Question 1

Can I buy a house in Altea as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a foreigner you can buy a property in Altea without any restrictions. This picturesque artist town is one of the most sought-after locations on the Costa Blanca, known for its white church dome and charming old town. Altea attracts an international community of artists, creatives, intellectuals and wealthy buyers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia, Germany and beyond. You only need a NIE number, which you can apply for at the Oficina de Extranjería in Alicante or through the Spanish embassy.

Question 2

What are the average property prices in Altea?

Accepted Answer

Altea is one of the most expensive locations on the Costa Blanca. A 2-bedroom apartment costs on average €200,000-€400,000. Townhouses in the old town €300,000-€600,000. Villas with sea views start from €400,000 and can go up to €2,000,000+ for luxury properties. In the old town (Casco Antiguo) and first line, prices are highest. Prices have risen by 8-12% per year in recent years due to limited supply and high demand from quality-conscious buyers.

Question 3

What makes the old town of Altea so special?

Accepted Answer

Altea's Casco Antiguo (old town) is considered the most beautiful on the Costa Blanca. Narrow cobblestone streets, white houses with blue shutters, art galleries, boutiques and terrace restaurants climb up to the iconic blue-domed church. There is no mass tourism or souvenir shops - the atmosphere is authentic and cultured. Properties in the old town are in high demand and rarely available. For buyers seeking art, culture and charm, the Casco Antiguo is unique in Spain.

Question 4

What costs are added to the purchase price in Altea?

Accepted Answer

When purchasing a property in Altea, you should budget for 10-13% in additional costs on top of the purchase price. This consists of: Transfer tax (ITP) of 10% for existing properties in the Valencia region, or 10% VAT + 1.5% stamp duty for new builds. Additionally, you pay notary fees (€800-€1,800), land registry fees (€600-€1,200), and lawyer fees (1-1.5% of the purchase price). For a property of €500,000, expect approximately €50,000-€65,000 in additional costs.

Question 5

Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner for a property in Altea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Spanish banks provide mortgages to foreigners for properties in Altea. As a non-resident, you can usually borrow 60-70% of the appraised value. Mortgage rates are around 3-4% for non-residents. Banks in Altea and nearby Benidorm have experience with international clients. Due to the higher property values in Altea, you are an attractive client for banks. Required: NIE number, income proof, bank statements, and property valuation report.

Question 6

What are the best neighborhoods to buy in Altea?

Accepted Answer

The best locations in Altea are: Casco Antiguo (Old Town) - iconic, charming, art galleries, highest prices. Altea la Vella - quiet, inland, village atmosphere. Sierra de Altea - hills with sea views, villas. Mascarat - near the marina, exclusive. Playa del Albir (technically Alfaz del Pi, but bordering) - beach promenade, restaurants. Cap Negret - north of Altea, residential. For charm and culture: old town; for views and space: Sierra de Altea; for beach: Albir direction.

Question 7

Can I rent out my property in Altea to tourists?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can rent your property in Altea to tourists with a tourist license (licencia turística) from the Generalitat Valenciana. Altea attracts a quality tourist: art lovers, couples, and visitors seeking charm over party. Rental income: €800-€1,800 per week in high season for a villa or penthouse with views. Properties in the old town or with sea views yield highest. Note: many luxury urbanizations have restrictions on short-term rentals to preserve tranquility.

Question 8

What annual costs do I have as a property owner in Altea?

Accepted Answer

As a property owner in Altea, you pay annually: IBI (municipal property tax) of €500-€1,800 depending on cadastral value - higher than average due to property values. Community fees of €100-€350 per month in luxury urbanizations. Non-resident tax of approximately €400-€1,000 per year. Building insurance of €250-€600 per year. For a villa with pool, expect €7,000-€15,000 per year in fixed costs. The old town may have lower community fees but higher maintenance costs.

Question 9

What about art and culture in Altea?

Accepted Answer

Altea is the cultural center of the Costa Blanca. There are dozens of art galleries in the old town. The Palau Altea is a modern cultural center with concerts, theater and exhibitions. There is a faculty of Fine Arts of the University Miguel Hernández. Artists' studios are everywhere. Art fairs and cultural festivals are held regularly. The international community includes painters, sculptors, musicians and writers. For culture lovers, Altea is unique on the Costa Blanca.

Question 10

What documents should I check when buying a property in Altea?

Accepted Answer

When buying in Altea, check: Nota Simple (property deed from Land Registry) for ownership and mortgages. IBI receipts for paid taxes. HOA certificate without outstanding payments. Cédula de Habitabilidad (habitability certificate). Energy certificate. For properties in the old town: check if the property is listed (heritage protected) as this limits renovation options. Check view protections. A lawyer (€1,500-€2,500) is essential for higher-value properties.

Question 11

What taxes do I pay as a non-resident with a property in Altea?

Accepted Answer

As a non-resident with a property in Altea, you pay: Annual non-resident tax (IRNR) on deemed rental income (1.1-2% of cadastral value × 19-24% rate), typically €400-€1,000 per year due to higher property values. IBI (property tax) annually to the municipality. Wealth tax above €700,000 in Spanish assets (0.2-2.5%). Upon sale: capital gains tax of 19-23%. EU citizens pay 19%, non-EU citizens 24%.

Question 12

How large is the expat community in Altea?

Accepted Answer

Altea has a sophisticated international community with about 40% foreign residents. Unlike typical expat destinations, the community here consists of artists, academics, creatives and quality-conscious buyers. There are Dutch, Belgians, Scandinavians, Germans and British. The atmosphere is less 'expat bubble' and more integration with the cultural Spanish scene. There are art clubs, music groups and cultural associations. Altea attracts those who appreciate authenticity and culture over mass tourism.

Question 13

What is the climate like in Altea?

Accepted Answer

Altea has an excellent Mediterranean climate: 320 sunny days per year, mild winters (12-18°C), warm summers (25-32°C). The location between the mountains and the sea provides a pleasant breeze. Rainfall is limited to 40-50 days per year, mainly in autumn. The microclimate is considered one of the healthiest in Europe. The climate is perfect for outdoor living, art and terrace culture that characterize Altea.

Question 14

Is Altea a good real estate investment?

Accepted Answer

Altea is an excellent investment for the quality segment: unique character that cannot be replicated, limited supply (protected old town), high-quality buyers and stable demand. Prices have risen 8-12% per year in recent years. Rental yields are good for quality properties. Altea attracts buyers who will pay for quality and ambiance. Risk: higher entry prices and smaller market. For lifestyle investment in the upper segment, Altea is one of the best choices on the Costa Blanca.

Question 15

What new build projects are there in Altea?

Accepted Answer

New build in Altea is limited due to protected landscape and scarcity of land. Projects that do come up are often in the higher segment: luxury villas with sea views and modern design. Apartments in new developments start around €350,000, villas from €600,000. You pay 10% VAT + 1.5% stamp duty with warranties up to 10 years. The resale market offers more choice, especially in the older urbanizations and the old town. For new and exclusive, Altea is a challenge with high rewards.

Buying a House or Apartment in Altea

10 properties found in 10 projects in Altea

Blanc Altea Homes

Villa Capella 10

Chalet Villa Paraiso

Isla Koroa

Villa Sa Roqueta - Altea Hills

Infinity Villas

Isla Barbados

Parcela Villa Italia

Villa Saona- Altea Hills

Why Choose a Property in Altea?

Real Estate Market Analysis in Altea

Available Property Types and Price Ranges

Lifestyle and Amenities in Altea

Your Dream Home in Altea Awaits You

Veelgestelde vragen

Related Articles about Altea

Find Your Dream Home in Altea