Costa Blanca Property Selling Guide

Selling a home in the Mediterranean is more than just a transaction; it is a strategic financial move. With the Alicante region seeing a 12% price increase in late 2025, sellers are in a position of strength. However, the legal landscape is shifting. To ensure a smooth, profitable exit, this Costa Blanca property selling guide walks you through the 9 essential steps to navigate the market in 2025 and 2026.

Key Takeaways

Required documents: Title Deed (Escritura), a fresh Nota Simple (under 3 months), the Habitation Certificate, and the Energy Certificate (CEE).
From June 2026, Valencian ITP falls 10% → 9% for properties under €1,000,000 (a buyer’s tax, but it boosts buyer purchasing power).
Capital Gains Tax for non-residents: 19% (EU/EEA) or 24% (non-EU); residents over 65 selling their primary home may be exempt.
Non-resident sellers face a 3% retención withheld by the buyer toward CGT (refundable if your liability is lower).
Two seller taxes apply: Plusvalía Municipal (land-value increase) plus Capital Gains Tax.
The Arras deposit is usually 10%; if the seller withdraws after signing, they must repay the buyer double.

Table of Contents

1. Realistic Valuation and Market Context

The first step in any Costa Blanca property selling guide is a professional valuation. While sites like Idealista provide a baseline, they often lag behind the real-time “sold prices” held by local agents. In %currentyear%, we are seeing a “stabilization” trend where buyers are more selective. Pricing your villa in Javea or your apartment in Calpe competitively from day one prevents the “stale listing” syndrome that forces deep discounts later.

2. Mandatory Documentation Checklist

In the Valencian Community, the Notary will not sign the deed without specific paperwork. Ensure you have:

The Title Deed (Escritura): The original document from when you bought the property.
Nota Simple: A fresh extract from the Land Registry (less than 3 months old).
Habitation Certificate (Licencia de Segunda Ocupación): Mandatory in Costa Blanca to prove the property meets living standards.
Energy Efficiency Certificate (CEE): Legally required to market the property.

3. Costa Blanca property selling guide –The Impact of 2026 Tax Reductions

Strategic timing is key. As of June 2026, the Property Transfer Tax (ITP) in the Valencian Community is set to reduce from 10% to 9% for properties under €1,000,000. While this is a buyer’s tax, it increases the purchasing power of your potential leads. Mentioning this in your marketing can attract buyers who are timing their entry into the market.

4. Calculating Your “Plusvalía” and CGT

As a seller, you are responsible for two main taxes:

Plusvalía Municipal: A local tax based on the increase in land value.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT): For %currentyear%, rates for non-residents stand at 19% (for EU/EEA) or 24% (non-EU). If you are a resident over 65 selling your primary home, you may be exempt. Always consult our real estate FAQ for the latest tax bracket details.

5. Preparing for High-End Digital Marketing

Costa Blanca property selling guide – Modern buyers start their journey on a smartphone. To stand out, your listing must include:

Professional Staging: Neutralize the space so buyers can visualize their own lives there.
Drone Footage: Essential for villas to show proximity to the coast.
Interactive Placement: Ensuring your home is featured on a Costa Blanca property map allows buyers to see nearby amenities, which is a major selling point in 2026.

6. The 3% Retention for Non-Residents

If you are not a tax resident in Spain, be prepared for the “Retención.” The buyer is legally required to withhold 3% of the purchase price at the Notary and pay it to the Spanish Tax Agency on your behalf. This acts as a guarantee for your Capital Gains Tax. If your tax liability is lower than 3%, you can claim a refund, but this process can take several months.

7. Managing the “Arras” (Deposit) Contract

Once an offer is accepted, you will sign a Contrato de Arras. This is the most critical legal document before the Notary. It usually involves a 10% deposit. Under Spanish law, if you (the seller) withdraw after signing, you must pay the buyer double the deposit amount. This ensures both parties are fully committed.

8. Clearing Outstanding Debts

Before the final signing, you must prove that the property is “clean.” This includes:

IBI Receipts: Proof that property taxes are paid for the last 4 years.
Community Certificate: A letter from the community administrator confirming no outstanding fees.
Utility Bills: Providing the latest bills facilitates a smooth transfer of contracts to the new owner.

9. Costa Blanca property selling guide – The Final Signing at the Notary

The process culminates at the Notary’s office. You will hand over the keys and receive the balance of the sale (usually via a guaranteed bank draft). Ensure your lawyer has pre-calculated the mortgage cancellation fees if you have an existing loan.

Official Resources & Legal Verification

Costa Blanca property selling guide – To ensure your sale complies with the latest Spanish regulations, we recommend consulting these official government resources:

Agencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Agency): The primary source for calculating Capital Gains Tax and understanding the 3% retention for non-residents.
Registradores de España (Land Registry): Use this portal to request an official Nota Simple to verify your property’s current legal status before listing.
Sede Electrónica del Catastro: Access the national database to verify your property’s cadastral value and boundaries, which are essential for the Plusvalía tax calculation.
General Council of Notaries: Find a registered Notary in the Alicante province and learn about the legal requirements for the Escritura (Title Deed) signing.
Brokla Selling Consultation: Reach out to our team for a personalized walkthrough of these steps and a professional valuation of your home.

Costa Blanca property selling guide – Brokla Realty

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to sell a property in Costa Blanca?

The Notary will not sign without: the Title Deed (Escritura), a fresh Nota Simple from the Land Registry (less than 3 months old), the Habitation Certificate (Licencia de Segunda Ocupacion), and a valid Energy Efficiency Certificate (CEE).

How much Capital Gains Tax do non-residents pay when selling?

For non-residents, CGT is 19% for EU/EEA sellers and 24% for non-EU sellers. Spanish residents over 65 selling their primary home may be fully exempt. Always confirm your bracket with a lawyer.

What is the 3% retention when a non-resident sells?

If you are not a Spanish tax resident, the buyer must withhold 3% of the purchase price at the Notary and pay it to the Spanish Tax Agency as a guarantee against your Capital Gains Tax. If your liability is lower, you can reclaim the difference, though it can take several months.

How will the June 2026 tax change affect my sale?

From June 2026 the Property Transfer Tax (ITP) in the Valencian Community drops from 10% to 9% for properties under 1,000,000 euros. Although the buyer pays it, mentioning it in your marketing increases buyer purchasing power and can attract better offers.

What happens if I back out after signing the Arras contract?

Under Spanish law, if the seller withdraws after signing the Contrato de Arras, they must pay the buyer double the deposit amount. The deposit is typically 10% of the price.

Which taxes does a seller pay in Spain?

Sellers are responsible for two main taxes: Plusvalia Municipal, a local tax based on the increase in land value, and Capital Gains Tax on the profit from the sale.