Europe is witnessing a growing shift towards cryptocurrency in high-end property transactions, with Spain emerging as the continent’s most active market for crypto-based real estate sales. At the start of 2025, an estimated 3% to 5% of European property listings accepted cryptocurrency as a form of payment. This translates to up to 2,000 properties, most of which fall into the luxury bracket with asking prices exceeding €1 million.
Spain is currently leading the trend. A surge in interest from overseas investors has driven up crypto-related transactions in the country’s property sector. In the first half of 2024, foreign nationals accounted for 20% of all residential property purchases in Spain, totalling approximately 69,000 sales. Many of these international buyers opted to use digital currencies.
Germany, Malta, and Portugal have also seen rising crypto-friendly property listings. These countries benefit from favourable regulatory environments that encourage property developers and agencies to adopt digital asset payments.
Industry experts cite cryptocurrency's international accessibility and low transaction fees as key advantages in high-value property deals. Crypto payments avoid costly currency conversions and allow for faster cross-border transfers. The introduction of stablecoins and secure crypto payment gateways has also helped mitigate price volatility.
The trend is not limited to real estate. Online retailers and eCommerce platforms are increasingly implementing crypto gateways to attract a broader customer base and reduce payment processing costs, especially when dealing with international clients.
Investment activity in the digital asset space continues to rise. In a recent move, fintech firm Janover invested over $10 million to acquire over 80,000 Solana (SOL) tokens as part of its broader digital treasury strategy.
Europe’s broader crypto adoption is also accelerating. Over 218 million users are projected to hold digital assets by the end of 2025, pushing the adoption rate above 26% across the region. Germany remains the leader in crypto uptake, with strong regulatory oversight providing much-needed stability to the sector.
Meanwhile, Malta’s early efforts to establish itself as a blockchain hub and the European Union’s ongoing regulatory framework have contributed to a more secure and structured crypto environment for businesses and investors.
With more countries observing Spain’s lead, the number of real estate listings accepting digital assets is expected to grow steadily. The integration of cryptocurrency in property transactions is becoming more than a niche trend, signalling a long-term shift in how real estate business is conducted across Europe.