Population Trends

Alhendín has experienced steady and significant population growth in recent decades. In 1981 it was a small village of just over 3,100 residents, but by 2024 the population had risen to about 10,400 inhabitants according to Alhendín population statistics. This upward trend accelerated in the 2000s; for example, the town nearly doubled from 4,578 people in 2001 to 7,580 in 2011 as reported in population data from CityPopulation.de. Growth has continued in the last decade as well – between 2012 and 2022 Alhendín’s population jumped by 28.3%, the largest increase of any municipality in Granada province according to Granada Digital’s analysis of aging trends. This reflects Alhendín’s emergence as a popular place to live, likely due to its proximity to Granada city and availability of new housing. Today the town has just over 10,000 residents and climbing, indicating an increasing population trend rather than stagnation or decline as noted on Wikipedia and CityPopulation.de.

Demographics

The demographic profile of Alhendín skews younger than many parts of rural Spain. The average age is around 38 years according to the Institute of Statistics and Cartography of Andalusia, and families with children are common. About 25% of residents are under 20 years old, while only roughly 11% are over 65 based on the same source. This means Alhendín has a large working-age and youth population, in contrast to the aging populations of some nearby villages. Household structures tend to be family-oriented – for instance, most homes are 3-4 bedroom houses (chalets) of 150–200 m², often with private gardens as shown in Fotocasa’s property listings. This suggests the typical residents are families (often with children) or middle-aged homeowners seeking more space. The community’s growth in recent years has been driven by young families moving in, keeping the population demographics relatively balanced and vibrant.

Real Estate Market Liquidity

Housing demand in Alhendín is robust, which contributes to healthy market liquidity. While exact “days on market” figures are not published for the town, local realtors indicate that homes in similar Spanish locales tend to sell in roughly 3–6 months on average according to Fotocasa market data. Alhendín’s situation appears favorable to sellers – as of early 2025 only about 82 properties were listed for sale in the entire town according to Indomio’s real estate market analysis, a modest inventory given a population over 10k. This limited supply, combined with rising demand, implies that well-priced properties are moving at a steady pace. Indeed, the recent surge in prices (see below) suggests many buyers are actively competing for homes, which naturally shortens sale times. The market is active and fairly liquid, especially for the more sought-after family houses; sellers can generally find buyers without excessive delay, and buyer interest remains strong in this growing suburban market.

Housing Prices and Trends

Property values in Alhendín have been climbing rapidly, making it one of the hottest real estate markets in the Granada area. As of late 2024, the average asking price for homes was around €1,250 per square meter, which marked roughly a 10% increase within that year according to Indomio’s market data. By early 2025, some sources report prices have surged even higher – up about 36.6% year-on-year – reaching an average of approximately €2,149/m² for resale homes in February 2025 as reported by Granada Hoy’s analysis of metropolitan housing prices. (This figure is elevated partly because most properties on offer are larger single-family houses, which generally carry higher total prices.) In short, Alhendín’s price trend is sharply upward, reflecting intense demand as more people seek housing here.

• General price level: Typical family houses in Alhendín now often cost in the mid to high hundreds of thousands of euros. One market analysis puts the overall average property price around €317,000 (≈€1,371/m²) according to ThinkSpain’s area guide, though that includes some high-end new builds. Another estimate focusing on houses (chalets) finds an average around €243,000, with a price range for 80% of houses between ~€88K and €608K as reported by RealAdvisor’s March 2025 price analysis. The average price per m² for houses is about €1,180 (lower than the figure for smaller apartments, which is ~€1,570/m²) according to the same source. This means buyers pay a bit less per meter for a spacious house than for a small apartment, since houses come with more space and often land.

• Houses in the €80k–€170k range: Despite rising averages, homes in the €80,000 to €170,000 price bracket do exist in Alhendín – these tend to be either smaller/older village houses or properties that may need some updating. In the lower end (~€80–100k), one can find older “to reform” houses or basic townhomes, often requiring renovation to modern standards as shown in Idealista’s listings of properties needing renovation. These typically offer a modest size or are in less prime locations (e.g. in the town center with no yard), but can be bargains for investors willing to refurbish. Several fixer-upper homes are on the market starting around €50–60k according to the same source, indicating that sub-€100k opportunities are available albeit likely in need of work. In the mid range (≈€120–170k), buyers can find standard habitables such as a modest 3-bedroom townhouse or a small semi-detached home that may be a decade or two old. For example, in Alhendín’s more affordable neighborhoods, prices average around €950/m² according to Indomio’s market data – at that rate, a 120 m² house could list for roughly €115k. At the €150k+ level, one might get a well-kept 3-bedroom family home or a newer built duplex on the smaller side. Overall, €170k is roughly the cutoff of the “mid-market” in Alhendín – properties above this tend to be larger modern chalets with 4+ bedrooms. Given the recent appreciation, buyers in the €80–170k range should act diligently; this segment is somewhat competitive as it’s the entry point for many local families, yet it’s still below the town’s median house price, so demand is high for reasonably priced homes.

