Buying a home in Spain as a foreigner is simpler than most people expect — but it does follow its own rules. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to buy on the Costa Blanca with confidence: the paperwork, the process step by step, the real costs and taxes, financing as a non-resident, and why this stretch of coast has become the first choice for international buyers. At VITALITY Viviendas we guide British, Belgian, Dutch, French, Russian and Ukrainian clients through it every week, in their own language.

Can a foreigner buy property in Spain?

Yes — with no restrictions. Whether you are an EU or non-EU citizen, resident or not, you have the same right to own property in Spain as a Spanish national. You do not need residency, and buying does not automatically grant it (though a property purchase can support certain visa routes). In practice you need just two things to start: a NIE and a Spanish bank account.

Step 1 — Get your NIE

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your personal Spanish tax number as a foreigner. It is compulsory to sign a purchase, open a bank account and pay taxes. You can apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country or in person in Spain. It is a quick administrative step, and we routinely help our clients arrange it or appoint a representative to do it for them.

Step 2 — Open a Spanish bank account

You will need a local account to pay the deposit, taxes and utility bills. Most Spanish banks open non-resident accounts with your passport and NIE. We can point you to banks that are used to working with international clients and in English.

Step 3 — Find the right property and make an offer

This is where a good local agent saves you time and money. We select properties that match your goals and budget, arrange viewings (in person or by video), and negotiate on your behalf. Once you agree a price, you sign a reservation contract and pay a small deposit to take the property off the market, followed by a private purchase contract (contrato de arras) with typically 10% of the price.

Step 4 — Due diligence and the notary

Before completion, checks are made on the property: that it is free of debts and charges, up to date on community fees and taxes, and that its paperwork and licences are in order. We recommend using an independent lawyer for this — we work with English-speaking solicitors. Completion takes place before a notary, who witnesses the deed (escritura); the balance is paid and the keys are handed over. The purchase is then registered at the Land Registry.

Step 5 — Taxes and costs: budget 11-13%

On top of the purchase price, plan for roughly 11% to 13% in taxes and fees:

• Resale homes: the main tax is ITP (transfer tax), around 10% of the price in the Valencia region.
• New-build: 10% VAT plus about 1.5% stamp duty (AJD).
• Notary, Land Registry and legal / gestoría fees: roughly 1-2% combined.

These figures are indicative for the Comunidad Valenciana in 2026 and can vary; we give you an exact breakdown for each property before you commit. (This is general information, not tax or legal advice — always confirm with your lawyer.)

Step 6 — Financing as a non-resident

Spanish banks lend to non-residents, typically up to around 60-70% of the purchase price, depending on your income and the bank's valuation. Rates and conditions differ from your home country, so it pays to compare. We can introduce you to lenders and mortgage brokers who specialise in international buyers. (This is general information, not financial advice.)

Why buy on the Costa Blanca?

The northern Costa Blanca — Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Villajoyosa and Alicante — combines more than 300 days of sunshine a year, mild winters, the Alicante-Elche international airport, excellent healthcare and a large, well-established international community. Prices remain competitive against other European coasts, and rental demand is strong all year. It is no coincidence that foreign buyers already account for around 44% of all home purchases in Alicante province — the highest share in Spain.

Whether you are after new-build, a beachfront apartment or a villa with a pool, we handle the whole journey with you — in your language, from the first viewing to the notary.