Foreign Residents in 2026: Is Growth Slowing on the Costa Tropical?
Foreign residents in 2026 on the Costa Tropical: new data shows growth slowing in Granada Province after post-pandemic increases.
The presence of foreign residents in 2026 remains a defining feature of life along the Costa Tropical. From hillside urbanisations in Almuñécar to seafront developments in Playa Granada, international homeowners and long-term residents continue to shape the demographic profile of this part of Granada Province. The question now being asked locally is whether growth is continuing at the same pace seen in recent years — or beginning to slow.
According to the most recent official padrón figures published by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), Granada Province has a population of just over 920,000, with foreign nationals representing slightly above 10% of registered residents. On the Costa Tropical, that proportion is considerably higher.
Almuñécar, with a population of around 27,000, records foreign residents at close to 20% of the municipal total. Salobreña, home to just over 12,000 people, maintains a foreign share estimated at approximately 15%. Motril, the largest municipality on the coast with roughly 60,000 inhabitants, shows a lower percentage — between 8% and 10% — but in absolute numbers this still represents several thousand international residents.
Post-Pandemic Acceleration
Between 2021 and 2023, registrations of foreign residents increased noticeably across the Costa Tropical. Estate agents in Almuñécar reported strong demand from buyers in the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and Scandinavia. Remote working arrangements and lifestyle relocation trends contributed to annual growth rates in some coastal towns exceeding 5% during peak periods.
Property data reflected that movement. Average asking prices in parts of the Costa Tropical rose by more than 8% between 2022 and 2023, according to regional market reports. Rental supply tightened, particularly in Almuñécar and Salobreña, where long-term availability became a recurring concern for local workers.
By contrast, the most recent annual updates suggest that growth among foreign residents in 2026 is moderating. Municipal sources indicate increases closer to 1–2% year-on-year rather than the sharper rises seen earlier in the decade.
Stabilisation Rather Than Decline
The shift does not indicate a reduction in foreign presence. Instead, it suggests a period of stabilisation. Local town halls note that some recent registrations involve residents who had already been living part-time on the coast and are now formalising their status.
The composition of the foreign community remains predominantly European. British nationals continue to represent one of the largest groups in Almuñécar and surrounding areas, while German, French, Belgian and Scandinavian residents are well established across the Costa Tropical. In Motril, Moroccan nationals form a significant portion of the foreign population, reflecting agricultural and commercial ties.
For Granada Province, the economic implications remain substantial. International homeowners contribute to renovation projects, hospitality spending and year-round business activity. Restaurants, legal services and property agencies in coastal municipalities rely heavily on this demographic.
Local Impact and Housing Pressure
While overall numbers appear stable, housing remains a sensitive issue. In Almuñécar in particular, demand for both purchase and long-term rental properties has outpaced supply in certain neighbourhoods. Municipal officials have acknowledged the need to balance residential tourism, permanent settlement and affordability for local families.
At the same time, schools and healthcare services have adapted to a diverse population. Multilingual services are increasingly common, reflecting the embedded nature of foreign communities along the coast.
The Costa Tropical’s appeal — a mild climate, coastal landscape and proximity to the Sierra Nevada — remains unchanged. What appears to be evolving is the speed of demographic change. The rapid expansion seen immediately after the pandemic has eased into steadier, more predictable growth.
For towns such as Almuñécar, Motril and Salobreña, foreign residents in 2026 are no longer a new wave reshaping the coast overnight. They are an established part of Granada Province’s social and economic structure — and, at least for now, that structure looks stable rather than surging.
Ahmedabad