May is in full swing on the Costa Blanca, and with it comes a common question from our international clients: Is it better to buy a new build property or invest in a resale home? At Elevate Costa Blanca, we’ve spent years helping buyers from countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, Norway and Sweden find their perfect place under the Mediterranean sun. Today, we want to share an honest, up-to-date comparison to help you make the best decision based on your goals, lifestyle, and priorities. 🧱 New Builds Booming: Modern Design, Efficiency & Peace of Mind Costa Blanca is experiencing a real estate construction boom. Trusted developers like Euromarina, Property and Co, Navasaez and Zapata are building high-quality residential complexes, with properties ranging from €250,000 to €700,000, and luxury villas going up to €4,000,000. Top benefits of buying new build: ✅ Modern, energy-efficient design Contemporary layouts, open-plan spaces, and the latest materials and technologies. ✅ Builder warranty You’ll benefit from a 10-year structural warranty and at least 1-year coverage for fittings and installations. ✅ Some customization options In certain developments—like those by Zapata—you can choose finishes, colors, and interior details to tailor the space to your style. ✅ Low maintenance costs Everything is brand new—from plumbing to appliances—which means fewer short-term repairs. 🚧 Things to consider: If buying off-plan, you may have to wait months (or over a year) before moving in. New builds on the beachfront are very limited. Most frontline locations are already developed. Prices are subject to 10% VAT, plus notary, registry, and legal fees (around 2–3%). 🏠 Resale Properties: Charm, Location & Immediate Use In towns like Torrevieja, Altea, and Jávea, most beachfront homes are resale properties. These are previously owned homes, many of which have been renovated and are in excellent condition—ready to move into. Top benefits of buying resale: ✅ Prime locations The most sought-after zones—first-line beach, old towns, panoramic views—are mainly resale markets. ✅ Immediate availability Once the deal is signed, you can move in or rent it out quickly, ideal for those seeking fast returns or relocating soon. ✅ Character and soul Many clients love the Mediterranean charm, unique architecture, and history of resale homes. ✅ Lower initial price Resale properties are often more affordable than new builds in similar locations. Instead of VAT, you’ll pay the Property Transfer Tax (ITP), usually between 8–10%, depending on the region. 🚧 Things to consider: Older properties may require more maintenance or upgrades. No builder’s warranty is included. Legal checks are essential: licenses, debts, permits and condition. At Elevate Costa Blanca, we only list resale properties that are fully vetted, legal, and in excellent shape. 🌍 Buying in Spain as a Foreigner: How It Works Yes, you can buy property in Spain without being a resident. The process is transparent and secure, but there are some basic requirements: 🔹 NIE (Foreigner Identification Number): Mandatory for property purchases. You can apply via a Spanish police station or consulate. 🔹 Spanish bank account for handling payments, utilities and taxes. 🔹 Taxes: Either VAT or ITP, plus notary, legal, and land registry fees. 🔐 At Elevate Costa Blanca, we guide you through every step of the process. We have strong partnerships with expert property lawyers for handling all Spanish legal formalities. We also work with local Spanish banks to support you with: Bank account setup Mortgage advice and processing Personalized financial guidance We’re here to make your buying experience smooth and stress-free. 🏖️ What Lifestyle Are You Dreaming Of? Can you see yourself in a brand-new penthouse, with a pool, gym and underground parking? Or do you imagine waking up right by the sea in a home full of character and Mediterranean charm? There’s no right or wrong choice—just the one that suits you best. 🧭 Our Advice There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why, at Elevate Costa Blanca, we take the time to understand your: 👉 Budget 👉 Intended use (holiday home, rental, full-time residence?) 👉 Preferred area 👉 Involvement level (do you want to renovate or move in immediately?) Whether you choose a new build or a resale property, our goal is the same: To help you find your ideal home, with full legal support, expert guidance, and the local knowledge that only years of experience can offer. 📩 Ready to Start Your Property Journey? Contact us today and let’s start planning your new life on the Costa Blanca. 🌐 www.elevatecostablanca.com 📧 info@elevatecostablanca.com 📍 We’ll be waiting for you under the Mediterranean sun  

🌴 What Happened to a Friend’s Cousin with Her Home in Costa Blanca (And How You Can Avoid It) By Lenka If I had a euro for every time someone told me, “Nobody mentioned that when I bought,” I’d already have my own beach bar by now. Today I want to share the story of a friend’s cousin (yes, really), who bought herself a stunning little house in Costa Blanca. A picture-perfect place, with blooming bougainvillea at the entrance and all. She didn’t rent it out, only stayed there for a couple of weeks a year… it was her peaceful escape from the freezing winters of Prague. And like many others, she thought: —“If I’m not making money with the house… I don’t have to declare anything, right?” Well… not exactly. 🧾 The Reality (That Many Don’t Know) In Spain, even if you don’t rent out your property, you still have to file a tax declaration every year if you’re not a fiscal resident. It’s called the Non-Resident Income Tax, and it’s submitted using the well-known Modelo 210. Why? Because the Spanish tax office assumes that, even if your home sits empty, it generates a kind of “imaginary income” (they call it imputed income). And that “income,” even if it’s fictional, must be declared and taxed. Yep, it sounds strange. But that’s the law. 😨 The Scare My friend’s cousin had no clue. Nobody explained this when she bought the house. No one from her previous agency even mentioned it. Years went by without filing Modelo 210… until someone randomly brought it up over lunch one day. She called me in a panic, thinking she was going to be hit with a huge fine. Luckily, we helped her get everything sorted out, filed the declarations from previous years, and got her back on track—finally letting her sleep peacefully again. And let me tell you—this isn’t a rare case. I’ve had so many clients who bought through other agencies and came to me later saying: —“But my friend never files that!” —“Doesn’t the bank take care of it?” —“Nobody told me this was required…” And I always say the same thing: not knowing doesn’t exempt you from the responsibility. But we can help you fix it. ✅ What You Really Need to Know If you’re thinking about buying a property in Spain—or already own one—and you’re not a resident, take note: Yes, you must file Modelo 210 every year. Even if you don’t rent the property. It’s not the same as the local IBI tax. This one is national. And yes, if you’ve missed a few years, it can be fixed—but the sooner, the better. When I work with international clients buying here on the Costa Blanca, I don’t just focus on finding them the perfect home. I make sure they understand everything that comes with owning a property in Spain. Because for me, the real work starts after handing over the keys. So now you know: if you’re about to make your Mediterranean dream come true, start off on the right foot. And if you’ve already made it but skipped that little “detail,” don’t worry—you’ve still got time to make it right. We’re here to help you, with experience, with solutions… and always with a smile. With love, Lenka 🌞

