The dream of moving somewhere sunny is something that many holidaymakers start to consider when they holiday in a place that makes them wish they never had to leave. Some of these will investigate the possibility further and eventually buy a home in the sun. As an area, the Costa Blanca is one that certainly attracts people from all over the world; the pace is relaxed, the sun shines most of the year, and the temperature is pleasant during the winter. The Spanish lifestyle and culture are something that many find to be irresistible, but what questions should they ask before making a move?
The coast is long, stretching from Denia in the north to Torrevieja in the south. At Hamiltons Real Estate (formerly Hamiltons of London), we currently offer properties in the northern part of the coast between the cities of Alicante and Valencia. In this area, you can find bustling beach resorts, the most famous of which is Benidorm, but others can also be lively without being quite so boisterous. For example, Javea, Calpe, and Moraira are very popular with all nationalities and offer a great variety of accommodations. Would you prefer a more rural location? If you would like, the inland areas of the Jalon and Orba valleys offer a more traditional country lifestyle but are within easy driving distance of the coast.
What sort of property would suit your requirements, and what can you afford? The popularity of making the move to Spain in recent years has meant that prices have become more expensive, so you need to be realistic about what you might be able to buy. Apartments even in coastal towns can be less expensive than a villa and are in great central locations either in the seaside resorts or inland. Apartments for sale in Calpe are often reasonably priced, close to the beach and local amenities and often have community pools and gardens. Bungalows and houses on urbanisations might also present a more affordable purchase with the community sharing costs of pool upkeep. This is particularly useful if you are not going to be living permanently in the property but using it just for some of the year. If you are going to make Spain your home, you might be more inclined to look for a villa for sale on the Costa Blanca with a private pool, and prices for these can range from about €500,000 upwards, with some very luxurious villas having price tags to match. There will be something for everyone, and our experienced team at Hamiltons Real Estate will be able to guide you.
The legal system in Spain has strong property laws, but you should nonetheless always ensure that you use a specialised, reputable lawyer to make sure that your transactions are handled correctly.
Suppose you are buying a property on the Costa Blanca. In that case, you need to remember that in addition to the agreed-upon amount, you will need to pay lawyer and notary fees as well as property taxes – generally, these will add about 12% to the cost of the home you are purchasing. Also, make sure you know in advance the price of any possible renovations and ongoing community costs where applicable. Many international buyers will obtain a Spanish mortgage for part of the cost of the property; these can sometimes be secured with a Spanish bank in their home country. Compare various lenders, interest rates, and terms.
Once you have made your decision, another question you will need to answer is what taxes you will incur on the property you have bought, both at the start and perhaps annually. Different rates will be applied for those who become residents and those who are non-residents and are buying a holiday home on the Costa Blanca. Non-residents pay an annual tax (IRNR) on rental income that the Government assumes will be earned whether you lease your property out or not. Selling a home in Spain will be subject to Spanish Capital Gains Tax, and you should consider asking for advice from a professional tax consultant (Gestor) to ensure that everything is correctly handled.
Employing a lawyer when buying a property on the Costa Blanca is highly recommended and will ensure that all the paperwork and searches are handled correctly. They will also be able to advise you about residency permits and the details of the contracts. Initially, there will be the signing of the reservation contract and payment of a deposit to remove the property from the market, and ultimately, the final completion, which together with your lawyer, will take place at a pre-arranged appointment at the notary’s office. You will need to have a valid passport, proof of funds, your Spanish tax number (NIE), and, depending upon your circumstances, a residency certificate or visa.
If you have any more questions about any of these subjects that may help you buy a property on the Costa Blanca, please do ask us at Hamiltons Real Estate; we will be very happy to help!
This depends on your lifestyle, the type of property you require and budget. Popular coastal locations include Moraira, Javea, Calpe, and Altea, while the Jalon and Orba Valleys offer a quieter rural lifestyle within easy reach of the coast.
Yes. Foreign buyers can purchase property in Spain whether they are residents or non-residents. You will need an NIE (Foreign Identity) number and should always use an independent lawyer to guide you through the purchase.
Property prices vary depending on the location and type of home. Apartments can often be found from around €150,000, townhouses from approximately €220,000, and villas generally from around €350,000. Prime locations such as Moraira, Javea, Benissa Costa, Calpe, and Altea command higher prices, particularly for sea-view and luxury properties, while inland areas such as the Jalon Valley and Orba Valley often offer excellent value for money.
In addition to the purchase price, buyers should allow approximately 12% for taxes, legal fees, notary fees, and other purchase costs. You should also budget for any renovations, community fees where applicable, and ongoing property expenses.
The Costa Blanca is served by two international airports: Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport and Valencia Airport. Depending on where you buy your property, travelling to your new home usually takes between one and one-and-a-half hours from either airport.
The Costa Blanca offers apartments, townhouses, traditional fincas, family villas, and luxury villas. Whether you are looking for a permanent residence, holiday home, or investment property, there is a wide choice available across the region.
Updated in July 2026 by the team at Hamiltons Real Estate.
