Buying property in Costa Blanca is a decision that combines lifestyle appeal with stable investment value. The region attracts international buyers who want holiday homes, rental opportunities, or permanent relocation. In 2025, Spain introduced new laws that regulate tourist rentals and require additional compliance for owners. This guide explains the process from legal checks to lifestyle factors, connecting every step a foreign buyer needs to consider.
Why Buy Property in Costa Blanca?
The Costa Blanca combines climate, coastline, and connectivity, making it one of Spain’s most attractive regions for property buyers. Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport provides direct links across Europe. Towns like Alicante, Benidorm, Altea, Jávea, Moraira, Torrevieja, and Orihuela Costa attract both holidaymakers and long-term residents. Year-round tourism sustains strong rental demand. Compared with Costa del Sol or the Balearic Islands, Costa Blanca combines affordability with consistent returns.
Types of Property Available in Costa Blanca
The property market in Costa Blanca ranges from modern apartments in Benidorm to hillside villas in Altea, giving buyers multiple entry points. Villas dominate coastal and hillside locations, offering private pools and sea views. Apartments in Benidorm and Torrevieja appeal to buyers seeking affordability and rental yield. Townhouses in Orihuela Costa and Villajoyosa provide mid-range family options. Rustic fincas inland suit buyers who want land and traditional style. Average prices range from €1,500 per m² in Torrevieja to more than €3,000 per m² in Altea Hills.
Legal Framework for International Buyers
Foreign buyers in Costa Blanca must follow Spain’s legal process, which centres on notary authentication, Land Registry checks, and cadastral records. Foreign buyers require an NIE number and a Spanish bank account. A notary authenticates the transaction and records it in the Land Registry. The Catastro database registers property boundaries and cadastral values. Buyers must review planning permissions and property debts before signing. Due diligence ensures that a villa or apartment is free of encumbrances and complies with zoning.
Tourist Rental Laws and Compliance
Holiday rental in Costa Blanca is shaped by national reforms and regional rules that govern licenses, registrations, and community approvals. As explained in our guide to buying property in Costa Blanca, holiday rental in Costa Blanca is a strong investment because international visitors continue to drive demand for short stays. Spain amended the Horizontal Property Law in April, requiring apartment owners in shared buildings to obtain approval from their community of owners. At least sixty percent of owners by quota must consent. Properties with existing licenses before April remain valid. From July 2025, Spain launched the NRUA, a national register that assigns a unique rental ID to every holiday rental. Owners must display this ID on all advertisements. Municipal rules in the Valencian Community add further conditions for tourist licenses, with restrictions in Alicante city and priority zones in Benidorm.
Financial Considerations
The financial side of buying property in Costa Blanca covers upfront purchase taxes, annual ownership costs, and mortgage requirements for non-residents. Buyers pay notary and registry fees, legal costs, and transfer tax (ITP) on resale property or VAT plus stamp duty on new builds. Ongoing costs include IBI property tax, basura waste collection, and community fees in shared complexes. Non-resident owners pay income tax on potential rental income, even if unused. Wealth tax applies above certain thresholds. Mortgages for foreign buyers require proof of income, tax returns, and a deposit of at least thirty percent. A full breakdown of these obligations appears in our guide to Spanish property taxes explained for foreign buyers.
Investment Potential and Rental Yields
Rental yields in Costa Blanca vary by location and property type, with apartments in Benidorm and villas in Moraira delivering different performance profiles. Short-term demand is strongest in Alicante, Benidorm, and Torrevieja, where year-round tourism sustains occupancy. Holiday villas with pools command premium weekly rates in Jávea and Moraira. Long-term rentals perform well inland, supported by workers and local families. A licensed apartment in Benidorm can achieve a six percent gross yield, while luxury villas in Altea Hills earn higher nightly rates with lower occupancy. See our analysis of ROI on Costa Blanca holiday rentals
for detailed yield comparisons.
Lifestyle and Practicalities for Foreign Buyers
Life in Costa Blanca blends healthcare access, international education, reliable transport, and a vibrant cultural calendar. Healthcare in Alicante province includes public hospitals and private clinics with English-speaking staff. Education options include international schools in Alicante, Jávea, and Villajoyosa. Transport networks connect the region by airport, high-speed rail, and modern road systems. Culture thrives through festivals, gastronomy, and traditions such as Alicante’s Hogueras de San Juan and Moors and Christians parades in Alcoy and Villajoyosa.
Step-by-Step Buying Process in Costa Blanca
The purchase process in Costa Blanca unfolds through a reservation contract, legal checks, notary signing, and registry updates. Buyers begin with a contrato de arras, a reservation contract that secures the transaction. Property due diligence in Costa Blanca then confirms ownership, debts, and licenses. The final purchase takes place before a notary, where the escritura is signed and funds are transferred.
The Land Registry updates ownership records. After completion, buyers arrange utility contracts, property insurance, and local tax registrations. This process guarantees a smooth transfer and legal certainty.
Key Locations in Costa Blanca for International Buyers
From Alicante city’s urban market to Moraira’s premium villas, Costa Blanca offers distinct buying opportunities in every town:
- Alicante city offers a blend of urban apartments and beachfront living. See Our Alicante villa guide.
- Benidorm specialises in high-rise apartments and strong rental demand.
- Altea and Altea Hills focus on luxury villas with sea views.
- Jávea and Moraira provide family-friendly villas and premium rentals.
- Villajoyosa and Finestrat combine traditional charm with new developments.
- Orihuela Costa attracts expatriate buyers with holiday homes.
- Torrevieja offers affordability and consistent year-round rental markets.
Costs Beyond Purchase Price
Ownership costs in Costa Blanca extend beyond the purchase price to include maintenance, taxes, and community expenses. Owners face ongoing maintenance, insurance, and community fees. Renovation costs may arise in older apartments or rustic properties. Furnishing and decoration are necessary for rentals. Spanish property tax planning for non-residents includes annual declarations, property income tax, and wealth tax depending on value and residency status.
Glossary of Spanish Real Estate Terms
Understanding Spanish property terms such as API, RAICV, Nota Simple, and Escritura helps buyers navigate Costa Blanca transactions with confidence:
- API: Certified real estate agent with national registration.
- RAICV: Valencian Registry of Real Estate Intermediaries.
- Nota Simple: Land Registry extract showing ownership and charges.
- Escritura: Deed of sale signed before a notary.
- Catastro: Cadastre system recording property size and boundaries.
For extended definitions and additional terms, see our Spanish property glossary.
Final Notes and Next Steps
Buying property in Costa Blanca delivers lifestyle and investment benefits when approached with knowledge of laws, costs, and market conditions. The region offers variety across coastal cities, luxury enclaves, and affordable resorts. Buyers who understand compliance and rental licensing position themselves for both immediate enjoyment and long-term value. Villas al Sol, API nº 1197 and RAICV 0122, operates as a dedicated buyer’s agent, guiding international clients through every stage of the process.
