Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying property on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida with DirecSpain.
About DirecSpain
Is DirecSpain really commission-free?+
Yes. We don't charge buyers a commission on top of the listing price. You deal directly with the agency or owner listing the property, which keeps pricing transparent.
How is DirecSpain different from a normal property portal?+
We list properties without adding a buyer-side commission, and we focus specifically on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida regions for British and Polish buyers.
Do you work with local agencies?+
Yes, we work with established agencies in the region, including Aureum Real Estate, to source and verify listings.
Buying as a foreigner
Can I buy property in Spain as a foreigner?+
Yes, there are no restrictions on foreign nationals buying property in Spain, whether you're an EU citizen or not.
What is an NIE number and do I need one?+
An NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax ID number for foreigners, required to buy property, open a bank account, or pay taxes in Spain.
Do I need a Spanish bank account to buy property?+
It's not strictly required to complete a purchase, but most buyers open a local account to handle ongoing costs like utilities and community fees.
Can British buyers still buy property in Spain after Brexit?+
Yes, Brexit didn't change property ownership rights. British buyers can still purchase freely, though visa rules for extended stays are different from before.
Costs and fees
What extra costs should I budget for on top of the purchase price?+
Plan for roughly 10-13% on top of the price for taxes, notary fees, land registry fees, and legal costs, depending on the region and whether the property is new or resale.
What taxes apply when buying property in Spain?+
Resale properties are usually subject to transfer tax (ITP), which varies by region, while new-build properties are subject to VAT (IVA) plus stamp duty.
Are there ongoing costs after buying?+
Yes — annual property tax (IBI), community fees if applicable, and non-resident income tax if you don't live in Spain full-time.
The buying process
What's the typical process for buying a property?+
Generally: viewing, reservation deposit, signing a private purchase contract, due diligence checks, then signing the deed (escritura) in front of a notary.
Do I need a lawyer?+
It's strongly recommended. An independent lawyer checks the property's legal status, debts, and licenses before you commit to a purchase.
How long does the buying process usually take?+
It varies, but a straightforward resale purchase often takes between 6 and 12 weeks from offer to completion.
Do you help arrange viewings?+
Yes — we can coordinate viewings for properties listed on the site and put you in touch with the listing agency directly.
Areas we cover
Which areas does DirecSpain cover?+
We focus on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida regions, including popular areas for British and Polish buyers along the Alicante and Murcia coastlines.
Is this a good area for rental income?+
Both coasts have active holiday rental markets, though local rules on short-term rental licenses vary by municipality, so it's worth checking before buying with rental income in mind.
