International Demand Zeroes In on Spain’s 2026 Dream Home:
New‑Build Three‑Bedroom Properties in the Costa del Sol
A growing body of market data is painting a clear picture of what international buyers want from Spain in 2026 — and the trend is unmistakable. Newly built, three‑bedroom homes in the Costa del Sol are emerging as the standout favourite among overseas purchasers seeking sunshine, lifestyle, and long‑term investment potential.
📈 New‑Build Momentum Continues to Surge
Spain’s national registrar, Colegio Registradores, highlights the strong shift toward new construction. In Andalusia, Q3 2025 data shows:
- New‑build sales up 35.8% year‑on‑year
- Resales up just 11.4% over the same period
This widening gap underscores a clear preference for modern design, energy efficiency, and turnkey convenience — all major priorities for today’s international buyers.
🏡 Three‑Bedroom Homes Lead the Market
Fresh analysis from idealista reinforces the trend. In Q3 2025:
- Three‑bedroom apartments sold faster than any other property type in Spain
- 37% sold within the first month of being listed
The three‑bedroom format hits a sweet spot: enough space for families, flexible layouts for remote work, and strong rental appeal. The main motivations include:-
🇺🇸 US Buyers
You can view all new developments with homes with 3+ bedrooms here ->
🇬🇧 British Buyers: Still the Largest International Group
Colegio Registradores’ data confirms that Britons remain the dominant foreign buyer group, representing 13.58% of all international purchases in Spain. A major Spanish developer reports that:
- 75% of its British reservations are concentrated in the Costa del Sol
The region’s beaches, golf courses, international schools, and year‑round flight connections continue to make it the UK’s favourite Mediterranean home‑from‑home.
“Three‑bedroom penthouses in the Costa del Sol clearly tick all the right boxes for British buyers, whether as second homes or primary residences. We anticipate strong demand for these homes during 2026, particularly in top locations close to popular beaches and golf courses, as well as to local amenities.”
🇺🇸 US Buyers: Rising Interest in Spain’s Lifestyle and Investment Appeal
While historically a smaller segment, American demand for Spanish property has grown steadily over the past five years — driven by lifestyle migration, remote‑work flexibility, and favourable currency conditions.
Why US Buyers Are Increasingly Drawn to the Costa del Sol
- Lifestyle upgrade: Mediterranean climate, outdoor living, and wellness‑focused communities
- Value for money: Luxury homes at prices far below major US coastal markets
- Remote‑work compatibility: Strong digital infrastructure and international connectivity
- Golden Visa appeal (for qualifying investments)
Developers report that US buyers are gravitating toward:
- New‑build three‑bedroom apartments and penthouses
- Gated communities with amenities
- Proximity to Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís
The Costa del Sol’s blend of luxury, safety, and international culture aligns closely with American buyer expectations.
🇨🇦 Canadian Buyers: A Growing Presence in Spain’s Property Market
Canadian interest in Spain has also accelerated, particularly among retirees, digital nomads, and investors seeking stable, warm‑weather destinations.
What’s Driving Canadian Demand?
- Climate escape: A desire for mild winters and year‑round sunshine
- Investment diversification: Strong rental markets and long‑term capital appreciation
- Lifestyle priorities: Golf, beaches, wellness, and walkable communities
- Favourable residency pathways for long‑stay visitors
Like their British and American counterparts, Canadians show a strong preference for:
- Modern, energy‑efficient new builds
- Three‑bedroom layouts suitable for family visits
- Costa del Sol hotspots such as Benahavís, Nueva Andalucía, and La Cala
Developers note that Canadians often seek homes with mountain‑and‑sea views, quiet residential settings, and easy access to international airports.
🌍 A Converging Trend Across the UK, US, and Canada
Despite different motivations, buyers from all three markets are aligning around the same core preferences:
Buyer Group | Key Motivations | Preferred Property Type | Preferred Region |
|---|---|---|---|
🇬🇧 British | Lifestyle, familiarity, accessibility | New‑build 3‑bed | Costa del Sol |
🇺🇸 US | Lifestyle upgrade, value, remote work | New‑build 3‑bed | Costa del Sol |
🇨🇦 Canada | Climate, investment, retirement | New‑build 3‑bed | Costa del Sol |
The conclusion is clear:
New‑build three‑bedroom homes in the Costa del Sol are set to dominate international demand in 2026.
You can view all new developments with homes with 3+ bedrooms here ->