Do you dream of having your own place in the sun? A holiday home that gives you a return at the same time? Then you have to take a closer look at Murcia. This authentic region in the southeast of Spain has everything you are looking for: sun, sea, beach, tranquility – and above all: affordable real estate.
In this article, I share why we chose an apartment in Murcia, what our experience is with the buying process and why I think this is still one of the best real estate regions in Spain — with a small comment about the political situation.
Why Murcia?
To be honest? We had never been there ourselves. But what more do you need than sun, sea, beach… and real estate prices that are still far below the European average ?
We chose Murcia because it:
More authentic and less touristy than e.g. Valencia or the Costa del Sol
Really still has affordable prices (even for new construction by the sea)
A place of which I intuitively feel: this will be booming within a few years
I have always had a nose for undiscovered gems. And Murcia? That immediately felt good.
How we found our apartment (for €62,500!)
Beforehand, we had already seen many interesting properties through Idealista.com — especially so-called bank properties. Dirt-cheap apartments, often in resorts or urbanizations, that once got stuck during the crisis.
During a holiday we went to have a look on site. The differences are big:
Some places are dilapidated or unattractive
Other resorts are beautifully maintained and… still ridiculously cheap
We found an apartment for €62,500 (excl. 10% costs) in the well-kept resort of Las Terrazas de la Torre. Meanwhile, similar units are being sold from €120,000. And that in just a year and a half.
📈 That’s a doubling of value in just 18 months – try that on the Belgian housing market…
The purchase process: smooth but not frictionless
We bought directly from the bank and financed the amount entirely through a Belgian loan. As a result, we sometimes ran into things that were a bit “lost in translation”. But in the end, everything went within 3 months.
✔️ Tip: work with a good lawyer/gestor on site who takes care of the administration.
✔️ Bonus: you don’t have to live there – you can also use it perfectly as a holiday home and investment.
Investing and enjoying: double the win
We bought the apartment with the intention of making it:
To rent out via Airbnb (we already had experience with that through our time in Curaçao)
Can be used when we feel like it
And it works.
We rent out more and more easily and now attract tourists from different countries. At the same time, it is a wonderful (and cheap) holiday spot for us with a swimming pool, sun and tranquility – without having to book again and again.
Don’t forget this: political uncertainty & regulation
As in all of Spain, there are also political discussions in Murcia around tourist rentals and second homes. Sometimes bizarre bills are made. Fortunately, Murcia is still relatively “relaxed” in that area compared to the Balearic Islands or Catalonia, for example.
However, it is important to:
Stay informed about new regulations
Namely that Spain applies a capital gains tax when selling
Be flexible: if renting is ever banned, you might as well sell – for a profit
Our motto? Even if we are no longer allowed to rent out, we will just sell. With this price increase, we have a nice return anyway.
Our personal tips if you want to invest in Murcia yourself
Use Idealista and explore for yourself – without a broker, without pressure
Don’t get pinned down to one place, but take a broad look in the region
Visit resorts with your eyes open: how well-kept is it? Which nationalities live there or own the apartments?
Research the rental options: can you rent out? How is the occupation?
Don’t wait too long – prices in Spain are really rising day by day
Conclusion: Murcia is (still) a golden opportunity
For us, Murcia was an intuitive choice. But in the meantime, it has also turned out to be a rationally smart move . Prices are rising, rentals are running, and we are enjoying our investment every time we visit.
Are you looking for a way to:
Affordable to invest in real estate
To be able to travel to your own place in the sun
To increase your freedom and possibly build up passive income?
Then now is the time to really explore Murcia. Let yourself be surprised. Chances are that you – like us – are immediately sold.
Would you like to know more about our experience or do you have a question about investing in Spain?
Feel free to send me a message on Instagram or via the contact form on this site.
