Dutch people are buying property in Spain in droves — here’s what that means for you as a second-home buyer

The numbers don’t lie. In 2025 alone, Dutch buyers purchased no fewer than 8,354 homes in Spain. That’s over 900 more than the previous year, making the Netherlands one of the most active groups of foreign buyers in the Spanish market. While total foreign demand declined slightly, Dutch interest actually increased. That tells us something important—and it’s exactly why now is a good time to seriously consider a second home on the Costa del Sol.

What do the numbers say?

The latest data from Spanish notaries shows that a total of 69,690 homes were purchased by foreign owners in the second half of 2025. This is slightly less than the 72,470 transactions recorded during the same period a year earlier. The decline is particularly evident among buyers who do not reside permanently in Spain—a category that fell by nearly 9 percent.

But the Dutch do not follow that pattern. Over the course of 2025, they made 8,354 purchases, compared to 7,447 in 2024. That represents an increase of more than 12 percent. This is remarkable in a market where other nationalities are pulling back slightly more often.

The picture is more mixed when it comes to Belgian buyers. The first half of 2025 saw 2,925 purchases, but that number dropped to 2,609 in the second half. For 2025 as a whole, Belgians purchased 5,534 homes—more than 700 fewer than in 2024. A decline, but still an impressive volume. Belgium remains strongly represented in the Spanish market.

Why Dutch People Keep Buying

The continued interest from the Netherlands is all about motivation. More and more Dutch people are buying property in Spain not just as vacationers, but as people who want to work in the sun for part of the year, or who are considering eventually moving there permanently. This long-term perspective makes them less susceptible to short-term market fluctuations.

In addition, the debate surrounding Box 3 taxation likely plays a role. A home in Spain is not subject to the Dutch capital gains tax as it is currently calculated, which is an additional consideration for some buyers. We do not provide tax advice—but it is an issue that often comes up during exploratory discussions.

Another factor is that Spain is simply familiar territory for the Dutch. The language is more accessible than, say, Turkish or Greek, the flight takes just over two hours, and the infrastructure for foreign buyers—from notaries to banks to real estate agents—is extremely well-organized.

Costa del Sol: Prices and Outlook

Foreign buyers in Spain pay an average of about 2,300 euros per square meter. On popular coastlines such as the Costa del Sol, prices are generally somewhat higher—between 2,500 and 3,000 euros per square meter. This reflects the area’s popularity, but also the quality of the properties on offer: new-build projects with high-quality finishes, modern amenities, and a location that is hard to beat.

For those currently exploring their options, this is a relevant reality. The market isn’t overheating due to speculation, but offers stable, long-term value—especially for buyers with a time horizon of five years or more. Anyone waiting for a significant price drop will likely be waiting a long time. Demand from the Netherlands and Belgium is structural, and supply in the mid-to-high and high-end segments isn’t drying up.

What this means for you

The figures confirm what we see every day in our daily work. The Costa del Sol remains the most sought-after destination for Dutch and Belgian buyers looking for a second home in the sun. Whether it’s an apartment within walking distance of the beach, a villa next to a golf course, or a penthouse with panoramic ocean views—interest is high and buyers are serious about their purchase.

This also means there’s competition. Quality properties in prime locations get snapped up quickly. If you’d like to explore what’s currently available—and find out what fits your situation in terms of budget, location, and property type—feel free to contact our team at any time. We speak your language, know the market, and are happy to work with you to find the right solution.

Please feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation.