Why Americans Are Choosing the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca has become one of Spain’s most attractive destinations for international property buyers, offering over 200 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline, more than 300 days of sunshine each year, excellent healthcare, modern infrastructure and a lower cost of living than many major US cities.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday home, an investment property, a retirement destination or a permanent move to Spain, the Costa Blanca offers a wide variety of properties ranging from beachfront apartments to luxury villas and golf residences.
Popular locations include Jávea, Moraira, Altea, Calpe, Benissa, Dénia, Alicante, Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja, each offering its own lifestyle and investment opportunities.
Can Americans Buy Property in Spain?
Yes.
American citizens can legally purchase property anywhere in Spain, including the Costa Blanca. You do not need Spanish citizenship or residency to own property.
However, buying a property does not automatically give you the right to live in Spain full-time. If you plan to stay for extended periods, you’ll need to ensure you have the appropriate visa or residency status.
What Documents Will You Need?
Before purchasing a property, you’ll typically need:
- A valid passport
- A Spanish NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) – your foreigner’s tax identification number
- A Spanish bank account to pay taxes, utilities and property-related expenses
- A Spanish lawyer to carry out legal checks and represent your interests
- A Spanish notary to complete the property transfer
- Registration of the property with the Spanish Land Registry after completion
Using an independent lawyer is highly recommended to ensure the property has clear legal title, no outstanding debts and all necessary planning permissions.
Understanding the Buying Process
The purchasing process in Spain generally follows these steps:
- Find a property and agree on a purchase price.
- Hire an independent lawyer.
- Apply for your NIE number.
- Open a Spanish bank account.
- Your lawyer carries out legal due diligence.
- Sign a private purchase contract and pay a reservation or deposit.
- Complete the purchase before a Spanish notary.
- Register the property with the Spanish Land Registry.
- Transfer utilities and arrange ongoing tax payments.
The entire process can often be completed remotely through a Power of Attorney if you cannot travel to Spain.
What Additional Costs Should You Budget For?
In addition to the purchase price, buyers should budget approximately 10–15% for associated costs, which may include:
- Property Transfer Tax (for resale properties)
- VAT and Stamp Duty (for new-build properties)
- Notary fees
- Land Registry fees
- Legal fees
- Mortgage arrangement costs (if applicable)
Your lawyer will explain the exact costs depending on the type of property you purchase.
Can Americans Get a Spanish Mortgage?
Yes.
Many Spanish banks offer mortgages to non-residents, including US citizens.
The amount you can borrow, interest rates and lending criteria vary depending on your financial circumstances, income and the bank you choose.
Many international buyers also choose to purchase with cash, particularly within the luxury market.
Why the Costa Blanca Appeals to American Buyers
The Costa Blanca offers a combination of lifestyle and value that continues to attract overseas buyers.
Benefits include:
- More than 300 sunny days each year
- Blue Flag beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters
- Championship golf courses
- Excellent private and public healthcare
- International schools
- Modern marinas and outdoor lifestyle
- Strong transport links via Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport
- Lower property prices compared with many other Mediterranean luxury destinations
- Established international communities where English is widely spoken
For many Americans, the Costa Blanca offers an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed European lifestyle while maintaining excellent international connectivity.
Is Property a Good Investment?
The Costa Blanca continues to attract strong international demand, helping support long-term confidence in the market.
The province of Alicante consistently records one of the highest proportions of foreign property purchases in Spain, demonstrating the region’s enduring popularity among overseas buyers.
As always, property values can rise or fall, so buyers should consider their long-term objectives, budget and intended use of the property before making a purchase.
Tips Before You Buy
Before committing to a property, it’s worth taking the time to:
- Visit different towns and neighbourhoods.
- Research year-round living versus holiday areas.
- Understand annual ownership costs and local taxes.
- Obtain independent legal and tax advice.
- Consider future resale potential.
- Work with experienced local estate agents who understand the market.
The NLS Conclusion
The Costa Blanca remains one of Spain’s most welcoming destinations for international property buyers, offering an exceptional lifestyle, established infrastructure and a straightforward purchasing process for American buyers.
Whether you’re purchasing a holiday home, relocating to Spain or investing for the future, preparation and professional guidance are key. Working with experienced estate agents, independent legal advisers and trusted property professionals can help ensure a smooth transaction from start to finish.
For agents, platforms like TheNLS.com make it easier to connect international buyers with verified listings across Spain, helping overseas clients navigate the buying journey with greater confidence.
