Buying a house on the Costa Blanca

Living on the Costa Blanca – Where’s the Best Place to Live?

Are you considering living on the Costa Blanca? If so, you have a choice of a particularly large and diverse area in the province of Alicante—from mountainous coastal towns and coves in the north to long sandy beaches, salt lakes, and flat residential areas in the south.

The Costa Blanca boasts more than 200 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline and over 170 beaches and coves. The landscape changes considerably along the way: Dénia, Jávea, Benissa, and Calpe have a very different character than Alicante, Guardamar, Torrevieja, or Orihuela Costa.

That's why a search for a home on the Costa Blanca doesn't really start with the question:

What kind of home would you like to buy?

But with:

Where would you like to live on a daily basis?

Would you like to:

  • The ocean within walking distance?
  • A villa with a private pool?
  • Living in a Spanish village?
  • An international living environment?
  • Are there many amenities available without a car?
  • Is there a golf course nearby?
  • Peace and nature?
  • Or is it actually a real city?

Only once that is clear does it make sense to compare homes.

View our current listings on the Costa Blanca or fill out our questionnaire for your home search right away.

Where is the Costa Blanca?

The Costa Blanca is the well-known coastal region of the province of Alicante in the Valencian Community.

The coastline stretches from the northern part of the province near Dénia to the southernmost point near Pilar de la Horadada.

Along the way, you'll find significant differences between:

  • cities;
  • fishing villages;
  • tourist beach resorts;
  • mountainous coastal areas;
  • golf resorts;
  • Spanish villages;
  • international urban developments;
  • and agricultural area.

The name "Costa Blanca" is also widely used as a general term for the tourist region of the province of Alicante.

More than 200 kilometers of coastline

The official tourism organization for the Costa Blanca refers to more than 200 kilometers of coastline.

Along that coast, there are more than 170 beaches and bays.

Among other things, you'll find:

  • wide sandy beaches;
  • pebble beaches;
  • small bays;
  • dunes;
  • cliffs;
  • pine forests;
  • wetlands;
  • salt lakes;
  • and urban beaches.

That makes it difficult to talk about “the Costa Blanca” as if the living environment were the same everywhere.

Northern Costa Blanca and Southern Costa Blanca

For homebuyers, the Costa Blanca is often divided, for practical purposes, into:

Northern Costa Blanca
and
Southern Costa Blanca.

This is not an administrative boundary, but it is a useful way to compare two areas with quite different landscapes and housing markets.

The transition does not follow a single official path.

Depending on the context, Alicante and its surrounding area are sometimes considered a central region.

Northern Costa Blanca

The Northern Costa Blanca is characterized by a more mountainous landscape.

The official tourism organization describes how, in the north—especially in the Marina Alta—the mountains come close to the coast, forming cliffs and small coves alongside longer beaches.

Well-known places include:

What is life like living on the Northern Costa Blanca?

The north can be an attractive option if you're looking for:

  • mountains near the sea;
  • bays;
  • elevation differences;
  • villas with a view;
  • greener living environments;
  • historic coastal towns;
  • and a landscape with more topographic variation.

On the other hand, some residential areas are quite hilly.

A villa with a beautiful ocean view could mean:

  • walking is more difficult;
  • a car becomes practically essential;
  • stores are farther away;
  • and access to the house is steep.

Denia

Dénia combines the charm of a real city with a harbor, beaches, and connections to the Balearic Islands.

There you will find:

  • apartments;
  • villas;
  • townhouses;
  • beach houses;
  • and more rural homes in the hinterland.

For year-round residents, Dénia offers many amenities throughout the year.

Jávea

Jávea, officially known as Xàbia, consists of several residential areas.

The historic center, the harbor, Arenal, and the surrounding residential developments each offer a very different lifestyle.

Villas nestled against the hills, in particular, can offer stunning views, but are usually less practical without a car.

Moraira

Moraira is smaller than Dénia and Jávea and has a distinctly residential character.

There's plenty to see in the surrounding areas:

  • villas;
  • private swimming pools;
  • ocean view;
  • and low-rise buildings.

