If you’re sitting in the UK thinking about a place in the sun, you’re not alone. Every year, more and more people look at Costa Blanca and think… why not? The weather, the lifestyle, the sea, the pace of life—it’s very hard to beat.
And the good news is simple. Even after Brexit, you can still buy property in Spain without any problem. Nothing has changed about your right to own a home here. The main differences are just around how long you can stay and a bit more paperwork along the way.
Let’s talk about that first, because it’s usually the biggest question.
As a UK citizen, you can stay in Spain for 90 days within any 180-day period. For most people buying a second home, this works perfectly. Long holidays, extended stays, coming and going throughout the year—it’s manageable. If your plan is to live here full-time, then residency is the next step, but for many buyers, that’s not needed straight away.
If you want to read the official guidance in detail, you can check it here:
Now, let’s be honest—buying abroad always comes down to the numbers at some point.
In Costa Blanca, the costs are actually quite clear. If you’re buying a resale property, the tax is 10%. If it’s a new build, it’s also 10% VAT, plus a smaller stamp duty of around 1.5%. When you include legal work, notary, and registration, you’re usually looking at 12%–14% on top of the purchase price.
There are no hidden surprises here, and importantly, there’s no “extra” tax just because you’re from the UK.
Once you own the property, there are a few yearly costs. One that people don’t always expect is the non-resident property tax. It sounds complicated, but in reality, it’s not. It’s based on a small calculated value of your property, not real income.
To give you a feel for it, most owners end up paying somewhere between €300 and €800 per year. It’s not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of from the start.
Mortgages are still possible for UK buyers, but things are a bit more cautious now. Spanish banks usually lend around 60%–70%, depending on your situation. Because of that, many buyers today go part cash or full cash just to keep things simple and move faster when they find the right place.
And that’s really the key point here—finding the right place.
Areas like Calpe, Moraira, Benissa, and Altea are popular for a reason. You’ve got coastline, views, good infrastructure, and a strong mix of local life and international community. Whether it’s a holiday home, an investment, or something more long-term, these areas keep their value and demand.
The buying process itself is quite structured. You’ll need an NIE number, a Spanish bank account, and then once you find your property, it goes through legal checks before signing at the notary. On paper, it’s simple. In reality, this is where having the right people around you makes all the difference.
Because here’s the truth—most estate agents in Spain work for the seller. Not for you.
That’s exactly why we created Costa Blanca Buyers.
At Costa Blanca Buyers by Yohanne and Jacqueline, we only represent buyers. That means everything we do is focused on you—your budget, your lifestyle, your plans. We search across the full market, not just one agency. We negotiate for you, not against you. And we work closely with trusted Spanish lawyers and notaries to make sure everything is secure and clear from day one.
We also understand that this isn’t just a transaction. It’s a move, a lifestyle change, sometimes even a fresh start. And that needs to feel right, not rushed or stressful.
So if you’re thinking about buying in Costa Blanca, take your time, get the right advice, and make sure you have the right team around you.
It makes all the difference
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