Buying a home on the Costa Blanca is a strategic decision for thousands of European buyers every year. With an exceptional climate, a safe environment and a quality of life far superior to that of their countries of origin, the area attracts profiles from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Nordic countries looking for a second residence, investment or a permanent change of life.
The purchasing process in Spain is clear and highly regulated, but for an international buyer there are specific risks that are frequently repeated: ignorance of areas, lack of technical criteria, errors in documentation or unrealistic expectations. At Menina Group we have been working with foreign buyers for years and we know exactly where they make mistakes and how to avoid them.
This corporate guide brings together the most common mistakes and key recommendations to ensure a safe, profitable purchase without surprises.
Mistake 1: Choosing the home without knowing the area well
For an international buyer, the biggest risk is usually not in the home, but in the location. The Costa Blanca offers an enormous variety of microzones with important differences in climate, orientation, slopes, luminosity and level of services.
Why this mistake can ruin the purchase
• Two homes with the same price can offer completely different experiences.
• The slope of the street affects daily access and privacy.
• Orientation conditions light, heat and use of outdoor spaces.
• The noise level changes radically between streets separated by less than 200 meters.
• The views can disappear if the urban planning regulations of the surrounding area are not analyzed.
It is common for buyers from the Netherlands or Belgium to choose an area by reference, but each profile needs something different. At Menina Group we analyze these variables from real estate in Altea to select areas that fit the buyer's lifestyle, not just their budget.
Mistake 2: Relying on photographs and not carrying out a technical visit
Buying by video call or guided only by photos is one of the most frequent mistakes. The photographs show the aesthetics, but not the real condition of the property.
What usually goes wrong in this type of purchases
• Dampness hidden by recent paint
• Old facilities that require renovation
• Exterior noises not noticeable in video
• Unfavorable orientation that reduces light
• Deteriorated carpentry that increases energy consumption
• Non-visible structural defects
The technical visit detects aspects that foreign buyers are unaware of: cross ventilation, façade condition, salinity, thermal efficiency. We offer prior technical inspection on all the properties that we recommend from properties for sale.
Error 3: Not reviewing the property documentation
For a foreign buyer, the documentary part can be complex if they do not know the Spanish system. The most common problems appear by omission in the review of key documents.
Essential documents
• Updated simple note
• Energy certificate
• Certificate of habitability
• Community receipts
• Urban situation
• Original writing
If documentation is incomplete, there may be delays, penalties or additional costs. This review is part of our real estate services.
Mistake 4: Not taking into account the actual maintenance of the home
Many international buyers only calculate the purchase price, but not the annual maintenance cost, which depends greatly on the type of home and the area.
Costs that usually surprise
• Community fees in buildings facing the sea
• Maintenance of elevators, swimming pools and common areas
• Periodic technical reviews
• Garbage rate
• High consumption due to poor carpentry or insulation
• Spills in old buildings
A prior analysis of the real annual cost avoids surprises and helps choose more efficient and easy-to-maintain homes.
Error 5: Not analyzing orientation, wind and microclimate of the area
The Costa Blanca has very marked microclimates. The orientation, height of the building and exposure to wind directly influence day-to-day comfort.
What changes with orientation
• Thermal sensation in winter
• Heat accumulation in summer
• Hours of sunshine in the main rooms
• Actual use of terraces and exteriors
Many buyers fall in love with a spectacular view but ignore the prevailing wind or lack of sun, which affects enjoyment.
Mistake 6: Not reviewing revaluation potential
An intelligent purchase takes into account both the present and the future evolution of the area. The revaluation depends on very specific factors.
Factors that influence revaluation
• Projected infrastructures
• Profile of the predominant buyer
• Urban restrictions
• Accessibility to services
• Exclusivity of the area
• International demand
• Proximity to the sea
• Building density
Buyers without this analysis may pay more for areas with little future potential. In properties for sale We carry out comparative studies by area.
Mistake 7: Assuming that all beachfront homes have the same value
A “front line” home can have partial, lateral or completely open views. It's not the same.
Aspects that vary:
• Real privacy
• Height and orientation
• Risk of future construction blocking the view
• Wind intensity and salinity
• Real accessibility to the sea
At Menina Group we always verify the urban planning regulations that protect views to avoid purchases with risk of visual loss.
Mistake 8: Buying without specialized local advice
The Spanish market works differently than the Dutch, Belgian or German market. Buying without advice carries real risks:
• Pay more than you should
• Not negotiating correctly
• Not knowing procedures and permits
• Not identifying charges or sanctions
• Choose areas incompatible with the desired lifestyle
Professional support reduces risks, speeds up the process and guarantees a safe purchase from start to finish. You can request it from contact.
Conclusion
Buying a home on the Costa Blanca if you are a foreigner is an excellent opportunity, but only when you avoid falling into the most common mistakes: not knowing the area, ignoring documentation, not assessing real maintenance, losing sight of the orientation or acting without professional advice. With a correct analysis and expert support, the purchase becomes a safe, stable and very satisfactory investment.
If you want to start exploring real opportunities, you can check out properties for sale or contact our team directly to receive personalized guidance.