For those who want to combine a compact coastal lifestyle with villas, Moraira might be an interesting option.

Calpe

Calpe offers a mix of apartments, high-rise buildings, beaches, and villa communities.

The Peñón de Ifach is a prominent feature of the landscape.

Here, you can either:

  • within walking distance of the sea;
  • in the middle of town;
  • as a higher-level unit in a villa community

living.

Altea

Altea is known for its historic upper town and whitewashed buildings.

But the municipality consists of much more than just the well-known historic center.

In the hills, there are several residential areas featuring:

  • villas;
  • larger homes;
  • view;
  • and residential developments.

Benidorm

Benidorm offers a completely different experience within the Costa Blanca North region.

Here, you'll enjoy a more urban lifestyle, with:

  • apartments;
  • high-rise building;
  • Stand up;
  • West;
  • stores;
  • hospitality industry;
  • public transportation;
  • and many amenities nearby.

Benidorm might actually be a good choice if you don't really need a large yard and enjoy getting around on foot.

Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa is located south of Benidorm and has a smaller, more traditional feel.

The colorful houses along the coast and in the historic center give the town a character that's quite different from Benidorm's.

Southern Costa Blanca

The Southern Costa Blanca has a different landscape.

From Alicante toward Pilar de la Horadada, the landscape becomes flatter over long stretches.

The official tourism organization lists the following, among other things:

  • dunes near Guardamar;
  • wetlands;
  • salt lakes near Torrevieja and La Mata;
  • and longer sandy beaches.

Well-known places of residence include:

What is life like living on the southern Costa Blanca?

The Southern Costa Blanca may be of interest if you're looking for:

  • long sandy beaches;
  • flatter terrain;
  • a lot of modern new construction;
  • villas;
  • international residential areas;
  • golf;
  • and plenty of options within relatively short distances.

One distinctive feature is that coastal towns and villages are located very close to one another inland.

This allows you to choose between, for example:

an apartment by the sea in Guardamar

of

a villa with a pool in Ciudad Quesada, a few kilometers further inland.

Alicante

Alicante is the provincial capital and offers a much more urban living environment.

There you will find:

  • employment;
  • stores;
  • public transportation;
  • port;
  • the beach;
  • restaurants;
  • hospitals;
  • culture;
  • and education.

For those looking for a real city, Alicante may be more interesting than a tourist resort.

Saint Paul

Santa Pola has a distinct coastal and port character.

The place combines:

  • the beach;
  • fishing port;
  • marina;
  • center;
  • apartments;
  • and city life around the clock.

Big Alicante

Gran Alacant is part of the municipality of Santa Pola, but the lifestyle there is completely different.

It is a large international residential area on the Cabo de Santa Pola, featuring:

  • apartments;
  • bungalows;
  • townhouses;
  • villas;
  • swimming pools;
  • and modern residential complexes.

The area is quite hilly, so the exact location is important.

Guardamar del Segura

Guardamar del Segura combines approximately 11 kilometers of coastline with dunes, a pine forest, and a compact city center.

Here you'll find mainly:

  • apartments;
  • penthouses;
  • new construction;
  • and a few residential areas.

For those who value having the beach within walking distance, Guardamar may be an attractive option.

Rojales

Rojales offers a unique combination.

The historic center is located on the Río Segura and has a distinctly Spanish character.

But within the same municipality, there are also large international residential areas, including Ciudad Quesada.

That means that within a few kilometers, you can choose between:

  • Spanish village life;
  • apartment;
  • bungalow;
  • modern villa;
  • or a beach house.

Ciudad Quesada

Ciudad Quesada is administratively part of Rojales.

The field is broad and international, and includes, among other things:

  • Mrs. Pepa
  • Pueblo Bravo;
  • Little Pepín
  • The Marchioness
  • and other residential areas.

Here you'll find a particularly large selection of villas, bungalows, and homes with swimming pools.

Benijófar

Benijófar is, in fact, an independent, compact municipality located next to Rojales and Ciudad Quesada.

