Buying in Alicante: what overseas buyers should know
Alicante draws buyers who want a coastal base on Spain's eastern mainland, with year-round warmth and straightforward links to the UK. It appeals to holiday-home owners, retirees and those buying a longer-term residence, alongside investors looking at the rental market. Property here ranges from apartments near the marina and old town to villas in the surrounding hills, with a mix of established homes and newer developments along the coast.
What buyers are looking for in Alicante
The city and its outskirts offer apartments close to the seafront, townhouses in the older quarters and detached villas in quieter residential areas inland. Demand tends to focus on homes within reach of the beach, the marina and daily amenities, with buyers weighing sea views against value further back from the coast. Both resale properties and new-build developments are common, so there is choice across styles and budgets.
Buying as an overseas buyer
UK citizens can own freely in Spain. You can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area, with non-lucrative or digital nomad visas available for longer stays; the Golden Visa route has now closed. You will need an NIE and a local lawyer, and completion takes place before a notary. Budget for a transfer tax on resale homes or VAT on new-build, plus the annual local property tax (IBI), and note that Spanish banks lend to non-residents, usually with a larger deposit. This is a brief summary, so take current local advice. Start your search to see property for sale in Alicante, or contact our team to be connected with a local partner agent.
Where to find property for sale in Alicante
Within the city, the areas around the marina and the old town suit buyers who want to walk to restaurants and the beach, while the slopes below Santa Barbara castle hold period apartments and homes with views over the bay. Just outside, residential districts and nearby coastal towns offer villas and modern developments with more space and parking, and buyers often compare these with the resort towns further along the coast. Apartments tend to work well for lock-up-and-leave owners, while villas suit those planning longer stays or a permanent move. Explore our collections to shortlist by the way you want to live.
