Question 1

How does the buying process start at VidaSol Properties?

Accepted Answer

Everything starts with an introductory conversation, with no obligation. That can be by phone, by video call or here in Spain. We discuss not only what you are looking for, but above all why. Are you after a permanent home, a holiday home or an investment? On that basis I select properties that genuinely suit you. Only once you feel comfortable do we plan the viewings.

Question 2

Do I need to come to Spain to buy?

Accepted Answer

No, that is not necessary. Many clients come to Spain once or several times to view properties, but the purchase itself can also be completed entirely remotely. With a notarial power of attorney, the lawyer or tax representative can finalise the process on your behalf, including applying for the NIE number, signing the deed and registering the property.

Question 3

How long does the buying process take?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the property and the situation. For a resale property the process usually takes four to eight weeks from the accepted offer. For new build the completion date depends on the construction schedule of the development. Throughout the process I stay in contact with you, the lawyer and the selling party, so you always know where things stand.

Question 4

What is a contrato de arras?

Accepted Answer

The Contrato de Arras is the preliminary purchase agreement, usually signed once agreement has been reached on the purchase. It sets out the purchase price, the completion date and the arrangements between buyer and seller. A deposit of around 10% is often paid at that point. Because this contract has significant legal consequences, it is always checked by an independent lawyer.

Question 5

Can I buy without being present at the notary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many foreign buyers choose to grant a notarial power of attorney to their lawyer or tax representative. That means you do not have to travel to Spain again for completion. The property is legally registered in your name and all the administrative matters are handled for you. Of course I keep you informed throughout the process.

Question 6

Do you also work with new build projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside resale properties I also offer a wide choice of new-build developments on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida. Thanks to my cooperation with developers and fellow agents you have access to virtually the entire offering in the region. Together we look at which developments match your wishes, your budget and your plans.

Question 7

Do I get a warranty on a property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the type of property. New build is protected by law: developers must provide several guarantees, including cover for structural defects. A resale property is in principle sold as it stands. That is exactly why a proper legal check and a careful survey before the purchase matter so much.

Question 8

What happens if the developer goes bankrupt?

Accepted Answer

When you buy a new build in Spain, developers are legally required to protect buyers' deposits with a bank guarantee or insurance bond (aval bancario or seguro de caución). If the developer goes bankrupt before completion, you can in principle reclaim the deposits you paid through that guarantee. This is why your lawyer must confirm the guarantee is in place before you transfer any money.

Question 9

Can I buy through a Spanish company (S.L.) or a Dutch holding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is possible. In practice most private buyers still purchase in their own name. Buying through a company usually brings extra costs, administrative obligations and tax considerations. Only with specific investment plans or a larger property portfolio does a corporate purchase tend to make sense. I always advise discussing this with a specialist tax adviser beforehand.

Question 10

What are the additional costs when buying in Spain?

Accepted Answer

For a resale property, allow roughly 10 to 13% on top of the purchase price, and for a new build roughly 14 to 15%. On cheaper properties the percentage is higher, because notary and registry fees are largely fixed and therefore weigh more heavily. The costs consist of: transfer tax ITP on resale (9% up to €1,000,000 and 11% above that in the Valencia region, 7.75% in Murcia), or on a new build 10% VAT (IVA) plus 1.5% stamp duty (AJD). On top of that come notary fees, land registry fees, legal support and connection costs, all including 21% VAT on services. Use my free calculator for a figure based on your own purchase price; it uses the same rates as above.

Question 11

Can I get a mortgage as a Dutch national?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Spanish banks provide mortgages to non-residents, generally up to 70% of the official valuation. The rate can be variable or fixed and is comparable to rates elsewhere in Europe. You will need a NIE number, a Spanish bank account and proof of income. I can put you in touch with mortgage advisers who specialise in foreign buyers.

Question 12

What is the average price of a property on the Costa Blanca?

