A Guide for Foreign Buyers: How to Buy a House in Alicante Step by Step If you're a foreigner considering buying a house in Alicante, this guide is for you. Alicante has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe for purchasing a second home or investing in property. Its warm climate, coastal location, cultural and culinary scene, and high quality of life make it one of the most attractive cities on the Mediterranean. Below, you'll find everything you need to know to buy safely and confidently. Located on the Costa Blanca, Alicante offers over 300 days of sunshine per year, Blue Flag beaches, excellent healthcare and education infrastructure, and great connectivity to the rest of Europe thanks to its international airport. These factors, along with an affordable cost of living and a vibrant expat community, have made it a top destination for international buyers. The first step for buying a house in Alicante as a foreigner is obtaining an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number). This number is essential for signing contracts, opening a bank account, and performing any legal transactions in Spain, including real estate purchases. You can apply for the NIE at a police station in Spain or through the Spanish consulate in your home country. It's recommended to handle this step in advance to avoid delays. Once you have your NIE, you’ll need to open a bank account with a Spanish bank. This account is required for managing payments related to the purchase, including taxes, notary fees, and mortgage payments if applicable. Most banks are experienced in working with international clients and provide services in multiple languages, which makes the process easier. Next, you'll need to define your budget. It's important to have a clear idea of how much you can invest and whether you’ll be paying in full or applying for a mortgage. Spanish banks do offer mortgages to non-residents, usually financing up to 70% of the appraised value of the property. Factors such as repayment terms, the buyer’s age, and income stability all influence approval. Getting financial advice is highly recommended at this stage. Once your budget is set, you can start searching for a property. Alicante offers a wide range of options—from city-center apartments to villas in residential or beachfront areas. The best choice depends on your personal needs and preferences, whether for living, vacationing, or investing. It’s advisable to learn about the different neighborhoods. Playa de San Juan is popular with families and foreign buyers due to its relaxed atmosphere, large beach, and excellent services. The city center offers urban living, while areas like Albufereta and Cabo de las Huertas are known for sea views and a quieter environment. When you find the right property, you can make an offer. If it’s accepted by the seller, it’s common to sign a “contrato de arras,” which is a preliminary agreement where the buyer pays a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) to reserve the property. This contract outlines the terms and conditions of the sale and includes penalties for either party if they back out of the deal. Although it’s not legally required, hiring a lawyer who specializes in Spanish real estate law is strongly recommended. The lawyer will review all legal documents, ensure the property is free of debts or legal issues, and represent you during the process, especially if you can't be in Spain in person. This step adds a lot of peace of mind, especially for first-time buyers. The final purchase is made official through the signing of the public deed at a notary’s office. This is when the final payment is made, and ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer. The notary plays a key role in ensuring that all paperwork is in order and that both parties understand the terms of the agreement. If you’re not in Spain, your legal representative can sign on your behalf with a power of attorney. After signing the deed, the property must be registered in the Land Registry. This is a crucial step to ensure that your ownership is legally recognized and protected. Typically, this is handled by your lawyer or a professional registrar. In addition to the purchase price, there are several additional costs you need to budget for. If you're buying a new property, you’ll pay VAT (10% of the purchase price) and a stamp duty tax known as AJD (usually 1%–1.5%, depending on the region). For resale properties, instead of VAT, you’ll pay the Property Transfer Tax (ITP), which ranges from 6% to 10%, depending on the region. There are also notary and registration fees, as well as legal fees for your lawyer, which typically range from 1% to 1.5% of the property’s value. If you’re applying for a mortgage, the bank will require an official property appraisal, which costs around €300–€500. In total, these additional costs usually add up to around 10%–15% of the purchase price. Alicante offers several excellent neighborhoods for living or investing. Playa de San Juan is ideal for those who want to live near the sea in a residential area. The city center is perfect for buyers who want urban life with access to restaurants, shops, and transport. Albufereta and Cabo de las Huertas are great options for peace, sea views, and quality housing. For those who prefer a more traditional setting, the old town—particularly the Santa Cruz neighborhood—offers charm and character. Before finalizing the purchase, make sure the property is legally sound. Check that it’s free of debts, mortgages, or outstanding community fees, and that it complies with local planning regulations. Your lawyer will handle these checks. It's also important to consider your tax obligations. If you’re going to live in Spain, you'll need to understand your responsibilities as a tax resident. Even if you're not a resident, you may be required to declare your Spanish property in your home country. Tax treaties vary between countries, so it’s wise to consult a tax advisor. If you don’t speak Spanish fluently, it’s a good idea to work with professionals who can communicate in your language. Many real estate agencies, law firms, and notaries in Alicante offer services in English, French, German, Russian, and more. This ensures a smoother process and fewer misunderstandings. In conclusion, buying a house in Alicante as a foreigner is entirely feasible if you follow the right steps and get proper advice. Alicante offers an outstanding quality of life, legal security, and a wide range of real estate options for every buyer profile. With the right planning and guidance, you can confidently purchase your ideal home in this beautiful Mediterranean city.   CarmenUlloa Real Estate stands out for offering a fully personalized service, addressing the individual needs of each client in Alicante’s dynamic real estate market. With a focus on client well-being and satisfaction, every transaction becomes a smooth and professional process. Among the many benefits of choosing CarmenUlloa Real Estate are: Comprehensive guidance throughout the entire buying or selling process. In-depth knowledge of the local market, ensuring accurate property valuations. Support with documentation and contract management. Access to a broad network of contacts and resources to help find the ideal property or successfully sell a home. Implementation of innovative marketing strategies to maximize property visibility in the market. CarmenUlloa Real Estate is also known for its commitment to transparency and constant communication, ensuring that clients stay informed at every stage of the real estate process. The experience of the team allows both buyers and sellers to navigate the market effectively, avoiding unpleasant surprises and making well-informed decisions. For those seeking a high-quality real estate experience, CarmenUlloa Real Estate stands as a solid and reliable choice. Attention to detail and customer service are top priorities, making every interaction productive and satisfying. This personalized approach allows each strategy to be tailored to the unique features of the property and the client’s goals, creating a clear path to success in buying or selling real estate.

