Buying property in Alicante as a UK foreigner

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only. All information on this page should not be considered financial or tax advice. You are solely responsible for calculating and paying your tax liabilities depending on the applicable law. All tax saving strategies or decisions should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

Love the idea of having your own holiday home in sun-soaked Alicante? This vibrant coastal city and region with its year-round sunshine is hugely popular with holidaymakers, expats and property investors alike.

If you’re planning to move to Alicante from the UK, buy a holiday home or snap up an investment property, we’re here to help.

Read on for a practical guide to buying property in Alicante as a foreigner. This includes info on mortgages, fees and taxes, the latest Alicante property prices, where to start your search and the pitfalls to avoid.

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Can you get a mortgage from a Spanish bank as a non-resident?

The first thing to think about is how you’ll finance your Alicante property purchase. Unless you have the cash upfront, you’re likely to need a mortgage.

You’ll be pleased to know that Spanish banks do provide mortgages to foreign nationals and non-residents.

However, as a non-resident, you’re likely to get a lower loan-to-value (LTV) rate than a local applicant. This means you may only be able to borrow around 60% to 70% of the property’s value rather than around 80%, so you’ll need a larger deposit.¹

It’s a good idea to start shopping around for mortgages before starting your property search in earnest.

It’s a really good idea to use a broker, who can help you find the right mortgage for your circumstances. Simply having someone on your side who speaks Spanish and really understands the system can pay dividends.

Taxes and fees for owning property in Alicante

In order to set your budget for the purchase, you’ll need to factor in legal fees, property taxes and other costs.

Here are the main ones to know about when buying property in Alicante:²

Tax/fee name	Rate/fee
Property transfer tax (Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales – ITP)	- 10% of the purchase price for existing properties - 10% VAT for new build properties
Stamp Duty (Actos Jurídicos Documentados – AJD)	1.5% for new build properties
Legal fees	1% to 2% (plus VAT)
Notary fees	€600 to €1,200 EUR
Property registry inscription	€400 to €900 EUR
Property valuation (Tasación)	€300 to €600 EUR
Property inspection/building survey	€200 to €500 EUR
IBI property ownership tax (annual)	Around 0.62% (in Alicante city)
Community fees - for apartments with shared facilities (annual)	€30 to €300+ a month

Read more: Cost of Living in Spain

What’s the property market like in Alicante?

Alicante is one of Spain’s most active property markets, and has recently seen prices increasing over 14% in the past year (to January 2026).³

Demand from international buyers remains strong, as is the tourist rentals market - with over 18.6 million people landing at the Alicante-Elche airport in 2025.³

The area offers a wide range of properties, from brand new apartments and developments to renovation projects and plots (ideal if you’re looking to build your own house in Spain).

As a buyer, you may need to act fast, offer more and compete with other buyers in order to secure your dream property in Alicante.

However, it could be a good investment if current market trends continue. This of course depends on what and where you buy, and factoring in all the usual potential risks and pitfalls of property investment.

Can foreigners buy property in Alicante?

Yes foreign nationals can freely buy property in Spain - including Alicante - without any restrictions, and you don’t need to be a resident there either.¹

All you need is a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE), valid ID and the funds or finance to support your purchase.

Can you buy property in Alicante and get residency?

No, there is no longer a direct route to residency through buying a property in Spain.

Spain was one of a number of countries with a ‘Golden Visa’ scheme, which allowed foreign citizens to gain residency through making an investment in the country. This included investing in property.

However, the Spanish government decided to scrap the scheme and it officially closed for applications in 2025.

So if you’d like to move abroad and live in Alicante permanently, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate residency visa.

Read more: Living in Spain as an expat: A complete guide

How much are the property prices in Alicante?

Now we come to the all important question - how much money do you need to afford your dream home in sunny Alicante?

On average, you can expect to pay around €2,535 EUR per square metre for a property in Alicante.⁴ The average house price is:⁴

• €203,000 EUR for a typical 80 square metre apartment
• €228,000 EUR for a typical 90 square metre house
• €600,000 to €1.5 million EUR for a luxury renovated apartment (3-4 bedrooms) with sea views in an upmarket area like Cabo de las Huertas.

Of course, it all depends on what and where you buy, as some parts of Alicante are much more expensive than others.

