Spain has long been popular with foreign purchasers looking to make a permanent move or searching for a second residence for holidays or investment. Over the past six years, the financial crisis affecting the whole world has taken its toll, causing a downturn in the number of non-Spanish buyers entering the property market, yet recent reports indicate that the Marbella area in particular is firmly back in favour. In 2012 foreigners bought 26,871 residential properties in Spain. Not only is that a big improvement on 2011 (12.7% increase), but it’s approaching the figures recorded at the peak of the market in 2006. Statistics have shown steadily increasing numbers since back in 2009 when prices really started to trough, but this is the first marked improvement seen for some time according to data analysed by Spanish Property Insight. However, there are some important differences between buyers now and those who were entering the market in 2006. British buyers still represent the lion’s share, signing for 4,469 homes or 22% of the total bought by European non-Spanish residents in 2012. Following close behind are the Scandinavians at 17%, Benelux buyers at 14%, French and Russians both at 13%, Germans at 10% and Italians at 7%. While British buyers are equally happy to buy resale properties or brand new homes, statistics compiled by the Real Estate Statistic Registry indicate that the majority of Dutch investors prefer new builds. Their information also shows a significant increase in those buying without mortgages. 
