While the price per square meter in Spain continues to steadily climb, making it increasingly challenging for prospective buyers, the autonomous community of La Rioja offered a real surprise in 2025. Amid general price hikes, one municipality stood out, not only freezing its prices but making them remarkably low. We’re talking about the town of Alfaro, located in the Rioja Baja subregion. Here, it is entirely possible to buy an apartment of over one hundred square meters for just β¬47,000. A simple calculation shows the average price per square meter in this area is about β¬713, which seems almost fantastic compared to the regional average of β¬1,394.
This pricing phenomenon becomes even more apparent when looking at the bigger picture. Over the past year, housing prices in La Rioja have risen by an average of 3.8%. In the administrative center, LogroΓ±o, the price per square meter has reached β¬1,912, and in popular suburbs such as Lardero or Villamediana de Iregua, prices have confidently surpassed β¬1,400. Alfaro, however, has firmly established itself as the most affordable place to purchase property. For example, a three-bedroom apartment with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom in a building without an elevator is on the market for the aforementioned β¬47,000. Calculating the price of this particular property, the cost per square meter drops to β¬451, clearly illustrating the gap between Alfaro and the rest of the region.
However, the appeal of this place goes beyond affordable real estate. Alfaro boasts a strategic location at the confluence of the Ebro and Alhama rivers, right on the border with Navarra. It is a peaceful town with a population of less than 10,000, rich winemaking traditions, and impressive architectural heritage, making it even more attractive for relocation. The local vineyards, which are part of the prestigious D.O.Ca. Rioja appellation, cover nearly 4,000 hectares, underscoring the town’s important role in the wine industry. The symbol of Alfaro is the Cathedral Church of San Miguel, whose roofs are home to a famous colony of white storks, while the historic center, with its red-brick MudΓ©jar-style mansions, creates a unique atmosphere.
Adding to the cultural treasures is a unique Roman nymphaeum, located by the banks of the Alhama River. This archaeological site, declared a site of cultural interest, preserves traces of the ancient settlement Graccurris and blends seamlessly into the urban landscape. For nature lovers, the nearby Los Sotos del Ebro reserve offers stunning scenery and recreational opportunities. Thus, the combination of low prices, high quality of life, and rich historical and cultural surroundings makes Alfaro one of the most attractive options on the market in 2025. At a time when buying a home is becoming an increasingly difficult task for many families, this Riojan town appears as a true safe haven amid the stormy sea of rising prices.
