The Costa Blanca property market continues to attract international buyers, and two of the most desirable locations remain Benissa and Moraira.

But in 2026, many homeowners are asking a more cautious question:

If transaction numbers are falling, is it still a good time to sell?

The answer is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.

While the number of transactions across parts of Spain has softened during the first trimester of 2026, prices in premium Costa Blanca North areas have remained resilient — particularly for quality homes in prime locations.

The Big Headline: Transactions Are Down

Recent Q1 2026 market reports show that residential property transactions in Spain declined by approximately 10–11% year-on-year in some regions.

At first glance, this sounds worrying.

However, transaction volume and property prices are not the same thing.

In markets like Benissa and Moraira, fewer properties are selling overall, but well-positioned homes are still achieving strong prices because demand continues to outweigh supply.

This is an important distinction for sellers.

Why Are Transactions Falling?

The market in 2026 is very different from the ultra-active post-pandemic years.

Between 2021 and 2024:

• buyers moved quickly,
• bidding wars were common,
• and many homes sold within days.

In 2026:

• buyers are more cautious,
• negotiations are stronger,
• and purchasers compare more options before committing.

Higher European interest rates and economic uncertainty have also reduced activity among mortgage-dependent buyers.

As a result, overall sales volumes have slowed.

But this does not necessarily mean the market is weak.

Prices in Benissa and Moraira Are Still Holding Strong

Despite lower transaction numbers, prices across Costa Blanca North have continued to rise due to limited inventory and sustained international demand.

Benissa Market Snapshot – Q1 2026

Benissa continues to experience strong demand, particularly in areas such as:

• Benissa Costa
• La Fustera
• San Jaime
• Fanadix

Q1 2026 Benissa Statistics

• Average asking prices reached approximately €3.580/m²
• Annual price growth remains around 10%
• Premium coastal areas are approaching €5,000/m²
• Modern villas and renovated Mediterranean homes remain in particularly high demand

Strict planning regulations and limited new development continue to protect long-term property values in the area.

Moraira Market Snapshot – Q1 2026

Moraira remains one of the strongest luxury markets on the Costa Blanca.

Q1 2026 Moraira Statistics

• Average property prices are approximately €4,479/m²
• Premium areas such as El Portet regularly achieve €4,100–€5,200/m²
• Luxury villas with sea views continue attracting international cash buyers
• Property values have nearly doubled over the past decade in some prime locations

Moraira’s low-rise urban planning policies and limited building opportunities continue to create scarcity — one of the key reasons prices remain strong.

Why Prices Can Rise Even When Sales Volumes Fall

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings in real estate markets.

A decline in transaction numbers does not automatically mean prices are falling.

In fact, the current market dynamic in Benissa and Moraira looks like this:

This is often a sign of a market transitioning from a rapid growth phase into a more balanced and sustainable market.

International Buyers Still Drive the Market

One of the biggest reasons Costa Blanca North remains resilient is the strength of foreign demand.

International buyers continue arriving from:

• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Scandinavia

Many buyers are purchasing with cash, particularly in the higher-end market.

This gives Benissa and Moraira more protection from mortgage-market slowdowns compared to many domestic Spanish markets.

Lifestyle remains the key motivator:

• climate,
• sea views,
• outdoor living,
• remote working,
• safety,
• and long-term quality of life.

The Properties Selling Best in 2026

Not every property is performing equally.

The homes achieving the strongest results tend to be:

• modern villas,
• renovated Mediterranean homes,
• energy-efficient properties,
• homes with sea views,
• and properties within walking distance to amenities.

Buyers in 2026 want:

• move-in-ready homes,
• low maintenance,
• modern kitchens and bathrooms,
• outdoor entertaining areas,
• and strong legal documentation.

Properties needing major renovation or priced unrealistically are taking much longer to sell.

The Market Has Changed — Strategy Matters More

The days of simply listing a property and receiving multiple offers immediately are mostly gone.

Today, successful sales depend heavily on:

• realistic pricing,
• professional photography,
• video marketing,
• international exposure,
• and strong presentation.

Overpriced homes are often the properties remaining unsold for months — creating the impression that “the market is crashing,” even when quality homes continue selling successfully.

So, Is 2026 a Good Time to Sell?

For many owners in Benissa and Moraira, the answer is still yes.

Especially if:

• your property is in a prime location,
• it is well maintained,
• and it appeals to international lifestyle buyers.

Although transaction numbers have softened, the underlying fundamentals of the Costa Blanca North market remain strong:

• limited supply,
• strong international demand,
• protected coastal development,
• and continued interest in Mediterranean living.

The key in 2026 is not simply entering the market — it is positioning your property correctly.

Final Thoughts

The first trimester of 2026 confirms that the property market in Benissa and Moraira is evolving rather than collapsing.

Yes, transaction numbers have slowed compared to the boom years.

But prime properties continue to command strong prices because demand for quality homes on the Costa Blanca North remains exceptionally high.

For sellers who price strategically and market professionally, 2026 may still represent an excellent opportunity to sell successfully before market conditions shift again.