Altea · Moraira
Characterful, sought-after and priced accordingly. Strong for permanent and quality second homes; selective for rental yield.
Guides
The Costa Blanca Guides, for Dutch buyers
A practical, plain-language guide to buying property in Spain on the Costa Blanca North — real costs and taxes, the full purchase process, new-build vs resale, legal checks and area choice. No hype, no surprises.
Start here
Buy with clarity, not with hope.
Most Dutch buyers lose money not on the house, but on what they didn't know: the real purchase costs, the right region for their life, the difference between new-build and resale, and the legal steps between offer and keys.
This guide brings all of it together — exactly the questions our service answers for every client, from search brief to aftercare. Read it before you book a viewing.
Real costs
What does it really cost to buy on the Costa Blanca?
The advertised price is the start of the conversation, not the end. On top of it come taxes, notary, registry, legal work and a reserve. Plan the total first.
Indicative purchase cost breakdown
| Cost item | Resale | New-build | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax (ITP) | 8–10% | — | Valencia region, on resale homes |
| VAT (IVA) | — | 10% | On new-build property |
| Stamp duty (AJD) | — | ~1.5% | On new-build, alongside VAT |
| Notary + land registry | ~1–1.5% | ~1–1.5% | Set by law; scales mildly with price |
| Independent lawyer | ~1% | ~1% | Checks debts, licences, ownership |
| Bank / NIE / mortgage setup | Variable | Variable | Bank valuation fee if financing |
| Reserve (furnishing, utilities, community) | ~3–5% | ~2–4% | So ownership feels finished on day one |
Indicative only — not a valuation or a quote. Percentages are planning ranges; the exact figures depend on price, region and route. We model your realistic total before you commit, including a Budget Reality Check of the maximum property price for your budget.
Budget Reality Check — what's your real maximum price?
Given your total budget, we calculate the realistic maximum property price after purchase costs and a reserve, flag budget pressure, and match you to realistic areas and property types. Want to run the numbers yourself first? Our mortgage calculator shows your monthly repayments straight away.
New-build vs resale
New-build or resale — which fits your plan?
Both can work; they pull in different directions. The route you choose changes your tax line, your timeline and your risks — so it's worth deciding before you fall for a specific listing.
New-build
New, efficient and warranted
You buy from a developer, often off-plan, and pay VAT (IVA) instead of transfer tax. In return you get a modern, energy-efficient home with a builder's warranty and your choice of finishes — but you wait for completion and carry the small risk that comes with any construction project.
Resale
Character, location and immediate
You buy an existing home from a private seller and pay transfer tax (ITP). You get an established property in a settled area, you can move in sooner, and you see exactly what you're getting — but you inherit its age, its possible renovation needs, and whatever licences and debts are attached to it.
- Tax: 10% IVA + ~1.5% AJD stamp duty (no ITP)
- Tax: ITP 8–10% (no IVA)
- Higher energy rating, lower running costs
- Established area, mature gardens, real neighbours
- Builder warranty + bank guarantee on deposits
- What you see is what you get — faster completion
- Your choice of finishes and layout
- Renovation potential and room to negotiate
Watch: verify the developer's track record, a bank guarantee on every stage payment, and the realistic completion window — off-plan dates slip.
Watch: check the first-occupancy licence (cédula), outstanding debts, planning status and a realistic renovation budget before you commit.
Choose your area
The right region before the right house.
The areas along this coast share a shoreline but almost nothing else. We match region to your budget, life stage and use first — then filter properties. Premium and calm (Altea, Moraira), beach and family (Calpe), investment (Benidorm), value inland (Polop, La Nucía) and more.
Every area gets an honest profile: who it suits, who it doesn't, lifestyle, accessibility, price context and a real downside.
Calpe · Benissa
Beach, family appeal and rental demand, with clear seasonality to plan around. Benissa trades some convenience for coast, village life and privacy.
Benidorm · Polop · La Nucía
Benidorm is district-specific and investment-led with year-round demand. Inland Polop and La Nucía offer more house for the budget, a short drive from the coast.
Legal checklist
What we verify before you commit.
NIE & bank account
Spanish tax number and local bank account — required to buy, pay taxes and utilities.
Independent lawyer
Ownership, boundaries, planning and any hidden debts — checked before money moves.
Licences & debts
First-occupancy licence, energy certificate and clearance of outstanding debts.
Plot legality
Rustic vs urban land, buildability and planning restrictions — especially for villas.
Mortgage & notary
Non-resident finance, valuation and the notary date coordinated into one timeline.
After the keys
Utilities, insurance, furnishing and the local network — ownership that feels finished.
Free PDF
Take the full Buyer's Guide with you.
The whole guide in one readable PDF — costs table, legal checklist, new-build vs resale and the questions to ask before a viewing.
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