EstuyaCosta Blanca · Spain
Buying guide

Buying in Spain, explained simply

Buying on the Costa Blanca is simpler than it looks — if someone beside you has been through it before. Here is the whole sequence, step by step.

The buying process
01

Get your NIE

The NIE is your Spanish foreigner ID number, required for any purchase. We help you obtain it in person or by power of attorney.

02

Open a Spanish bank account

A local account makes paying deposits, taxes and utilities simple. We introduce you to English-speaking banks used to international clients.

03

Choose your home & reserve it

Once you've found the one, a reservation contract (contrato de arras) and a deposit take it off the market while checks are completed.

04

Lawyer & due diligence

Your independent abogado checks the nota simple, confirms there are no debts or charges, and verifies licences and planning before you commit.

05

Sign at the notary

The title deed (escritura) is signed before a notary, the balance is paid, and the keys are handed over — in person or via power of attorney.

06

Registration & utilities

We register the deed at the Land Registry and transfer the water, electricity and community accounts into your name.

Taxes & buyer's costs

Purchase taxes depend on whether the home is a new build or a resale (Valencia region rates shown).

IVA (VAT) — new build10%
AJD stamp duty — new build1.4%
ITP transfer tax — resale9%
ITP transfer tax — resale above €1,000,00011%
Notary fees~ €1,200
Land registry~ €800

Above that threshold the higher rate applies to the whole purchase price, not only to the amount above it.

As a rule of thumb, budget this much on top of the purchase price:

~ 10% · Resale~ 12% · New build

Rates in force from June 1, 2026 · Ley 5/2025 · art. 13.Uno, Ley 13/1997

Frequently asked questions

Does buying a property give me residency?

Buying a home doesn't automatically grant residency, but it supports several visa routes. We can point you to a specialist immigration lawyer.

Can I buy remotely, without flying over?

Yes. With a power of attorney we can handle the NIE, signing and registration on your behalf — many of our clients complete from abroad.

Can non-residents get a mortgage?

Spanish banks lend to non-residents, typically up to 60–70% of the value. We introduce you to brokers who work with international buyers.

How long does the process take?

From reservation to keys is usually 4–8 weeks for a resale; new builds follow the developer's completion schedule.

Ready when you are

Tell us what you're looking for and we'll guide you through every step, in your own language.