Another thing to note when figuring out the price for property in Alicante is that international transfers could get expensive, especially if the bank or provider adds a margin to the exchange rate to convert your pounds to euros (EUR).

Consider checking out Wise to securely handle your large transfers with mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*.

Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Alicante?

Generally speaking, properties in Alicante tend to become more affordable the further away they are from the city centre and the beach.

If you’re looking for cheaper property prices, the neighbourhoods of Virgen del Remedio and Los Angeles are worth checking out.

Buying property in Alicante as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide

Before you start your house hunt, it can be useful to know a little about how the process of buying property works in Alicante.

Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved:

1. Get your finances in order

Before you do anything, you’ll need to get your finances in order. This means setting a budget, getting a mortgage offer (approval in principle) and getting all your paperwork together.

You might also want to open a Spanish bank account.

2. Get your NIE

In order to buy property in Spain as a foreigner, you’ll need an NIE. This stands for *Número de Identificación de Extranjeros, *and it’s a Spanish tax ID number.

You can get this by visiting a Spanish police station and presenting your passport, or you can apply at a Spanish Consulate if you’re still in the UK.

3. Find a property and arrange viewings

Now it’s time to start searching for your dream home. You can use online property portals and/or local estate agents to find properties. We’ll run through some tips later on how and where to start your search.

If you’ve found somewhere you like, arrange a viewing as soon as you can, and start researching the area in the meantime.

4. Ask to see the Nota Simple

If you’re serious about a property and ready to make an offer, it’s recommended to first ask to see the Nota Simple. This is a crucial legal document which outlines the key details of the property, such as:

• Details of ownership
• Any outstanding debts on the property
• Boundaries of the property and land
• Designated use of the property
• Rights on the property held by others (i.e. right of way)
• Community costs (if any) the owner of the property is liable for.

You can get a copy of the Nota Simple at the local property title registry, or online at the Registradores website.

Always cross-check the details of the Nota Simple with the actual details of the property, to make sure there are no discrepancies. If there are any, these will need to be resolved before the sale can go through.

Read more: What is the 'Nota Simple' in Spain and how do you get one?

5. Get a survey

Just before you make an offer, you might want to get a building survey carried out. This involves hiring a surveyor to check the property for structural or other issues.

If the survey flags anything up, you may be able to negotiate on price when putting in your offer.

It’s important that the surveyor also checks details such as the size and boundaries of the property against the information recorded on the Nota Simple.

6. Appoint a solicitor

While it’s not mandatory, it’s a good idea to find and appoint a property lawyer. They will check over and translate all documents and contracts, as well as carrying out due diligence on the transaction.

A personal recommendation is a good way to find a solicitor, but you can also find a list of English-speaking property solicitors on the UK Government website.

Whoever you appoint, make sure they are registered with the local bar association Colegio de Abogados.

7. Make an offer

The next important step is to submit a competitive offer to the estate agent, or to the buyer directly. You can negotiate, just like in other countries. Once an agreement is reached, a notary will summarise the offer in writing.

8. Sign the preliminary agreement (contrato privado de compraventa)

If your offer is accepted, the next step is for both parties to sign the preliminary agreement. In Spain, this is known as the contrato privado de compraventa.

You’ll also arrange a transfer for the deposit, which is usually around 10% of the purchase price.¹

At this stage, you might want to contact your mortgage provider to finalise the financing for your purchase.

9. Sign the contract of sale (escritura de compraventa)

This is the final crucial piece of paperwork, and it must be formally signed in the presence of a notary. You’ll also need to have your solicitor with you in the notary office (or arrange for power of attorney to be provided).

The title deed will be transferred to your name and you’ll arrange a transfer for the remaining balance. Read our helpful guide to transferring money from the UK to Spain for a property purchase.

After all that’s done, you’ll get the keys to your new home.

Read more: How to open a bank account in Spain as a UK non-resident

How can you find a property in Alicante?

The two main routes to find property to buy in Alicante are local real estate agencies and online property websites.

Property agencies and agents in Alicante

It isn’t necessary to use a real estate agent to find a property to buy in Alicante, but it could be extremely helpful. This is especially true for those who are moving to Spain from the UK and are unfamiliar with the local property market.

A specialist buying agent or broker can offer helpful advice and insight into the local market and help you navigate the sales process. However, there will usually be a fee to pay for this service.

