The Costa Blanca Property Market: Still Booming, but Evolving Fast
- HomeSurveyQuote.com
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
The Costa Blanca continues to be one of Spain’s strongest property markets. Demand is extremely high in popular areas like:
Moraira & Jávea (especially for luxury villas)
Alicante, Playa San Juan & El Campello
Altea & Calpe
Torrevieja & Orihuela Costa
Denia & Benissa Costa
Recent national data shows prices rising more than 10% year-on-year — and Costa Blanca hotspots are often well above the national average.
See:
Part of the growth comes from a shift in buyer expectations:
🌟 people want better build quality
🌟 energy-efficient homes
🌟 reliable construction
🌟 legally compliant renovations
🌟 and fewer “surprises” after moving in
And that’s where surveys and building inspections come in.
Are Surveys Required When Buying in Spain? Not Legally — But Practically, Yes.
Unlike the UK, Spain doesn’t automatically require buyers to commission a structural survey. Estate agents often gloss over this, and many foreign buyers assume the legal process includes thorough checks.
But the truth is:
👉 Spanish property lawyers do legal checks
❌ They do not check the building condition
❌ They do not inspect damp, structure, electrics or drainage
❌ They do not evaluate construction quality
❌ They do not guarantee renovations were
done correctly
This is why more and more Costa Blanca buyers — especially in resale markets — are choosing to have a survey carried out before signing any contract.
Why Surveys Matter So Much in the Costa Blanca
Let’s look at the real reasons people are getting building surveys in 2025.
✔ 1. New Energy-Efficiency Regulations Are Approaching
Many Costa Blanca homes were built before modern insulation standards were introduced. Older villas in Moraira, Calpe or Benissa Costa often have:
single-glazed windows
poor insulation
outdated air-con or heating
inefficient boilers
roof spaces that trap heat
And Spain’s Energy Efficiency Certificate (CEE) rules are tightening by 2030.More here: https://surveyspain.com/2025/09/10/energy-certificate-cee-in-spain.html
A poor rating (E, F or G):
reduces property value
increases running costs
may require expensive upgrades later
can affect rental licences
A survey helps you understand these costs upfront instead of being surprised later.
✔ 2. Costa Blanca Homes Often Hide Damp, Cracking & Drainage Issues
Because of the hot summers, humid winters and coastal salt air, local houses commonly experience:
rising damp in walls
roof leaks
salt corrosion
cracking from ground movement
damaged drainage or septic tanks
poorly installed extensions
termites in older timber beams
These issues are not always visible during a viewing. But a qualified surveyor will inspect roofs, moisture levels, electrics, structure, and drainage — often revealing problems that even the seller didn’t know about.
✔ 3. Bank Valuations Don’t Protect You
A mortgage valuation in Spain (tasación):
❌ does not check condition
❌ does not identify defects
❌ is primarily for the bank’s security
❌ is not a survey
If you’re putting your savings into a Costa Blanca property, a condition survey is the only real way to protect yourself.
✔ 4. Many Costa Blanca Renovations Are Poorly Documented
In coastal towns, it’s common to find that:
basements have been converted
under-builds turned into extra bedrooms
terraces enclosed
outbuildings added
pools installed without full documentation
Sometimes these works are totally legal — but other times, they're not.
A good surveyor will flag:
structural risks
whether work looks professional
potential non-compliance
issues that may affect future resale value
And this leads you to your lawyer with the right questions.
✔ 5. New-Build Doesn’t Always Mean “Problem-Free”
Although the Costa Blanca has many excellent developers, new-build homes still benefit from independent checks.
A survey is useful for:
snagging lists
verifying build quality
checking insulation and materials actually used
confirming services (electricity, water, drainage) are properly connected
More about off-plan buying: https://www.lawants.com/en/buying-property-under-construction-spain/
A Buyer’s Checklist: What to Inspect When Buying Property in the Costa Blanca
1. Full Building or Structural Survey
Ideal for villas, fincas, older homes and anything with previous renovations.
2. Energy Efficiency Certificate (CEE)
Check the rating and understand upcoming EU requirements.
3. Independent Lawyer (never the agent’s lawyer)
Essential for confirming legality, boundaries, and urban planning permissions.
4. Mortgage Valuation (if needed)
Remember: this is for the bank, not for your protection.
5. Utilities Checks
Water pressure, electrics, heating efficiency, drainage and septic tanks.
6. Community & Town Hall Regulations
Important for apartments, penthouses, coastal terraces and any property with shared areas.
7. New-Build Guarantees
Including the 10-year structural warranty (Seguro Decenal).
Useful Resources for Costa Blanca Buyers
Global Property Guide: https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/europe/spain/price-history
Spanish Property Insight: https://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/guides/building-surveys
Survey Spain: https://surveyspain.com
Ultimate Guide to Buying in Spain (2025 Edition): https://www.exchangerates.org.uk/blog/1347/ultimate-guide-to-buying-property-in-spain-2025-edition
Idealista New-Build Guide: https://www.idealista.com/en/news/property-for-sale-in-spain/2025/06/04/846668-how-to-buy-new-build-property-in-spain
Final Thoughts: A Changing Costa Blanca Market Means Smarter Buying
The Costa Blanca remains one of the best places in Europe to buy a home — whether you’re seeking sunshine, investment potential, or a new life in Spain.
But the market is evolving: Prices are rising. Buyers are more cautious. Regulations around energy efficiency are tightening. And the need for proper surveys is becoming clearer every year.
If you’re buying in 2025, a professional property survey or building inspection is the best way to ensure your dream home doesn’t turn into an unexpected project.