Buying a house in Moraira? These are the legal basics in Spain!
Dreaming of buying a house in Moraira on the Costa Blanca? Then it’s important not only to look at the location and the view, but also at the legal side of the purchasing process in Spain.
As real estate agents in Moraira we guide many foreign buyers each year. Most questions are about:
👉 the NIE number
👉 taxes when buying
👉 permits
👉 and how to buy safely with the right agent
In this guide we explain step by step what you need to arrange to buy property worry-free in Moraira and the surrounding area.
Why good preparation is important when buying property on the Costa Blanca
The Spanish property market works differently than, for example, in the Netherlands or Belgium. Procedures, taxes and documents differ. Being well prepared prevents delays, extra costs or legal problems.
With the right guidance you can buy a home safely and transparently in Moraira, Benissa, Calpe or Javea.
1. Applying for the NIE number in Spain
The NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is mandatory for every foreign buyer.
Without an NIE you cannot in Spain:
buy property
open a bank account
sign a notarised deed
pay taxes
connect water and electricity
How do you apply for the NIE?
You can arrange this:
at the police in Spain
via the Spanish consulate
or through your lawyer with a power of attorney
💡 Tip: apply early; especially in popular regions like Moraira the waiting time can increase. However, it is still possible to sign at the notary with a provisional NIE number if it hasn’t arrived in time.
2. Taxes and costs when buying a home in Moraira
When buying property on the Costa Blanca you should allow for 11–13% extra costs on top of the purchase price.
Resale property
Transfer tax (ITP): approx. 10%
New build
VAT (IVA): 10%
Stamp duty (AJD): approx. 1.5%
Additional costs
Notary
Land registry
Lawyer
Any mortgage or bank fees
👉 Practical guideline: reserve roughly 12% extra budget.
3. Permits and legal checks (very important!)
In Spain it is essential to check whether a property is legally and fully correctly registered.
Especially with villas in Moraira or older properties there can be:
illegal extensions
unregistered swimming pools
missing permits
or outstanding debts
present.
What should be checked?
Land registry registration
Debts or mortgages
Building permits
Occupancy certificate (Licencia de Ocupación)
Municipal regulations
An independent lawyer performs these checks before the transfer at the notary.
💡 Never buy without a legal check.
4. How does the buying process in Spain proceed?
The purchasing process of a house in Moraira usually goes as follows:
Reservation of the property
Legal checks
Private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras) with approx. 10% deposit
Signing at the notary
Key handover and registration and payment of the taxes
After that you are officially the owner of your Spanish home.
5. Choosing a reliable estate agent in Moraira
A local, experienced agent is worth their weight in gold.
Why?
Because you receive guidance with:
viewings
negotiations
legal steps
utilities
aftercare post-purchase
What should you look for?
Local market knowledge of Moraira & the Costa Blanca
Experience with foreign buyers
Transparent communication
Cooperation with a lawyer and notary
Service in your own language
A good agent saves you time, money and stress.
Ready to buy a property in Moraira?
Buying a house on the Costa Blanca is an investment in quality of life: sun, sea, peace and a strong property market.
Make sure you have:
✅ NIE number
✅ Budget for taxes
✅ Legal check
✅ Professional estate agent
Then you can enjoy your new home in Moraira with peace of mind.
👉 Do you have any questions or would you like to view properties in Moraira? Feel free to contact us. We guide you from A to Z.
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