The weather’s getting better, and my thoughts are turning to buying a small villa by the sea again. I expected the market to cool down after the pandemic, but after keeping an eye on it recently, it feels like prices haven’t dropped at all. In fact, they’ve quietly crept up, especially in popular spots like the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed this?
I’m mainly focusing on the south, specifically looking at Marbella in the province of Málaga and Jávea in the province of Alicante. Both are favorite holiday destinations for Europeans, with stunning scenery and excellent amenities. But the asking prices are changing constantly. For instance, a pre-owned three-bedroom villa with a small pool I saw listed for €600,000 is now being advertised by the agent for €680,000. It seems a bit steep.

A Look at Property Prices in Key Areas
I’ve spent some time compiling villa listing prices in a few popular areas, mainly based on listings from major property websites like Idealista and Fotocasa, to give you a reference. Of course, these are just the asking prices, and the final sale price might vary, similar to how there can be differences in roof replacement quotes.
Average Asking Prices for Detached Villas in Popular Locations
| Area | Average Size (m²) | Average Asking Price |
| Marbella | 250 - 400 | €800,000 - €1,500,000 |
| Jávea | 200 - 300 | €550,000 - €900,000 |
| Dénia | 180 - 280 | €450,000 - €750,000 |
| Torrevieja | 150 - 250 | €300,000 - €550,000 |
As you can see from the table, the price differences between cities are quite significant. In traditional affluent areas like Marbella, prices remain consistently high, while Torrevieja is much more affordable, though there’s a noticeable difference in community environment and quality. It seems both developers and private sellers are optimistic right now, holding firm on their prices. I wonder how long this upward trend will last. What do you all think? Is it better to wait and see, or to jump on a good deal now? Let’s discuss your thoughts!