Show Notes
Buying a property in Spain is a big decision, and with prices continuing to rise in many parts of the country, it's never been more important to understand what's happening in the market before taking the plunge. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we're joined by Fiona James from Murcia Villas, who gives us an honest look (like this might be the most Spainfully Honest episode yet!!) at Spain's property market in 2026. We talk about why prices in Murcia have climbed by around 7% in the last six months, whether buyers should act now or wait, and what the outlook is for the months ahead. We also look at the practical side of buying a home in Spain, from mortgages and deposits for non-residents to taxes, legal costs and the hidden expenses that can catch buyers out. Fiona explains why no two regions are the same and why taking the time to research where you want to live can be just as important as choosing the property itself. Whether you're looking for a holiday home, planning a permanent move or considering an investment, this episode is packed with straightforward advice to help you make informed decisions. We cover: Why property prices are continuing to rise in Murcia and other parts of Spain. Whether now is the right time to buy. New builds versus resale properties. The differences between Murcia, the Costa Blanca, the Costa del Sol and other popular regions. Mortgages for non-residents and how much deposit you'll usually need. Purchase taxes and the additional costs buyers should budget for. Common mistakes buyers make and how to avoid them. What life in Spain is really like, including some of the cultural differences that often surprise newcomers.
Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:08 – Murcia's property market and rising prices 02:31 – Buy now or wait? 03:35 – Viewing properties in Spain 04:43 – New builds versus resale homes 07:05 – Which areas offer the best value? 08:21 – Airports, travel and location 14:15 – Mortgages for non-residents 16:33 – Deposits and buying costs 19:57 – Taxes and legal fees 26:47 – Where to start your property search 30:24 – The Spanish lifestyle and the siesta 33:33 – Fiona's top tips for buyers If you've been thinking about buying in Spain, this is an episode well worth listening to. Fiona shares plenty of practical advice based on years of experience, and it's a great starting point if you're trying to get your head around the Spanish property market. If you enjoy the podcast, don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review and share the episode with anyone who's thinking about making the move to Spain. Here is Fiona's previous episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/79fA8kbSwoF4aUGMkOPgHE?si=jhMzuw93QMSZ9muerEv0jQ (It was an early one and getting used to podcasting : ) ) And some other episodes you might like: Episode 53: Top 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving to Spain Episode 51: Interview-Moving from Colorado to the Costa Blanca Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time on Spainfully Honest.
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