Why the first months of the year are crucial for international buyers

Spain’s property market follows clear seasonal trends, with international buyers typically purchasing homes between late spring and early autumn. However, the process starts much earlier. The first quarter is a crucial period when foreign buyers research online, shortlist properties, and plan viewing trips for the months ahead.

For estate agents, being visible early in the year means having a greater chance of being seen by buyers actively preparing for their property investments.

Seasonal Trends and Market Insights

The first half of the year is key, as many international buyers start planning their upcoming activities and investments. This trend is backed by recent data, which highlights the strong influence of seasonality on the Spanish property market.

• International buyers accounted for over 20% of total property transactions in the first half of 2024, highlighting their strong and sustained demand. This figure marks a 1.8% year-on-year increase.
• In the first three months of 2024, foreign buyers were involved in 159,324 home sales, making it one of the strongest first quarters on record. This was nearly 40% above the pre-pandemic five-year average, showing a steady long-term trend.
• According to Spain’s Notaries’ Association, the highest number of sales in 2024 was recorded in June (64,335 transactions), aligning with peak tourism and foreign buyer activity.

Which Regions See the Strongest Seasonal Demand?

Coastal and island destinations experience the most pronounced seasonal trends:

• Andalusia, including the Costa del Sol, led regional sales in June, accounting for 20% of the national total. This region remains a favourite among British and Dutch buyers.
• The Valencian Community represented 16% of total sales in June, closely followed by Catalonia, which accounted for 15% of the market. These regions are seeing a growing demand by Polish, Scandinavian and French buyers.
• The islands see peak demand from German and British buyers during high tourism seasons, contributing to a 11% year-on-year price increase in the Balearics and a 7% rise in the Canaries.

Madrid and other inland cities are less affected by seasonality, as tourism is just one of many market drivers. Business relocations, employment opportunities, and academic needs create a steady demand throughout the year. However, rental occupancy still fluctuates, peaking at 92% in October and dropping to 67% in January, highlighting the continued influence of seasonal trends.

These figures underscore the impact of seasonality on the Spanish property market, with foreign buyer activity most prominent in the first half of the year.

Early-Year Research Translates into Property Viewings

Although many international buyers are not physically in Spain during the winter months, they remain actively engaged in their property search.

On thinkSPAIN, we observe a 35% increase in user activity in the first 3 months of each year, as foreign buyers browse listings, save properties, and plan their house-hunting trips for the coming months. This early engagement is crucial. Agents who position themselves now have a higher chance of getting their properties seen.

Maximise Your Visibility When International Interest Peaks

thinkSPAIN is the leading Spanish property portal for international buyers, attracting 2 million visits each month. Over 2,500 estate agents trust us to showcase their properties to a global audience, generating enquiries from motivated buyers.