Costa Blanca Network - Your reliable social partner for buying a home in Spain
Buying a (second) home in Spain? Let us guide you!
At Costa Blanca Network we guide you through every step of the process of buying a property in Spain. Unlike many other providers, we are not a traditional real estate agent; we are an organization of people who help via the internet. We offer:
- Personal Guidance
- Local knowledge and expertise
- Established activity (we collaborate with project developers, brokers or banks)
Our working method
1. Orientation Interview in the Netherlands
In an initial, no-obligation conversation, we will discuss your wishes, budget and options. Topics such as financial options, location choices and the type of home that suits you best will be discussed.
2. Selection of homes
Based on your list of preferences and our market knowledge, we will compile a selection of homes that meet your criteria. This selection consists of both new builds and resale properties. We provide extensive and detailed information about each home and take you on a step-by-step basis to discover the right property for you. If you create an account there, you can add properties to your list of preferences yourself.
3. Location assessment
We only select homes in areas with potential, such as regions that are developing rapidly and are equipped with shops, restaurants, golf courses and other amenities. Avoid recurrent urbanizations and poorly accessible areas.
4. Local market knowledge
We know the Spanish real estate market inside and out. Unlike the Netherlands, Spanish homes are often listed with multiple real estate agents and the pricing is not always up to date. We help you separate the wheat from the chaff.
Focus area: Costa Blanca South
Most of the properties we offer are located in the area between Santa Pola and Torrevieja, a region that is developing rapidly and remains a popular destination for many buyers. Here you can enjoy the Mediterranean climate, a lively environment and many amenities.
Why choose Costa Blanca Network?
- Independent advice: We do not work for project developers or banks
- Local expertise: We know Spanish real estate law, customs and market dynamics
- Personal guidance: We take the time to answer your questions and offer tailor-made advice
Contact us for more information!
Would you like to know more about buying a property in Spain? Please contact us for an initial conversation meeting without obligation. Together we will take the next step towards your dream home in Spain. Send an email to info@costablancanetwork.com or call us: +31 416 531 223
What happens when you are ready for the viewing trip?
The viewing trip is actually the final part of a series of carefully considered steps. We have already gone through a whole process together: you have looked at regions extensively with us, compared homes and gained an increasingly clear picture of what suits you and what doesn’t. So you are well prepared – and you notice that.
Yet ‘in real life’ it is just a little bit different. Because what seemed logical on paper or on screen can feel different on the spot. That is why we limit the preference list in advance to a maximum of 10 homes that we will actually visit. The environment, the neighborhood or the street where the house is located, the view, the atmosphere… that is what ultimately determines whether you get that “yes-this-is-it!” feeling.
Our approach is deliberately broad: we do not focus on one place, but take several regions with us. That is precisely why you can really compare and discover which place appeals to you the most. Perhaps you thought of the coast beforehand, but a charming village – a little further inland – suddenly feels like coming home.
The viewing trip usually lasts 4 to 5 days. No rushing around, no imposed viewings. We take the time for the houses, but also for a cup of coffee in between, a nice lunch and of course to answer your questions in detail. It should above all be a pleasant experience.
We are always present at every viewing. And because we work neutrally, it is possible that your dream house is offered by a fellow estate agent. No problem – we know them all and have excellent contacts.
During these days we also discuss practical matters, such as applying for a NIE number, opening a bank account, arranging insurance and possibly issuing a power of attorney. The latter is of course completely without obligation, but useful if you are not sure whether you can return to Spain at any time, for example for the notary.
In short: it will be a well-prepared, relaxed and informative week in which we work together towards a good decision. We look forward to receiving you!
All about renting
The Spanish government has recently implemented major changes to the regulations governing tourist rentals. These changes are intended to regulate the sector, promote transparency and reduce inconvenience to local residents. There is a clear distinction between tourist (short-term) rentals and long-term rentals in Spain, and the new rules you will read in this document apply primarily to tourist rentals.
Below is an overview of the main changes that will apply from 2024 and 2025:
What is tourist rental in Spain?
Definition
- Renting a house to tourists for a period shorter than 1 month (30 days)
- Mostly through platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.
Features
- Usually fully furnished, including bed linen, wifi, cleaning, etc.
Lines
- Mandatory registration
- Permits
- VVE permission
- Guest registration, etc.
What is long term rental?
Definition
- Letting a home for more than 31 days (sometimes 2 months is used as a line, depending on the regional context)
Features
- Aimed at locals or expats
- Often with a standard rental contract of 6 months to 3 years
Lines
- Governed by the national rental law (LAU [Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos])
- No tourist license required
- No guest registration with the police
- Fewer municipal restrictions
New national registration requirement (from 2 January 2025)
With the introduction of Real Decreto 11/12/2024, a central registration is mandatory for all forms of short-term rentals, including holiday rentals. Each accommodation must have a unique registration number that must appear on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. This obligation applies to rentals throughout Spain. Failure to register can result in fines of up to €150,000. Various autonomous communities already have their own registration systems; the new regulations.
Mandatory registration of guests via SEQ Hospedajes (from December 2, 2024)
From 2 December 2024, landlords will have to register their guests through the new digital platform SEQ Hospedajes, which will replace the previous system of physical registration with the police. This digital system requires personal identification information for each guest. Registration in Spain will still require a digital certificate or registration via DigiD. The platform aims to strengthen security and control of tourist rentals.
Permission from the Owners' Association (VVE) required (from April 3, 2023)
Since April 3, 2023, explicit permission from the Owners' Association will be required to rent out a property for tourism purposes. This permission must be approved by 3/5 of the community (60% of the voting rights) at the annual general meeting. Existing rental activities that have legally started before this date retain their rights and are not subject to this new requirement.
Other key rules and additional obligations
It is no longer permitted to hand over keys via key safes located on public roads. Keys must be handed over personally to guests/tourists. In addition, landlords are required to take out liability insurance and must ensure that the accommodation is fully furnished, including bedding, bed linen and information on emergency numbers.
Fines and non-compliance
Penalties for non-compliance with the new regulations are significant, ranging from €5,000 to €600,000, depending on the severity of the violation. It is therefore essential for landlords to adapt to the new requirements to avoid sanctions and to continue renting to avoid sanctions.
Recommendations for landlords
- Check the specific regulations in your region, as these may vary from one autonomous community to another
- Request the necessary registration numbers to find and ensure visibility on rental platforms
- Organize guest registration via the new SEQ Hospedajes platform
- Obtain the necessary permission from the Homeowners Association if applicable
- Make sure that your accommodation meets all required quality and service standards
For specific situations, such as rentals in other regions or special circumstances, it is advisable to seek legal advice or contact a specialist agency to ensure full compliance with the regulations.
New quality and comfort requirements (specific to Andalusia)
In Andalusia, additional requirements for tourist accommodation will apply from 22 February 2024:
Minimum surface area of 14 m² per person, with a total minimum of 25 m².
Mandatory presence of air conditioning (May–August) and heating (December–March).
Accommodation for more than five people requires at least two bathrooms; for more than eight people, at least three.
Bedrooms must have direct ventilation to the outside.
Mandatory facilities include a first aid kit, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and a 24/7 contact number for guests.