It has long lived in the shadow of the Costa del Sol, but Spain’s latest property figures suggest a lesser-known province could be emerging as one of Andalucia’s most promising markets.

While buyers continue to flock to Malaga, house prices in Huelva are now rising faster than anywhere else in the region – yet properties still cost a fraction of those on the Costa del Sol.

According to the latest house price index from idealista, asking prices in Huelva climbed 16.3% over the past year, the biggest increase of any provincial capital in Andalucia.

That compares with annual growth of 9.4% in Malaga, 8% in Almeria, 7.6% in Granada, 7.4% in Cadiz and 5.6% in Sevilla.

Yet despite the rapid growth, Huelva remains significantly more affordable.

The average asking price in the city now stands at just €1,697 per square metre, compared with €3,252/m2 in Cadiz and €2,643/m2 in Granada.

In Malaga, prices are considerably higher still and continue to rank among Spain’s most expensive major markets.

The latest figures come as Spain’s property market reached another record high, with the national average climbing 15.8% over the past year to €2,823 per square metre.

Idealista spokesman Francisco Inareta said the market is increasingly operating at ‘two speeds’.

‘The most affordable markets continue to post double-digit annual growth, while the largest markets are showing a clear trend towards price stabilisation,’ he said.

He added that rising prices in Spain’s biggest cities are beginning to deter some buyers, while encouraging more homeowners to put properties up for sale.

‘It is very likely that this trend of increasing supply and stabilising prices will continue over the coming months,’ he said.

‘It cannot be ruled out that by the end of the year we could even see price falls in some of Spain’s largest markets.’

For buyers and investors, that could make Huelva an increasingly attractive proposition.

With prices still well below many of Spain’s established hotspots but annual growth among the strongest in Andalucia, the province is beginning to attract attention as a market with greater room for future appreciation than some of the country’s more mature coastal destinations.

Whether Huelva can maintain that momentum remains to be seen, but the latest data suggests it is one of Spain’s property markets to watch over the coming years.

Why Huelva?

The Costa de la Luz offers long sandy beaches, protected natural areas and a quieter atmosphere than the Costa del Sol.

Huelva resorts such as Punta Umbria, El Rompido, Islantilla and Isla Canela have become increasingly popular with both Spanish and international buyers.

The province is home to Donaña National Park, one of Europe’s most important wetlands, making it attractive to people seeking outdoor activities, birdwatching and a slower pace of life.

Road links have improved significantly over the past two decades, and there have been continued investments in the port, renewable energy and industrial sectors, supporting the local economy.