The Spanish property market continues to pick up in tourist hot spot areas, whilst other areas recorded falls in sales and between January and March 2013, 54,512 homes were sold.

The statistical results of the residential property transactions made ​​before a notary show that in the first quarter of 2013, 54,512 homes were sold in Spain, representing a drop of 21.5% from the first quarter of 2012.

Luxury Villa, Golden Mile, Marbella

In the last twelve months period April 2012-March 2013, residential real estate transactions made ​​before a notary totaled 348,715, representing an increase of 1.3% over the previous 12 months.

In relation to the territorial distribution of transactions, all regions recorded falls except for Murcia-year, with sales increasing 10.3%.

By provinces, four recorded annual increases, Alicante (10.5%), Murcia (10.3%), Almeria (7.9%) and Tarragona (6.6%). Among those with negative changes include Ávila, with decreases of 51.2%, Navarra (-49.5%), Soria (-48.5%), Salamanca (-45.6%) and Álava (-45.3 %).

With respect to the last 12 months, ten communities recorded growths, especially La Rioja, 12.7%; Aragon, 11.7% and Murcia and Valencia, with 10.8%. Meanwhile, eight communities and autonomous cities recorded declines, highlighting Navarra (-21.5%) and Cantabria (-14.5%).

With regard to the nationality of the buyer, the transactions made by foreign residents in Spainish real estate experienced growth for the seventh consecutive quarter, in particular by 5.0% from the first quarter of 2012, with 8,457 purchases.  Stresses that the percentage of all purchases made ​​by foreign residents amounted to 15.5%, the highest of the series.

By provinces, those with the highest number of purchases by foreign residents are Alicante (2,485), Malaga (992), Tenerife (771), Barcelona (652) and Almeria (471).