Accepted Answer

Prices on the Costa Blanca vary considerably by area and property type. An apartment in Torrevieja or Orihuela Costa starts at around €100,000–150,000. A detached villa starts from €250,000. In prime locations such as Orihuela Costa (Cabo Roig), by the sea at Guardamar del Segura or on the Mar Menor, prices are considerably higher, between €400,000 and €1,000,000 and above. New build in modern resorts generally starts at around €180,000.

Question 13

Do I have to pay tax in Spain as an owner?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As the owner of Spanish property you pay annually: (1) property tax IBI, €300–1,500 a year depending on the cadastral value; (2) if you let the property, Spanish income tax on rental income (19% for EU residents); (3) if you do not let it, tax on a notional income of roughly 1–2% of the cadastral value, taxed at 19% for EU residents. I always advise engaging a tax adviser.

Question 14

Are there tax treaties between the Netherlands and Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a double taxation treaty between Spain and most European countries. Spanish property may be taxed by Spain; your home country grants relief, in many cases using a method that still takes the property into account when determining your overall rate. That means your Spanish property can affect the rate you pay at home. Consult a tax adviser about your own situation.

Question 15

What is a NIE number and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal identification number for foreigners in Spain, comparable to a tax identification number. You need it for, among other things: buying a property, signing the deed at the notary, paying taxes, opening a Spanish bank account, arranging utilities such as water and electricity, applying for a mortgage and taking out certain insurance policies. Without a NIE number a property cannot officially be registered in your name.

Question 16

How do I apply for a NIE number?

Accepted Answer

You apply for a NIE number at the Spanish police or through a Spanish consulate in the Netherlands. Many buyers have an independent lawyer or gestor handle it, usually with a power of attorney. That saves time, avoids unnecessary paperwork and ensures the application is submitted correctly. I guide you through this entirely.

Question 17

Do I need a lawyer when buying?

Accepted Answer

A tax representative, a gestor or a lawyer is indispensable in Spain. An independent lawyer checks the ownership situation, any debts, permits, contracts and other legal points. That gives you certainty before you sign and avoids unpleasant surprises afterwards. The cost, around 1% of the purchase price, is a relatively small investment for a great deal of security.

Question 18

What is the role of the notary in Spain?

Accepted Answer

In Spain the notary is an independent lawyer appointed by the state. The notary verifies the identity of buyer and seller, oversees the correct signing of the deed and registers the transfer. What the notary does not do is represent your interests as a buyer. That is why I always advise engaging an independent lawyer as well, to check the property, the contracts and the legal situation beforehand.

Question 19

What is a cédula de habitabilidad?

Accepted Answer

The cédula de habitabilidad is a certificate of habitability. It shows that a property meets the basic requirements to be lived in. Depending on the region it may also be called a licencia de primera ocupación or licencia de segunda ocupación. This document can matter for utility connections, for saleability and sometimes for letting as well. I always check whether it is present and valid.

Question 20

Can I rent out my property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

You can, but the rules differ by region, municipality and type of property. Tourist letting requires a licence, and there may also be rules from the owners' association or the town hall. If letting matters to you, we look at that during the purchase. Not every property is suitable, even when it looks that way at first glance.

Question 21

What is the difference between seasonal and tourist letting?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal letting is temporary letting for a longer period, for example to winter residents or people staying in Spain for a while. Tourist letting is short stays for holidaymakers and falls under stricter rules, usually requiring a tourist registration or licence. If you want to let, we check during the purchase whether the property, the municipality and the owners' association allow it.

Question 22

How is healthcare in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Spain has an excellent public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud). As an EU citizen you are entitled to emergency care with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you live here permanently you can register locally (empadronamiento) and join the Spanish system. Many buyers also take out private cover (Adeslas, Asisa, Sanitas) for a wider choice of doctors.

Question 23

What is the climate like on the Costa Blanca?

Accepted Answer

The Costa Blanca is known for around 300 sunny days a year. Average temperatures: summer (June–September) 28–35°C, winter (December–February) 15–20°C. The climate is dry in summer and mild in winter, which many people find pleasant, particularly anyone who struggles with damp or cold. Rain falls mainly in autumn and spring.

