Costa Blanca Buyer's FAQ
Buying property on the Costa Blanca North — clear answers on Spanish taxes, NIE, mortgages, the legal process, visas and common pitfalls.
Buying process & legal
- Do I need an NIE to buy property in Spain?
Yes. The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the foreign tax identification number you need for almost any significant transaction in Spain, including buying property, signing the title deed before a notary, opening a bank account and paying the associated taxes. You can apply for it in person at a Spanish National Police station or through a Spanish consulate abroad, and many buyers grant a power of attorney to their lawyer to obtain it on their behalf.
- What taxes and costs apply when buying a resale property on the Costa Blanca?
Budget roughly 11–13% on top of the purchase price. For a resale home in the Valencian Community this is mainly ITP transfer tax (10%), plus notary, land registry and legal fees. New-build purchases pay 10% VAT plus 1.5% stamp duty (AJD) instead of ITP.
- How long does the purchase process take?
From a signed reservation to completion at the notary typically takes 4–8 weeks, depending on mortgage timing and due diligence. A reservation contract takes the property off the market while your lawyer carries out legal checks.