Skip to main content
Tu Travesía
Guide

Buying a second home in Spain

Picture it. A sunny terrace where you start the day with a coffee in the morning sun. A place you can head off to on a whim for a long weekend. A home that brings holiday joy today and perhaps, tomorrow, your retirement under the Spanish sun.

For many of our clients it begins exactly like that: with a dream. And that dream needn't be complicated at all.

A terrace under the Spanish sun
More than 25 years of property guidance
Personal guidance in your own language
Independent legal checks
We're still here for you after the purchase
At a glance

Why the Costa Blanca?

300+
days of sunshine a year
25 years
of experience by your side
From a distance
buying is possible, with guidance
A → Z
from first question to aftercare

For more than 25 years we have guided Belgian, Dutch, French and other European buyers through the purchase of their second home on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida. Here you'll discover how that journey unfolds.

Family enjoying the sunset over the bay of Calpe from their terrace
Couple doing an online video viewing of a home in Spain from their own home
Buying safely with guidance
Couple with suitcases being welcomed with the keys to their new home in Spain
Your place under the Spanish sun
Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Can I, as a foreigner, buy a second home in Spain?

Yes. Spain has welcomed foreign buyers for many years, and the purchase procedure is fully open to Belgian, Dutch and other European citizens.

You don't need a residence permit to buy a home. You do need an NIE number, the Spanish identification number for foreigners. We guide our clients through the entire process.

How much of my own money do I need for a second home in Spain?

That depends on the purchase price and on whether you take out a mortgage.

Besides the purchase price, you also need to allow for buying costs such as taxes, notary and registration fees. Because every situation is different, we draw up a personal cost calculation for each client.

Can I get a Spanish mortgage for a second home?

Yes. Many Spanish banks provide mortgages to foreign buyers who are not resident in Spain.

The conditions depend on your income, age, financial situation and the type of property. We're happy to put you in touch with specialist mortgage advisers who compare the various options.

What are the annual costs of a second home in Spain?

Most owners pay IBI (property tax), refuse collection tax, non-resident tax, any community fees, insurance and water and electricity each year.

The exact amounts depend on the property and the location.

Do I have to pay tax if I don't rent out my Spanish home?

Yes. Non-residents usually pay an annual non-resident tax (IRNR), even when the home is solely for their own use.

This tax is calculated on the basis of the property's cadastral value.

Can I rent out my second home when I'm not there myself?

Yes. Many owners combine their own use with holiday letting.

The possibilities depend on the region, the type of property and local regulations. For certain properties a tourist rental licence is required. We're happy to inform you about the current rules and options.

Is an apartment or a villa better as a second home?

That depends on your way of life.

An apartment usually requires less maintenance and often comes with shared amenities such as a pool or garden. A villa offers more privacy, space and freedom. During the search we look together at which home best matches your wishes.

What are the most popular regions for a second home on the Costa Blanca?

That depends on what you're looking for. Popular coastal towns include Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar del Segura, Jávea and Moraira.

For those seeking calm, nature and more space, the valleys around Hondón de las Nieves, Aspe and Pinoso are also becoming increasingly popular.

Can I buy a home without travelling to Spain?

Yes. With a notarial power of attorney, a lawyer can carry out certain steps on your behalf.

Even so, we recommend visiting a home in person at least once before you make a final decision.

How long does the buying process for a second home take?

For an existing home, the buying process usually takes between four and eight weeks. For a new-build, it depends on the construction phase and the planned completion date.

Throughout the entire process we keep you informed of every step.

What happens to my home when I'm not in Spain?

Many owners make use of key management, periodic checks, pool maintenance, garden maintenance and property management.

That way the home stays perfectly looked after while you're not there.

Is a second home in Spain a good investment?

That depends on your goals. Most buyers choose, first and foremost, for quality of life, sunshine, freedom and personal use.

On top of that, a home in a good location can also be appealing for retaining value, future capital gains and potential rental income. We always advise from your personal situation, not from general promises.

Can I move to Spain permanently later on?

Absolutely. For many of our clients it starts with a holiday apartment or a second home.

A few years later they decide to spend more time in Spain, or to live there permanently. A second home therefore often becomes a first step towards a new life under the Spanish sun.

Why do so many foreign buyers choose the Costa Blanca?

The Costa Blanca combines several advantages you'll rarely find together: more than 300 days of sunshine a year, excellent international connections, beautiful beaches, a relaxed way of life, good healthcare, relatively low property costs and a wide choice of homes.

That's why the region has, for many years, ranked among the most beloved destinations for foreign buyers in Europe.

Why do buyers choose Tu Travesía?

Because buying a home abroad takes more than property knowledge alone. It takes trust.

With more than 25 years of experience, we guide our clients personally, honestly and in their own language. From the very first question to long after the keys change hands. That's the way we'd want to be helped ourselves.

Welcome to Tu Travesía. Your journey to a home under the Spanish sun.