It combines:

  • Spanish village center;
  • modern residential areas;
  • villas;
  • new construction;
  • and nearby amenities.

Old Tower

Torrevieja is a true coastal city with a very international population.

Among other things, you'll find:

  • apartments;
  • the beach;
  • boulevard;
  • port;
  • stores;
  • medical facilities;
  • and plenty of year-round activities.

Those who prefer a more urban lifestyle and value being close to the sea may find Torrevieja more appealing than the surrounding villa developments.

Orihuela Costa

Orihuela Costa is the coastal area of the municipality of Orihuela.

It includes, among other things:

  • Punta Prima;
  • Flamenco Beach
  • La Zenia;
  • Cabo Roig;
  • Campoamor;
  • Villamartín
  • in Mil Palmeras.

Here, you can enjoy the beach, golf, and international amenities all in one place.

The Montesinos

Los Montesinos is located a short distance inland near the salt lakes.

It has a compact downtown area and modern residential neighborhoods surrounding it.

For those who don't need a beach within walking distance, another type of home within the same budget may be an option here.

San Miguel de Salinas

San Miguel de Salinas is located higher up and further inland from Orihuela Costa.

It combines:

  • Spanish village life;
  • view;
  • villa developments;
  • and new construction.

The coast is within driving distance.

Northern or Southern Costa Blanca: Which Is a Better Fit?

There's no better partner.

The question is which environment is a better fit for your daily life.

Northern Costa BlancaSouthern Costa Blanca
Landscape
More mountainous
Much flatter terrain
Kust
Bays, cliffs, and beaches
Many long sandy beaches
Villas
A lot of hills
Many housing developments and new construction projects
Ocean View
Often from a height
That's also possible, but it depends less on altitude
Auto
Required in many villa communities
Also often needed outside the city or on the coast
Golf
Available
Extremely wide selection
International Residential Areas
Ja
Very prominent
New Construction
Ja
Wide selection
Traditional Places
Veel
A lot, too
Major cities
including Benidorm
Alicante, Torrevieja

Of course, this is still a general comparison. There are significant exceptions within both areas.

Living by the sea or a little further inland?

This is one of the most important choices on the Costa Blanca.

A home by the sea is obviously appealing, but it isn't the best choice for everyone.

Living right on the coast

Benefits may include:

  • beach on foot;
  • boulevard;
  • hospitality industry;
  • ocean view;
  • and fewer car trips during vacation.

On the other hand, there may be:

  • higher asking prices in certain locations;
  • crowd;
  • parking problems;
  • salt intake;
  • greater seasonal influence;
  • and a smaller living space.

Living a little inland

A few kilometers from the sea, you'll often find:

  • villas;
  • larger plots;
  • private swimming pools;
  • modern new construction;
  • peace;
  • and more living space.

On the other hand, a car is often more practical or necessary.

An apartment or villa on the Costa Blanca?

The type of home you choose also has a significant impact on your life in Spain.

Apartment

An apartment can be practical when you:

  • want low maintenance;
  • looking for a nearby beach;
  • you are absent for extended periods;
  • enjoys a communal pool;
  • or doesn't need a garden.

Please note:

  • community;
  • lift;
  • parking space;
  • patio;
  • year of manufacture;
  • and joint activities.

Villa

A villa often offers:

  • privacy;
  • own lot;
  • private pool;
  • garden;
  • parking space;
  • and more outdoor space.

But it usually also requires more maintenance.

Consider:

  • swimming pool;
  • garden;
  • painting;
  • systems;
  • and security while you're away.

Bungalow

Bungalows are especially popular on the southern Costa Blanca.

These often include:

  • ground-floor apartment with a garden or terrace;
  • or an upstairs apartment with a balcony and a sun deck.

Many developments have a communal pool.

Townhouse

A townhouse can be a compromise between an apartment and a villa.

You often get:

  • multiple bedrooms;
  • private outdoor space;
  • parking space;
  • and shared facilities.

