How to Buy a House in Costa Blanca as a Foreigner

¿You know how to buy a house in Costa Blanca as a Foreigner? We will explain to you!

Buying a house in Costa Blanca is a dream shared by thousands of foreigners every year. But navigating Spanish bureaucracy, understanding property laws, and managing logistics from abroad can feel overwhelming.

This guide by Bertrade Real Estate explains every step of the buying process for non-Spanish citizens—whether you’re British, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, or from anywhere else—focusing especially on the legal and bureaucratic procedures involved. And most importantly, why working with a reliable agency like Bertrade makes the difference.

Why Buy in Costa Blanca?

Costa Blanca offers more than just sun and sea. It’s a region that combines Mediterranean charm, an affordable lifestyle, and stable property value, attracting buyers from all over Europe and beyond. British citizens relocating post-Brexit, Russians in search of private villas, Poles and Ukrainians looking for a new start or second residence—all find a niche here.

Bertrade has years of experience matching international clients with properties that suit their legal situation, investment goals, and lifestyle.

The Legal Steps to Buy a House in Spain as a Foreigner

Getting Your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

The NIE is the first and most essential document you’ll need. It identifies you for tax purposes in Spain and is required to open a bank account, pay for your property, and complete the notary process. This is not optional—it is mandatory.

Bertrade helps clients get their NIE through the Spanish consulate abroad, or directly in Spain with the help of our legal partners. We also manage the application through Power of Attorney if the client cannot be physically present.

Opening a Spanish Bank Account

To carry out most financial procedures in Spain, a local bank account is needed. You will need your passport, your NIE, and proof of income or funds. Bertrade facilitates this step by recommending trusted banks and managing appointments, paperwork, and translations if necessary.

Choosing the Right Location

Costa Blanca is large and diverse, and each area has its own legal characteristics, pricing trends, and licensing conditions. From the artistic town of Altea to the luxury properties in Moraira or the family-friendly Javea, the key is to align your choice with your legal status and future plans.

Bertrade offers a tailored analysis of each zone, based on your nationality, lifestyle needs and investment goals.

Due Diligence and Legal Check of the Property

This is where many foreign buyers make mistakes. You cannot rely on the seller’s word or a casual agent. Every property must be checked for debts, licenses, urban infractions or pending taxes.

At Bertrade, we carry out a full legal check before any payment is made or document is signed. Our legal team verifies ownership, land registry status, urban classification, and municipal permits—ensuring there are no hidden risks.

Drafting and Signing the Contracts

Once the property is legally cleared, a reservation agreement is signed. This holds the property while the purchase contract is prepared. This private contract includes all negotiated conditions and usually requires a deposit of 10% of the final price.

Bertrade handles all negotiations, translations, and legal documentation. If you’re not in Spain, we coordinate everything remotely with Power of Attorney.

Final Signing at the Notary

The public deed of sale, known as the “escritura pública,” is signed before a notary. The notary ensures that everything is legal and transparent. At this moment, you pay the balance, receive the keys, and officially become the owner.

Bertrade coordinates the entire notary appointment, prepares all documents, and ensures correct registration.

Registering the Property and Managing Utilities

After the signing, Bertrade proceeds to register the property in your name at the Land Registry and Cadastre. We also assist with switching over water, electricity, gas, internet, and setting up direct debits from your Spanish bank account.

Understanding Taxes and Costs

The total cost of the operation goes beyond the sale price. You’ll have to pay transfer tax (usually 10% for resale properties), notary fees, land registry costs, legal fees, and in the case of new builds, VAT and stamp duty.

We always provide a transparent cost estimate before any decision is made.

Do You Need a Real Estate Agent?

Yes—if you want peace of mind. Especially as a foreigner, having a reliable real estate agency like Bertrade saves you time, avoids legal mistakes, and ensures that your investment is secure.

Unlike casual agents or intermediaries, Bertrade offers full legal security, multilingual support, and total transparency. We work for you, not just to sell a property, but to make sure it becomes your home or your best investment.

Special Considerations by Nationality

British Citizens

After Brexit, you can only stay 90 days per 180 without a visa. If you plan to live longer, Bertrade helps you explore residency options, including the Golden Visa (minimum €500,000 investment). We also ensure that you understand healthcare, taxation, and pension implications.

Russian Citizens

Due to EU sanctions, Russian citizens face restrictions: no Golden Visa and banking complications. However, many still buy through EU-based family members or companies. Bertrade provides legal workarounds with transparency and ethics.

Polish Citizens

As EU citizens, Polish buyers face fewer legal obstacles. The main concern is usually the tax structure, and Bertrade provides full fiscal guidance.

Ukrainian Citizens

Many Ukrainians have special protection status within the EU. Buying property is allowed under this status, and Bertrade assists with both housing and legal guidance to ensure safe and legal residency paths.

Final Thoughts

Buying a property in Costa Blanca is not just a financial transaction. It’s a personal and legal journey that must be done right. That’s why Bertrade Real Estate isn’t just an agency—we are your local legal ally, your translator, your tax guide, and your safety net.

If you’re thinking about making Costa Blanca your new home, contact us. We’ll handle the paperwork, the headaches, and the bureaucracy—so you can focus on living your dream.

📞 ++34 642 184 624
✉️ info@bertrade.com