Could foreign non-residents be stopped from buying homes in Alicante Province?

Valencian political coalition Compromís is calling on the Spanish Government to restrict property purchases by non-residents as Alicante house prices continue to climb

Could buying a home in Alicante Province become more difficult for foreign buyers who don't live here?

That is the question being raised after Compromís, the Valencian political coalition, called on the Spanish Government to introduce restrictions on property purchases by foreign non-residents.

The group says urgent action is needed as house prices continue to rise, making it increasingly difficult for local residents to afford a home.

Figures cited by Compromís show that the price of second-hand property in Alicante increased by 16.8% in June 2026 compared with the same month last year.

The party also says foreign non-resident buyers are paying considerably more than Spanish residents, with the average purchase price around 76% higher.

Alberto Ibáñez, Compromís' housing spokesman in Congress, has submitted a series of questions to the Ministry of Housing about the situation.

He says the number of properties being bought by people who don't live in the area is one of the factors contributing to the sharp rise in prices.

Compromís wants the Government to consider both regulatory and tax measures to reduce the pressure on housing, particularly in the southern areas of the Valencian Community.

The party points to the number of foreign non-resident property purchases taking place across the region. According to Ibáñez, the Valencian Community accounted for 40% of all home purchases by foreign non-residents in Spain during 2025.

He says the situation has become even more pronounced during 2026 and believes the Government needs to act.

There is, however, another side to the housing debate. Alicante's property market is dealing with strong demand at a time when there aren't enough homes available at prices many residents can afford.

Restricting one group of buyers may reduce some demand, but it doesn't by itself create more homes.

The 76% figure also raises an obvious question. If foreign non-residents are paying around 76% more than Spanish resident buyers, that doesn't necessarily mean foreign buyers are choosing to pay 76% more for the same property. They may be looking at different types of homes, in different locations, or buying properties being marketed at higher prices in the first place.

And, of course, a buyer doesn't decide the asking price. The seller does.

For foreign residents living in Alicante province, there is an important distinction here. Compromís is calling for restrictions on non-residents, rather than a blanket ban on foreign nationals buying property.

There is also no ban currently in place. For now, this is a political proposal from Compromís, with the party asking the Spanish Government to consider measures to limit purchases by non-residents as pressure on Alicante's housing market continues.

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