PROPERTY SEARCH

Date Published: 19/02/2025

1 in 8 homes in Murcia are bought by companies as an investment opportunity

The Region of Murcia is now the autonomous community in Spain with the fourth highest rate of property investment by private enterprises

Murcia has long been a destination of interest for foreign property buyers, whether those who come to live in this quiet and sunny corner of Spain or those who buy a holiday home here to spend a few weeks of the year.

But recent statistics highlight a significant shift in Murcia’s real estate market towards a greater proportion of properties being purchased by companies as opposed to individuals.

While international buyers continue to play a major role, there has been a marked increase in home purchases by companies, accounting for 13.4% of all transactions in the Region.

This trend places Murcia among the top four Spanish regions where legal entities invest in residential properties, trailing only the Canary Islands, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

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From 2007 to 2024, nearly 43,000 homes were acquired by companies in Murcia, a period that spans from the pre-crisis housing boom to the present day. In contrast, individual buyers purchased around 275,000 properties in the same timeframe. The national average for corporate home purchases is 11.8%, underscoring Murcia’s above-average appeal for investment-driven acquisitions.

Why are companies investing in Murcia?

A combination of factors has contributed to this trend. The rising cost of homeownership, coupled with limited supply and tightening mortgage conditions, has made it increasingly difficult for local buyers, especially young people and low-income families, to get onto the property ladder.

Meanwhile, businesses, including investment firms, have seized opportunities presented by fluctuating property values and the long-term profitability of real estate holdings.

The growing interest of companies in Murcia’s housing market aligns with a broader trend observed since 2014, when corporate purchases began to gain momentum.

This investment surge suggests a strategic approach, with firms capitalising on the economic downturns and subsequent market recoveries to secure valuable assets.

For expats and foreign homeowners in Murcia, these trends present both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, increased corporate investment can drive up property values, benefiting those who already own homes in the Region.

On the other hand, these higher prices combined with the reduced availability of desirable properties may make it more challenging for new buyers to enter the market.

Despite this, the foreign homebuying market remains robust, with non-residents accounting for 27% of all purchases in the region. This figure highlights Murcia’s enduring appeal as a destination for second homes and investment properties.

Coastal and tourist-centric areas continue to attract international buyers, whereas inland regions see a predominance of domestic purchasers.

Interestingly, while foreign legal entities also participate in property investments, their share remains lower, at around 25%. This suggests that individual international buyers rather than corporate investors are the dominant force in Murcia’s foreign property market.

Also of interest: This is the surprise town in Murcia that is leading all of Spain in property price increases

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