Please note the number of floors and flights of stairs.

Penthouse

Penthouses often feature large terraces and views.

When doing so, check the following:

  • wind;
  • sun exposure;
  • privacy;
  • lift;
  • waterproofing;
  • and legal ownership of the patio.

New Construction on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca offers a wide selection of new-construction homes.

Among other things, you'll find:

  • apartments;
  • penthouses;
  • bungalows;
  • townhouses;
  • semi-detached homes;
  • and villas.

Be sure to check out our detailed page on new construction on the Costa Blanca.

Where is a lot of new construction taking place?

New construction projects are spread throughout the region.

On the southern Costa Blanca, for example, you'll find projects related to:

  • Ciudad Quesada;
  • Benijófar;
  • The Montesinos;
  • Old Tower
  • Orihuela Costa;
  • San Miguel de Salinas;
  • Pilar de la Horadada;
  • and various golfing areas.

In the north, you'll also find modern developments related to, among other things:

  • Finestrat
  • Benidorm
  • Villajoyosa;
  • Calpe;
  • and other coastal towns.

The current selection is constantly changing.

New construction isn't automatically move-in ready

This is an important point to consider.

A new home can be delivered fully finished, but that doesn't automatically mean that everything you see in the renderings is included.

Always check the memoria de calidades, or the technical specifications.

What is included in new construction?

For example, check to see if the following are included:

  • kitchen appliances;
  • air conditioning;
  • solar panels;
  • lighting;
  • parking space;
  • salvage;
  • swimming pool;
  • garden;
  • pergola;
  • outdoor kitchen;
  • and furniture.

This varies by developer and project.

Buying Off-Plan

With off-plan new construction, you purchase a home before it is fully built.

You will then evaluate, among other things:

  • floor plan;
  • site plan;
  • renders;
  • specifications;
  • and construction scheduling.

In addition, the following should be considered:

  • payment schedule;
  • protection of advance payments;
  • contract terms;
  • and scheduled completion date.

A scheduled delivery date is not an absolute guarantee.

Turnkey new construction

Some new homes have already been built or are nearly complete.

The advantage is that you can assess much more in real-world situations:

  • view;
  • light entering the room;
  • environment;
  • finish;
  • patio;
  • and its location within the project.

Even with a turnkey home, legal and technical inspections are still necessary.

Existing Buildings on the Costa Blanca

Existing homes offer a much wider and more varied selection in established neighborhoods.

Benefits may include:

  • immediate availability;
  • mature garden;
  • established environment;
  • a more central location;
  • and more choices.

Renovation could be an alternative.

What should you look for in existing buildings?

Depending on the type of home, check the following, among other things:

  • electrical system;
  • pipes;
  • the frame;
  • dak;
  • kitchen;
  • bathroom;
  • air conditioning;
  • swimming pool;
  • facade;
  • and outdoor space.

Be sure to factor any renovations into your overall purchase budget.

Legal Due Diligence for a Spanish Property

When buying a home in Spain, it's not just about the home itself.

The legal situation must also be taken into account.

Depending on the home, the following items, among others, may be inspected:

  • who is the legal owner;
  • any charges;
  • property registration;
  • built-up area;
  • extend;
  • swimming pool;
  • permits;
  • community;
  • outstanding debts;
  • and the urban planning context.

Additional inspections are often required for rural homes.

Buying a finca on the Costa Blanca

Rural real estate requires extra attention.

When inspecting a finca, be sure to check the following, among other things:

  • land classification;
  • registration;
  • land registry;
  • access road;
  • water;
  • electricity;
  • septic tank;
  • swimming pool;
  • outbuildings;
  • and any future expansions.

An attractive finca with a large lot can be legally more complex than an apartment in a residential complex.

Beaches on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca has a very varied coastline.

Well-known beaches include:

  • Levante Beach in Benidorm;
  • Poniente Beach in Benidorm;
  • Playa de San Juan near Alicante;
  • El Postiguet in Alicante;
  • La Mata in Torrevieja;
  • the beaches of Guardamar;
  • La Zenia;
  • Campoamor;
  • and the beaches around Dénia and Jávea.