Buy Nice or Buy Twice: The Key to a Secure Investment in Costa Blanca Buying a property in Costa Blanca is an exciting decision. Imagining yourself enjoying the Mediterranean sun, with sea views and the tranquility of a home in Spain, is the dream of many. However, what seems like the perfect investment can turn into a headache if key factors are not considered from the start. This is where the importance of having an expert real estate agent in the area comes into play. Because, as the saying goes, buy nice or buy twice. More Than Just a Good Appearance: The Importance of Local Knowledge Many foreign buyers are swayed by a property's first impression: a beautiful terrace, an infinity pool, or modern decor. But the reality is that not all properties are what they seem. A specialized real estate agent in Costa Blanca not only helps you find the home of your dreams but also evaluates what is not visible to the untrained eye. For example, a property may be in optimal condition, but if it is located in an urbanization with structural issues or a financially troubled homeowners' association, you could face expensive future assessments. The same goes for homes that, while currently enjoying unobstructed sea views, have vacant land in front that could be developed in the future, meaning that attractive view could soon disappear. The Value of an Experienced Agent: Avoiding Costly Mistakes Market experience allows an agent to detect aspects that an uninformed buyer would not notice. A well-versed agent in the area: Knows the developers and builders in Costa Blanca, distinguishing between those with a track record of quality and those that might compromise your investment. Identifies structural or zoning issues in a property that could lead to unexpected costs. Assesses the investment potential, determining whether the property is suitable for short-term rentals and whether its future appreciation is promising. Negotiation and Valuation: Getting the Best Price for You One of the biggest mistakes foreign buyers make is paying more than a property is actually worth. A buyer’s agent has access to market data, comparing similar properties in the same development or surrounding areas. This allows for an objective valuation and the ability to negotiate a fair price based on the current market conditions. Additionally, a trained professional can predict real estate trends in Costa Blanca, advising you whether it’s the right time to buy or if it’s better to wait for a better opportunity. Your Peace of Mind and Security: The Benefit of Having an Expert Buying a second home in Alicante to escape the cold winters and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle is an important decision. But beyond the enjoyment, it is essential to ensure that this investment is solid and free of unforeseen issues. With the guidance of a specialized real estate agent in Costa Blanca, you ensure that every euro invested is backed by professional analysis, strategic negotiations, and a long-term vision. Because when it comes to real estate, true savings do not come from avoiding a commission, but from making informed decisions and avoiding costly mistakes. So remember: buy nice or buy twice. At Elevate Costa Blanca, we are here to help you find the perfect property in Costa Blanca with the assurance that your investment is in the best hands. Contact us and let’s make your dream of living by the Mediterranean a reality.

Selling a house doesn’t necessarily mean you have to remove all furniture and personal items. In Spain, the law doesn’t require you to deliver an empty property, but there are some key points to consider to avoid misunderstandings. It all depends on the agreement with the buyer and what is mentioned in the sale offer. What Does the Law Say? There’s no legal obligation to leave the house empty, but anything mentioned in the property listing or agreed upon in the sale contract must remain. For example, if you advertise the house with included appliances, you’ll need to leave them. The same applies to items like air conditioning units or built-in furniture. What Is Typically Left in the House? Although there are no strict rules, it’s common to leave certain fixed or built-in elements, such as:   Built-in kitchen appliances (oven, extractor hood, stovetop). Basic fixtures like faucets, toilets, heating systems, and electrical connections. On the other hand, personal belongings or non-fixed items, such as paintings, sofas, or refrigerators, are usually taken by the seller. However, this can also be negotiated with the buyer. Negotiation and Agreements If the buyer is interested in keeping some furniture or appliances, both parties can negotiate and add the value of those items to the sale price. Alternatively, the buyer may request that the house is delivered completely empty, especially if they plan to renovate it. Avoid Issues by Clarifying Details   If you include furniture or appliances in the sale, ensure they are in working condition. Otherwise, the buyer could file a claim for “hidden defects.” Clearly specify what will remain in the house and what you’ll take to avoid confusion. Documents and Items You Must Provide to the Buyer:   House keys and garage remotes. Instruction manuals for fixed appliances (e.g., the boiler or stovetop). Energy certificate, utility contracts, and copies of recent property tax (IBI) receipts. Useful contacts, such as the property manager or building concierge. In summary, you are not required to completely empty the house, but it’s crucial to be clear about what’s included in the sale. A detailed agreement will prevent issues and make the process smoother. Talk to your real estate agent to ensure everything is well-defined!