Costa Blanca
There’s something for everyone along the ‘white coast’ of huge contrasts which encompasses a diverse range of seaside resorts in the South East of the Iberian Peninsula with its round-the-clock party places devoted to satisfying every whim of the most demanding package holidaymaker.
Costa Blanca translates as the White Coast, and pristine white beaches are set off against sapphire blue oceans, striking hills and mountains covered in pine trees, and fields upon fields of almond trees and olive groves.
This is one of Europe’s most visited areas and the World Health Organization has named it as having the world’s best climate, so as you can imagine, it’s a very popular tourist destination. Because of this, the Costa Blanca is ideal for young professionals and families.
This coastline has an enticing blend of lively social scenes, legendary nightlife, luxurious resorts and traditional fishing villages for active expats to discover and explore.
Choosing the Costa Blanca as your new home means that you pay, on average 18 percent less for things than you would in Madrid. Property is much cheaper to rent or buy, most apartments here are about 43 percent more affordable than in the Spanish Capital.
English speaking jobs are relatively easy to come by here and you do not need to be fluent in Spanish.
The Costa Almeria consists of 200 kilometres of coastline fringing the south-east corner of mainland Spain. It’s 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.
The Costa Brava is Spain’s ruggedly beautiful ‘wild coast’ that stretches for 160 kilometres between the French border and Barcelona. It’s 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.
The Costa Calida is the 250-kilometre stretch of coastline that borders the province of Murcia in the South East corner of Spain. It’s 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.
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 ‘Coast of Light’ for many years.
The Costa del Sol is Andalucia’s 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 Mediterranean’s top holiday spots.
The Costa Dorada is Spain’s ‘Golden coast’ 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.
The Costa Tropical lies to the east of the far better known Costa del Sol on Spain’s 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.
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.
Once you have found your property, a deposit of €3000-€6000 is usually paid. This takes the property off the market. We strongly advise seeking independent legal advise at this stage.
Your lawyer will obtain a document from the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) and here details of any debt outstanding relating to the property is found. It also tells you who the legal owner is and that all descriptions match with the sellers, for example square meter sizes. The initial deposit must be returned to you if your lawyer is unhappy with anything.
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 ‘elevate’ 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.
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.
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 €400 – €700 per annum.
Water and Electricity
Standard charges.
Property Insurance
Buildings and contents.
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.
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.
Please contact us for more information.
