The province of Alicante, in the heart of Spain’s Costa Blanca, offers everything international buyers are looking for: a relaxed lifestyle, sunshine all year round, a well-connected airport, and a vibrant mix of coastal and inland towns. It’s no surprise that buyers from the UK, France, Belgium, and Germany consistently rank this area among their top choices for relocation, retirement or investment.
However, purchasing property in Spain involves more than choosing the right house or apartment. There are significant additional costs that are often overlooked, especially by first-time buyers or those unfamiliar with Spanish procedures. If you don’t account for these, your property buying budget may fall short, and the experience can become more stressful than expected.
At CC Lawyers Alicante, we specialise in assisting expatriates with legal support in their own language. From the first consultation to post-sale registration, we take care of every legal detail so you can focus on enjoying your new home.
Real estate fees and taxes in the Comunidad Valenciana
Many buyers see an attractive asking price and assume that’s the total cost. In reality, depending on the type of property and how it is financed, the total costs can increase by 12–15% over the listed price. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead and work with a local legal team that knows the regional tax rates and administrative procedures in Alicante.
Below we detail the main expenses and how they apply specifically to the Comunidad Valenciana.
1. Property Transfer Tax (ITP) – For resale properties
If you are purchasing a second-hand or resale property from a private owner (which is very common in Alicante), you will need to pay the Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP). In the Comunidad Valenciana, the standard rate is 10% of the declared purchase price.
There are also reduced rates available in certain circumstances:
- 8% or 6% for buyers under 35 years old purchasing their first home.
- Families with three or more children (classified as “familia numerosa”).
- Buyers with a recognised disability.
- In purchases of protected properties (VPO), used as the buyer’s main residence.
However, these reductions are not automatically applied. They must be requested with supporting documentation and strict compliance with requirements. At CC Lawyers, we assess your eligibility and handle the entire process, ensuring the correct tax rate is applied from the outset.
2. VAT and Stamp Duty – For new build properties
When you purchase a newly built property directly from a developer or promoter, different taxes apply. In this case, you must pay 10% VAT (IVA) instead of ITP, plus 1.5% Stamp Duty (Actos Jurídicos Documentados – AJD).
These taxes are calculated on the declared purchase price and must be paid before the property can be registered in your name. In some cases, buyers wrongly assume that VAT is already included in the advertised price. That’s why we always recommend reviewing the reservation contract and all clauses relating to taxes and payment terms before signing anything.
Our legal team regularly advises international clients on off-plan purchases or developments, ensuring that the payment schedule is clear and that your rights are fully protected with bank guarantees in place.
3. Notary and Land Registry fees
In Spain, property sales must be formalised in front of a public notary and then registered in the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). These steps are not optional, and their costs are borne by the buyer.
- Notary fees generally range from €600 to €1,200, depending on the value and complexity of the transaction.
- Land Registry fees usually cost between €400 and €1,000.
These are regulated fees, but the amounts can vary depending on the number of documents, the value declared in the deed, and whether a mortgage is involved.
At CC Lawyers, we review the notarial deed before the signing appointment, attend with or on behalf of the client (via power of attorney), and coordinate with the registry to ensure the ownership change is processed efficiently and with no legal complications.
4. Legal fees: An investment in peace of mind
Some buyers are tempted to proceed without legal representation, relying on the seller’s agent or online advice. However, only an independent lawyer represents your interests, and ensures that the property you are purchasing is legally sound.
Our fees are clearly defined and transparent, and include:
- Full due diligence on the property (checking for debts, charges, or planning issues).
- Reviewing or drafting the reservation and private purchase contracts.
- Applying for the NIE number (foreigner tax identification).
- Representation before the notary with a power of attorney, if needed.
- Post-sale registration and tax filings.
- Coordinating utility changes and local notifications.
We offer fixed-price packages so you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden costs. Our team works in English and French, which eliminates misunderstandings and builds confidence throughout the process.
5. Real estate agent commission
In most transactions, especially when dealing with professional estate agents in Alicante, the commission is paid by the seller. However, there are situations — such as purchases from private owners or direct from developers — where the buyer may be asked to assume all or part of the fee.
Our role is to review the terms of any agreement and ensure that you are not committing to unexpected expenses. We also verify that the agent has provided all the necessary legal documentation before you sign any contract or pay a deposit.
6. Mortgage-related costs (if applicable)
If you are applying for a mortgage with a Spanish bank, there are several additional costs to include in your property buying budget:
- Property valuation (tasación): mandatory and costs approximately €300 to €500.
- Mortgage arrangement fee: some banks charge up to 1% of the loan amount.
- Additional notary and registry fees to record the mortgage in the Land Registry.
Banks often present documents in Spanish only, which can be a source of confusion or stress. At CC Lawyers, we help you understand the full implications of your mortgage offer, check for abusive clauses, and coordinate the signing with the bank’s notary.
7. Other expenses to consider
There are a number of recurring or one-off costs that can affect your long-term budget:
- NIE Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): required to purchase property in Spain. We can obtain it for you for a standard fee.
- IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles): an annual municipal tax based on the property’s cadastral value. This is not based on the purchase price and varies by municipality.
- Community fees: monthly charges for maintenance and shared services, especially in apartments or gated communities. We verify these costs in advance.
- Utilities and change of name fees: for water, electricity, gas and rubbish collection.
Our after-sales service includes helping clients with the transfer or registration of all these services in their name.
Why work with a local legal team in Alicante?
Buying property abroad is an important personal and financial decision. It involves navigating a new legal system, language barriers and different cultural practices. That’s why it is essential to rely on a team of local lawyers who understand both Spanish law and the needs of international clients.
At CC Lawyers Alicante, we offer:
- Over 20 years of experience assisting foreign buyers.
- A multilingual team fluent in English, French and Spanish.
- Legal services tailored to your goals: investment, relocation, retirement.
- Transparent communication and fixed fees.
We work throughout the Costa Blanca — including Alicante, Torrevieja, Altea, Jávea, Denia, and Benidorm — and have helped hundreds of clients buy safely and with confidence.
Request your consultation and buy in Spain with complete confidence
Avoid unnecessary costs, legal risks and administrative stress. With the right legal support, buying a property in Alicante can be smooth, secure and even enjoyable.
Contact CC Lawyers today to book your free initial consultation and receive personalised guidance from a trusted local expert.
Legal notice: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized legal advice. For a thorough assessment of your specific case, we recommend requesting a consultation with our team of specialised lawyers.