Resale Property on the Costa Blanca South
Established Homes with Character and Space
If you are looking for an established property in the sun — one with a mature garden, a proven community around it, and a clear picture of exactly what you are buying — resale property on the Costa Blanca South has a great deal to offer.
Resale homes come in all shapes and sizes across this part of Alicante Province: from compact apartments in the heart of Torrevieja to spacious villas set back from the coast in Ciudad Quesada, Guardamar del Segura, and beyond. Whatever your budget or lifestyle, our team at SolMar Properties will take the time to understand what you are looking for and help you find the right match.
We cover the whole of the Costa Blanca South — including areas and urbanisations beyond our four main hubs. If you have a specific location in mind, just ask.
What Are the Advantages of Buying a Resale Property in Spain?
One of the biggest appeals of resale property is that you know exactly what you are getting before you commit. You can walk through the rooms, see the garden, meet the neighbours, and get a real feel for the community — something that is simply not possible with an off-plan purchase.
Resale properties in established urbanisations also tend to sit within fully developed infrastructure: roads, shops, restaurants, and amenities are already in place. For buyers who want to move in quickly and start living their Spanish lifestyle straight away, an established home can be an attractive option.
Resale Apartments and Villas Across the Costa Blanca South
The resale market on the Costa Blanca South includes a wide range of property types at varying price points. Resale apartments are particularly plentiful — especially in and around Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, and La Marina Costa — and often offer good value in well-located complexes with communal pools and gardens.
Resale villas on the Costa Blanca South tend to appeal to buyers looking for more privacy, outdoor space, and room to put their own stamp on a property. Many come with private pools, mature gardens, and generous terraces. Bungalows and townhouses also make up a significant part of the resale market, particularly in areas like Ciudad Quesada and Guardamar del Segura.
At SolMar Properties, we work with resale properties across all these areas. We are not tied to any one portfolio of listings — our job is to find the right property for you, wherever that turns out to be. Because we collaborate closely with other agencies across the region too, we can offer a genuinely vast variety of resale properties — far more than any single agency’s own listings.
Is Resale Property Cheaper Than New Build in Spain?
It depends — and it is worth looking at the full picture before assuming resale is automatically the better-value option.
On purchase taxes, resale does carry a slightly lower rate: you pay Property Transfer Tax (ITP) at 9% of the purchase price, compared to 10% VAT plus 1.5% AJD (Actos Jurídicos Documentados) on a new build. That said, the total additional costs are similar — approximately 11–12% on top of the purchase price for a resale, versus around 13–14% for a new build.
On the property price itself, the gap between resale and new build on the Costa Blanca South has narrowed considerably in recent years. New build developments in the region are now very competitively priced — and they come with significant advantages that resale properties cannot match: a 10-year structural developer guarantee, modern energy-efficient specifications, and the reassurance of a brand new home with no maintenance surprises. If you are weighing up resale against new build, it is well worth taking a look at our new build properties on the Costa Blanca South — you may find the comparison is closer than you expect.
What to Check Before Buying Resale Property in Alicante Province
Buying a resale property in Spain is a well-established process, but it does require thorough legal due diligence. This is not something to cut corners on — and with the right solicitor in place, there is no reason to.
Your solicitor will check for any outstanding debts, charges, or planning issues attached to the property, review all contracts before you sign anything, and handle all the paperwork through to completion. They will also obtain your NIE number (the tax identification number required by all foreign buyers in Spain) on your behalf — you do not need to arrange this yourself.
We work with trusted, English-speaking solicitors who know the Costa Blanca South market well, and we are happy to make an introduction. Our Buying Guide has full details on what to expect at each stage of the purchase process.
What Taxes Do You Pay When Buying a Resale Property in Spain?
When buying a resale property in Spain, the main purchase tax is Property Transfer Tax (ITP — Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales), currently set at 9% of the purchase price in the Valencia region, which covers Alicante Province.
On top of that, you will need to budget for notary fees, Land Registry fees, and your solicitor’s fees. In total, plan for approximately 11–12% on top of the listed purchase price to cover all taxes and costs. Please remember that prices advertised on property portals and websites do not include these amounts — they are always on top.
Not Sure Whether Resale or New Build Is Right for You?
Choosing between an established home and a brand new property is one of the most common decisions our clients face — and there is no single right answer. It comes down to your priorities, your timeline, and what matters most to you in a home.
What we will always do is give you an honest picture of both options. SolMar Properties works with resale properties and with new build developments from all the major builders on the Costa Blanca South — so we have no reason to push you in either direction. Our only interest is helping you find the home that is right for you.
That said, if you have not yet explored what is available in the new build market, it is worth a look before you decide. The range, quality, and pricing of new developments on the Costa Blanca South right now is genuinely impressive — and some key-ready homes are available to move into just as quickly as a resale. Browse our latest new build properties to see what is currently available.
FAQ
A resale property is an established second-hand home with previous owners, while a new build is a brand new property — either ready to move into or purchased during or before construction. The main differences are the purchase tax (9% ITP for resale versus 10% VAT plus 1.5% AJD for new build), the condition of the property, and what each comes with. New builds include a 10-year structural developer guarantee and modern energy-efficient specifications; resale properties offer an established setting and the ability to see exactly what you are buying before you commit.
Not always — particularly on the Costa Blanca South, where new build prices have become increasingly competitive. Resale property does carry a slightly lower purchase tax rate (9% ITP versus around 11.5% combined for new builds), but the gap in property prices between resale and new build has narrowed significantly in this region. It is always worth comparing both options before you decide.
The main purchase tax on a resale property in Spain is Property Transfer Tax (ITP), which is 9% of the purchase price in Alicante Province. On top of this, you will pay notary fees, Land Registry fees, and solicitor fees. In total, budget approximately 11–12% on top of the advertised price to cover all purchase costs. Prices listed online never include these taxes — always factor them into your budget from the start.
Yes — and we strongly recommend appointing one before you make any offer or sign anything. Your solicitor will carry out legal due diligence on the property, check for debts or planning issues, review all contracts, obtain your NIE number on your behalf, and manage the entire process through to completion. We can recommend trusted, English-speaking solicitors who specialise in the Costa Blanca South.
Yes, absolutely. There are no restrictions on foreign nationals buying resale property in Spain, whether you are from the EU or outside it. Many of our buyers purchase as non-residents and decide whether to apply for residency afterwards. Your solicitor will handle all the legal and administrative requirements, including your NIE number.
Whether you are drawn to a resale property for its established character and community, or you are simply keeping your options open whilst you explore the market, SolMar Properties is here to help. We will take the time to understand what matters to you — and make sure you have all the information you need to make the right decision, at your own pace.
Get in touch to find your ideal resale property on the Costa Blanca South — or speak to us about the full range of options available, including our latest new build properties. Call us on (+34) 747 462 942 or email enquiries@solmar-properties.com.