Before engaging an agent, check that they are registered with the *Registro de Agentes de Intermediación Inmobiliaria. *Not all estate agents in Spain have to be licensed, but they do in Valencia.

Property websites in Alicante

The best way to get a head start on finding a place to buy in Alicante is to look online. Great websites to find a house or a flat to buy include:

• Idealista
• Fotocasa
• Habitaclia
• Servihabitat
• Kyero
• ThinkSPAIN
• Rightmove (overseas properties).

What are some of the pitfalls of buying property in Alicante?

One of the main things to watch out for when buying property abroad are scams.

To avoid scams and other pitfalls, it’s best to work with verified, independent and qualified professionals such as real estate agents, brokers and property solicitors.

You should also check for membership of a professional body (if applicable) when working with any property experts, brokers or agents. In Spain, this means the

API (Agente de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria) - an association of Spanish realtors, which works in regional chapters based across Spain.

Other important things to remember include:

• Make sure any real estate agent you use is licensed with the *Registro de Agentes de Intermediación Inmobiliaria *in the Valencia community.
• Always check the Nota Simple against the actual property and its listing, and get any discrepancies rectified.
• If you’re planning to let out the property, check the local rules on short-term lets and tourist licences - Alicante has recently imposed a suspension on new tourist apartment licenses, so it’s crucial to verify licensing feasibility before purchasing.
• Be cautious and do your homework before sending money or a deposit.
• Ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the property - along with carrying out other due diligence checks
• Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property.

Read more: Risks and pitfalls of buying property in Spain

How do you choose the right property in Alicante?

Your dream home in Alicante will be the one that closest fits your search criteria. The most important factors will be location, the type of home and crucially in Alicante - how much you can afford to spend.

If you’re not already living there, it’s worth making a trip to the specific part of Alicante you’re interested in.

You can stroll along the streets, get a feel for the local area and view properties, making sure to pay attention to local transport links and amenities.

Condition of the property

It’s a good idea to do as much research as possible before committing to purchase a property.

If you have any concerns or just want to cover all bases before purchasing, you can commission a building survey or inspection. This will flag up any major issues and give you a better idea of what you’re buying.

Type of property

Alicante offers a broad range of property types, from city centre apartments (piso) to coastal bungalows and villas.

You’ll also find traditional townhouses (casas) in town centres and historic areas.

Read more: Moving to Spain from the UK: Complete guide

Moving into your Alicante property

Before you can get the keys to your new home, you’ll have a few key tasks to run through.

Insurance

It’s strongly recommended to take out a buildings insurance policy starting from your completion date. In fact, you might find it's a mandatory condition of your mortgage offer.

Setting up utilities and bills in Alicante

If you know when your completion date will be, it makes sense to get some essentials set up in advance of moving in.

A prime example is utilities, such as heating, power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.

Renovating property in Alicante

For some properties, some building work or improvements may be needed before you can move in.

Our guide to renovating property in Spain covers everything you need to know, from planning permission to finding a local builder - and some of the main costs you can expect.

Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Alicante

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your property search in Alicante. This includes those crucial first steps such as finding a broker and searching online property portals, and getting your finances in order.

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Additional FAQs about buying property in Alicante

What are the new rules for Brits buying property in Spain?

British nationals can still freely buy property in Spain, and can stay for up to 90 days in any 180 days without needing a visa.

However, there could be a major change on the horizon, as Spain is considering whether to introduce a new 100% tax on non-EU residents buying property in Spain.

Is Alicante a good place to buy property?

Alicante is generally considered a good place to buy property, as its property market is healthy, prices are rising and there are currently no restrictions or extra taxes on foreign nationals buying property there.

Where do most British expats live in Alicante?

You’ll find Brits spread across the Alicante region, but popular spots for expats include coastal towns along the Costa Blanca - such as Torrevieja (which is particularly popular with Brits retiring to Spain), Benidorm, Orihuela and Jávea.

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Sources used:

1. Investropa - Buying and owning a property as a foreigner in Alicante (2026)
2. Investropa - The full list of property taxes, costs and fees in Alicante (2026)
3. Investropa - Is right now a good time to buy a property in Alicante? (2026)
4. Investropa - What are housing prices like in Alicante right now? (2026)

Sources last checked on date: 02-Feb-2026