“How long will it take to sell?” is the second question owners ask us (right after what is my home worth?). The honest answer: it depends on location, marketing and above all the asking price. Let's look at the data.
The Spanish average: 3 to 6 months
Portals and industry studies put the national average at around 3-6 months from listing to signing. Alicante has an edge: it is Spain's number-one province for foreign buyers (around 44% of purchases) and demand runs all year.
Our average: 37 days
At VITALITY the current average is 37 days to an agreed sale. Not magic — method: the right price from day one (based on real local data), professional photo and video, premium exposure on national and international portals, and an active list of buyers waiting for stock.
The typical timeline of a well-run sale
Week 1: valuation, photo shoot, listing preparation and paperwork.
Weeks 2-5: qualified viewings and offers.
Deposit contract: commitment signed with a deposit (usually 10%).
Deposit → notary: 30-60 more days for the buyer's mortgage.
What speeds a sale up (and what kills it)
Speeds it up: market pricing, great photos, availability for viewings and paperwork ready. Kills it: pricing high “to leave room to negotiate” (buyers filter by price and never even see you), phone-camera photos, and last-minute document surprises. The paradox of a stale listing: going out expensive makes you sell cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sell a home in Spain on average?
National statistics put the average at around 3-6 months from listing to completion, with big differences by area and price. Dynamic markets like Alicante and Benidorm run clearly faster.
And at VITALITY?
Our current average is 37 days from listing to an agreed sale, thanks to right-first-time pricing, professional photography and an active portfolio of Spanish and international buyers.
How long between deposit contract and completion?
Usually 30-60 days — the time the buyer needs for their mortgage and the notary to prepare. Cash buyers can complete in a couple of weeks.
Why has my flat been on the market for months?
Nine times out of ten: an asking price above market. Poor photos, weak marketing or missing paperwork also play a part. A stale listing ends up selling below its value — better to correct early.
What is the best season to sell?
Spring and autumn concentrate Spanish demand, but on the Costa Blanca international buyers purchase all year round — so the best moment is when the home is ready and correctly priced.