Buying property on the Costa Blanca as a Belgian or Dutch buyer

Yes — as a Belgian or Dutch (EU) citizen you can buy property in Spain with the same rights as a local. You need a Spanish tax number (NIE), and you should budget around 11–13% in costs and taxes on top of the price. This guide walks you through the process, the real numbers, and why so many Benelux buyers settle on the northern Costa Blanca.

By Noël Picou and the team at Team Picou · RE/MAX Inmomás II, Finestrat — we advise Belgian and Dutch buyers in French and Dutch.

Can you buy as a Belgian or Dutch citizen?

Yes, with no restrictions. As an EU citizen you have the same rights as a Spaniard to own property in Spain. The only formal requirement is an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), the Spanish foreigner tax number used to sign the deed and pay taxes. You can get it at the Spanish consulate in Brussels or Amsterdam before you travel, or in Spain — we coordinate it so it never becomes a bottleneck.

The step-by-step process

1. Define the search — area, budget, type. We do this with you in your language before you fly in.
2. Viewings — usually clustered into one or two efficient trips.
3. Reservation — a small deposit (often €3,000–€6,000) takes the property off the market.
4. Arras (private contract) — typically 10% of the price; this is the binding step.
5. NIE + Spanish bank account — set up in parallel.
6. Notary completion — the public deed (escritura) is signed before a notary and the keys are handed over.
7. Registration & utilities — the property is registered in your name; we handle the changeovers.

A lawyer (independent of the seller) runs the legal due diligence — debts, licences, planning — before you commit. We always recommend one and can introduce trusted bilingual lawyers.

What it really costs

On the Valencian Community (where the Costa Blanca sits), budget roughly 11–13% on top of the price:

• Resale homes: 10% ITP (transfer tax).
• New-build: 10% IVA + about 1.5% AJD (stamp duty).
• Notary + land registry: ~1%.
• Lawyer: ~1% (typical).

So a €300,000 home means roughly €33,000–€39,000 in additional costs — plan for this from the start.

Financing as a non-resident

Spanish banks lend non-residents typically 60–70% of the lower of valuation or price. Expect to bring a 30–40% deposit plus the purchase costs. Belgian and Dutch buyers often fund part from home equity; we can introduce mortgage brokers who work with non-residents.

Why the northern Costa Blanca suits Benelux buyers

• Access: direct flights to Alicante from Brussels, Charleroi, Amsterdam, Eindhoven and more.
• Community: established Belgian and Dutch networks, schools, clubs and services.
• Climate & lifestyle: mild winters, the Sierra Bernia and Montgó backdrops, marinas and golf.
• Resale strength: consistent foreign demand in Calpe, Altea, Moraira, Dénia, Jávea, Finestrat and Benidorm keeps these markets liquid.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underestimating the 11–13% costs and budgeting only the asking price.
• Signing the arras without independent legal review.
• Buying before spending real time in the specific town — the north varies a lot street to street.

When you’re ready, we’ll shortlist properties that fit and guide you end-to-end, in your language. Browse properties or tell us what you’re looking for.