Senate Approves Tougher Anti-Squatter Measures, Boosting Confidence in Costa Blanca Real Estate

The Spanish Senate has officially approved new measures allowing authorities to cut electricity and water supplies to illegal occupiers, while also simplifying the legal process for property owners to reclaim their homes. The decision marks a major step forward for property security across the Costa Blanca and is expected to deliver significant economic benefits for the region.

The legislation addresses one of the most pressing concerns among homeowners, investors, and international buyers: the growing problem of squatting. By enabling utility companies to restrict services to illegally occupied properties and by creating a faster, more efficient eviction procedure, the new law is set to restore confidence in the housing market and strengthen long-term investment stability.

Real estate professionals across the Costa Blanca have long argued that uncertainty surrounding squatter removal discouraged foreign buyers, suppressed property values, and slowed down development projects. With the new measures, experts predict a notable rise in buyer confidence—particularly from northern European clients who previously viewed the issue as a major deterrent.

For local economies such as Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar, and the wider Vega Baja, the reforms could generate substantial gains. A more secure property environment typically encourages further purchases, renovations, and long-term residency, all of which stimulate construction, legal services, hospitality, retail, and tourism.

The Costa Blanca’s rental market is also expected to benefit. Landlords who were previously hesitant to offer long-term rentals due to fears of illegal occupation may now re-enter the market, increasing availability and stabilizing prices. This supports both residents seeking housing and investors looking for reliable returns.

Local businesses stand to gain as well. As property values strengthen and more buyers feel comfortable investing in the region, demand for home renovations, furnishings, maintenance, and real estate services is likely to rise. A secure and trustworthy housing sector contributes directly to sustained economic growth.

Overall, the Senate’s decision is widely viewed as a turning point for the Costa Blanca’s real estate landscape. By safeguarding homeowners and attracting renewed international interest, the reform promises to enhance the region’s image as a safe, stable, and high-value destination for living, investing, and doing business.

Costa Blanca Boosts Year-Round Tourism as Hotel Occupancy Surges to 77% in November

New data released this week shows that Benidorm and the wider Costa Blanca are successfully strengthening their push toward a year-round tourism model, with hotel occupancy climbing to 77% in November. This marks a significant rise from 69.1% during the same month last year, according to figures highlighted by Euro Weekly News.

The increase demonstrates that the region’s strategy to reduce reliance on the traditional summer season is paying off. More consistent tourism numbers throughout the year bring major benefits to the local economy, stabilising income for businesses, supporting long-term employment, and reducing the financial volatility often associated with seasonal tourism.

For the real estate market, the shift toward year-round visitation is especially positive. Sustained hotel occupancy correlates with higher demand for holiday rentals, long-stay accommodation, and second homes—particularly from northern European visitors seeking winter sun. This stability not only supports current property prices but also strengthens long-term investment prospects across coastal areas such as Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Torrevieja, and the Orihuela Costa.

Local businesses also stand to benefit as tourism spreads more evenly across the calendar. Restaurants, shops, theme parks, tour operators, and service providers gain a more predictable flow of customers, encouraging expansion and discouraging seasonal closures. This creates a more vibrant atmosphere year-round, further increasing the Costa Blanca’s appeal to both tourists and potential residents.

The rise in occupancy is also seen as a positive signal for developers and investors. A steady, dependable inflow of visitors makes the area more attractive for new hotel projects, mixed-use developments, and hospitality-based investments. With tourism performing strongly outside the summer months, confidence in long-term growth is rising.

Overall, the November figures reinforce the Costa Blanca’s position as one of Spain’s most resilient and adaptive tourism regions. By continuing to attract visitors beyond the peak season, the area is securing stronger economic stability, supporting local jobs, and enhancing property market value—ensuring the Costa Blanca remains a top destination for both travellers and investors.

Torrevieja Salt Exports Strengthen Local Economy and Boost Area’s Appeal

Torrevieja’s world-renowned salt industry is once again playing a key role in keeping the United Kingdom’s roads safe this winter, as thousands of tonnes of locally harvested salt are shipped north for de-icing. The city’s iconic salt flats—already the largest in Europe—continue to expand their economic footprint, offering promising implications for employment, investment, and the local property market.

Each year, more than 250,000 tonnes of Torrevieja salt are distributed across Spain and Europe to combat icy conditions. The product is a unique blend of Mediterranean marine salt and mineral salt sourced from the Pinoso mines, prized for its durability on road surfaces and its ability to stay in place without excessive dispersion.

This winter season is already well underway. Four cargo ships have departed the Port of Torrevieja bound for the UK, ahead of the peak demand in December and January. Shipments are expected to continue through early March as cold conditions persist across northern Europe.

NCAST, the company responsible for managing the bulk of the loading operations, has the capacity to transfer up to 450 tonnes per hour—reaching an impressive 5,000 tonnes per day. This efficiency is supported by a dedicated rail connection running directly from the salt mountains at the lakeside to the port, ensuring a smooth, high-volume supply chain.

The increase in winter demand also leads to a surge in local employment. Additional staff are brought in for overnight and seasonal shifts to handle the influx of vessels requiring rapid turnaround. Last December alone, 90,000 tonnes of salt were shipped—highlighting the scale of operations and the workforce needed to support them.

While Torrevieja salt is best known for its role in winter road safety across Europe, the product also reaches markets in the United States and Canada. Beyond de-icing, it is used for industrial purposes and in food production, including bread, meat, pasta, and sausage manufacturing.

The continued global demand for Torrevieja salt not only bolsters local business activity but also enhances the city’s economic stability—an attractive factor for investors and new residents alike. Increased port activity, job creation, and international visibility all contribute to strengthening the Torrevieja area, supporting long-term growth and further encouraging interest in the property market.