Escape to Paradise

1) Before any individual can purchase a property in Spain, each individual to be noted on the deeds requires a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) number, which is your Spanish tax identification number. If you do not already have one of these, we can arrange this with our partners at FAB (Foreign Advice Bureau) for €85.00 + IVA (VAT) per person.

2) All property purchases in the Valencian region are subject to a property purchase tax of 10%. For example, if your budget is €200,000.00, the maximum offer you make should be circa €180,000.00 to account for €18,000.00 purchase tax upon completion.

3) It is normal practice in Spain for a property to be sold fully furnished, including cookware, utensils, beddings, towels, etc. Only personal effects are usually removed by the vendor.

4) Once your offer is accepted, you will be required to pay a deposit to remove it from the market. We recommend a minimum of 2% (or €2,000.00, whichever is greater).

5) Usually within two to three weeks, you will pay as much as possible (minimum 10% of the purchase price) to move to 'Arras', the Spanish equivalent of the sales contract.

6) Completion is done in front of a legal notary. You can attend in person or grant power of attorney (POA). We offer POA services for €250.00 + IVA, plus notary costs.

7) After the notary signs and confirms funds, you receive a copy of the deeds and keys. The original deeds are sent to the land registry.

8) Other costs to be aware of include Land Registry fees, Notary fees, and Conveyancing fees (€600.00 + IVA with this package).

9) IBI/SUMA (Spanish Council Tax) and Basura (Household Waste Collection Tax) are paid annually by the legal owner. Conveyancing will ensure these are paid by the vendor before completion.

10) Utilities (Gas/Electric/Water) must be transferred into your name to ensure uninterrupted services. FAB can complete this for €200.00 + IVA.

11) Community fees cover communal areas such as pools and street lighting and are typically paid quarterly.

1) There is a refundable fee of €250.00 for our Escape to Paradise service. This will be refunded upon payment of a deposit for a property.

2) We will find you a selection of properties that meet your requirements, wish-list, and budget.

3) We will set up one or two days of viewings and answer any questions you may have.

4) If required, we will collect you from your hotel/property and drive you to each viewing.

5) If requested, we will introduce you to our partners at Currencies Direct for commission-free transfers.

6) We will give you a local tour of the area, showing beaches, amenities, and entertainment.

We currently cover all major regions in the Costa Blanca South, with expanding services reaching Murcia and Alicante.

We only use registered estate agents when finding properties. API is the Spanish National Association of Real Estate Agents, and we are a registered member (Registration number 01120).

The receipt of a NIE number does not give anyone the right to reside in Spain, nor does the purchase of a property. Residency depends on visas and other criteria.

If you wish to use your property as a holiday rental, you will need a Tourist License from the local council. These cost €185.00 + IVA and are subject to availability.

If you are found to have no license and be letting a property, the current fine is €50,000.00 for you and €10,000.00 for the renter.