Be sure to check out our guide to Blue Flag beaches on the Costa Blanca.

Blue Flags in 2026

In 2026, the Costa Blanca will once again have an exceptionally large number of Blue Flags.

The official tourism organization lists 77 beaches and coves and 17 marinas as having received this distinction for 2026.

However, a Blue Flag is an annual recognition.

That is why the relevant year must always be specified for local pages.

Furthermore, the flag does not mean that daily sea conditions are automatically safe; local beach flags and current warnings apply in such cases.

Nature on the Costa Blanca

People who live on the Costa Blanca have much more nature to enjoy than just the beach.

For example:

  • Serra Gelada;
  • Peñón de Ifach;
  • Montgó
  • the salt lakes of La Mata and Torrevieja;
  • Guardamar Dunes;
  • Clot de Galvany
  • El Hondo;
  • and various mountains and nature parks in the interior.

The landscape changes significantly from north to south.

The Salt Lakes of Torrevieja and La Mata

One of the most recognizable natural areas on the southern Costa Blanca is the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja.

They are a protected nature reserve.

Who's next:

  • Old Tower
  • The Montesinos;
  • Ciudad Quesada;
  • of San Miguel de Salinas

If you live there, these landscapes are close by.

The lakes are not public swimming areas; visitors must respect the rules of the protected area.

Golf on the Costa Blanca

Golf is an important part of the housing market.

You'll find golf courses in the following areas, among others:

  • Ciudad Quesada;
  • Algorfa
  • Beautiful view
  • Villamartín
  • Campoamor;
  • Las Ramblas;
  • Las Colinas;
  • and various locations in the Northern Costa Blanca.

A home near a golf course can be appealing if golf is important to you, but be sure to consider everyday amenities as well.

Buying a beach house

Check the following, among other things:

  • actual position relative to the runway;
  • view;
  • community;
  • stores;
  • distance to the beach;
  • car dependency;
  • and maintenance.

“At a golf resort” doesn’t automatically mean that everything is within walking distance.

Primary residence or second home?

You should actually determine this difference before you start looking for a place to live.

A fantastic vacation home doesn't necessarily have to be a practical permanent residence.

For a second home

The following may be important:

  • airport;
  • beach;
  • swimming pool;
  • low maintenance;
  • restaurants;
  • safety while away;
  • and easy management.

For permanent residence

Then things like the following become more important:

  • school;
  • work;
  • health care;
  • supermarket;
  • internet;
  • parking;
  • public transportation;
  • and daily travel times.

Permanent residence on the Costa Blanca

Would you like to emigrate to Spain permanently?

In that case, it's wise not to choose a location based solely on the "vacation vibe."

Ask yourself:

  • Where do you do your grocery shopping every day?
  • How far is school?
  • Where is the health center?
  • Do you need a car?
  • Is the neighborhood lively in January, too?
  • How much maintenance does the home require?
  • Will you still enjoy living there ten years from now?

Those are often more important questions than how far away the nearest beach is.

Families on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca may be appealing to families because of its combination of residential areas, educational opportunities, and outdoor activities.

But your choice of school has a big impact on where you ultimately want to live.

So, first take a look at:

  • school type;
  • route to school;
  • language;
  • extracurricular activities;
  • sport;
  • and transportation.

Learn more about education in Spain.

Health Care on the Costa Blanca

There are both public and private medical facilities on the Costa Blanca.

However, how you gain access to Spain's public health care system depends on your personal situation and insurance coverage.

That is why I would not make a general statement that every foreign homeowner automatically has access to “excellent Spanish health care.”

Read more about healthcare in Spain and our guide to hospitals, clinics, and Dutch-speaking doctors on the Costa Blanca.

Retirement on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is also popular among people who want to spend their retirement in Spain.

When choosing a home, we would pay special attention to:

  • single-story living;
  • lift;
  • slopes;
  • stairs;
  • supermarket;
  • health care;
  • public transportation;
  • pool maintenance;
  • and car dependency.

