Our Journey To Spain
Our Property
Search In Spain
Our property search in Spain is one of the most involved parts of this move — and honestly one of the most interesting. We’ve been researching seriously for over a year, visited the area twice and have a clear sense of what we’re looking for and where. We’re not there yet but the picture is getting sharper with every trip. Here’s where we are.
Where We’re Looking
Our search area runs from Dénia in the north to Moraira in the south, and from Jávea and Cap de la Nau in the east to near Teulada in the west — roughly 17 kilometers (10 miles) north to south and 11 kilometers (7 miles) east to west. It’s a focused area of about 180 square kilometers (70 sq miles) and within it, there’s a wide range of neighborhoods, elevations, orientations and price points.
If we had to narrow it down today, we’d probably end up somewhere south or east of the Montgó — either close to Jávea town itself or in one of the neighborhoods (urbanizaciones) along the coast heading south toward Moraira. The Montgó has a meaningful effect on how much sun you receive in winter on its western and northern sides and the further you live from the coast the more that matters. As we covered on the Jávea and Dénia page, where you sit in relation to the mountain genuinely affects your day-to-day experience of the climate.
In the end, the right house in the right neighborhood will drive the decision more than any predetermined boundary. Having a defined search area keeps us focused.
Why This Area
Two things stand out about Jávea and Dénia specifically that go beyond the obvious appeal of the coastline and climate.
Zoning is one. Jávea has some of the strongest residential zoning protections on the Costa Blanca. Minimum lot sizes of 1,000 square meters, (10,700 sf), a two-story height limit and a maximum building footprint of 20–25% of the lot size ensure green space, privacy and a buffer between neighbors. Housing density within neighborhoods is also controlled.
The result is a very different feel from parts of the Costa Blanca further south. Benidorm, 72 kilometers (40 miles) away, has over 60 buildings taller than 100 meters (330 feet) and the highest concentration of skyscrapers per capita in the EU. Jávea’s approach is one of the reasons property values and quality of life here are consistently high.
Water is the other consideration. Many towns along the Costa Blanca rely on wells or reservoirs that can face restrictions during drought years, which are becoming more frequent. Both Dénia and Jávea have modern desalination plants that convert seawater into drinking water, providing a reliable supply even in dry years. For a long-term property purchase, that’s a meaningful practical advantage worth factoring into any comparison with other coastal areas.
How We’re Searching
We’ve been watching real estate agency websites and YouTube channels focused on the Jávea and Dénia area for 12 to 18 months. It’s been educational — not just from a property and neighborhood perspective, but in terms of understanding which agents actually know the market well.
After that research and time spent on the ground, we’ve decided to work with VillaLux. They’ve been operating in the area for over 25 years, are family owned and have strong customer reviews across multiple platforms. More importantly, during our visits we spent time with Romy and Max and came away impressed. They know the area thoroughly, are easy to work with and make the most of limited viewing time.
For anyone curious about how property searching in this area actually works, they’ve put together a useful video guide on the topic, we’ve shared here.
For more on how real estate agents work in Spain — including how they’re compensated, what to ask and what to watch out for — see our guide to working with real estate agents in Spain.
New Build or Existing Home
We’re open to both types and have been looking at each seriously. If we had to guess today, the deciding factors will be timing, neighborhood, location and views rather than a strong preference for one type over the other.
For an existing home, our preference would be something relatively new or already fully renovated — we’d consider taking on a bathroom, a kitchen remodel or basic finishes like flooring, but not a full renovation project.
For a new build, we’d want something either move-in ready or completing within six months. A fully custom ground-up build is appealing in theory, but requires too many variables to align at the right moment. Construction timelines in Spain typically run 12 to 24 months or more, which doesn’t fit our overall timeline.
For a detailed look at the tradeoffs between new builds, resale homes and renovation projects — including what each path means for cost, timing and what you’re taking on — see our guide to types of property in Spain.
What We’re Looking For
We’ve developed a clear picture of what we need and what we’d like. Not everything on the list will land in the same property, but having it written down keeps us focused during viewings.
Base Requirements
These are non-negotiable:
- Lot size of 1000-2000 sq meters (10,700 – 21,400 sq ft)
- House size of 180-220 sq meters+ (1800-2200 sq ft)
- Min 3BR/3BA
- If existing home, majority of renovations completed
- Garage
- Within 2-5 km (1-3 mi) of the beach
- Less than 10 minutes drive to town – walking distance a +
- Open floor plan
- Not north facing
- Away from a busy road
Mostly Must-haves
We’d need a compelling reason to go without these:
- Sea view
- Pool
- Outdoor kitchen and eating area
- Outdoor shower
- Outdoor storage
- Landscaping
- Fiber internet
- A/C and underfloor heating
- Double pane windows
- Meaningful distance from neighbors
Prefer To Have
Genuine priorities but not dealbreakers:
- Single story or master bedroom on main floor
- Hot tub
- Heated floors
- Roof deck
- Property fencing or perimeter wall
- Corner plot
- Solar panels
- Space for washer, dryer and full size refrigerator
- EV charger/outlet
- Underbuild (walk out basement) storage space
- Irrigation system
- South facing pool
Where Our Property Search In Spain Stands Now
We’re targeting a budget in the €700,000 to €1,200,000 range, which in this part of the Costa Blanca gets you into the market for a well-located villa with the features on our list — though the right property at the right price will always drive the final decision more than the number.
We’ve done two scouting trips so far and viewed a range of properties. Each visit has narrowed down what works and what doesn’t — both in terms of the homes themselves and the neighborhoods around them. We’re planning to rent in different parts of the search area each time we visit to get a proper feel for each one from the inside.
For a look at the specific neighborhoods we’re focused on and how they compare, see our neighborhoods page. For the properties we’ve actually walked through, including photos, details and our honest reactions, see more about the houses we’ve seen.
Take a look at our house search diary which gives insights into each one of our house hunting trips to Spain.
Before Moving
Everything you need to sort before you leave — visas, NIEs, finances and the hundred other things on your pre-move list.
After The Move
What you need to get sorted once you arrive — utilities, healthcare, paperwork and all the practicalities of your new life in Spain.
Property Guide
Here’s what to know about buying property in Spain as an American — from your first search to signing at the notary.
Resources
Checklists, glossaries and vetted websites to help you plan, prepare and hit the ground running in Spain.
Our Journey
Follow along as we document our move from Portland, Oregon to Jávea, Spain — the highs, the headaches and everything in between.
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