Orihuela Costa has emerged as one of the strongest apartment markets on the southern Costa Blanca. With a resident population exceeding 60,000 and a substantial community of Northern European expats, the area delivers consistent year-round demand that underpins both resale values and rental yields.
In 2026, apartments account for approximately 55% of all property transactions in the Orihuela Costa area. The market naturally divides into two segments: affordable resale apartments built during the 1990s–2000s construction boom (from €90,000), and contemporary new-build developments featuring energy-efficient designs, underground parking and communal amenities (from €160,000). The average price per square metre ranges from €1,600 to €2,400 depending on proximity to the coast and building age.
The area benefits from excellent connectivity — Alicante-Elche airport is a 45-minute drive via the AP-7 motorway, while Corvera (Murcia) airport is 40 minutes to the south. Unlike the more urban Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa maintains a suburban resort character with low-rise complexes, palm-lined streets and blue-flag beaches accessible within minutes from any neighbourhood. This combination of affordability, lifestyle and investment potential makes it particularly attractive to Scandinavian, British, German and Benelux buyers.
Punta Prima — the northernmost neighbourhood, bordering Torrevieja. Modern apartment complexes line the coastal promenade with direct beach access. Strong rental demand thanks to the Panorama Mar development and proximity to La Zenia. One-bedroom from €110,000, two-bedroom from €150,000.
Playa Flamenca — the commercial centre of Orihuela Costa with a vibrant Saturday street market, numerous restaurants and the Flamenca Beach shopping centre. A mix of older urbanisations and newer developments. Excellent value — one-bedroom from €90,000, two-bedroom from €120,000.
La Zenia — home to the massive Zenia Boulevard shopping centre (150+ stores). A popular choice for full-time residents who want everything within walking distance. Modern apartments with communal pools from €130,000 for two bedrooms.
Cabo Roig — the upmarket heart of Orihuela Costa, centred around the marina and the stunning Cala Capitán beach. Higher prices but premium quality and strong rental returns. Two-bedroom from €160,000, sea-view apartments from €220,000.
Campoamor — a quieter, more exclusive area near the championship golf course. Ideal for buyers seeking tranquillity without sacrificing beach access (Playa de Barranco Rubio is 5 minutes away). Two-bedroom from €140,000.
Villamartín — set 2–3 km inland around the Villamartín golf course and its famous plaza. The most affordable area with the best price-per-metre ratio. Two-bedroom apartments from €95,000. Popular among golfers and retirees who prefer a quieter lifestyle.
Orihuela Costa offers a wide price range, from budget-friendly resale units to premium new-build apartments. Here is a breakdown by type in 2026:
One-bedroom apartments (40–55 m²): resale from €90,000–140,000, new-build from €140,000–180,000. The most liquid segment for investors — quick to rent, easy to maintain and strong demand from couples and solo travellers year-round.
Two-bedroom apartments (60–85 m²): the most popular category. Resale from €120,000–180,000, new-build from €170,000–250,000. Ideal for families, long-term residents and holiday buyers who want space for guests. Ground-floor units with gardens command a 10–15% premium.
Three-bedroom apartments (80–120 m²): resale from €150,000–220,000, new-build from €220,000–350,000. Often found in gated complexes with pools, landscaped gardens and underground parking. The premium end includes first-line properties in Cabo Roig and Campoamor.
Average price per square metre in Orihuela Costa sits at €1,600–2,400, compared to €2,800/m² in Alicante city and €2,500/m² in Benidorm. Year-on-year price growth has averaged 6–8% since 2022, with new-build premiums of 25–40% over equivalent resale properties. Community fees range from €50–120/month depending on amenities (pool, gardens, lifts).
Spanish apartment layouts differ from Northern European standards in several ways. In Orihuela Costa, most apartments are built around outdoor living — terraces, balconies and solariums are central features, sometimes adding 15–30 m² of usable space beyond the stated floor area.
Resale apartments (1990s–2000s) typically feature separate kitchens, tiled floors throughout, one or two bathrooms and a single terrace. Room sizes tend to be generous by Spanish standards — master bedrooms of 12–15 m² are common. Many complexes include a communal solarium on the roof with sea or countryside views.
New-build apartments (2020s) favour open-plan living with American-style kitchens integrated into the lounge. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise natural light, and fitted wardrobes come as standard. Parking spaces and storage rooms are usually included in the price. Energy ratings of B or C are typical, with underfloor heating in premium developments.
Ground-floor apartments often come with a private garden of 20–50 m², while top-floor units may include a private solarium of 30–60 m². The distinction between "built area" (superficie construida) and "useful area" (superficie útil) is important — built area includes walls and communal spaces, and is typically 15–20% larger than useful area.