A villa with spectacular views may be appealing now, but it must also remain practical in the long run.

Learn more about retiring in Spain.

Alicante-Elche Airport

For many Dutch and Belgian homeowners, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is the most important airport.

The airport is located in the municipality of Elche, about nine kilometers southwest of Alicante.

In 2025, the airport handled nearly 20 million passengers, the vast majority of whom were international travelers. According to airport operator Aena, the Netherlands is one of the most important source markets.

For second-home owners, the airport’s accessibility can therefore be an important selection criterion.

How important is a car?

That varies greatly depending on where you live.

For example:

  • Alicante city center;
  • Benidorm
  • Downtown Torrevieja;
  • Guardamar city center;
  • or other small coastal towns

You can take care of many everyday errands on foot or by public transportation.

In:

  • villa developments;
  • golf courses;
  • rural homes;
  • and areas located at much higher elevations

A car is almost always more practical.

Living Without a Car on the Costa Blanca

Do you want to drive as little as possible?

Be sure to look for:

  • compact downtown;
  • supermarket within walking distance;
  • public transportation;
  • medical facilities nearby;
  • flat terrain;
  • and the beach or recreational areas are within walking distance.

In the end, that might be more important than a bigger house.

A Spanish village or an international residential development?

This, too, is an important decision.

Spanish village

For example:

  • Downtown Rojales;
  • Benijófar;
  • The Montesinos;
  • San Miguel de Salinas;
  • or several villages further inland.

Here, you'll find the following more often:

  • Spanish neighbors;
  • traditional festivals;
  • local restaurants and bars;
  • market;
  • and village life.

International Urbanization

For example:

  • Ciudad Quesada;
  • Great Alicante
  • certain parts of Orihuela Costa;
  • golf resorts;
  • and other larger residential areas.

There you'll often find:

  • international hospitality industry;
  • international services;
  • villas;
  • swimming pools;
  • and modern residences.

Neither one is better.

It depends on how you want to live in Spain.

Shopping on the Costa Blanca

Supermarkets are available in virtually all larger residential areas for daily grocery shopping.

In addition, you'll find several large shopping districts and shopping centers.

Read more in our guide to shopping on the Costa Blanca.

Markets on the Costa Blanca

Local markets play an important role in everyday life in Spain.

Depending on the location, you'll find weekly markets featuring:

  • fruit;
  • vegetables;
  • clothing;
  • household items;
  • flowers;
  • and local products.

Check out our overview of markets on the Costa Blanca.

Dining Out and Social Life

From traditional Spanish restaurants to Dutch, Belgian, British, and Scandinavian dining options: the selection varies greatly by location.

International residential areas naturally have more foreign restaurants and bars.

If you want to immerse yourself primarily in Spanish culture, you're better off looking for a more traditional village or neighborhood.

Investing on the Costa Blanca

Would you like to invest in real estate on the Costa Blanca?

In that case, “Costa Blanca” is actually too large an area to analyze.

An investment in:

  • Alicante;
  • student environment;
  • Guardamar;
  • Torrevieja
  • La Zenia;
  • Ciudad Quesada;
  • or a golf resort

has a different target audience each time.

Therefore, analyze the following for each home:

  • total purchase price;
  • location;
  • target audience;
  • response from children;
  • maintenance;
  • funding;
  • regulations;
  • expected occupancy;
  • and future marketability.

Vacation Rentals on the Costa Blanca

A common mistake is buying a home and only then finding out whether it can be rented out to tourists.

Turn it over.

If vacation rentals are part of your plan, you should determine before purchasing whether the specific property is both suitable and permitted for that purpose.

This may depend on:

  • regulations of the Community of Valencia;
  • municipality;
  • urban planning context;
  • homeowners' association;
  • and registration requirements.

A home by the sea or with a private pool does not, therefore, automatically qualify for tourist rentals.

Long-Term Rentals

Long-term rentals are a different market.

