Housing Costs Soar in Alicante, Benidorm and Orihuela — Prices Top €2,700 Per Square Metre

Alicante Province Outpacing the National Average

The housing market in Alicante province has started 2026 on a high, with prices continuing to climb across all the main cities. According to Tinsa's IMIE Local Markets report for the first quarter, the average price in the province now stands at €1,877 per square metre — up 18.3% year-on-year and 4.2% since last quarter.

That puts Alicante well above the national average of 14.3%, making it one of the most dynamic housing markets in Spain right now. Only areas like Toledo, Albacete and Madrid have recorded larger annual increases.

Town-by-Town Breakdown

Benidorm — €2,786/m²

Always popular Benidorm leads the way. Prices have jumped 20.5% over the past year and 2.7% in the last quarter alone, reflecting its strong appeal to both long-term expats and tourists.

Orihuela — €1,986/m²

Orihuela has seen prices rise 15.4% year-on-year and 4.8% in the last quarter — one of the strongest quarterly gains in the province.

Alicante City — €1,980/m²

The provincial capital itself has seen prices increase by 16.1% year-on-year, with a 2.6% quarterly gain.

Torrevieja — €1,859/m²

Torrevieja is close behind at €1,859/m², up 15% annually.

Elche — €1,552/m²

Elche averages €1,552/m² after a 16.2% yearly increase and a notable quarterly jump of 6.4%.

Elda — €866/m²

Inland Elda sits at €866/m², up 13% year-on-year.

Alcoy — €802/m²

Alcoy remains the most affordable at €802/m², with a slight quarterly drop of 0.9% — the only town in the province to see prices dip.

New Construction Picking Up

The demand for homes is also pushing up construction activity. In January, 213 new buildings were approved across Alicante province — up 18.3% on the same month last year. Most of these are residential, with 209 new projects compared to 172 in January 2025.

What This Means for Buyers and Expats

For British and other expats looking to buy on the Costa Blanca, the trend is clear: prices are climbing fast and showing no signs of cooling. Coastal towns are the most expensive and seeing the strongest growth, while inland areas like Alcoy and Elda still offer significantly more affordable options — though they're rising too.

If you're thinking about buying, the market is moving quickly. Waiting another year could mean paying significantly more.

This article is based on reporting from Alicante Today, published April 7, 2026. Data source: Tinsa IMIE Local Markets Q1 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.