What are the costs of buying a property on the Costa Blanca?

Buying a property in Spain involves additional costs that vary depending on whether you are purchasing a new-build property from the developer (new build) or a resale property (second-hand).

New-build properties

1. VAT (IVA) – 10%

   • Applies to newly built apartments, villas, and houses.

   • For commercial properties or building plots, VAT is generally 21%.

2. Stamp Duty (AJD) – 1.5% in the Valencian Community

   • This is a tax applied to newly signed public deeds registered with a notary.

3. Notary and Land Registry fees – approx. €1,000 – €2,500

   • The final amount depends on the property value and complexity of the transaction.

4. Legal fees – approx. 1%

   • Hiring an independent lawyer is highly recommended to verify the documentation and ensure a secure purchase process.

5. Sworn translation – approx. €200 – €500 (optional)

   • Required if you do not speak Spanish and need official translation support.

Total additional costs: approximately 13% of the property price

Resale properties

1. Property Transfer Tax (ITP) – 10%

   • Instead of VAT, buyers purchasing a resale property in the Valencian Community pay ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales).

2. Notary and Land Registry fees – approx. €1,000 – €2,500

   • Similar costs apply as with new-build properties.

3. Legal fees – from approx. €1,500 depending on the property value

   • A lawyer can check that the property has no outstanding debts, legal issues, or irregularities.

4. Certificate confirming no outstanding community fees – approx. €50 – €200

   • This confirms that the seller is up to date with homeowners association payments.

Total additional costs: approximately 13% of the property price

Additional costs to consider (for all properties)

• Mortgage costs (if financing is required) – Possible bank-related expenses, such as mortgage fees and administrative costs.

• Ongoing ownership costs after purchase – Annual property tax (IBI), utilities, community fees, and home insurance.

When buying a property on the Costa Blanca, it is important to consider that purchase costs are usually around 13% of the property price.

If you are looking for a property in Alicante, Costa Blanca, or need help understanding the full buying process in Spain, feel free to contact me. I will be happy to assist you.

Selling a property in Spain requires preparing several important documents. Below is a list of the most commonly required documents for a smooth transaction.

1. Escritura Pública (Property Deed)

The official notarial deed confirming ownership of the property. It can be an Escritura de Compraventa (purchase deed) or another ownership document, for example, a document confirming inheritance.

2. Nota Simple

An official document obtained from the Registro de la Propiedad (Land Registry) confirming the legal status of the property, including:

• Current owner details
• Property description
• Possible charges or restrictions, such as mortgages, debts, or other encumbrances

3. Certificado de Eficiencia Energética (Energy Efficiency Certificate)

A mandatory certificate showing the property’s energy consumption and efficiency rating. It is required when selling a property in Spain.

4. Identification Documents

Documents required to complete the transaction:

• Spanish ID card (DNI) for Spanish citizens
• Foreigner Identification Number (NIE – Número de Identificación de Extranjero) for non-Spanish owners
• Passport or other valid identification document

5. Latest Utility Bills and Property Tax Documents

The seller should provide:

• IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) – local property tax receipt confirming payment
• Latest water, electricity, and gas bills – required for transferring utility contracts to the new owner
• Community fees (Gastos de Comunidad) – if the property belongs to a homeowners’ association

6. Certificado de Deuda Cero (Certificate of No Outstanding Community Debts)

If the property is part of a homeowners’ association, this certificate confirms that all community fees have been paid and there are no outstanding debts.

7. Mortgage Documentation (if applicable)

If the property has an existing mortgage, the seller may need:

• A bank certificate confirming the outstanding balance or repayment
• Documentation confirming mortgage cancellation or transfer arrangements

8. Preliminary Sales Agreement (Optional – Contrato de Arras Penitenciales)

A private purchase agreement where the buyer pays a deposit and both parties commit to completing the transaction under agreed conditions.

9. Power of Attorney (if the seller cannot attend personally)

If the seller cannot be present at the notary appointment, they can grant a Poder Notarial (Power of Attorney) to a lawyer or another authorised person to complete the sale on their behalf.

Depending on the municipality and property type, additional documents may also be required, such as:

• Certificado de Empadronamiento – proof of registration at the address (in some cases)
• Licencia de Primera Ocupación / Licencia de Segunda Ocupación – first or second occupancy licence, depending on the region
• Cédula de Habitabilidad (Certificate of Habitability) – a document confirming that the property meets the minimum requirements for residential use, including adequate size, ventilation, and access to essential utilities

Having all required documents prepared in advance helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother property sale process in Spain.

Yes, buying a property in Spain is a safe process, especially when you are supported by experienced professionals.

We are a legally operating real estate company, registered with RAICV and APIAL, which confirms our credibility and compliance with Spanish real estate regulations.

We cooperate with a reputable law firm specialising in property transactions, including the purchase and sale of apartments, houses, and plots. This ensures full transparency, legal verification, and security at every stage of the process.

We provide complete assistance in Polish, and when needed also in English, German, French, or other languages, so you can feel comfortable and fully understand every aspect of the purchase process in Spain.

We value my clients’ privacy and discretion, which is why, instead of acting as an intermediary in the mortgage process, I connect buyers directly with trusted banks.

This gives you full control over the process, without unnecessary intermediaries, while allowing you to discuss mortgage conditions directly with a bank advisor and receive information tailored to your individual situation.