Long-term tenants tend to look at the following more often:

  • employment;
  • schools;
  • stores;
  • parking space;
  • internet;
  • public transportation;
  • and year-round amenities.

That’s why a home that may seem less appealing to vacationers might actually be a better fit for long-term renters—or vice versa.

How much does a home on the Costa Blanca cost?

There is no meaningful general answer to that.

An apartment in a Spanish village simply cannot be compared to:

  • first-line beach;
  • penthouse with a view of the sea;
  • villa in Moraira;
  • modern new construction in Finestrat;
  • villa in Ciudad Quesada;
  • or an apartment in Torrevieja.

Price is determined by, among other things:

  • municipality;
  • neighborhood;
  • distance to the beach;
  • housing type;
  • living space;
  • lot;
  • year of manufacture;
  • state;
  • view;
  • swimming pool;
  • and new construction or existing buildings.

Therefore, always check the current listings instead of relying on a general average price.

Is the southern Costa Blanca cheaper than the northern part?

Sometimes this is true even within comparable housing categories, but it is not a hard-and-fast rule.

Even within a single city, price differences can be significant.

For example, don't just compare:

  • apartment in Torrevieja;
  • villa in Ciudad Quesada;
  • villa in Moraira;
  • and a penthouse in Benidorm.

The locations and types of housing are too different.

Costs Associated with Buying a Home in Spain

When buying a house in Spain, you'll need more than just the purchase price.

Depending on whether the property is new construction or an existing home, you will face different taxes and additional costs.

Also keep in mind:

  • notary;
  • property registry;
  • legal assistance;
  • and any financing costs.

That is why we prefer to work based on a total purchase budget rather than just a maximum asking price.

New construction and existing buildings are taxed differently

For existing properties, you pay transfer tax in accordance with the applicable regional regulations.

For new construction, a different tax regime applies, including VAT and the applicable stamp tax.

The exact calculation depends on the home and your personal circumstances.

Therefore, be sure to request a personalized cost estimate before making a purchase.

Annual Costs of Owning a Home in Spain

After your purchase, you will have recurring charges.

Depending on the home, these could include, for example:

  • IBI;
  • community;
  • waste collection fees;
  • insurance;
  • water;
  • electricity;
  • internet;
  • swimming pool;
  • garden;
  • and maintenance.

So don't compare homes based solely on the purchase price.

Community

For apartments, bungalows, and housing developments, a community association can be a significant expense.

Check the following, among other things:

  • recurring payment;
  • reserve fund;
  • lift;
  • swimming pool;
  • gardens;
  • security;
  • scheduled work;
  • and any debts.

A complex with many amenities may have higher fixed costs.

Mortgage for a home on the Costa Blanca

Dutch and Belgian buyers can apply for a Spanish mortgage under certain conditions.

The amount a bank is willing to finance depends, among other things, on:

  • income;
  • financial obligations;
  • age;
  • residence status;
  • taxation;
  • and home value.

It is best to check this before you reserve a home.

Learn more about a mortgage in Spain.

NIE number

To buy a home in Spain, you need a NIE number.

This identification number also appears regularly in other financial and administrative transactions in Spain.

Learn more about NIE and residency in Spain.

Rent first or buy right away?

People who emigrate to Spain sometimes hesitate between renting and buying right away.

There is no single correct answer to that question.

Renting can be a good option if you:

  • the region does not yet have;
  • want to experience school first;
  • still needs to find a job;
  • or is torn between different places.

Buying immediately may make sense when:

  • is already well known in the region;
  • the housing preferences are clear;
  • funding has been secured;
  • and you want to stay for an extended period.

The biggest mistake is buying a home because you fell in love with a place during a single vacation without finding out what daily life is like there outside of the vacation season.

Choosing the Right Place to Live

Before we select homes, we prefer to take a look at your daily life first.

