries.

For families who emigrate to Spain, choosing the right neighborhood is often just as important as the home itself.

Alicante for Students and Professionals

Alicante also attracts students and professionals.

The University of Alicante is located in San Vicente del Raspeig, just outside the city.

For students and employees, therefore, accessibility by tram, bus, and other modes of transportation can be important.

That makes some neighborhoods more attractive for long-term rentals than areas that are primarily vacation destinations.

Health Care in Alicante

As the provincial capital, Alicante has extensive medical facilities.

There you will find:

public hospitals;
health centers;
private clinics;
pharmacies;
and specialized care.

For people who live in Spain permanently, that is a significant advantage.

For more information, see our guide on health care in Spain and hospitals, clinics, and Dutch doctors on the Costa Blanca.

Alicante Without a Car

One of Alicante's strengths is that in many neighborhoods, you can get around just fine without a car.

Among other things, the city has:

tram;
bus;
train;
taxi;
cycling options;
and many amenities within walking distance.

Public transportation can play an important role, especially in the city center, Albufereta, and Playa de San Juan.

Anyone who does drive a car should pay special attention to parking availability when making a purchase.

Alicante Airport

The Alicante-Elche Airport is located near the city and is one of the main airports serving the Costa Blanca.

This can be very convenient for second-home owners.

You can get to the airport relatively quickly from many parts of Alicante.

This is also an advantage for family and friends who visit regularly.

Shopping in Alicante

Alicante has a wide variety of shopping options.

Among other things, you'll find:

Maisonnave Avenue;
large department stores;
shopping districts;
local boutiques;
Central Market;
and commercial areas outside the city center.

You can read more about shopping in the region in our guide to shopping on the Costa Blanca.

Santa Bárbara Castle

One of Alicante's most famous attractions is Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

The castle is located on Monte Benacantil and overlooks:

city;
port;
Postiguet;
and the Mediterranean Sea.

It’s a tourist attraction for visitors, but for residents, the hill also plays a major role in shaping the character of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Explanada de España

The famous Explanada de España runs along the harbor.

This promenade serves as an important link between:

center;
port;
restaurants;
in Postiguet.

It's one of those places where you can really tell that Alicante is a city by the sea.

Markets in Alicante

Alicante has several markets.

The best-known permanent produce market is Mercado Central.

In addition, there are neighborhood markets on various days.

Be sure to check out our guide to markets on the Costa Blanca.

New Construction in Alicante

New construction is also available in and around Alicante. new construction

New construction may be of interest to buyers who:

modern architecture;
recent installations;
good energy performance;
parking;
shared facilities;
and little direct maintenance

consider important.

Be sure to check out our current new construction projects.

What's included?

That depends on the project.

Always check things like:

kitchen appliances;
air conditioning;
parking space;
salvage;
patio;
communal swimming pool;
and level of finish.

Never compare just the starting price.

Existing home in Alicante

Existing housing offers much more choice in established neighborhoods.

For older apartments, it is important to check the following, among other things:

lift;
facade;
dak;
homeowners' association;
scheduled work;
pipes;
electric;
and legal registration.

A beautiful old apartment can be appealing, but the renovation costs must fit within the overall budget.

Buying an Apartment in Alicante

Apartments make up a large portion of the housing market.

When looking at an apartment, we would pay attention to:

location;
floor;
lift;
patio;
parking space;
orientation;
community;
sound;
and distance to public transportation.

An apartment can be a practical choice for a second home because it requires less maintenance.

Buying a Villa in Alicante

If you're looking for a villa, you're more likely to find one in areas outside the compact city center.

Consider, for example, parts of Cabo de las Huertas or other residential areas in the vicinity.

For larger lots and private pools, it may be worth comparing properties throughout the broader province as well.

Places like Ciudad Quesada or other residential areas outside of Alicante city often have a wider selection of villas.

Alicante as a Second Home

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

has an airport nearby;
combines the beach and the city;
doesn't have to rely much on a car;
and has amenities available year-round.

This can be practical if you're only there for a few weeks or months a year.

Living in Alicante permanently

Anyone who moves to Spain permanently will find many everyday amenities within easy reach in Alicante.

For permanent residence, we would pay special attention to:

supermarket;
health care;
school;
public transportation;
parking;
outdoor space;
neighborhood noise;
and the hustle and bustle of summer.

