Orihuela Costa Areas: Where to Buy Property in 2026
08.03.2026
Complete guide to 7 Orihuela Costa areas: from prestigious Cabo Roig to peaceful Aguamarina. Prices, beaches, pros and cons of each neighbourhood.
Pilar de la Horadada has established itself as one of the most attractive townhouse markets on the southern Costa Blanca. With 24 properties currently available, buyers have a solid selection ranging from compact two-bedroom homes to spacious three-storey residences with sea views. The price range of 217,000 to 659,000 EUR reflects the diversity of the market — from resale properties in established urbanisations to brand-new builds just steps from the beach.
Demand for townhouses in this area has grown steadily over recent years, driven by international buyers — particularly from Scandinavia and the UK — who see Pilar de la Horadada as a more authentic and affordable alternative to neighbouring Torrevieja or Orihuela Costa. The town's population of around 25,000 roughly doubles during summer, creating a vibrant seasonal atmosphere without the overcrowding found in larger resort towns.
New construction remains active, especially in the coastal strip between Torre de la Horadada and Mil Palmeras. Modern townhouse developments typically offer energy-efficient designs, communal swimming pools and underground parking. At the same time, resale townhouses in more established areas provide excellent value and are often available for immediate occupancy. The dual airport access — Murcia-Corvera at 30 minutes and Alicante-Elche at 50 minutes — adds significant appeal for owners who travel frequently.
Torre de la Horadada is the prime coastal district and the most sought-after location for townhouse buyers. This beachfront area features a Blue Flag beach, a marina, waterfront restaurants and a growing number of modern residential complexes. Townhouses here command the highest prices but offer the closest proximity to the sea, often within a five-minute walk. The neighbourhood attracts a well-established international community and has its own commercial centre with supermarkets and cafes.
Mil Palmeras, located slightly south, is a quieter beach resort that appeals to families and retirees. Named after its palm-lined streets, the area is known for its long sandy beach and relaxed pace of life. Townhouse developments in Mil Palmeras tend to be slightly more affordable than in Torre de la Horadada while still offering excellent beach access. The area has several restaurants, a weekly market and good pedestrian infrastructure.
The town centre of Pilar de la Horadada provides the most authentic Spanish living experience. Here you will find the municipal market, the town hall, schools, medical centres and a full range of everyday services. Townhouses in the centre are typically older resale properties at lower price points, ideal for buyers who prioritise convenience and local culture over beachfront location. The centre is connected to the coast by a short drive of around ten minutes.
Punta Prima and the surrounding urbanisations on the outskirts offer newer construction with larger plots and more green space. These areas are popular with families seeking a quieter environment with communal pools, gardens and playgrounds. While slightly further from the beach, they provide excellent value and are well-connected to both the town centre and the coast via local roads.
Townhouse prices in Pilar de la Horadada currently range from 217,000 to 659,000 EUR, with 24 properties available on the market. The entry-level segment — between 217,000 and 300,000 EUR — typically includes two-bedroom resale townhouses in established urbanisations, often with private gardens and communal pool access. These properties represent the best value and attract first-time buyers and investors looking for rental income.
The mid-range bracket of 300,000 to 450,000 EUR covers the majority of the market. In this price range, buyers can expect three-bedroom townhouses with modern finishes, private gardens, solarium terraces and underground parking. Many properties in this segment are new builds or recently renovated homes in popular coastal areas such as Torre de la Horadada and Mil Palmeras. Communal amenities typically include swimming pools, landscaped gardens and children's play areas.
Premium townhouses priced between 450,000 and 659,000 EUR are concentrated in the most desirable beachfront locations. These properties often feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, spacious layouts of 150 square metres or more, high-quality finishes and sea views from upper-floor terraces. Some include private plunge pools or direct access to communal beach facilities. Compared to similar properties in Orihuela Costa or Torrevieja, Pilar de la Horadada still offers a noticeable price advantage — often 10 to 15 percent lower for equivalent quality and location.
Townhouses in Pilar de la Horadada are predominantly designed across two or three floors, maximising living space on relatively compact plots. A typical layout places the living room, kitchen and guest bathroom on the ground floor with direct access to a private garden or patio. The upper floors house two or three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, while the top level features a generous solarium — a private rooftop terrace that serves as an outdoor living space with panoramic views over the town or towards the Mediterranean.
Private gardens are a defining feature of townhouses in this area. Ground-floor patios typically range from 20 to 50 square metres and are used for outdoor dining, barbecues and relaxation. Many newer properties also include pre-installed irrigation systems and low-maintenance Mediterranean landscaping. Underground or covered parking is standard in modern developments, and storage rooms on the ground floor are common. Interior finishes in new builds generally include porcelain floor tiles, fitted wardrobes, pre-installed air conditioning and modern open-plan kitchens with quality appliances.
