Introduction to Retiring in Spain
Retiring in Spain has long appealed to those looking for a relaxed, sun-soaked lifestyle paired with affordability and quality of life. In 2025, retiring in Spain, especially in the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida regions, offers a rare alignment of opportunity, ease, and value. These two beautiful coastlines in southeastern Spain provide everything retirees could hope for: charming towns, modern healthcare, low living costs, a welcoming expat community, and a warm climate almost all year round.
Movehappy specialises exclusively in new build properties in these regions, offering expert advice, after-sales care, and buyer incentives tailored to British retirees. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful coastal village or a lively expat hub, this year could be your ideal window to make the move.
Financial appeal for British retirees
One of the strongest incentives for retiring in Spain in 2025 is the cost advantage. Compared to the UK, daily living in Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida remains far more affordable. Supermarket shopping, eating out, public transport, and even private healthcare cost significantly less, meaning your pension goes further.
Property prices in these areas are still competitively priced despite increasing demand. In towns like San Pedro del Pinatar, Los Alcázares, Benijófar, and Villamartin, quality new build homes start well below UK averages. The financial benefits are compounded by Movehappy’s exclusive deals, including furniture vouchers worth up to €10,000, legal fee contributions, and full aftercare support, often saving clients up to €18,000 on their purchase.
Furthermore, the Spanish housing market is expected to remain stable in 2025, with moderate growth driven by continued international interest, especially from British and Scandinavian buyers. Buying now could also be a smart long-term investment as demand continues to rise.
Healthcare excellence in the region
Healthcare is a top concern for anyone considering retiring abroad, and Spain consistently ranks among the best in Europe. In 2025, access remains strong for retirees through both public and private systems. Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida are home to modern hospitals, English-speaking doctors, and specialist clinics. New residents can register for public healthcare under the Spanish social security system or opt for private insurance, which is affordable and often provides faster access.
In areas like Torrevieja and Murcia, hospitals and clinics cater to a large international population, meaning language barriers are minimal. Pharmacies are plentiful, and pharmacists are well trained and friendly, often providing quick advice or minor healthcare services. Movehappy’s after-sales support includes guidance on registering with the health system and accessing local medical services, ensuring a smooth transition.
Retiring in Spain: A relaxed, active lifestyle
One of the biggest advantages of retiring in Spain is the lifestyle. The Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida regions are known for their mild winters, low humidity, and over 300 days of sunshine each year. This climate encourages outdoor living and supports an active, healthy lifestyle well into retirement.
From coastal walks to golf courses, yoga on the beach to cycling through salt lakes and nature reserves, there is no shortage of things to do. Towns like Ciudad Quesada, Punta Prima, and Santiago de la Ribera offer a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities. Local markets, open-air cafés, and family-run restaurants are everywhere, making it easy to enjoy fresh Mediterranean food daily.
These areas also boast strong local and expat communities, with regular events, language exchanges, social clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Many retirees report an improved quality of life, not just physically, but socially and mentally, as they become part of a vibrant international community that welcomes new residents with open arms.
Navigating visas and residency
For British retirees moving post-Brexit, Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) remains the main route to long-term residency. In 2025, the process is well established and relatively straightforward with the right support. The NLV allows retirees to live in Spain without working, provided they have sufficient income or savings and private health insurance.
Movehappy works closely with experienced legal professionals who guide clients through the application, from gathering documentation to attending appointments. This includes support with opening a Spanish bank account, translating documents, and registering with local town halls and tax offices once settled. Their end-to-end service ensures that nothing is left to chance, taking the stress out of the move.
Community insights from Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida
Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida differ in subtle but important ways. Costa Blanca is better known, with slightly more developed towns and a longer-established British community. Towns like Orihuela Costa, Guardamar del Segura, and Alicante offer a mix of city energy and beachfront tranquillity.
Costa Cálida, on the other hand, has a slightly more laid-back vibe. The region surrounding the Mar Menor lagoon is particularly popular, thanks to its healing waters and sandy shores. Towns like San Javier and Los Alcázares offer a slower pace of life, perfect for those wanting a more traditional Spanish atmosphere while still enjoying modern comforts.
Both areas benefit from strong infrastructure, including excellent road networks and proximity to two international airports, Alicante and Murcia, making travel to and from the UK easy for family visits or short breaks.
Retiring in Spain: Energy efficiency and modern living
Today’s new build homes in Spain offer far more than just sunny balconies. Developers in Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida now prioritise energy efficiency, with features like solar panels, double-glazed windows, thermal insulation, and modern appliances as standard. This not only helps the environment but reduces ongoing utility costs.
Homes often come with landscaped communal gardens, pools, private parking, and even smart home technology. Whether you prefer a bungalow, apartment, townhouse, or detached villa, Movehappy offers a curated selection of properties that meet diverse tastes and budgets, each handpicked for quality and location.
Safety, stability and peace of mind
Retiring in Spain also means enjoying one of the safest countries in Europe. Crime rates in both Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida are low, particularly in residential areas popular with retirees. Public services are reliable, and local councils take pride in maintaining clean, welcoming town centres and promenades.
Movehappy’s long-standing presence in the area adds another layer of reassurance. They offer a personal approach, building strong relationships with developers, local lawyers, and service providers. Their multilingual team is available even after the sale, offering advice and help should any issues arise after moving in.
Conclusion to Retiring in Spain
Retiring in Spain in 2025 is not just a lifestyle choice, it is a strategic, well-supported decision for a better quality of life. With Movehappy’s expert guidance, a selection of quality new build properties, and in-depth knowledge of Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida, your move becomes a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Whether you are drawn by the warm climate, the affordability, the community, or the health benefits, now is the time to act. With all signs pointing to continued growth and opportunity in Spain’s most desirable coastal regions, 2025 offers the perfect balance of value, ease and lifestyle. If you have been dreaming of retiring in Spain, let Movehappy help you make it a reality this year.