Is 2025 a Good Time to Sell a Home in Alicante? Current Market Analysis Selling a property is one of the most important financial decisions in a person’s life. It's not just about closing a deal — it’s about doing it at the right time, with the right strategy, and within the most favorable market context. In this article, we analyze whether 2025 truly represents a good opportunity to sell a property in Alicante, and what key factors are currently influencing the real estate sector. The real estate market in Alicante has shown positive growth in recent years. Since the post-pandemic recovery, the city has maintained a steady upward trend, both in the number of transactions and the average property value. This stability has positioned Alicante as one of the most attractive residential markets on the Mediterranean coast, appealing to both national buyers and foreign investors. In 2025, the outlook is favorable for those considering selling. The demand for property remains strong — and not just among local residents. International buyers, especially from Europe, continue to see Alicante as an ideal place to invest, buy a second home, or enjoy a peaceful retirement. This constant demand has helped maintain prices at attractive and stable levels. On the other hand, supply has become more limited and selective. There are fewer properties for sale than in previous years, especially in the mid-to-high-end segment. For those with a well-located home in good condition and with sought-after features like a terrace, pool, or views, this represents a clear advantage. Less competition means more visibility and better chances of receiving competitive offers. The most desirable areas of Alicante continue to set the trend. The traditional city center, Vistahermosa, Albufereta, Playa de San Juan, and Cabo de las Huertas remain in high demand. There is also growing interest in residential areas with good services, proximity to schools, and easy access to the city center. Properties in these locations — combined with good upkeep and presentation — tend to sell faster and under better conditions. Although interest rates have fluctuated in recent years, they currently remain at reasonable levels. This makes financing more accessible for many buyers, which is key to keeping the market active. In fact, many prospective buyers already have pre-approved financing or the ability to purchase outright, helping to shorten decision times. Buyer preferences have also evolved since the pandemic. Outdoor spaces, natural light, privacy, and overall quality of life are more valued than ever. Homes with terraces, balconies, gardens, or simply a spacious and functional layout are more attractive. Penthouses with good orientation, detached or semi-detached houses with pools, and properties ready to move in — without the need for major renovations — are especially appealing. Selling in today’s market also benefits from a more professional real estate environment. Agencies that invest in digital strategies, personalized marketing, and attention to detail can position properties much more effectively than in the past. Technology, social media, and targeted advertising allow agents to reach more qualified and genuinely interested buyers, reducing unnecessary visits and increasing the chances of a successful closing. Waiting to sell may involve risks. The real estate market is cyclical and can be affected by external factors such as economic policies, tax changes, or financial uncertainty. A sudden increase in housing supply or a drop in buyer purchasing power could disrupt the current balance. That’s why, if you're already considering selling and the property is market-ready, acting now can help avoid complications later. In this context, the key is not just to take advantage of a favorable moment — but to do so with the right support. Correctly valuing the property, preparing it for sale, and presenting it with professional staging can make a significant difference. Partnering with an experienced agency helps you navigate the entire process with peace of mind, from the initial valuation to the notary signing. Alicante in 2025 offers a safe, stable environment with real demand. The city continues to attract a wide range of buyers: young people looking for their first home, families seeking better quality of life, and foreign buyers choosing Alicante as a place for relaxation or investment. For property owners, this translates into a clear opportunity — if approached with strategy and professionalism. At Carmen Ulloa Inmobiliaria, we’ve been helping property owners and buyers in Alicante for over 15 years. We know the market, we understand people, and we know how to make a property stand out. If you're thinking of selling and want to do it with information, security, and confidence — we’d be happy to help you.