There is a moment that almost every foreign buyer experiences on Costa Blanca.

The first morning on the terrace.

The air is still cool. The palms barely move. Downstairs, someone is walking a dog, the aroma of coffee wafts from the bakery, and suddenly everything seems slower.

Many feel for the first time:

"Maybe it really could be possible to live here."

The next question, however, is much more practical:

"How much does this actually cost?"

And this is where the part of the process begins where good local support often matters more than the property itself.

The purchase price in Spain is just the beginning.

When someone is looking for a property on Costa Blanca, they usually first look at the advertised prices.

A modern apartment with a pool.

A penthouse with a rooftop terrace.

A white villa with palm trees.

Most foreign buyers are surprised to find that in Spain, the final cost does not stop at the purchase price.

In addition to the purchase price, there are several items worth calculating in advance. Together, these typically amount to 10-15 percent of the purchase price.

This may sound like a lot at first. However, in reality, these are well-planned, known costs that operate similarly in most European countries.

Let's see what this extra consists of.

For used properties — ITP

The largest item is the tax related to the property purchase.

In the Valencia region — to which Costa Blanca belongs — this is currently 10 percent for used properties. This tax is called ITP, or Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales.

This is one of the most important predictable costs in most purchases.

For new properties — IVA and AJD

The situation is different for new properties.

In this case, one must pay VAT, which is called IVA in Spain. This is also 10 percent.

Additionally, there is a smaller fee, known as AJD, which is currently 1.5 percent in the Valencia region.

This means that for new properties, the tax burden totals approximately 11.5 percent.

Many are surprised by this.

Therefore, new properties come with a slightly higher tax cost, but in return, they offer guarantees, modern energy efficiency, and typically lower maintenance needs.

Lawyer's fee — the price of peace of mind

Most foreign buyers work with an independent lawyer.

This is completely common and highly recommended in Spain.

The lawyer checks the title deed, assesses any debts, reviews contracts, and guides the entire process.

The lawyer's fee typically hovers around 1 percent of the purchase price.

For a property worth 200,000 euros, this is about 2,000 euros.

Many consider this cost one of the best investments in the purchase.

Because the lawyer does not complicate the process.

On the contrary — they take the burden off the buyer's shoulders.

Notary and property registration

The finalization of the sale in Spain takes place before a notary.

The notary's fee generally ranges between 600 and 1,200 euros, depending on the property's value.

This is accompanied by the registration in the property registry, which is typically of a similar magnitude.

Together, these usually account for half a percent of the purchase price.

Not large items, but worth knowing about, as they appear in the final bill.

What does this look like in a real example?

Let's assume someone buys a 200,000 euro used apartment on Costa Blanca.

In addition to the purchase price, they can expect about 20,000 euros in tax, 2,000 euros in lawyer's fees, and roughly 1,500 euros in notary and registration costs.

This totals approximately 223,500 euros.

So the additional cost is about 12 percent.

For a similarly valued new property, the tax is slightly higher, around 23,000 euros.

The other items are similar.

Thus, the total cost could be around 226,500 euros.

These figures are indicative, but they clearly show that the additional costs are not surprises.

But rather a well-planned part of the process.

New or used property?

This is one of the first decisions most buyers make.

And interestingly, often it is not money that decides.

But lifestyle.

Many choose new properties for their modern appearance, energy efficiency, and comfortable communal spaces.

Infinity pool.

Gym.

Large terrace.

Sea-view sunsets.

Others prefer more characterful, quieter residential neighborhoods.

A quiet street in Ciudad Quesada.

A Mediterranean villa near Alicante.

Or an apartment from where the morning market is within walking distance.

It's good to keep the tax differences in mind.

But most buyers ultimately do not decide for this reason.

But because of where they can imagine their mornings.

One of the greatest advantages of Costa Blanca is precisely this.

It offers very different lifestyles within the same coastline.

What is rarely thought of in advance — the annual costs

After purchasing the property, there are regular costs that are worth knowing.

One of the most important is the IBI, or annual property tax.

This is calculated based on the property's cadastral value and varies by municipality. On Costa Blanca, it typically ranges from 300 to 800 euros per year for an average apartment.

The community fee — or comunidad — is also a basic expense for apartment buildings and residential parks.

This includes the maintenance of common areas, pool upkeep, garden care, and stairwell lighting.

This typically ranges from 50 to 150 euros per month, but can be higher in premium developments.

Additionally, there is the basura, or waste collection fee.

This is around 100-300 euros per year.

And of course, utility fees.

Electricity, water, and internet on Costa Blanca are generally similar to the European average.

Many owners report spending significantly less on heating than they did previously in Northern Europe.

These annual costs are overall predictable and well-planned.

Most buyers are not surprised by the amount, but by how much simpler the system is than they originally expected.

The good purchasing process is almost unnoticed

Most stress usually does not come from the property itself.

But from uncertainty.

What documents are needed?

How long does it take?

What should be paid attention to?

Who handles the official matters?

An experienced local lawyer and a well-organized process take this almost completely off the buyer's shoulders.

NIE number.

Contracts.

Title checks.

Notary.

Utility transfers.

A good system is characterized by the fact that the client has time to enjoy the whole experience in the meantime.

Because the purchase is ultimately not administration.

But the beginning of a new life situation.

Important to know

The percentages and amounts mentioned in the article are indicative and reflect general values valid at the time of writing.

Taxes, fees, and charges may change over time and may vary in individual cases.

This article does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice.

Every purchase is unique. It is advisable to consult an independent expert, lawyer, or tax advisor about current and personalized costs.

The real value is often not in the square meters

Interestingly, most buyers do not remember the property most strongly.

But the feeling.

The first dinner on the terrace.

The January sunshine.

The fact that breakfast can be enjoyed outside even in December.

The fact that there is no need to rush anywhere.

This is what Costa Blanca does very well.

Not loudly.

But quietly.

Summary

Buying property in Spain is now a much more transparent process than many think.

The costs are well-planned, and the process is safe and predictable with the right local support.

Perhaps the most important thing is not the property itself.

But the kind of life that one chooses along with it.

If you are considering buying property in Costa Blanca and would like to see the options and real costs more clearly, we are happy to help.