Question 24

Is it safe to live permanently on the Costa Blanca?

Accepted Answer

The Costa Blanca is one of the most popular regions for European expats and is known as safe and stable. There is a large international community, excellent international schools, good roads and modern infrastructure. Crime levels are low compared with other European urban areas.

Question 25

What are the annual costs of a property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Besides the purchase costs, as an owner you will face a number of recurring charges. Think of local property tax (IBI), any community fees, the refuse charge, insurance, utilities and, if you are not a tax resident in Spain, non-resident income tax. The amounts differ per property and per municipality. During the buying process I am happy to give you a realistic estimate, so that nothing catches you out afterwards.

Question 26

Can I install solar panels on my property?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes. On a detached house or villa you can usually install panels without difficulty, provided you meet local regulations and any permit conditions. In an apartment or a property within an owners' association, additional rules may apply. Spain is one of the sunniest countries in Europe, which often makes solar a worthwhile investment. I am happy to put you in touch with reliable local installers.

Question 27

Is a charging point for an electric car possible?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes. On a detached house or villa installing your own charging point is usually straightforward. In apartments or properties within an owners' association additional rules may apply and permission is sometimes needed. The public charging network in Spain is growing quickly and more and more new-build projects are prepared for electric driving.

Question 28

Can I bring my car to Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you move to Spain permanently you will eventually have to import the car, put it on Spanish plates and have it inspected (ITV). If you keep living abroad and use the property as a holiday home, you can usually continue to drive your own car. Which rules apply exactly depends on your personal situation and how long the car stays in Spain. We are happy to introduce you to a reliable gestor who can advise you.

Question 29

How does VidaSol Properties earn its money?

Accepted Answer

At VidaSol Properties you do not get a standard round of viewings or a rotating cast of contacts. You are guided personally by someone who knows the area, looks on honestly and will also say when a property does not seem like the right choice. It is not about seeing as many houses as possible, but about finding the place that genuinely suits you.

Question 30

How does VidaSol Properties earn its money?

Accepted Answer

On a successful purchase VidaSol Properties receives commission from the selling party, the developer or a fellow agent. For you as a buyer that means my guidance comes without additional agency fees. I am happy to be clear about it: before we start, I always explain exactly how the arrangement works.

Question 31

Which regions do you operate in?

Accepted Answer

VidaSol Properties works on the southern Costa Blanca and the Costa Cálida. Broadly speaking I guide buyers from Alicante down to Cartagena, taking in places such as Santa Pola, Guardamar, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Pilar de la Horadada, San Pedro del Pinatar, Los Alcázares and the surrounding area. That keeps the working area large enough for choice, but small enough to know it properly.

Question 32

Can you also help with renting out my property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am happy to think along with you about letting. Not every property is suitable, and the rules differ by region, municipality and type of letting. That is why I look at the possibilities for seasonal or tourist letting during the purchase itself. For management, licences or practical letting matters I put you in touch with reliable local partners.

Question 33

Does my Spanish property fall under Dutch box 3?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are a Dutch taxpayer and own a property in Spain, that property falls under box 3 of Dutch income tax, in the 'other assets' category. You declare its market value less any Spanish mortgage. To avoid double taxation the Netherlands grants relief using the exemption method from the 1971 tax treaty. Note that this relief is independent of what you actually pay in Spain, so Spanish IBI or non-resident tax is not refunded one for one. Have your situation calculated by a tax adviser familiar with both systems.

Question 34

May I let my Spanish holiday home through Airbnb or Booking.com?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you need an official tourist letting licence. In the Comunidad Valenciana (Costa Blanca) that is the VT number; in the Región de Murcia a declaración responsable with ITREM. Rules differ per municipality, and the city of Alicante for instance has a moratorium on new licences. Letting without a licence is risky: fines run up to €600,000 in the Comunidad Valenciana and €30,000 in Murcia. Also watch your owners' association, which since April 2025 can ban tourist letting with a three-fifths majority. The market often works with 4% to 7% gross yield a year, but that is an indication, not a promise. I check during the purchase whether letting is allowed at all.

