Spanish Property
Have you dreamt of a place in the sun? Investment, holiday home or relocating, come see what we have availableā¦
Guide to the Costas (Coasts) of Spain
Costa Blanca
Thereās something for everyone along the Costa Blanca, or ‘White Coast’, which stretches along the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. This area features a vibrant mix of bustling party spots and peaceful resorts, all tailored to meet the needs of the avid holidaymaker.
Costa Blanca, meaning ‘White Coast’, is aptly named for its stunning white sandy beaches contrasted against sapphire blue seas, scenic hills, and lush pine forests, along with extensive fields of almond trees and olive groves. Itās one of Europeās most frequented destinations and boasts the worldās best climate according to the World Health Organization, making it a prime spot for tourists, especially popular among young professionals and families.
This coastline offers a compelling mix of lively social environments, iconic nightlife, upscale resorts, and traditional fishing villages. Living in Costa Blanca means lower living costs ā about 18% less compared to Madrid. Properties are also more affordable, with costs approximately 43% lower than in the Spanish capital.
English-speaking jobs are relatively easy to find here, and fluency in Spanish is not a requirement.
Costa Calida
The Costa Calida is the 250-kilometre stretch of coastline that borders the province of Murcia in the South East corner of Spain. Itās home to the world famous La Manga Club which boasts some of the top sports and leisure facilities to be found in any self-contained tourist complex in Europe.
Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is Andaluciaās best known stretch of coastline, famous for its seemingly endless beaches, year-round sunshine and a wealth of major tourist attractions which make it one of the Mediterraneanās top holiday spots.
Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is Spainās ruggedly beautiful āwild coastā that stretches for 160 kilometres between the French border and Barcelona. Itās undoubtedly one of the most scenic coastal strips in the whole of mainland Spain, boasting endless miles of sandy beaches and countless rocky coves backed by pine-clad cliffs.
Costa Almeria
The Costa Almeria consists of 200 kilometres of coastline fringing the south-east corner of mainland Spain. Itās certainly not one of the better known Spanish resort areas although tourism has started to make an impact on a handful of beachside villages dotted around the coast either side of the cosmopolitan city of Almeria.
Costa de la Luz
The Costa de la Luz is one of the best kept secrets of the entire Spanish coastline. Mass tourism has failed to spread its tendrils as far as this south west corner of Spain though Spanish visitors have been enjoying the diverse delights of the āCoast of Lightā for many years.
Costa Dorada
The Costa Dorada is Spainās āGolden coastā which stretches for 200 kilometres to the South West of Barcelona. The coastline takes its name from the seemingly endless supply of golden sandy beaches which fringe the south eastern border of the autonomous region of Catalunya.
Costa Tropical
The Costa Tropical lies to the east of the far better known Costa del Sol on Spainās southern coast. Tourism has started to take off here in recent years but this stretch of coastline is still a world apart from the high rise resorts of its coastal neighbour.
Buyers Guide
Budget
When considering purchasing a property in Spain, the very first thing to get straight is your budget. On top of the actual asking purchase price you need to allow approximately 13% in purchasing fees for Notary, Land Registry and Legal Fees :-
- 10% IVA/Transfer Tax
- 1% Legal Fees (Estimate)
- 1.6 % Land Registry Fees /Notary fees
- If you require a mortgage, an additional 1-2 % of the loaned amount is also payable.
Legal Advice and Deposit
Once you have found your property, we strongly advise having a lawyer ready to help with the process, a deposit is usually paid with a written contract.
This takes the property off the market.
Your lawyer will obtain a āNota Simpleā document for the property. Here details of any debt outstanding relating to the property is found, informs who the legal owner is and ensures all descriptions match with the sellers, for example; square metre sizes of build and land.
The contract should state that the initial deposit must be returned to you if your lawyer is unhappy with anything.
Purchase
When you are satisfied, a private purchase contract is written up between the buyer and the seller and a 10% deposit is paid. It is usually a simple document in which the seller expresses their intent to transfer the property to the buyer. The buyer expresses their intent to buy at a set price and conditions agreed upon. Usually at this stage if the buyer backs out of the contract, they lose the deposit. If the seller backs out, they have to pay back double.
Within this contract there will be a date of completion. In order to finalise the transaction your lawyer will arrange a date with the Notary. Then, if all in order, all parties sign the Escritura (Deeds). The Notary is a Public Official. His signature is required to āelevateā the private contract into public deeds which can be inscribed in the land registry. If you are unable to attend the Notary, arrangements can be made for a Power of Attorney to be granted enabling another person to attend on your behalf.
NIE Number
Anyone purchasing a property will be required to obtain an NIE number. This a tax identification number and is required by law in Spain. This is for every individual who is working or residing in Spain. It can be easily arranged but be aware that every town has a different method and we recommend seeking advice once in the area of your choice.
- Bank Account: It is also necessary to open a Spanish bank account. This is a very simple process. The only requirement is a valid passport and an initial deposit. Most banks have English speaking staff and internet banking facilities. Your lawyer will then instruct all utility bills to be paid by direct debit from your account.
- Yearly Running Costs: IBI (Local Rates)Refuse collection, road maintenance etc. The amount payable is dependent on the area and meterage of the property and far less than the Uk Council Tax.
- Community Fees: If your property is on an Urbanisation, there is a fee for general maintenance of the swimming pool, grounds, lighting and admin costs. Approximate fees are between ā¬400 ā ā¬700 per annum.
- Water and Electricity
- Standard charges.
- Property Insurance
- Buildings and contents.
Viewing Trips
Buying your dream property in Spain is a big decision and that is why we offer you a subsidized viewing trip to take a lot of the hard work away from you.
Knowing your budget is the easy part but deciding which area to choose and what kind of property can be very daunting. We talk, listen and then advise to find the best place in the sun for you.
Please contact us with the dates and we will arrange everything.
We will meet you at the airport and take you to a local 4* Hotel.
Depending on your arrival time we will provide a full day of properties to show you within your budget and in the location of your choice.
Viewing Trips
- We will show you the local towns, beaches, restaurants and places of interest.
- We can introduce you to banks who can offer up to 70% finance if required.
- We can advise on furniture shops and where to get the best bargains.
- We can introduce you to a lawyer for the best advise on purchasing a property in Spain. Always take legal advise.
- We then take you back to the airport with your new knowledge of Spain and a lot to think about.