Communal facilities vary by development but frequently include a shared swimming pool, landscaped communal gardens and gated access for security. Some larger complexes offer padel courts, fitness areas and children's playgrounds. Energy efficiency is a growing priority in new construction — many recent townhouses carry an energy rating of B or C, with features such as double-glazed windows, thermal insulation and solar panels for hot water. The combination of private outdoor space, modern amenities and communal facilities makes townhouses the most practical property type for families and couples seeking a full Mediterranean lifestyle.
Townhouses in Pilar de la Horadada offer solid rental potential, particularly during the extended summer season from May to October. The town's Blue Flag beaches, family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to two international airports make it a reliable holiday rental destination. A well-presented three-bedroom townhouse near the coast can generate weekly rental rates of 700 to 1,200 EUR during peak season (July–August), with shoulder months (May–June, September–October) bringing 500 to 800 EUR per week.
Annual gross rental yields for townhouses in the area typically fall between 4 and 6 percent, depending on location, condition and management. Properties in Torre de la Horadada and Mil Palmeras — within walking distance of the beach — achieve the highest occupancy rates, often reaching 75 to 85 percent during the six-month summer period. Year-round letting is also viable, as the town attracts long-stay winter visitors from Northern Europe. A furnished townhouse rented on a long-term annual basis can generate between 700 and 1,100 EUR per month.
Owners should factor in running costs when calculating net returns. Community fees for townhouse developments in Pilar de la Horadada range from 50 to 120 EUR per month, covering pool maintenance, gardens and communal area upkeep. IBI (property tax) typically amounts to 400 to 800 EUR annually. A tourist rental licence (licencia turistica) is required for short-term holiday lets in the Valencian Community, and the application process generally takes two to four months. Many owners use local property management companies that handle bookings, key exchange, cleaning and guest communication for a commission of 15 to 20 percent of rental income.
Purchasing a townhouse in Pilar de la Horadada follows the standard Spanish property acquisition process. The first step is obtaining an NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) — a tax identification number required for all property transactions in Spain. This can be arranged through a Spanish consulate in your home country or at a local police station in Spain, and typically takes one to three weeks. Opening a Spanish bank account is also recommended, as it simplifies mortgage payments, utility bills and tax obligations.
Once you identify a suitable townhouse, a reservation contract is signed with a deposit of 3,000 to 6,000 EUR to take the property off the market. Your lawyer then conducts due diligence: verifying the property's legal status in the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad), confirming there are no outstanding debts or charges, checking building licences and ensuring the community of owners is properly constituted. For new-build properties, the lawyer also reviews the developer's guarantees, including the mandatory ten-year structural warranty (seguro decenal).
The private purchase contract (contrato de arras) is then signed, with the buyer typically paying 10 percent of the purchase price as a deposit. Completion takes place before a notary, where the public deed (escritura publica) is signed and the remaining balance is paid. Total buying costs — including transfer tax (ITP) at 10 percent for resale or VAT at 10 percent plus 1.5 percent stamp duty for new builds, notary fees, registry fees and legal fees — generally amount to 12 to 14 percent on top of the purchase price. Non-resident buyers can obtain Spanish mortgages covering up to 60 to 70 percent of the property value, with current interest rates around 3 to 4 percent for fixed-rate products.
Pilar de la Horadada offers an attractive combination of affordability and coastal living that is increasingly hard to find on the Costa Blanca. Townhouses here provide the space and privacy of a house — typically spread across two or three floors with a private garden and rooftop solarium — at a fraction of the cost of a detached villa. With 24 townhouses currently on the market from 217,000 to 659,000 EUR, the town caters to both budget-conscious buyers and those seeking premium beachside properties.
The town sits at the southernmost tip of Alicante province, just 30 minutes from Murcia-Corvera airport and 50 minutes from Alicante-Elche. This dual-airport access makes it exceptionally convenient for international owners. The coastline features several Blue Flag beaches — Playa de las Higuericas, Torre de la Horadada and Mil Palmeras — while the town centre retains its authentic Spanish character with a daily market, tapas bars and local festivals.
Pilar de la Horadada has become particularly popular among Scandinavian and British buyers who appreciate its genuine Spanish atmosphere combined with modern infrastructure. New-build developments continue to appear in coastal urbanisations, offering energy-efficient homes with communal pools and landscaped gardens. Whether you plan to live year-round, use it as a holiday home or generate rental income, a townhouse in Pilar de la Horadada is a sound investment on the southern Costa Blanca.