In short: If you buy a resale property on the Costa Blanca in 2027, budget around 11–13% in buying costs on top of the price. That covers 9% ITP transfer tax, notary, land registry and lawyer. New builds carry 10% VAT (IVA) plus 1.4% stamp duty (AJD). Every foreign buyer needs an NIE number and a Spanish bank account before signing. The land registry extract, cadastre and any debts on the property should also be checked.
What are the buying costs for a property on the Costa Blanca?
| Cost | Resale property | New build (from developer) |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax ITP (Valencian Community) | 9% (11% above €1M) | – |
| VAT (IVA) | – | 10% |
| Stamp duty AJD | – | 1.4% |
| Notary and land registry | approx. 1–2% | approx. 1–2% |
| Lawyer / legal checks | approx. 1% | approx. 1% |
How does buying a home in Spain work, step by step?
- Set your budget and preferred areas, including all costs, not just the price.
- Apply for your NIE number and open a Spanish bank account.
- View and compare: orientation, views, access, noise and winter use.
- Reserve the property with a small deposit.
- Sign the arras contract (private preliminary contract), usually with a 10% deposit.
- Complete at the notary, pay the balance and register the property in the land registry.
Which towns on the northern Costa Blanca suit which buyer?
- Dénia: lively all year round, marina and ferry to Ibiza.
- Jávea and Moraira: coves, sea views and established villa areas.
- Els Poblets and El Verger: quiet, flat and close to the beach, popular with retirees.
- Pego, Pedreguer, La Sella: more space and nature, often a lower price per m².
Which documents should you check before buying?
As a minimum, check the land registry extract (nota simple) and cadastre. Also check charges and mortgages, the latest IBI (property tax) receipt, the energy certificate and the community of owners certificate. Building permits for any extensions matter too. If the land registry and cadastre do not match, sort it out before signing the arras contract.
Frequently asked questions
How much are buying costs in Spain?
In the province of Alicante, roughly 11–13% of the price for a resale property and about 12–14% for a new build.
Can I buy a property in Spain without being resident?
Yes. You need an NIE number and a Spanish bank account. You can also sign at the notary through a power of attorney.
How long does a purchase on the Costa Blanca take?
Usually 6 to 10 weeks from reservation to completion at the notary. It can take longer with a mortgage or open questions about the documents.
Is it still worth buying in 2027?
International demand on the northern Costa Blanca remains strong. What matters most is not short-term price forecasts but location, orientation, clean paperwork and a realistic total budget.
Local advice in your language
Read next: NIE Number for Buying Property in Spain: Application, Documents and Timing · Notary appointment: which documents do buyers and sellers need?
Schaich Immobilien S.L.U. is a licensed real estate agency (API, RAICV 1553) based in Els Poblets near Dénia. We guide international buyers from the first viewing to the notary in English, German, Dutch, French and Spanish. Contact us without obligation.
As of November 2026. This article is general information and is not tax or legal advice.