How to Buy an Apartment in Torrevieja: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Buying an apartment in Spain is not complicated, but it's unfamiliar. Different rules, different documents, different sequence of steps. If you're buying for the first time, it's easy to get confused or overpay. This article is a complete step-by-step guide: from getting your NIE to signing at the notary, with real figures and timelines.

This guide is based on our hands-on experience helping buyers in Torrevieja every day. We know which buildings have hidden community debts, which streets are noisy in summer, and where the best value apartments are right now.

Why Torrevieja Is One of the Best Places to Buy an Apartment

Torrevieja consistently ranks in Spain's top 5 cities for foreign property buyers. And for good reason: Alicante airport is 40 minutes away, there are 300 sunny days, two hospitals, international schools — and prices 2-3 times lower than Barcelona or the Costa del Sol.

There's a large English-speaking community, agencies with multilingual staff, and a well-established expat infrastructure. For those who don't speak Spanish, this significantly simplifies the buying process and settling in.

Step 1: Getting Your NIE

NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a foreigner's identification number. Without it, you cannot buy property, open a bank account, or connect utilities. This is the first and mandatory step.

Where to get it:

• In Spain — at a Policía Nacional office (Comisaría de Torrevieja, Av. Diego Ramírez Pastor)
• In your home country — at a Spanish consulate

Documents: passport + copy, completed EX-15 form, proof of reason (preliminary purchase agreement). Cost: approximately €12 (fee 790). Timeframe: from 1 day to 3 weeks depending on demand.

For a detailed NIE guide, read our article Obtaining a NIE in Spain.

Step 2: Opening a Bank Account

To buy property, you need a Spanish bank account. Payments, taxes, and utility bills will be debited from it. You can open an account on the same day with your NIE and passport.

Popular banks: CaixaBank, Sabadell, BBVA, Santander. All have branches in Torrevieja and are used to working with foreign clients.

More details in our article Opening a Bank Account in Spain.

Step 3: Choosing an Area and Property Type

Torrevieja is a city where areas differ dramatically. In one, you'll find a seafront promenade and restaurants; in another, quiet urbanisations with pools; in a third, it's best not to buy at all.

For a detailed area overview, see Best Neighbourhoods in Torrevieja for Buying Property. For places to avoid: 5 Places in Torrevieja I'd Never Buy Property.

New Builds vs Resale

Resale market — cheaper (from €80,000 for a studio), closer to centre and sea, move in immediately. Purchase tax: ITP 10%.

New builds — more expensive (from €120,000) but modern layouts, energy efficiency, pool, parking. Tax: VAT 10% + AJD 1.5%. Price overview in Affordable Property in Torrevieja.

Step 4: Viewing and Reservation (reserva)

When you've found a suitable apartment, the next step is viewing and reservation. View the property in person (or arrange a video tour), check the condition, views from windows, entrance hall, and the neighbourhood at different times of day.

If the apartment suits you, a reserva is paid: usually €3,000-6,000. This amount "takes the property off the market" for 1-2 weeks while documents are prepared. The reserva is refundable if the seller withdraws, non-refundable if the buyer withdraws (terms are set out in the document).

What to Check Before Buying

Nota Simple — property registry extract. Shows: who owns it, exact floor area, any mortgage or encumbrances. Cost: €10-15, ready in 1-3 days.

Comunidad certificate — any outstanding building maintenance debts. If the previous owner didn't pay, the debt transfers to the new owner.

Energy efficiency certificate — required by law when selling. Shows the building's energy rating (A to G).

Recent IBI receipts — confirm property tax has been paid.

Step 5: Preliminary Contract (contrato de arras)

After document checks, the contrato de arras is signed — a preliminary sale agreement. The buyer pays a deposit: usually 10% of the property price.

Cancellation terms:

• Buyer pulls out → loses the deposit
• Seller pulls out → returns double the deposit

The contrato de arras sets out: price, notary signing deadline (usually 1-2 months), deal terms, and cancellation conditions.

Step 6: Notary and Escritura Pública

The final stage is signing the escritura pública (public deed of sale) at the notary. On this day:

• Buyer transfers the remaining amount (usually a banker's cheque)
• Seller hands over the keys
• Notary authenticates the transaction
• You become the owner

The escritura is your main proof of ownership. The notary will send a copy to the Registro de la Propiedad (land registry) for registration.

Step 7: Registration and Connecting Services

After the notary:

• Registration — Registro de la Propiedad (1-2 months). After registration, you'll receive the escritura stamped by the registry.
• Utilities — transfer electricity (Iberdrola, Endesa), water (Aguas de Torrevieja), gas to your name
• Empadronamiento — registering at the town hall. Gives you access to public healthcare and resident discounts
• Insurance — recommended to take out home insurance (seguro de hogar)

All Purchase Costs

Example: resale apartment for €120,000 → ITP €12,000 + notary €800 + registration €500 + gestoría €400 + lawyer €1,200 = ~€134,900 total.

Do You Need a Real Estate Agent in Torrevieja?

Short answer: yes, especially if you're buying for the first time. Here's why:

• The seller pays the commission. In Spain, the agency commission is paid by the seller, not the buyer. Agent services are free for you.
• Property access. Agencies have access to MLS databases with thousands of properties, including exclusive listings.
• Document verification. The agent checks legal status, debts, and encumbrances.
• Transaction support. From viewings to the notary, the agent coordinates all stages.

At Granfield Estate, we’ve been working with Torrevieja property for over 10 years. As a licensed agency (RAICV1663) and member of Asivega — the largest estate agents association on the Costa Blanca — we help at every stage: from finding the right apartment to legal checks, paperwork, and connecting services. Our in-house lawyer with 10+ years of experience handles NIE, contracts, and notary — and your first consultation is free.

Granfield Estate
Av. Bélgica 1, C.C. Parquemar, La Mata, 03188 Torrevieja (Alicante)
Tel: +34 865 44 33 33

View apartments in Torrevieja → · Contact us

How long does it take to buy an apartment in Torrevieja?

From starting your search to getting the keys usually takes 1-3 months. NIE can be obtained in 1 day (with an appointment), reserva and arras take 1-2 weeks, document preparation and notary 1-2 months. If you already have your NIE and know what you want, you can complete the process in 3-4 weeks.

Can you buy an apartment in Torrevieja without visiting Spain?

Yes, this is possible through a power of attorney (poder notarial). You grant power of attorney to a representative (lawyer or agent) who acts on your behalf at all stages — from signing the arras to the notary. The power of attorney is drawn up at a Spanish consulate or with a local notary with an apostille. However, we recommend visiting at least once to view the property in person.

What are the annual costs after purchase?

Main annual costs: IBI tax (€200-600 depending on value), insurance (€150-300), comunidad (€360-960 per year, depends on the building and whether it has a pool). Utilities (electricity, water, gas) add €100-200 per month. Total: maintaining an apartment costs €200-400 per month, significantly less than in most European countries.

Do you have to pay capital gains tax when selling?

Yes. When selling property in Spain, non-residents pay 19% on the profit (difference between purchase and sale price). Residents pay on a progressive scale from 19% to 28%. The buyer withholds 3% of the transaction price as an advance on this tax (retención). If you're a resident over 65 selling your primary residence, no tax is due.