Buying Property in Spain: Frequently Asked Questions for Costa Blanca Buyers
Buying property in Spain can feel complicated at first, especially if you are purchasing from abroad. This FAQ page answers the questions international buyers ask most often about buying on the Costa Blanca, from NIE numbers and bank accounts to mortgages, taxes, holiday rentals and the differences between new build and resale property. Goldstar Villas helps buyers across key areas including Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja, with support before, during and after the purchase.
Yes. Foreign buyers can legally buy property in Spain, including on the Costa Blanca. The overall buying process is broadly similar for EU and non-EU buyers, although mortgage rules, travel limits and residency options can differ depending on your nationality. Foreign demand remains a major part of the Spanish property market, so this is one of the most important questions to answer clearly on the page.
Yes. UK citizens can still buy property in Spain after Brexit. Brexit changed travel and residency rules, but it did not remove the right to buy a home in Spain. This remains a high-value FAQ for Goldstar Villas because Britons are still the largest foreign buyer group in Spain.
Yes. If you are a foreign buyer, you will normally need an NIE number because it is used on key property, tax and banking documents in Spain. Goldstar Villas already offers NIE processing as part of its services, and its own services page describes the NIE as the personal identification number foreign nationals use in Spain.
It is strongly recommended, and in practice it is usually part of the buying process. Buyers commonly need a Spanish bank account to handle payments linked to the purchase, taxes and ongoing property costs. Goldstar Villas also offers help with opening a bank account and with the economic documentation needed for the purchase.
Yes. Many non-resident buyers can apply for a mortgage in Spain, although banks often lend less to non-residents and may require a larger deposit and more proof of income. Goldstar Villas already positions mortgage support as part of its service and also features a mortgage calculator on the site, so this is an excellent conversion-focused FAQ to include.
When you buy a new home directly from a developer in Spain, the purchase is subject to VAT. Spain’s official public administration guidance states that new properties sold by the developer are subject to VAT, while second-hand properties are generally taxed differently. This is one of the most important FAQs for Goldstar because the site actively promotes both new build and resale property.
That depends on what matters most to you. New build homes usually appeal to buyers who want modern design, energy efficiency and less renovation work. Resale properties often suit buyers who want established communities, mature areas and a wider choice of locations. Goldstar Villas offers both, so this question is ideal for SEO because it matches real buyer intent close to enquiry stage.
For many buyers, yes. Orihuela Costa is one of Goldstar Villas’ core areas and also the location of the company’s office. Goldstar currently lists Orihuela Costa as one of its biggest location categories, and the local tourism authority highlights the area’s coastline, beaches and golf offer, which explains why it continues to attract both lifestyle buyers and second-home buyers.
Yes, especially for buyers looking for a lively coastal town with a wide choice of homes and easy access to the sea. Goldstar Villas lists Torrevieja as one of its biggest location categories on the site, and Torrevieja’s official tourism pages highlight its beach offering, which helps explain its ongoing popularity with both holiday-home buyers and full-time residents.
Possibly, but you need to follow the current rules carefully. The Generalitat Valenciana states that tourist-use housing in the region covers properties let for 10 days or fewer to the same guest, requires registration, and must meet the relevant procedural and municipal requirements. The same guidance also states that tourist room-by-room rental is not allowed under this regime.
Spain’s Tax Agency states that non-residents can be taxed on rental income, capital gains and imputed income from real estate in Spain. That means ownership costs do not stop at completion, especially if the property is rented out or later sold. This is a strong trust-building FAQ because it answers one of the most common concerns international buyers have after purchase.
No. The old investor residence route linked to property purchase is no longer available in the same way it was before. The key legal change entered into force on 3 April 2025, so this is an important FAQ to keep updated because many overseas buyers still search for it.
Not at the time of writing. Reuters reported on 27 March 2026 that the proposal to tax non-EU buyers up to 100% of the purchase value had stalled in Congress and had still not been debated. Because this is a fast-moving topic, it is worth reviewing this answer regularly.