The Ultimate Guide 2026: Investing in a Home in Northern Spain – The Buyer’s Handbook

Welcome to this reference guide, created by the agency N°1 France Espagne Immobilier, in exclusive partnership with Lloyd-Davis Luxury International.

Investing in a home on the Costa Brava—this pearl of the Mediterranean located in northern Spain—is much more than just a financial transaction. It is a life project, a quest for light, and a first-rate wealth management strategy. In 2026, as the Spanish real estate market demonstrates unprecedented maturity and appeal for French-speaking investors, we offer you a comprehensive analysis to turn your Catalan dream into a secure reality.

1. Why has northern Spain become a real estate hotspot?

Buying a home in Spain isn’t something you can wing. You need to be determined and make sure your choice aligns with your preferences and financial means. But why the Costa Brava, specifically?

Unbeatable value

Historically, housing prices on the Costa Brava have always been very affordable. As a reminder, in 2013, the average price per square meter was around €2,500. In 2026, although the market has grown, the price difference compared to the French coast (the French Riviera or the Basque Coast) remains striking. For comparable properties—a villa with a pool, ocean views, and modern amenities—the Costa Brava offers 30% to 50% greater purchasing power for real estate compared to France.

A unique strategic location

Living or investing in northern Spain means enjoying the benefits of “immediate proximity.” Located just a few kilometers from the French border, the Alt Empordà region makes it easy to plan spontaneous weekend getaways without the hassle of long-haul flights. Whether you’re coming from Perpignan, Montpellier, Lyon, or Paris (via the Figueres-Vilafant TGV), you’ll be home in just a few hours.

2. Living or Investing: Defining Your Life Plan

It all depends on whether you plan to live there year-round or just spend your vacations there. This distinction is crucial when it comes to choosing the location and structuring your financing.

The Second Home: Enjoyment and Return on Investment

If your goal is to spend your vacation in the sun, opt for lively seaside resorts like Roses, Empuriabrava, or L’Escala.

• The upside: These cities have high demand for rental properties. Thanks to the tourist license (HUTG), your home pays for itself for much of the year when you’re not there.

Primary Residence or Retirement Home: Quality of Life

For a permanent installation, our advisors at N°1 France Espagne Immobilier will guide you toward more residential and quiet areas, such as Palau-Saverdera or the hills above Llançà.

• The highlight: A city life on a human scale, close to nature, with healthcare services and shops open 365 days a year.

3. The Expert’s ADVICE : How to Create a Budget

Your banker will certainly offer you some ADVICE , but the reality of the Spanish market has its own rules.

Financing: Spain or France?

As a non-resident, you can apply for a mortgage in Spain. Generally, Spanish banks lend up to 60% or 70% of the property’s value. However, many buyers prefer to secure a loan in France using a French asset as collateral, thereby taking advantage of interest rates that are sometimes more competitive for overseas investments.

Purchase Costs: Don’t Forget Them

It is essential to add approximately 12% to 14% in additional costs to the purchase price. This includes:

1. Inheritance Tax (ITP): Approximately 10% in Catalonia.

2. Notary and registration fees.

3. Legal consultation fees: Essential for verifying the property’s compliance (zoning, liens).

4. Investing in Spain in 5 Key Steps

At N°1 France Espagne Immobilier, we have designed a secure purchasing process for our international clients.

Step 1: Selection and Initial Contact

After browsing our selection of villas and apartments and viewing the accompanying photos on our website, we recommend that you contact us. This initial conversation will allow us to narrow down the options and confirm whether the home you’re looking for is available or if an “off-market” exclusive listing better meets your needs.

Step 2: Obtaining the NIE (Foreigners' Identification Number)

This is an essential requirement. Without this number, you cannot make purchases, open a bank account, or purchase insurance in Spain. We’ll guide you through this often-complex administrative process.

Step 3: The prospecting trip

Third, you should consider spending a few days there to explore the area and make sure it’s the right fit for you. You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying a neighborhood, a view, and a certain atmosphere.

Step 4: The Reservation and the Deposit Agreement (Contrato de Arras)

Once you’ve decided on a property, we’ll draw up a reservation agreement to secure it. This is followed by thepreliminary sales agreement, under which you typically pay 10% of the purchase price. At this stage, our experts verify the validity of the tourism license and ensure there are no encumbrances on the property.

Step 5: The Deed of Sale Before a Notary (Escritura)

This is the final step. The deed is signed in the presence of a Spanish notary. You are handed the keys, and you officially become a homeowner in northern Spain.

5. Climate and Quality of Life: Intangible Assets

Northern Spain enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate: mild winters and sunny summers tempered by the sea breeze.

• Beach Life: From the crystal-clear coves of Cap de Creus to the long, sandy beaches of Sant Pere Pescador.

• City Life: Catalan culture is rich and diverse. Figueres (the Dalí Museum), Girona (its Jewish quarter), and Barcelona are all just a short distance away.

• Nature: The Aiguamolls and Cap de Creus Natural Parks offer breathtaking hiking and biking trails.

6. L’Engagement N°1 France Espagne Immobilier Lloyd-Davis Luxury

Why choose us? Because the Costa Brava market is unique.

• Local Expertise: Our offices in Roses, Santa Margarida, and Empuriabravacover the area.

• Luxe International: Through Lloyd-Davis Luxury, we offer exceptional properties—including contemporary canal-side villas and authentic country houses—with complete discretion.

• Legal Security: We are not just agents; we are your partners. We review every document to ensure that your investment is a source of joy, not worry.

Conclusion: Take the plunge and experience Spain

Investing in a home in northern Spain in 2026 is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retirement, a spontaneous getaway, or a sound financial investment, the Costa Brava has everything you need.

Ready to take the plunge? Browse our listings, let the photos win you over, and contact our experts. Your future home under the Catalan sun is waiting just for you.