A neighborhood that's popular with tourists isn't necessarily the best place to live every day of the year.

Alicante for Retirees

Alicante may also be an attractive option for people who want to spend their retirement in Spain.

In particular, the combination of:

medical facilities;
public transportation;
stores;
beach;
and airport

can be practical.

When it comes to the home itself, I would pay special attention to the elevator, stairs, and accessibility.

Investing in Alicante

Would you like to invest in Spanish real estate?

Alicante has several rental markets.

Consider:

students;
professionals;
long-term tenants;
second-home use;
and tourism demand.

But not every property is automatically suitable for every rental model.

Long-term rental

For longer-term rentals, accessibility, employment, college, and amenities are important.

Features such as:

multiple bedrooms;
lift;
public transportation;
air conditioning;
on the Internet

may be more important than an ocean view.

Vacation Rentals

Specific rules apply to tourist rentals.

Before purchasing, check the following:

municipal regulations;
regional registration;
community;
and the legal aspects of the property.

Don't rely solely on an ad that says tourist rentals are allowed.

Alicante of Torrevieja?

Torrevieja is a logical comparison.

Alicante is larger and more urban.

There you will find:

airport closer;
train;
university setting;
more culture;
larger stores;
and a true provincial capital.

Torrevieja is smaller and more focused on coastal living and international residents.

You'll also find a wider selection of single-family homes around Torrevieja and Ciudad Quesada.

Alicante or Guardamar?

Guardamar is much smaller.

Guardamar offers:

long sandy beaches;
dunes;
compact downtown;
and a more laid-back Spanish character.

Alicante offers many more urban amenities.

If you're looking for city life and culture, Alicante is a better choice.

If you're looking mainly for beaches, hiking, and a smaller town, Guardamar might be a better fit.

Alicante of Benidorm?

Benidorm is also urban, but has a completely different character.

Benidorm is more about:

high-rise building;
tourism;
entertainment;
and large beach areas.

Alicante feels more like a traditional Spanish city with a bit of tourism thrown in.

Alicante of Valencia?

Alicante is smaller than Valencia.

Valencia has:

a larger public transportation network;
more universities;
a wider range of cultural offerings;
and a more metropolitan character.

Alicante is more compact and serves as a good base for exploring the entire Costa Blanca.

For those who want a city but not one as large as Valencia, Alicante can be a good compromise.

Mortgage for a home in Alicante

Would you like to finance part of the purchase?

Then read more about how a mortgage in Spain works.

It is best to explore your financing options before reserving any homes.

Purchase Costs

When buying a house in Spain, you'll pay more than just the asking price.

Please note:

taxes;
notary;
registration;
legal assistance;
and any financing costs.

Among other things, costs vary between new construction and existing buildings.

NIE for Residence Purposes

To buy a home, you need an NIE number.

If you want to live in Spain permanently, you may also have to deal with obtaining residency and other administrative procedures.

For more information, please visit our page on NIE and residencia.

Buying a Home in Alicante with Casas Palmeras

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian buyers in finding and purchasing homes on the Costa Blanca.

We can help you with:

Select your city and neighborhood;
select a property listing;
Compare new construction and existing homes;
viewings;
legal assistance;
funding;
and support through the handover.

Learn more about our approach.

Not just our own offerings

We do not limit our search to just one of our own portfolios.

Through our network of real estate agents and developers, we can compare various homes and projects.

That's especially important in a large housing market like Alicante.

Dutch Real Estate Agent for Alicante and the Costa Blanca

Are you looking for a Dutch-speaking real estate agent to assist you with a home in Alicante?

Be sure to check out our page on the Dutch real estate agent on the Costa Blanca.

We'll help you look not only at the home itself, but also at:

neighborhood;
accessibility;
daily life;
future plans;
and a total budget.

View properties in Alicante and the surrounding area

Would you like to know which homes are currently available?

Check out the current listings and our new construction projects.

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

apartment in downtown Alicante;
home near Playa de San Juan;
new construction;
ocean view;
parking space;
or a home within a certain budget?

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

Alicante is particularly appealing to those who want to combine a truly Spanish city with a beach, public transportation, an airport, and amenities available year-round. But living in the historic center is completely different from living near Playa de San Juan or Cabo de las Huertas. That’s why a successful search for a home in Alicante starts not only with the type of home, but above all with choosing the right neighborhood.