Many resale apartments in Orihuela Costa are sold fully furnished, which is a significant advantage for buyers from abroad. A typical furnished apartment includes built-in kitchen appliances, living room furniture, bedroom sets and air conditioning units. This can save €5,000–15,000 compared to buying everything from scratch.
Renovation costs in the area depend on the scope of work. A cosmetic refresh — painting, updating light fixtures and replacing soft furnishings — runs €3,000–8,000. A full bathroom renovation costs €4,000–8,000 per bathroom, while a complete kitchen refit ranges from €6,000–15,000. A comprehensive whole-apartment renovation (new floors, bathrooms, kitchen, electrical and plumbing) typically costs €400–700 per m².
New-build apartments are delivered with kitchen units, bathroom fittings, air conditioning and quality ceramic or porcelain floor tiles. Buyers generally only need to add furniture and personal touches. Many developers offer furniture packages ranging from €5,000 to €15,000 that include everything needed for immediate occupancy.
Local furniture stores such as IKEA (Murcia, 50 minutes away), Leroy Merlin and numerous local suppliers in Torrevieja offer affordable options. For rental properties, purpose-built rental furniture packages from local companies typically cost €3,000–6,000 and include hard-wearing, easy-to-maintain pieces.
Orihuela Costa offers strong rental potential thanks to its international appeal and extended tourist season from March to November. Two main strategies are available to apartment owners: tourist (short-term) rental and long-term residential rental.
Tourist rental requires a licence from the Valencian Community (Licencia Turística). A well-located two-bedroom apartment can generate €600–1,200 per week in peak season (June–September) and €350–600 per week in shoulder months. Annual occupancy rates of 65–80% are achievable for well-managed properties, yielding gross returns of 6–9% on the purchase price.
Long-term rental (contratos de arrendamiento) suits owners who prefer stable, hassle-free income. Monthly rents range from €450–650 for one-bedroom apartments to €600–900 for two-bedroom units. Annual returns are lower at 4–6%, but with far less management overhead and more predictable cash flow.
Running costs to consider include: community fees (€50–120/month), property tax IBI (€300–600/year), rubbish collection (€100–200/year), home insurance (€150–300/year) and property management if using an agency (15–25% of rental income for tourist lets, 8–10% for long-term). Non-resident owners also pay 24% tax on rental income (19% for EU residents), though expenses can be deducted.
Buying property in Spain follows a well-defined process. Here are the key steps for purchasing an apartment in Orihuela Costa:
1. Get your NIE number — the Número de Identificación de Extranjero is mandatory for any property transaction in Spain. Apply at the Spanish consulate in your home country or at a police station in Spain. Processing takes 1–4 weeks. 2. Open a Spanish bank account — required for paying taxes, utilities and community fees. Most banks require your NIE, passport and proof of address.
3. Engage a lawyer (abogado) — an independent Spanish property lawyer will conduct due diligence: verify the property's legal status in the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad), check for debts, confirm the community is properly constituted and review all documentation. Legal fees are typically 1% of the purchase price (minimum €1,500).
4. Sign the reservation contract and pay a deposit — usually €3,000–6,000 to take the property off the market. Then sign the private purchase contract (contrato de arras), paying 10% of the price. If you withdraw, you lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they must return double. 5. Complete at the notary (escritura) — pay the remaining balance, sign the public deed, and receive the keys. Total buying costs (taxes, notary, registry, legal) amount to 10–13% on top of the purchase price: transfer tax is 10% for resale, VAT 10% + stamp duty 1.5% for new-build.
Orihuela Costa offers one of the most diverse apartment markets on Spain's southern Costa Blanca. Whether you are looking for a compact one-bedroom holiday retreat in Playa Flamenca or a spacious three-bedroom family home in Cabo Roig, the area caters to every budget and lifestyle. Most residential complexes include communal swimming pools, landscaped gardens and secure parking — amenities that are standard rather than premium in this part of Spain.
The buying process is straightforward for international purchasers. You will need a NIE (foreigner identification number), a Spanish bank account and a local lawyer to handle the conveyancing. Typical purchase costs — including transfer tax (ITP) at 10%, notary fees, land registry and legal fees — add approximately 12–13% on top of the purchase price for resale properties. New-build apartments carry 10% VAT (IVA) plus 1.5% stamp duty instead of ITP.
Rental potential is strong: well-located two-bedroom apartments near the beaches of Punta Prima, La Zenia or Cabo Roig can generate gross yields of 5–7% through holiday lets, with peak-season weekly rates of €500–€900. Year-round demand from Northern European visitors and a growing digital-nomad community ensure high occupancy from March through November.
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