North Versus South in the Costa Blanca

The North and South of the Costa Blanca have long been favourites of British overseas property investors, but which is it to be? Over the next couple of weeks, we look at the benefits and attractions of each.

Costa Blanca North

The north tends to be more expensive than the southern stretch, with fewer large-scale new developments, but every location is different, and each section has its own hotspots. Plus, from north to south, you’re never far from the convenient AP-7 motorway.

Denia

A lively port town with ferry services to the Balearics, Denia has no less than fifteen kilometres of sandy beaches, attracting holidaymakers year-round.

Within an hour of two major airport, Valencia to the north and Alicante to the south, Denia is very popular with overseas property investors looking for a lettable property.

Average property prices are around €100,000 – €170,000 for an apartment, €130,000 – €200,000 for a townhouse and €220,000 – €450,000 for a villa.

The Las Marinas beach area can offer mo0re affordable properties around the beaches at Les Deveses and Els Molins.

Jávea

Jávea consists of a charming old town, a bustling port and a newer, livelier beach area called Arenal.

Property close to Arenal can be expensive, but there are other popular urbanisations in elevated areas with sea views include Cap Martí, Tosalet, Cap de la Nau and Balcón al Mar to the south of the resort.

If you are looking more upmarket, then the very desirable area of La Corona, with its million-euro villas is situated at the northern end on a hill overlooking the port.

Average prices for apartments start from around €180,000 for a resale, less if there is no pool, and €220,000 for a new-build.

Three bed villas with two bathrooms start from around €250,000 – €300,000.

Moraira

The former fishing village of Moraira has now developed into a lovely beach resort, with low-density communities situated on pine-clad hillsides.

Some of the more desirable properties in Moraira and Jávea are constructed by Font Moraira, a company that develops villas for clients on carefully selected plots, as well as building small boutique developments.

Within ten minutes of the resort are the areas of Benissa Costa, Cumbre del Sol, Los Molinos and Les Fonts, where you can find many properties at around 10-20 per cent cheaper than in Moraira itself.

Prices start from around €100,000, though if spending less than €200,000 you may have to look further inland. The type of property is usually a villa, with three or more bedrooms, a pool and bar/barbecue area.

Calpe

Calpe is split into two beachfronts, each containing high-rise apartment blocks, hotels and restaurants.

To the north-east is Levante beach, ending at the sought-after La Calalga and Bassetes urbanisations; then there is the more central Arenal beach, which runs alongside the town centre and ends at the fishing port and marina.

Residential areas close to Arenal beach include Tosal, Borumbot and La Canuta.

Frontline two-bedroom apartments in Calpe start from around €150,000, and less for those near the centre or off the front.

Altea

South of Calpe is the smaller resort of Altea, known for its winding streets and arts and culture scene.

Apartments in the pretty old town or villas in the hills are especially popular with overseas property investors.

Altea Hills is a popular landmark development comprising luxury villas and apartments, situated close to the Altea golf club and therefore perfect for those spring golfing holidays.

Whatever you want from your overseas investment property, there is plenty to offer in the north of the Costa Blanca.

Next week we look at the Costa Blanca south.