“What if we just bought a piece of land in Spain and built our own little world?”
Maybe you’ve felt that same pull. The idea of owning your own finca, breathing clean country air, growing your own food, or even creating a small B&B or camper spot to bring in some income.
This is the story of how we made the leap — and how you can too.
💡 Step 1: Know What You’re Looking For
Spain is full of beautiful, affordable land — but not all fincas are created equal.
Ask yourself:
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Do I want something ready to move into or a fixer-upper?
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Do I need water and electricity, or am I open to off-grid living?
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Am I buying just for me, or do I want to rent it out or build a small business?
We were looking for about 5,000–10,000m² of land where we could grow food, maybe host a few guests, and be near a town but still feel isolated. That narrowed our search quickly.
📍 Step 2: Choose Your Region Wisely
Spain has everything from lush green hills to dry desert plains. Each region has its own vibe, cost, and legal quirks.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Region | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Andalusia | Warm, rustic, affordable. Great for off-grid living. |
| Valencia & Alicante | Coastal, sunny, vibrant expat scene. Some areas more expensive. |
| Murcia | Still affordable, lots of land available, close to coast. |
| Catalonia | Mountains, forests, and culture. Higher prices, stricter regulations. |
| Extremadura | Hidden gem. Quiet, fertile land, low prices. |
We went with Murcia — it had the right balance of price, sun, land availability, and fewer restrictions.
📋 Step 3: Understand the Paperwork
Here’s where many people give up — but don’t worry, it’s doable.
✅ You’ll need a NIE number (foreigner ID in Spain).
✅ The land must be legally registered (check the registro de la propiedad).
✅ Make sure the land is rustic (rústico) or urbanizable if you plan to build.
✅ Work with a local lawyer or gestor to avoid surprises.
We found a local fixer who helped us navigate it all for under €500 — worth every cent.
🛠️ Step 4: Make It Yours
Once we had the keys (and the paperwork signed), the real fun began.
We cleared paths, set up a solar panel, and pitched a yurt as a temporary shelter. We planted herbs, fixed a stone wall, and built an outdoor shower from salvaged materials.
Later, we added a small wooden cabin and opened it up to guests on weekends.
One camper turned into two. Then a couple asked if they could stay for a week.
That’s when FincaStay was born.
💬 Final Thoughts
Buying land or a rural home in Spain isn’t just for the rich or retired.
With the right mindset, some patience, and a bit of hustle, anyone can do it.
Whether you want a quiet place to escape or a finca that pays for itself through rentals, the dream is possible — and we’re here to help.
👉 Browse listings, tips, and real-life stories at FincaStay
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