Spain has numerous issues right now, many connected with restrictions on Airbnb-style short lets, and some protests against what locals see as excess numbers of tourists. But at least one builder says the country is back on the horizon as a property investment location.

The latest figures from Spanish property research body Tinsa show the construction industry strengthening. 

The firm’s July 2024 report shows that house prices have risen by 3% in the past year, jumping 0.7% between June to July alone. Most attention-grabbing, though, is the 16.4% increase in observed crane activity in May 2024, pointing to a busy summer of building.

Taylor Wimpey Espana has launched a string of new developments this year and claims British buyer reservations are up 12% year-to-date by August compared with the same period in 2023.

Tinsa shows prices have risen across the Balearic and Canary Islands by 8.6% in the past year, far outstripping the national average.

Right now, townhouses are proving popular on the island, according to the Taylor Wimpey España team, with buyers seeking homes embedded in the local community with a year-round appealing climate, close to the sea.

In Esporles, Mallorca, at the base of the Tramuntana Mountains, the new-builds at Es Voltar are priced from €755,000 plus VAT; each of the three-bedroom properties comes with a private garden and large, south-west facing terraces, while the houses share a communal pool. T

On the opposite side of the island, new-build three bed townhouses in Artà cost from €835,000 plus VAT and include a main bedroom with dressing area and private terrace. Buyers benefit from both private and communal gardens, along with a lovely shared pool.

The Costa Blanca, meanwhile, is known for its value. There, TWE new-build townhouses cost from €385,000 plus VATin Balcón de Finestrat, Alicante: they’re five kilometres from the beach and just two kilometres from the nearest golf course.

A company spokesperson says: “The first half of 2024 was very busy in terms of construction and new development launches and that pace is set to continue for the remainder of this year. This summer season in particular has seen notable demand from British buyers, who are seeking a diverse range of properties in the Spanish sunshine.”