Spain’s property trend: demand shifts to rural homes as city prices soar. Find price ranges and hotspots in Malaga, Alicante, Granada, Cadiz and Almería.
From sun-drenched hill villages to quiet inland towns, buyers across Spain are rethinking the city dream. Fresh figures from property portal Idealista show a clear shift: homes in Spain’s cities now cost almost double those in rural areas, and more than half of buyer interest in the country’s most popular provinces is focused on villages and small towns instead of urban centres.
Nationally, the average urban price sits at roughly €2,900 per square metre versus about €1,450 per square metre in rural areas. That translates to an average two-bedroom countryside apartment costing between approximately €101,500 and €116,000 — attractive numbers compared with cramped city flats in Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. But the gap is narrowing as demand for rural properties ramps up.
Where bargains remain — for now
The countryside appeal is strongest in provinces that already draw foreign buyers, retirees and lifestyle movers. Malaga, long a magnet for expats, illustrates the trend: city property averages more than €4,200 per square metre, while rural homes in nearby villages average around €2,800. A 70–80 sqm two-bed rural home in Malaga province typically comes in at about €201,000–€230,000 — often enough to buy a finca with a pool and mountain views rather than a tight coastal flat.
Further east, Alicante’s inland towns such as Pinoso, Villena and Monóvar are seeing steady interest. Two-beds in those areas commonly range from €145,000 to €166,000, offering space, land and quieter living for a fraction of coastal prices. In Granada province, Alpujarra villages retain surprising affordability: two-bedroom homes often sell from roughly €89,000 to €102,000, set among stone houses and mountain vistas.
And affordability is even more pronounced in some parts of Andalucia’s interior. Inland Cadiz offers two-bed homes in the region of €70,000–€80,000, while Almería’s white villages and desert-like landscapes can still be snapped up for around €65,000–€74,000.
Lifestyle plus value — but competition is rising
Buyers are drawn not only by monetary savings but by lifestyle: fresh air, star-filled skies, space for gardens or vineyards, and quieter terraces with unbeatable sunsets. For many, these perks outweigh the convenience of urban life — but that advantage is shrinking. As word spreads, prices in desirable rural pockets are quietly creeping up, and some of the cheapest properties have already been snapped up.
What this means for buyers
For those hunting for a rural retreat, the window to secure the best deals is closing. Agents report increased competition, particularly from international buyers and retirees seeking more space at lower cost. Prospective purchasers should move quickly but carefully: factor in renovation and infrastructure costs, verify legal status and utilities, and work with local professionals to navigate paperwork.
The trend signals a broader reshaping of Spain’s property market: with city prices at record highs, the countryside is no longer an afterthought — it’s the hottest ticket for many buyers searching for value and quality of life.
