Where British Expats Choose to Live in Spain: Most Popular Location 2025

Chipiona, a coastal town in Cádiz province, has been identified as the preferred Spanish destination for British expats according to YouGov research. This presents a significant opportunity for property investors seeking undervalued markets with strong fundamentals.

The town’s selection reflects key investment drivers: a strategic location, transport connectivity, and growing international recognition, while maintaining price accessibility.

Investment Case for Chipiona

Location fundamentals are strong. Chipiona sits on the Costa de la Luz with direct access to major economic centres. Transport infrastructure includes:

– 35km to Jerez Airport – international connectivity

– 50 minutes to Cádiz – provincial administrative centre

– 75 minutes to Seville – regional economic hub

This connectivity supports both rental demand and property liquidity.

Market Positioning

Chipiona offers value relative to established coastal markets. Whilst Costa del Sol properties command premium pricing, Chipiona provides similar lifestyle benefits at lower entry points.

The town maintains authentic Spanish character – a key attraction for long-term expat residents seeking cultural immersion rather than resort living.

Key Assets Supporting Property Values

– Spain’s tallest lighthouse (62m) – tourist draw

– Historic religious sites – stable visitor base

– Proximity to Doñana National Park – environmental appeal

– Year-round climate – extended rental seasons

Rental Market Analysis

Rental demand exhibits distinct seasonal patterns, with occupancy rates of 8-10 months for quality properties. British expat influx creates year-round baseline demand, whilst European tourists drive summer premiums of 40-60% above winter rates.

Market segments reveal clear preferences:

– Beachfront apartments (0-200m) – €800-1,200/month winter, €1,400-2,000/month summer

– Historic centre properties – €600-900/month long-term, favoured by permanent residents

– Transport-adjacent locations – €700-1,100/month, targeting remote workers needing airport access

Long-term rental yields average 6-8% gross for well-positioned properties. The 35% British expat population creates a stable demand base, reducing typical coastal market volatility seen in pure tourism destinations.

Local economic activity benefits from expat spending, supporting broader property market stability.

Local economic activity benefits from expat spending, supporting broader property market stability.

Investment Timing

Market recognition is building but has not yet reached saturation. Early positioning enables investors to capture value before the broader market’s discovery drives prices higher.

Current factors favouring investment timing:

– Infrastructure established – no development waiting periods

– International awareness growing – demand building

– Price points accessible – reasonable entry costs

– Authentic character intact – sustainable appeal

Risk Factors

Standard coastal property risks apply, including seasonal demand fluctuations, regulatory changes affecting foreign ownership, and currency exposure for UK-based investors.

Mitigation strategies include focusing on year-round rental appeal through proximity to business centres rather than relying solely on tourism.

Market Outlook

British expat preference for Chipiona indicates potential for broader European interest. Historical patterns show UK property preferences often precede wider international adoption in Spanish markets.

Property investors should monitor rental yield trends, local planning permissions for development, and transport infrastructure improvements that could accelerate market maturation.

Chipiona represents an emerging opportunity where British expats choose to live in Spain, offering property investors access to a growing market before it becomes widely known.