expat network

Alicante Leads The Pack For Expat-Friendly Spanish Cities

Research comes from the international health insurance specialists at William Russell who analysed the share of properties owned by international buyers across 50 different Spanish cities and regions, to determine the areas with the largest expat communities. Here are the Spanish cities with the largest proportion properties purchased by expats rather than local Spaniards.

Cities with the most expat properties

Rank	City	Share of property purchases by expats
1	Alicante	43%
2	Balearic Islands	31%
2	Malaga	31%
4	Santa Cruz de Tenerife	26%
5	Girona	25%
6	Murcia	21%
7	Las Palmas	20%
8	Almeria	17%
9	Tarragona	16%
10	Barcelona	15%

Alicante tops the list, with just under half of property in the city being owned by expats. The city offers prospective expats a nice blend of mild winters, affordable property, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

With excellent transport links including an international airport and high-speed trains, it’s easy for expats to stay connected to the UK.

The city also has a vibrant expat community, plenty of English-speaking services, and a strong focus on leisure and outdoor activities, making it ideal for families, retirees, and remote workers alike.

Joint second place goes to Malaga and the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza), with just over a third of properties owned by expats.

Located in the Costa Del Sol, Malaga offers a mix of city life and beachside living, combining cultural attractions, historic charm, and modern amenities.

Its international airport makes travel back to the UK convenient, while the cost of living is generally lower than other major coastal cities.

While the Balearics are famed for stunning beaches, year-round sunshine, and a high-quality lifestyle.

They appeal to expats seeking holiday-style living combined with strong expat networks, supported by English-speaking services and plenty of leisure opportunities.

William Cooper, Marketing Director at William Russell comments on what prospective expats should consider before moving to Spain:

“Spain remains one of the most compelling destinations for British expats because it offers a unique blend of lifestyle, climate and community, but moving abroad successfully requires thoughtful planning. Expats should start by researching visa options. Whether that’s a digital nomad visa, work permit or long‑term residency, and taking the time to understand the different legal and administrative steps involved.

It’s also crucial to budget realistically for the cost of living, including accommodation, healthcare and taxes, which can vary significantly from region to region. Learning some Spanish will also make day‑to‑day life far easier and help you integrate into local communities.

Finally, make sure you have health insurance in place before you arrive, as private coverage is a requirement for many visa types and can bridge the gap until you access the public system. Taking these practical steps early will transform your move to Spain from a dream into a smooth, well‑prepared reality.”

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.