Your second home in 4 steps
For more than 25 years we have guided British, Irish, Dutch, Belgian and French buyers through the purchase of their second home on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida. This is how that journey unfolds — clear, personal and without wasted time.
- 1
We start from your plans
Not everyone buys a second home for the same reason. Some are looking for a place to enjoy the climate a few months a year, others want to let it out part of the time, and for many it is the first step towards a future life in Spain. So we listen first, and discuss together:
- how often you want to come to Spain
- which region suits you best
- whether letting matters to you
- what budget feels comfortable
- how you want to use the home later on
- 2
A tailored selection — even while you are still home
You do not have to fly to Spain repeatedly to find the right home. Thanks to our experience, we prepare a focused selection that matches your wishes, with personal shortlists, photos and videos, online viewings and honest feedback on location and surroundings. When you do come over, we plan efficient viewing days — no wasted time, no endless visits.
- 3
Buying safely with professional guidance
Found your ideal home? Then we guide you through every step, from the price negotiation to the reservation and the purchase. We always work with independent lawyers who defend your interests alone and who check, among other things:
- title deeds
- permits and licences
- any outstanding debts
- legal documents
- contracts and guarantees
- 4
We stay reachable after the purchase too
The handover of the keys is not the end — for many buyers the real adventure begins there. That is why we also help afterwards with utilities, insurance, local administration, key-holding, pool and garden upkeep, contacts with reliable tradespeople and rental advice. So your second home brings above all freedom, calm and pleasure.
Why do so many people choose a second home?
Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for foreign buyers. Not only for the climate, but for a combination of advantages you rarely find together:
- more than 300 days of sunshine a year
- excellent international flight connections
- a relaxed, Mediterranean way of life
- relatively low ownership costs
- a strong rental market in many regions
- excellent value for money
For many families, a second home therefore becomes not just a holiday spot, but an investment in quality of life.
Apartment or villa?
Apartment or villa? There is no right or wrong — it depends on your lifestyle. This comparison helps you choose:
| Apartment | Villa | |
|---|---|---|
| Upkeep | Lower, often partly shared | Higher, own garden and pool |
| Privacy | Shared facilities | More privacy and space |
| Facilities | Often a communal pool and gardens | Own pool and garden |
| Costs | Community fee | Own maintenance costs |
| Ideal for | Carefree “lock-and-leave” | Space, family or permanent living |
The annual costs
Alongside the purchase price, factor in the annual costs: IBI (property tax), waste tax, the non-resident tax, any community fees, insurance and utilities. The exact amounts depend on the property and location — and for most homes they are perfectly manageable.
Our separate guide Costs after buying explains all the recurring costs. For every property we also give you a concrete indication before you buy.
Buying without living in Spain
You do not need a residence permit to buy — only a NIE number (the Spanish identification number for foreigners), which we arrange for you. With a notarial power of attorney, a lawyer can handle certain steps in your name. Even so, we recommend visiting the property at least once yourself before you finally decide.
Before you start
- Define your goal: holidays, (part-time) letting or a future retirement.
- Choose the region that suits your life.
- Apply for your NIE number in good time (for every buyer).
- Have the property checked legally by your own independent lawyer.
- Factor in the annual costs (IBI, comunidad, non-resident tax).
- Check the letting rules and any tourist licence if you plan to rent it out.
Why Ellen and Tom shared their plans first
Ellen and Tom were torn between an apartment by the sea and a villa inland. Instead of searching straight away, we first mapped out their plans: a few months a year at first, perhaps more later.
On that basis we put together a tailored selection that they largely reviewed from home. When they came over, they had a clear picture within two days — and found their home.
Their independent lawyer checked everything, and after the purchase we arranged key-holding and garden upkeep. Today they are already thinking out loud about a permanent move. Exactly what a second home is so often the first step towards.
Frequently asked questions about a second home
Can I buy a second home in Spain as a foreigner?
Yes. Spain has welcomed foreign buyers for years and the purchase procedure is fully accessible to British, Irish, Dutch, Belgian and other European citizens. You do not need a residence permit to buy a property, but you do need a 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 whether you take out a mortgage. Alongside the purchase price you also allow for buying costs such as taxes, notary and registration fees. Because every situation is different, we prepare 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 terms depend on your income, age, financial situation and the type of property. We are happy to put you in touch with specialised mortgage advisers who compare the options.
What are the annual costs of a second home in Spain?
Most owners pay IBI (property tax), waste 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 pay tax if I do not let my Spanish property?
Yes. Non-residents usually pay an annual non-resident income tax (IRNR), even when the property is used purely for yourself. It is calculated on the cadastral value of the property.
Can I let my second home when I am not there myself?
Yes. Many owners combine personal use with holiday letting. The possibilities depend on the region, the type of property and local regulations. For some properties a tourist letting licence is required. We are happy to inform you of the current rules and options.
Is an apartment or a villa better as a second home?
That depends on your lifestyle. An apartment usually needs less upkeep and often offers shared facilities 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 are 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 property without travelling to Spain?
Yes. With a notarial power of attorney, a lawyer can carry out certain steps for you. Even so, we recommend visiting a property at least once in person before you finally decide.
How long does the buying process for a second home take?
For an existing property, the buying process usually takes between four and eight weeks. For new build it depends on the construction phase and the planned completion date. Throughout the whole journey we keep you informed of every step.
What happens to my property when I return home?
Many owners make use of key-holding, periodic checks, pool maintenance, garden upkeep and property management. That way the home stays perfectly maintained while you are 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: sun, freedom and personal use. In addition, a home in a good location can be interesting for value retention, future appreciation and possible 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 begins with a holiday apartment or 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 advantages you rarely find together: more than 300 days of sunshine a year, excellent international connections, beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, good healthcare, relatively low ownership costs and a wide choice of properties. That is why the region has been among the most beloved destinations for foreign buyers in Europe for years.
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 first question to long after the handover of the keys.
This information is general in nature and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Always have your purchase guided by an independent lawyer in Spain.