Consider questions such as:

  • Will you be living there permanently or just spending vacations there?
  • Are you still working?
  • Do you have school-age children?
  • Would you like to be able to walk to the beach?
  • Would you like a private pool?
  • How much maintenance would you like?
  • Would you prefer to have a lot of Dutch neighbors, or would you rather not?
  • Would you like to live without a car?
  • Is golf important?
  • Is living in a hilly area acceptable?
  • What medical services are important?
  • What is your total budget for this purchase?

This usually results in a much smaller search region.

Dutch real estate agent on the Costa Blanca

Are you looking for a Dutch real estate agent on the Costa Blanca?

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian homebuyers in purchasing real estate in Spain.

Our office is located in Rojales on the Southern Costa Blanca.

From this location, we assist buyers on a daily basis with, among other things:

We can also work with our network to explore suitable options in other parts of the Costa Blanca.

Learn more about Casas Palmeras, a Dutch real estate agency on the Costa Blanca.

How does the home search process work with Casas Palmeras?

A successful house hunt doesn't start with twenty random viewings.

We prefer to determine first:

  1. your total budget;
  2. the purpose of the home;
  3. the desired neighborhood;
  4. housing type;
  5. practical requirements;
  6. key facilities;
  7. and what definitely doesn't work for you.

After that, homes can be selected in a much more targeted manner.

Learn more about our approach.

Comparing New Construction and Existing Homes

You don't always have to choose in advance.

In fact, it might be helpful to look at both.

An existing villa may offer a larger lot and a mature garden.

A modern newly built home can actually be attractive because of:

  • recent installations;
  • energy performance;
  • modern layout;
  • and less direct renovation work.

Ultimately, the best way to compare is based on total costs and quality of life, not just the year of construction.

We look beyond the home

A home can be beautiful and still not be right for you.

That is why we also look at:

  • environment;
  • accessibility;
  • slopes;
  • facilities;
  • route to school;
  • parking;
  • community;
  • maintenance;
  • distance from the sea;
  • and future use.

This is especially important if you're moving to Spain permanently.

Exploring the Costa Blanca on a sightseeing trip

If you're not yet familiar with the area, it might be wise not to view ten homes in a single development all at once.

First, take a look at different types of residential areas.

For example:

Everyday Life in Spain:
Rojales, Benijófar, or Los Montesinos.

International villa community:
Ciudad Quesada.

Beach and compact town center:
Guardamar.

Larger coastal city:
Torrevieja.

Beach, golf, and international developments:
Orihuela Costa.

After making such a comparison, it often quickly becomes clear where you actually see yourself living.

View properties on the Costa Blanca

Would you like to know which homes are currently available?

Then check out our current listings, our new-construction homes, and our new-construction projects and promotions.

Would you like us to conduct a targeted search for you for, for example:

  • apartment by the sea;
  • villa with a private pool;
  • single-story home;
  • bungalow with a shared pool;
  • penthouse;
  • beach house;
  • modern new construction;
  • permanent family home;
  • second home;
  • or real estate within a specific overall budget?

Please fill out our questionnaire for your housing search or contact Casas Palmeras with no obligation.

The Costa Blanca is not a single type of residential area, but rather more than 200 kilometers of coastline with completely different landscapes and housing options. In the north, you’ll find more mountains, cliffs, bays, and villas nestled against the hills; in the south, the landscape and coastline become flatter in many areas, and you’ll find long beaches, salt lakes, golf courses, and large international residential neighborhoods. The most important question, therefore, is not where the most beautiful home is located, but where you can lead the kind of daily life that suits you. Once that location is clear, finding the right home becomes a lot easier.

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Buying a property in Spain

Thinking about buying a house in Spain? It’s an exciting step, and having the right guidance makes all the difference. As an international real estate agency with Dutch roots, Casas Palmeras helps you through the entire process — whether you’re looking for a new-build or resale property. We operate along the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida, Costa Valencia and Costa del Sol, assisting you every step of the way.

Spain has an open property market, which means we can help you purchase any home in Spain, not just those listed on our website. Don’t see your ideal home in our listings? No problem — we’ll search together for a property that matches your needs perfectly.

Complete our questionnaire to tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll help you find your dream home in Spain.

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