31 Aug A Place in the Sun: Why the Costa Blanca Makes Sense for a Second Home
Arriving on the Costa Blanca, leaving your jacket behind and enjoying coffee outside can make you wonder: what if this wasn’t just a holiday?
For many buyers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Scandinavia and other parts of Northern Europe, that thought is becoming a reality.
More people are looking for a holiday home on the Costa Blanca that they can enjoy several times a year.
And increasingly, they are choosing apartments that are comfortable, modern and easy to maintain.
Sunshine Without All the Maintenance
A villa with a private pool and a large Mediterranean garden sounds fantastic. But when you spend most of the year in another country, somebody still has to look after it.
That’s why a modern apartment can make a lot of sense as a second home.
You arrive, open the door, drop your suitcase and start enjoying your time in Spain.
Many residential developments have communal swimming pools and gardens, with the maintenance of these areas managed by the community.
There are community fees to consider, of course, but you don’t have to personally arrange pool or garden maintenance every time you’re away.
For international owners, that lock-up-and-leave lifestyle can be a big advantage.
What Does Daily Life on the Costa Blanca Cost?
This is one of the questions we hear most often from international buyers.
Compared with many Northern European countries, everyday life on the Costa Blanca can be attractive especially when your idea of a good afternoon involves coffee on a terrace, a menú del día, a walk by the Mediterranean or simply spending more time outdoors.
But if you’re considering buying property on the Costa Blanca, don’t only think about restaurants and supermarket prices.
Electricity, water, internet, insurance, community fees, local property taxes and maintenance should all be part of your calculation.
Every property is different. A large villa with a private pool will naturally have different running costs from a modern apartment in a residential complex.
One useful question to ask before buying is:
“What will this property realistically cost me each year?”
Remember, the Asking Price Isn’t the Final Cost
You find an apartment for €300,000. Does that mean you only need €300,000?
No.
When buying property in Spain, there are additional expenses. Depending on whether you’re buying a new-build or resale property, these can include applicable taxes, notary costs, Land Registry fees, legal expenses and other costs related to the purchase.
Before making a decision, ask for a clear calculation of the property price plus estimated buying costs.
It’s much better to understand your real budget from the beginning than discover unexpected costs later.
Why the Costa Blanca?
The sunshine and Mediterranean beaches obviously help, but there is much more to the area.
Alicante Airport makes the region easily accessible from many Northern European cities, which is important if you want to use your Spanish home several times throughout the year.
Then there is the variety.
You have the energy of Benidorm, the beautiful old streets and coastline of Altea, the beaches and Peñón de Ifach of Calpe, the atmosphere of Moraira and Jávea, and places such as La Nucía, where sport, nature and residential living are only a short drive from the coast.
Here, you don’t necessarily have to choose between the mountains and the sea.
La Nucía: Sport, Nature and the Mediterranean Nearby
La Nucía is particularly interesting for people who enjoy an active lifestyle.
The town has built a strong reputation around sport, with extensive facilities and events covering football, athletics, cycling and many other disciplines.
At the same time, Benidorm, Altea and the Mediterranean coast are nearby.
For Northern European buyers who want sunshine but don’t necessarily want to live directly on a busy beachfront, areas like La Nucía can offer an interesting alternative.
And perhaps that’s part of the change we’re seeing among international buyers.
People aren’t only asking:
“Where can I get a sea view?”
They’re also asking:
“Where would I actually enjoy living?”
Your Second Home Should Still Feel Like a Holiday
A holiday home shouldn’t become another job.
When viewing properties, don’t only imagine yourself sitting on the terrace in August. Think about the property when you’re back home in January.
Who checks it? Who can help if something needs repairing? How much maintenance does it require? Can you simply lock the door and leave?
For many international buyers, this is why a well-maintained apartment or managed residential development can be particularly attractive.
Projects such as Destiny by Bergen in La Nucía reflect this idea, combining modern apartments with Mediterranean living and an active location.
It won’t be the right choice for every buyer — and that’s exactly the point.
The right property is the one that fits your lifestyle, your budget and how you plan to use your time in Spain.
Thinking About Your Own Place on the Costa Blanca?
Don’t start with hundreds of property listings.
Start with the important questions.
How much do you really want to spend? What are the additional buying costs? New build or resale? Apartment or villa? Beachfront or slightly inland?
Will you have a car? And who will look after the property when you’re away?
At Asset Lighthouse, our bilingual team can help you understand the different options and find a property that fits what you’re actually looking for.
We also work with a trusted lawyer who can help answer questions about the purchasing process and associated costs.
For us, finding a home here isn’t simply about handing over the keys.
It’s about helping you find somewhere you can genuinely enjoy the Spanish lifestyle.
Explore the Costa Blanca
Destiny by Bergen – La Nucía
Discover the project, location and Mediterranean lifestyle:
https://www.destinybybergen.com/en/
Costa Blanca Tourism
Explore the beaches, towns, gastronomy, nature and experiences of the Costa Blanca:
https://www.costablanca.org/
La Nucía – City of Sport
Discover La Nucía’s sports facilities and active lifestyle:
https://www.ciudaddeportivacamilocano.com/