• Price trajectory: The past year has seen remarkable appreciation in Alhendín. According to Fotocasa’s index, the town was among the fastest-growing markets in the metro Granada area: prices jumped ~36.6% from Feb 2024 to Feb 2025 as reported in Granada Hoy’s analysis. This outpaces even the capital – in fact, Alhendín’s per-square-meter prices are now comparable to, or even slightly above, some parts of Granada city. (One report put Alhendín at €2,149/m² vs. ~€2,044/m² in nearby Ogíjares and ~€1,830/m² average in Granada city in early 2025 according to Granada Hoy and Trovimap’s price trends.) Such growth underscores a strong investment potential, but also signals that the market has heated up very quickly. For buyers, it means property values are on the rise, potentially yielding good capital gains over time, while sellers are benefiting from significant price increases. Going forward, this trend might moderate, but current indicators show high confidence in Alhendín real estate.

Tourist Accommodation

Alhendín is not a major tourist destination, so local accommodation options are limited. There are only a handful of lodgings in town, mainly small rural guesthouses or self-catering villas. For example, TripAdvisor lists just one B&B/inn in Alhendín (La Casa de Las Flores) which reviewers describe as a rural holiday home with a pool that can be rented by families or groups. There is also a modest hostel and a few vacation rental homes, but no large hotels within the town proper. Due to this limited selection, visitors to the area often stay in nearby Granada city (just a 15-minute drive) where there is a full range of hotels from budget to luxury according to Trivago’s hotel comparison. Alhendín does attract some rural tourism – for instance, travelers looking for a quiet countryside stay with easy access to Granada might rent a villa here. Niche booking sites show a few “casas rurales” (country cottages) available around Alhendín, with rates around €25-30 per person/night in such accommodations as listed on TusCasasRurales.com. Overall, tourist occupancy is sporadic and seasonal; the town is not heavily frequented by tourists, so short-term rental demand is moderate. However, the popularity of Granada and the nearby Nevada shopping mall in Armilla means a spillover effect – on peak dates some tourists might seek lodging in Alhendín when city hotels fill up. In summary, tourism is not a primary driver of the property market in Alhendín, but there is a small presence of holiday homes and B&Bs catering to those who do visit.

Property Occupancy and Vacancy

Alhendín’s housing stock includes a notable proportion of vacant homes, a legacy of Spain’s construction boom and bust in the late 2000s. According to the 2011 census, fully 31.1% of dwellings in Alhendín were vacant (about 1,443 empty homes out of ~4,640 total) as reported by Granada Hoy’s analysis of empty housing. This was one of the highest vacancy rates in the country, a reflection of rapid development that outpaced demand during that era. Many new houses and apartments built in the 2000s remained unsold or unused when the market crashed, leaving a glut of empty properties.

In the years since, this situation has gradually improved. The strong population growth over the last decade (with thousands of new residents moving in) has helped absorb some of that excess housing. Many previously empty units have been sold or rented to incoming families. Nonetheless, Alhendín likely still has a higher-than-average vacancy rate. Some properties remain unoccupied or in disrepair, especially older homes in the town center or unfinished developments on the outskirts. For example, real estate listings show several abandoned or dilapidated houses being sold “as-is” for renovation on Idealista – these are structures that have sat vacant and now present opportunities for rehab projects. It’s not uncommon to see a few boarded-up houses or idle construction sites around, although these are becoming fewer as the town grows into its new homes.

Current estimates of occupied vs. vacant units aren’t officially published, but local officials have acknowledged the issue of empty housing from the past boom. The majority of properties are now occupied (either as primary or secondary residences), given that Alhendín’s population has caught up with much of its housing capacity. Still, a significant minority of homes (perhaps 15–20%) could remain vacant or used only occasionally (e.g. as weekend homes). The prevalence of visibly abandoned buildings is low, confined mostly to a few rural cortijos (farmhouses) and some isolated unfinished structures. In summary, while occupancy has improved since the 2010s, Alhendín started with a large surplus of housing, and a portion of that stock remains under-utilized – something that investors might see as an opportunity (to refurbish and resell) and the town sees as a challenge to fully integrate into the community.

