With over 50% of property sales in Alicante made by foreigners, the Costa Blanca has become a magnet for:
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Retirees from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands
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Remote workers and digital nomads
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Holiday home buyers and investors
Affordable prices, warm weather, and good infrastructure make it an ideal place to invest — but you still need to follow the Spanish legal process carefully.
📋 Legal Checklist for Buying Property in Alicante
✅ 1. Obtain Your NIE
This Spanish tax ID is required to:
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Buy a property
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Open a bank account
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Pay taxes
We help you apply remotely or in person.
✅ 2. Hire an Independent Property Lawyer
Never rely on the agent or seller’s lawyer.
We:
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Review contracts
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Check urban planning
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Perform full due diligence
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Represent you legally from start to finish
✅ 3. Open a Spanish Bank Account
Essential for:
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Making payments
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Receiving refunds
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Setting up utilities and taxes
✅ 4. Verify the Property’s Legal Status
We check:
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Land Registry and Cadastral records
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Ownership and title chain
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Mortgages or charges
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Unpaid taxes or community fees
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Energy and habitability certificates
✅ 5. Urban Planning & Zoning Review
We ensure:
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The property has a valid building license
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No illegal constructions or extensions
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It complies with regional and municipal rules
📌 Especially important for countryside and coastal properties.
✅ 6. Sign the Arras Contract (Reservation Agreement)
This secures the property while legal checks are finalized.
We draft it to protect you with:
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Penalties for seller breach
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Refund conditions
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Deadline terms
✅ 7. Use a Power of Attorney (Optional)
If you’re abroad, we can act on your behalf for:
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Contract signing
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Bank procedures
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Notary appointments
All through a notarized Power of Attorney.
✅ 8. Sign the Deed (Escritura) at the Notary
This is the final legal transfer of ownership.
We prepare all paperwork and attend (with or without you).
✅ 9. Pay the Taxes and Fees
| Tax/Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| ITP (resale homes) | 10% of purchase price |
| VAT + AJD (new homes) | 10% + 1.5% |
| Notary + Registry fees | €1,000 – €2,500 |
| Legal fees | Flat fee or ~1% of purchase price |
✅ 10. Register the Property in Your Name
We handle:
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Tax filings (Modelo 600)
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Land Registry inscription
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Local council and utility notifications
📌 Ongoing Obligations After Purchase
As a foreign owner, you’ll also need to manage:
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IBI (annual municipal property tax)
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Basura (waste collection fee)
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Non-resident income tax (if not renting, imputed tax applies)
We offer annual support packages to keep you compliant.
🧑⚖️ Why Foreign Buyers Trust Borderless Lawyers in Alicante
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Independent legal advice in your language
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Fixed-fee packages with no surprises
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Full conveyancing and tax filing support
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Remote service via Power of Attorney
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Experience with 40+ nationalities
📞 Buying in Alicante? Get Legal Peace of Mind from Day One
Let our bilingual real estate lawyers guide you safely through your Alicante purchase — from NIE to notary and beyond.