Question 35

What is the average rental yield on the Costa Blanca?

Accepted Answer

For a holiday home on the Costa Blanca, the market often works with 4% to 7% gross rental yield per year, but that is an indication and not a promise: it depends on location, season, the state of the property and how you let it. Properties in prime locations such as Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa (Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig) and around the Mar Menor generally achieve the highest occupancy, and apartments in popular resorts close to the beach perform best. When calculating your net return, allow for management costs (15–25% of rental income), Spanish income tax on rental income (19% for EU residents), tourist tax (€0.50–2 per person per night) and maintenance. Past results are no guarantee for the future; always have the figures checked by your own adviser.

Question 36

How does buying a house in Spain work, step by step?

Accepted Answer

As a Dutch or other EU buyer you can purchase in Spain without restrictions. The process runs as follows: (1) orientation and choice of area with your agent; (2) a personal selection of properties; (3) viewings on site; (4) making an offer and negotiating; (5) applying for a NIE number and a Spanish bank account; (6) legal due diligence by an independent lawyer; (7) signing the contrato de arras with a 10% deposit; (8) completion before the Spanish notary. Total time: 6 to 12 weeks. Additional costs: roughly 10 to 13% for a resale property and 14 to 15% for a new build.

Question 37

Are you also active on the Costa Cálida (Murcia)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, alongside the Costa Blanca I also guide buyers on the Costa Cálida in the Murcia region. With resorts such as the Mar Menor, Los Alcázares, Santiago de la Ribera and Cartagena, that coast offers attractive value for money: comparable properties are generally priced lower than on the Costa Blanca, although this varies considerably by town and property type. The rules for tourist letting are also simpler there. Do get in touch for personal advice.

Question 38

Are you an independent agent or do you work with a team?

Accepted Answer

I work as an independent agent under the name VidaSol Properties. That means you always deal directly with me: no changing contacts, no being passed around. I do work with a network of lawyers, notaries, tax advisers and other specialists so that you get a complete service.

Question 39

Is investing in Spanish property a good choice in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Spain has been one of the most popular destinations for European home buyers for years, and the Costa Blanca has clearly risen in value in recent years on strong international demand. Exactly how much varies considerably by town and property type, so be wary of percentages presented as fixed facts. Positive factors: plenty of sunshine, excellent flight connections, a large Dutch-speaking community, a strong holiday rental market and stable legal ownership rights. Risk factors: changing rules on tourist letting, regional tax differences and the need for proper due diligence. Past appreciation says nothing about the future. I advise based on your personal situation, budget and goals, and I am not an investment adviser.

Question 40

Can you also help with buying a finca in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I also guide the purchase of fincas and rural properties inland from the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida. With a finca additional legal checks are essential: the land classification (suelo urbano versus suelo rústico), because that determines which alterations are permitted, the water supply (well, mains or cistern), the sewerage connection and access rights through easements. My partner lawyer checks all of this for you.

Question 41

Is a new-build property in Spain delivered fully finished?

Accepted Answer

New-build homes in Spain are not all delivered to the same standard. Where one developer includes air conditioning, kitchen appliances, underfloor heating or a furniture package as standard, another delivers the property far more basic. Details such as indoor and outdoor lighting, shower screens, a storage room or even a private pool can differ per project. That is why you always receive a clear overview from me of what is and is not included, so you know exactly where you stand and are not surprised afterwards.

Question 42

Is a NIE number the same as a residence permit?

Accepted Answer

No, that is a common misunderstanding. A NIE number is not a residence permit and does not give you the right to live or work in Spain. It is purely a personal identification number for administrative and tax matters.

Question 43

How long is a NIE number valid?

Accepted Answer

Once issued, a NIE number stays the same for life in principle. You do not need to apply for a new number each time you buy another property or return to Spain.

FAQ, Buying Property in Spain

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