New Construction and Developments

Despite the earlier oversupply, new construction has restarted in Alhendín, signaling renewed confidence in the local market. A notable project underway is the “Ecovillas” development by Aldaba Homes, a set of modern eco-friendly houses in the Los Llanos area of Alhendín. This project features brand new terraced houses with 3–4 bedrooms, each including private outdoor space (patio/terrace and even a multi-use basement) and energy-efficient design. The location is strategically chosen – the site is just 5 minutes from Alhendín’s center and near the Armilla Air Base, with quick access to the A-44 motorway according to Aldaba Homes’ project description and Habitania’s listing. Units in Ecovillas are being marketed from around €235,000–€300,000, depending on size (3-bedroom or 4-bedroom models) as shown in Idealista’s new development listings. This indicates that developers anticipate demand for higher-end homes in the area. Construction is ongoing (as of 2024/25) and some phases are already selling, which suggests a healthy interest from buyers even at these premium price points.

Beyond Ecovillas, other smaller developments and infill projects are present. The town council has approved building licenses for a few new urbanizations in recent years, though on a much smaller scale than the pre-2008 boom. At the moment, only one official new housing promotion is active in Alhendín (the Ecovillas mentioned) according to Pisos.com’s new development listings, highlighting that new construction is cautious but present. In the broader metropolitan area around Alhendín, there are more projects (for example, new apartment blocks in Armilla or La Zubia), but within Alhendín the focus is on single-family homes to attract families seeking suburban living.

The fact that new builds are happening again is an encouraging sign: it shows developers consider Alhendín a viable market for investment. The town is likely benefitting from infrastructure improvements (like the Granada Metro extension nearby and highway upgrades) and the spillover of people from the city looking for houses with land. Prospective buyers in Alhendín can thus choose between second-hand homes (often cheaper and more plentiful) and a limited selection of brand-new houses with modern amenities. The latter can be attractive for those who want turnkey properties, though they come at a higher price. Overall, new construction is modest but active, keeping the local real estate landscape dynamic.

Comparison with Nearby Towns

Alhendín is part of the “Cinturón” (belt) of towns around Granada city, and its real estate market shares many similarities with its neighbors, while also showing some unique strengths. When comparing property prices and demand in Alhendín to nearby municipalities, a few points stand out:

• Competitive pricing vs. Granada city: Homes in Alhendín are still somewhat more affordable than in Granada capital. On average, per-square-meter prices are about 10–15% lower than the city according to Trovimap’s price analysis, which is a big reason buyers look here. For instance, as of early 2025 Granada’s average was around €1,780 €/m², whereas Alhendín’s average was reported around €1,557 €/m² (TroviMap data). This gap means you get a bit more space for your money in Alhendín. However, the gap has narrowed recently due to faster growth in the suburbs.

• One of the priciest suburbs: Within Granada’s metro area, Alhendín has quickly moved into the upper tier of property values. It is now ranked the 19th most expensive municipality in the province (out of 168) according to Trovimap’s market ranking, putting it ahead of many other towns. In fact, Alhendín’s average prices are comparable to close-by towns like Ogíjares or La Zubia, which are traditionally highly sought-after. Ogíjares, just 3 km away, has a price around €2,044/m² and La Zubia about €2,118/m² as reported by Granada Hoy – very close to Alhendín’s ~€2,150. Meanwhile, Las Gabias (another neighboring town) is a bit cheaper at roughly €1,753/m² and Cúllar Vega (slightly further west) averages €1,731/m² according to the same source. These differences reflect each town’s connectivity and amenities: Ogíjares and La Zubia are directly adjacent to the city, while Las Gabias and Cúllar Vega are a bit more peripheral. Alhendín’s strong demand has put it on par with the closest-in suburbs in terms of pricing.

