Moroccan Nationals Take Lead in Spanish Real Estate Purchases
In a significant development within the real estate sector, Moroccan buyers have overtaken British nationals as the leading foreign purchasers of property in Spain. Recent statistics from Spain's General Council of Notaries reveal that Moroccan citizens acquired an impressive 4,960 homes in the first half of 2026, compared to 4,541 homes purchased by British buyers. This marks a noteworthy shift in the dynamics of the foreign property market in Spain, where Moroccans now account for 8% of all foreign property acquisitions, edging slightly ahead of British nationals, who represent 7.3% of the market.
The demographic of Moroccan buyers is particularly interesting, with approximately 98.7% of them already residing in Spain, contrasting sharply with British buyers, of whom more than half were living abroad at the time of their purchases. This statistic underscores the increasing trend of Moroccan nationals investing in their host country's real estate, particularly in regions like Murcia, where they constituted a remarkable 36.1% of all property purchases made by foreign residents. Other regions where Moroccan buyers have made notable impacts include Navarra, La Rioja, and Aragon, alongside a significant presence in Andalusia, where they accounted for 19.4% of property transactions.
Despite this surge in Moroccan buying activity, the overall number of homes purchased by foreign nationals in Spain has seen a decline. A total of 62,327 homes were sold to foreign buyers during the first half of 2026, reflecting a 13% decrease compared to the same period last year. This downturn is particularly pronounced among buyers residing outside of Spain, whose purchases fell by 18%. Notably, British buyers have also reduced their activity, with transactions dropping by 21% compared to the first half of 2025. The average spending patterns reveal stark contrasts as well, with Moroccan buyers paying an average of €801 per square meter, while British buyers spent significantly more—averaging €2,730 per square meter. Meanwhile, American buyers topped the list, with an average expenditure of €3,948 per square meter.
The evolving landscape of foreign buyers in Spain reflects broader economic trends and changing preferences among international investors. As the market adapts, it remains to be seen how these shifts will influence property values and investment strategies in the coming months and years.
As reported by theolivepress.es.
