Buying a house in Dénia
Why Dénia is attractive, what it costs, which areas to choose and how to rent out your property.
Are you interested in buying a house or apartment in Dénia? On this page you read why it is interesting, what to look out for, how to find the best offers and what Dénia has to offer. Whether you buy to rent out, for your own use or both, Dénia is an attractive place to invest in an apartment, house or villa.
Why Dénia?
- A medium-sized town of about 49,000 inhabitants with all amenities, businesses and shops.
- Historic centre with colourful fishermen's houses, charming squares and an 11th–12th century castle.
- A culinary hotspot with many good restaurants in beautiful places: Dénia is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Tip: visit food hall Els Magazinos.
- A pleasant climate with mild winters and warm summers.
- A large marina with a pier full of cafés, restaurants and bars.
- Low price level for Northern Europeans – groceries, eating out and fuel are often around 30% cheaper than in the Netherlands.
- Long sandy beaches as well as rocky coves and cliffs.
- The Montgó massif, green valleys and orange groves around the town.
- A car-free shopping street with chain stores, delicatessens and boutiques.
- Between Valencia and Alicante airports – both just over an hour's drive.
- Great for hiking, cycling and day trips to Xàbia, Altea, Calpe and Benidorm – and lively in winter too.
Watch this drone video of Dénia.
What does a house in Dénia cost?
There is a house or apartment for almost every budget in Dénia.
| Type | Existing | New build |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment | from €70,000 | from €180,000 |
| House | from €200,000 | from €600,000 |
Price indications; actual prices depend strongly on location, condition and views.
What are good neighbourhoods?
One of the most important questions is which district suits your lifestyle – or your future guests. Read our area guide and this article about the neighbourhoods.
House offer & real estate agents
Several agencies in Dénia have years of experience and know the region inside out. They advise on the best areas (location, location, location), help you get an NIE number and guide you to notaries and lawyers. Tip: ask which services they offer before and after the purchase and how long they have been in the area.
View the housing offer in Dénia: Idealista (new homes) · Thinkspain (new homes) · HomeEspaña · SecondHome
Rental & returns
For many buyers renting out and earning a return is important; others look for a home for the summer or to spend the winter.
Return
The return depends on the occupancy rate and the increase in value. Take into account taxes on capital gains when you sell. In the past, a well-rented holiday home or apartment generated a return of about 5% to 10%.
Occupancy rate
- How unique is the property?
- What condition is it in and what facilities does it offer?
- The location relative to the beach, centre, port, sights, supermarket, nature and airport.
- How good you or your rental agent are at getting bookings.
Renting out
- You need a tourist rental licence (municipality, gestor, lawyer or rental agent) – it can take months.
- You pay tax yearly on rental income (expenses may be deducted).
- Get good reviews from day one – let family and friends stay first and review.
- Booking.com and Airbnb bring bookings but charge high commissions; a local agent or your own website and social media are alternatives.
Read about maximising your rental returns, and find property management and cleaning companies in Dénia.
Rental services, property management and cleaning
For rental services, cleaning and technical services contact for example Dénia All Services or Denia Dustbusters, or check all companies.
Buying tips
- A south- or east-facing garden or balcony for sun in winter.
- Stay within 3–4 km of the sea.
- Is the property photogenic enough to generate bookings?
- Which target group do you have in mind – do the rooms and facilities suit them?
- Can the air conditioner also heat? Is there room for a washer and dryer (important for winter rentals)?
- Going to live there? Rent first.
- Talk to several estate agents and find a reputable rental agent.
- Check the shade of the Montgó at your location, especially in winter.
- Join Facebook groups and visit the Second Home fair.
- Arrange financing before viewings – and always negotiate.
- Consider nuisances and risks: smells, noise, roads, padel courts, future construction, drought, flood risk and local regulations.
The “hello” test
English vloggers greeted strangers while walking through Dénia – and scored 100%: everybody greeted back.
Residents & nationalities
Dénia has about 49,000 residents – a number that multiplies in the tourist season. Besides Spaniards, Colombians, British and Germans are the largest groups: about 2,090 Colombians, 1,432 British, 1,400 Germans and 553 Dutch live and work in Dénia.
Articles, links & resources
- Denia.com – official tourism site
- Spanish News Today
- Neighbourhoods in Dénia
- House offer on Idealista
- House offer on Thinkspain
- Maximise rental profits
- Denia Connected (Facebook group)
- Invest in Spain
- Financing a Spanish mortgage
Frequently asked questions
How much does a house in Dénia cost?
Indicatively: existing apartments from around €70,000, new apartments from around €180,000, existing houses from around €200,000 and new houses from around €600,000.
What rental yield can you get in Dénia?
Historically a well-rented holiday home or apartment can return about 5% to 10% per year. It depends on occupancy, the condition and location of the property and how good you or your rental agent are at getting bookings.
Do I need a licence to rent out my house in Dénia?
Yes. You need a tourist rental licence, which you apply for at the municipality or through your gestor, lawyer or rental agent. It can take several months. Rental income is taxed yearly.