For many French people, Spain remains the ideal destination for investing: geographical proximity, pleasant climate, lower cost of living and advantageous taxation depending on the profile. But the postcard image has a price. In Madrid, Barcelona or on the islands, prices well exceed 3,000 euros per square meter in certain areas. Enough to deter modest budgets or first-time investors. However, a few hours drive from major cities, the real estate market tells a completely different story.
A study published by Idealistathe leading real estate platform in Southern Europe, uses data from its 2024 price report to identify the cheapest municipalities in Spain. The ranking highlights cities where the square meter remains below 400 euros, a threshold that seems almost unreal. At this price level, an 80 m² apartment can be purchased for around 30,000 euros. Even in certain French rural areas, it has become difficult to find properties at this price.
Several municipalities stand out with prices between 350 and 400 euros per square meter. Alcaudete de la Jara, in the province of Toledo, is around 357 euros. Vilamarín, in Galicia, costs around 375 euros. Vélez-Blanco, in the province of Almería, remains just under 400 euros. These cities share one thing in common: they are far from major tourist areas and major economic centers, which explains lower valuations but also interesting potential for those looking for a low-cost second home or a long-term rental investment.
But another city particularly stands out. According to the data analyzed, the municipality with the lowest average price in the country is none other than Almadén, in the province of Ciudad Real, approximately 1.5 hours by car from the large city of Córdoba. With a price of only 344 euros per square meter, it tops the national ranking. For a French investor, this means that a 100 m² house can be purchased for around 34,000 euros, excluding additional costs. An amount which, in France, barely corresponds to a personal contribution. And don’t think that Almadén is just a village bathed in sunshine with nothing at all. There is a football stadium, a children’s park, a small hospital, two supermarkets and several restaurants.
Moreover, the phenomenon is not limited to a few isolated municipalities. Other municipalities maintain averages below 450 euros per square meter, notably in the provinces of Córdoba, Palencia, León or Badajoz. The differences with major Spanish cities are spectacular, and even more so with French prices. Something to think about.
