While Spain’s property markets in major cities spiral ever upwards, a quiet but notable countertrend is brewing in Galicia—particularly in the medieval town of Tui. With houses as large as 150m² listed for as little as €75,000, this picturesque corner of Pontevedra is attracting attention from those seeking value, beauty, and a slower pace of life. So, what’s behind these surprising prices—and do they reflect broader trends in Spain’s real estate landscape?
A rare price point in a hot property market
Across much of Spain, the dream of home ownership has become increasingly out of reach. In Pontevedra province alone, it now takes nearly six years of gross salary to buy an average property—a sobering reminder of the widening affordability gap. Yet in Tui, the average price per square metre stands at just €1,017, with some homes selling for as low as €45,000.
By comparison, prices in nearby Vigo—the province’s largest city—hover around €1,800/m². That means a 150m² house in Tui could cost a third of what you’d pay just 30 minutes up the road. In a market where €75,000 barely secures a parking space in Barcelona, such figures are not just attractive—they’re astounding.
Why Tui? A convergence of value and lifestyle
Tui isn’t undiscovered, nor is it some remote inland village. It’s the capital of the comarca of O Baixo Miño, beautifully perched on the banks of the Miño River, with Portugal quite literally in sight. With a population of around 17,500, Tui offers urban convenience paired with rural tranquillity. Historical charm oozes from its cobbled streets, medieval cathedral, and sweeping fortress views.
The town is part of Spain’s ongoing rural revival, fuelled by improved digital connectivity, remote work culture, and a renewed appreciation for space and quality of life post-COVID. As Spanish urbanites grow weary of cramped flats and sky-high rents, places like Tui offer a new proposition: affordability without sacrifice.
The price-quality ratio is even more compelling given the type of homes available. In Tui, buyers can find structurally sound, often even habitable homes for well under six figures—and those willing to take on renovations unlock even greater bargains. These aren’t just shells waiting to collapse; they are properties with views, terraces, multiple floors, and serious potential.
Not just cheap, but historically undervalued
What’s more, Tui’s property prices actually declined over the past year—by 10.1% according to Idealista data. That bucks the national trend of rising prices, and likely reflects long-standing demographic and economic factors common to rural Galicia: ageing populations, youth migration, and low levels of external investment.
But one seller’s loss is another’s opportunity. Spain’s ‘emptying-out’ interior has created a pricing anomaly: homes with historic value and aesthetic appeal for less than a new car. This presents a window for early movers—before teleworking professionals, foreign retirees, and second-home hunters catch on en masse.
Is this sustainable—and what’s next?
Inevitably, the question arises: are these prices sustainable, or will demand soon outstrip supply? With only 8 of Tui’s currently listed 119 properties priced at or below €75,000, the pool of bargains is limited. If interest rises—especially from outside Galicia, or abroad—these low prices could disappear.
Still, Tui’s appeal isn’t limitless. For all its beauty, it lacks the job density and infrastructure of larger towns, which may deter younger buyers with school-age children or job needs that can’t be done remotely. And while property is cheap, renovations can be costly—particularly in heritage zones requiring careful restoration.
Nonetheless, for buyers disillusioned by Spain’s overheated urban markets, or foreigners dreaming of a European bolt-hole with a bit of old-world flair, Tui feels like a well-kept secret on borrowed time.
Conclusion: a medieval gem with modern potential
Tui exemplifies how regional housing markets in Spain are ripe for reevaluation—and perhaps reinvestment. As affordability continues to strain prospective homeowners in major cities, towns like Tui offer a compelling choice: not merely as budget alternatives, but as valuable lifestyle propositions with historical charm and untapped potential.