• Demand drivers: Like its neighbors, Alhendín appeals to those seeking a balance of tranquility and accessibility. What sets it apart is the immediate highway access (being along the A-44) and relatively short drive to central Granada, plus the presence of local services. A recent analysis noted that Alhendín is seen as “an attractive area for those looking for peace but proximity to services,” with good bus connections and quick routes to the Circunvalación (ring road) and highway according to Granada Hoy. This is very similar to Ogíjares’ appeal (excellent location) and La Zubia’s (quiet but well-connected). All these towns have benefited from people priced out of Granada or seeking larger homes. Notably, six metro towns (including Alhendín) saw over 30% yearly price growth recently according to Granada Hoy’s analysis – indicating a widespread boom in the suburban market, not just an isolated spike in Alhendín.

• Investment potential: Because Alhendín’s market has grown so fast, investors might wonder if it still has upside compared to nearby towns. In terms of rental demand, being a small town, it’s not as strong as city center or student areas, but families and professionals do rent here for the right property. Yields might be comparable across the suburbs. Price-wise, some of Alhendín’s neighbors started from a lower base and could catch up (for example, Pinos Puente is much cheaper at ~€895/m² according to Granada Hoy and saw a 30% jump, suggesting more room to grow). However, Alhendín’s advantages (modern housing stock, infrastructure) mean it will likely remain in high demand. It has essentially joined the ranks of the top suburban markets. The fact that Armilla, an older suburb with a big mall and metro service, has prices around €1,800/m² according to Idealista’s price report (slightly below Alhendín’s latest figures) is telling – Alhendín has rapidly caught up due to its newer developments and quality of life.

In summary, Alhendín compares very favorably with nearby towns on both price and demand. It offers similar or better value than the most expensive suburbs and has experienced one of the fastest growth rates in the region according to Granada Hoy’s analysis. For an investor or homebuyer, this town stands out as a dynamic, up-and-coming area within the Granada metro. While it’s no longer a bargain secret (prices have risen a lot), it still provides more house for the money than Granada city proper, and the continuing interest in all the belt towns should keep values strong. Alhendín’s nearest competitors for investment (Ogíjares, La Zubia, etc.) all share the rising tide, but Alhendín’s combination of available land, new housing, and local amenities could position it for sustained growth relative to others.

Outlook: Buying Property in Alhendín

Given the above factors, the prospects for buying property in Alhendín appear quite positive. The town offers a blend of livability and investment potential: a growing, youthful population, a family-friendly environment with spacious homes, and surging property values driven by demand. For residential buyers, Alhendín provides a high quality of life – it’s close to Granada but retains a small-town feel, with schools, shops, and parks that cater to families. The large number of owner-occupiers and new residents indicates a thriving community rather than a depopulating village.

From a financial perspective, those who purchased homes a few years ago have seen substantial appreciation, and the trend is still upward according to Granada Hoy’s price analysis. Home prices are rising in tandem with the broader metro expansion, suggesting that a property bought now could gain value as Granada’s suburbanization continues. There is also opportunity to find value in the market’s niches – for example, picking up a vacant/old house at a lower price and renovating it could yield a good return, given the shortage of move-in-ready homes under €100k. The presence of many vacant units (a remnant of the last boom) may actually be a boon for savvy buyers: these properties can sometimes be acquired below market value and brought back to use, in a town where new housing is now in demand.

However, it’s worth noting that current prices are notably higher than they were even one year ago, so an investor should consider the possibility that such rapid growth may level off. The market is no longer “undiscovered” – Alhendín is on the radar, as evidenced by new construction and its top-20 provincial price ranking according to Trovimap. Thus, while further gains are expected with the area’s development (especially as infrastructure like the extended metro or new businesses come online), the era of rock-bottom prices is over. Buying in Alhendín today is buying into a strong, accelerating market, with all the pros and cons that entails. On the positive side, you join a growth trajectory (both in community and value); on the cautionary side, you must budget for the higher price point and compete with other buyers who have similarly recognized the town’s appeal.

In conclusion, Alhendín offers a compelling case for real estate investment and comfortable living. The population is rising and skewing young, supporting housing demand for years to come. The housing market is active and characterized by quick sales and climbing prices, particularly for the spacious family homes that define the town. While tourism is not a key factor here, the local economy is tied to the Granada metro, which is expanding. There remains a stock of underutilized properties from the past that can be transformed, and new developments signal future growth. Compared to nearby towns, Alhendín holds its own or outperforms on many metrics, making it one of the most promising locales in the Granada area for buyers. Whether one is looking for a home to live in or a property to rent out or resell, the town’s trajectory suggests solid long-term prospects – backed by both statistical trends and the tangible buzz of a community on the rise, as noted by Granada Digital and Granada Hoy.