British and German buyers have long been the stalwarts of Spain’s foreign property market, but recent trends indicate a significant shift. According to data from Property Registrars, a notable surge in Dutch investors is reshaping the landscape of residential property transactions in Spain. By 2025, these three nationalities emerged as the dominant forces in the market, with Dutch buyers making a particularly impressive leap.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, Dutch buyers climbed to second place among international purchasers, accounting for 6.7% of foreign property transactions. This places them just behind the British, who held 7.9%, and slightly ahead of German buyers at 6.6%. This shift highlights a growing interest from the Netherlands, indicating that Spain is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Dutch investors.
Luxury real estate agency Dils Lucas Fox has reported a remarkable growth in Dutch transactions, with a nearly 50% increase between 2023 and 2025, culminating in a total of €52 million in property sales. Paloma Pérez Bravo, the Residential CEO at Dils Lucas Fox, sheds light on this trend, stating:
“Dutch buyers are drawn by Spain’s unique lifestyle, sunny climate, outdoor living opportunities, excellent connectivity, and the potential returns of owning property here.”
Popular Locations and Motivations
The influx of Dutch buyers is not just a statistical anomaly; it is actively reshaping Spain’s luxury property market. These investors are gravitating towards micro-destinations such as Jávea, the Northern Costa Blanca, and Girona on the Costa Brava. In 2025, these areas experienced a staggering growth of over 42%, showcasing their rising popularity among Dutch nationals.
Spain’s allure is multifaceted, appealing to both lifestyle and investment motivations. The country offers an abundance of outdoor activities, a favorable climate, and a lifestyle that starkly contrasts with that of Northern Europe. This makes Spain an ideal location for remote work, active living, or retirement. Additionally, Dutch family offices are increasingly recognizing the safety and profitability of investing in Spanish assets, further driving demand.
Primary Residences vs. Second Homes
When it comes to purchasing motivations, Dutch buyers exhibit a balanced approach. Almost half of them (45.3%) are acquiring properties as their primary residence, while an equal proportion is purchasing second homes. A smaller segment, about 9.4%, is focused on investment opportunities. The most sought-after premium properties tend to be ready-to-live-in homes with outdoor space, with 51.6% being luxury villas, 31.3% apartments, 6.3% country houses, and 10.8% falling into other property types.
The typical Dutch buyer is generally aged between 45 and 60, with a slight shift to the 50-60 age range on the Costa Blanca. This demographic trend reflects a growing focus on comfortable retirement and lifestyle-driven investments, as more individuals seek to enjoy the benefits of living in a sun-soaked environment.
