Step 1: Search and selection
Define your total budget (price + 12-14% costs). In Altea and the northern Costa Blanca you will find:
- Frontline apartments: from EUR 150,000
- Townhouses: from EUR 200,000
- Villas with pool: from EUR 350,000
- Luxury properties: from EUR 800,000
Step 2: Reservation and deposit contract (arras)
Once you find a property:
- Reservation (EUR 3,000-6,000): a payment to take the property off the market.
- Contrato de arras (private purchase contract): usually 10% of the price as a deposit.
If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit. If the seller withdraws, they must return double.
Your lawyer should verify: property registry (charges, mortgages), ownership, IBI receipt, community certificate, energy certificate.
Step 3: Public deed at the notary
On the agreed date (typically 1-3 months after the deposit contract), buyer and seller meet at the notary to sign the public deed of sale (escritura).
- The buyer pays the remaining amount (usually via bank cheque).
- The notary verifies identity, NIE and legality.
- Keys are handed over.
Step 4: Taxes and registration
- ITP payment (10%): paid at the regional tax office within 30 business days.
- Land Registry inscription: your lawyer registers the deed. The property is officially in your name.
- Change of ownership for cadastre, IBI, water, electricity, gas and community fees.
Typical timeline
| Search | 1-4 weeks (in person) / 1-3 months (remotely) |
| NIE | 1-6 weeks |
| Reservation + deposit | 1-2 weeks |
| Due diligence | 1-2 weeks |
| Notary signing | 1-3 months after deposit |
| Land Registry | 1-3 months after deed |
Total: 2 to 6 months from first contact to key handover.
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