Alicante's five districts for buying real estate and relocating

Alicante is one of the most attractive places in Spain and, frankly, the whole of Europe to live and work. More than a hundred different nationalities, both visitors and residents, prefer to enjoy a high standard of living and make meaningful contributions to society here.

Alicante is a city with significant demand for buying and selling real estate, which is critical for the real estate industry.

Let's look at some of the greatest Alicante neighborhoods for buying a home. Spain-Real.Estate will also answer the following questions: how to choose an area, find an apartment, and close a sale in Alicante.

CONTENT:

• Establishing the reason for your purchase: investment, vacation, or permanent residence
• Alicante's District Characteristics
1. Torrevieja
2. Orihuela
3. Guardamar del Segura
4. Santa Paula
5. Elche
• Are you looking for an apartment?
• It is simple to book the selected property
• Obtaining an NIE is required before purchasing a home in Spain
• Opening a Spanish bank account
• Real estate inspections and negotiations
• The signing of the sales contract and the transfer of real estate ownership
• Change of legal status and registration
• Expenses and taxes
• Is it worthwhile investing in real estate in Alicante?
• Alicante's most desirable residential districts
• Spain-Real.Estate can assist you in purchasing an apartment in Alicante

establishing the reason for your PURCHASE: INVESTMENT, VACATION, OR PERMANENT RESIDENCE

The type of purchase influences property selection.

Investing includes purchasing and selling real estate.  It is better to choose a property in the center of the city or closer to the sea as they are more in demand.

It is more profitable to rent out properties in tourist areas.  Research the law that prohibits issuing licenses for tourist rentals in Spain's districts.

To live permanently, infrastructure development must be considered: transportation interchange, shops, banks, clinics, schools, and daycare.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ALICANTE'S DISTRICTS

Prices in the districts are determined by factors such as location, attractions, infrastructure, parking availability, and property condition.

Let's look at the best areas of Alicante for buying an apartment.

1. Torrevieja

Geographical location

Torrevieja is a Spanish city, and the municipality is in the autonomous community of Valencia, with a population of 100,000 people (Spaniards, English, Germans, Scandinavians).

It is in Vega Baja del Segura.

Torrevieja has a land area of 71.44 square kilometers.

Infrastructure

Torrevieja's infrastructure is characterized by its quality and diversity. Well-developed transport links, banks, shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, shops, schools, clubs, bars, markets, post offices, educational institutions, pharmacies, hospitals, and sports clubs.

Development and housing types

Many different property types are available in the real estate market, including residential and commercial real estate such as cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Average price per square meter

Advantages and disadvantages

One of the most significant factors to consider when deciding where to live is the climate. The moderate climate, lack of cold winters, numerous sunny days per year, the sea, and friendly residents all contribute to a pleasant life. Delicious Mediterranean cuisine is produced using simple recipes and high-quality ingredients. Furthermore, Torrevieja's original culture, history, holidays, traditions, and vibrant nightlife make it a one-of-a-kind destination.

Parking issues, noise from nocturnal restaurants, and aging housing stock are all disadvantages.

2. Orihuela

Geographical location

Orihuela is a municipality in the south of Alicante with over 86,000 inhabitants, making it the fourth city in the province with more than 6,000 people in Torrevieja. The municipality is part of Vega Baja del Segura. Orihuela has a total size of 365.44 square kilometers.

Infrastructure

Orihuela is well-known for its pristine, well-kept beaches, supermarkets, shops, restaurants, sports facilities, golf courses, and entertainment venues.

There is a well-developed transportation system, including a railway and a bus station.

There are numerous educational institutions in the municipality, such as colleges and institutes in various fields (for example, Miguel Hernandez University, a higher polytechnic school with faculties in social and legal sciences). The Vega Baja Hospital is only 9 kilometers away from the municipality. There are also various outpatient clinics and a large specialist facility in the city core. Because of the built infrastructure, families with children prefer to acquire property in Orihuela.

Development and housing types

There are 16 kilometers of shoreline on which you may buy houses, apartments, and villas. There is an active construction of modern residential complexes where spectacular villas with swimming pools and exotic gardens can be purchased.

Average price per square meter

Advantages and disadvantages

There is a comfortable stay on one of the most famous beaches of Playa de La Caleta (Cabo Roig), Playa de la Zenia, and Playa Flamenca, where the water temperature exceeds 25° C in the summer. These locations offer a thriving cultural scene (Orihuela Circus Theater, Miguel Hernandez House Museum) and a diverse culinary scene.

The drawback is that large stores are closed on Sundays and in the evening, except during the tourist season.

3. Guardamar del Segura

Geographical location

Guardamar del Segura is part of the Vega Baja de Alicante and is situated between Torrevieja and Santa Paula, 25 kilometers from Alicante International Airport. There are eight beaches over an 11-kilometer stretch of sand. The municipality has 800 hectares of woodland covering 80 percent of its land area, making it Europe's greenest location. Guardamar del Segura is located alongside the Segura River, which runs into the Mediterranean Sea. It is in the province of Vega Baja del Segura and has a land area of 35.58 square kilometers.

Infrastructure

Shops, shopping centers, restaurants, educational institutions, sports complexes, hospitals, marinas, and a bus station are all available.

Development and housing types

Many different types of homes are available in the real estate market, ranging from studio apartments to large villas. Most of the properties are near the sea. Purchasing real estate in Guardamar del Segura is a wise investment.

Average price per square meter

Advantages and disadvantages

The climate in Guardamar del Segura is mildly Mediterranean. Natural products and dishes made from diverse fish draw travelers to the local gastronomy (dorada, sea bass, shrimp, nori, etc.). Guardamar del Segura has numerous benefits, including a rich historical and cultural history (for example, the House-Museum of the Engineer Mira and Islamic temples), magnificent scenery, good environmental conditions, proximity to major cities (Alicante, Murcia, Valencia), fair rates, safety, and so forth.

The drawbacks include a high influx of tourists during the summer.

4. Santa Paula

Geographical location

Santa Paula is a municipality in Spain located in the district of Bajo Vinalopo, in the province of Alicante.  It is an autonomous community of Valencia 58.6 square kilometers in size. Santa Paula has a population of around 32,000 people, but it can reach 100,000 people during the summer. Foreigners make up a sizable section of the population in Santa Paula. The majority of them are British and reside primarily in Grand Alacant.

Infrastructure

Santa Paula has an established tourist infrastructure (sea and salt museums) and transportation infrastructure. There are numerous child daycare facilities, schools, and institutes in this area. Santa Paula is a fantastic area to study because of its accessibility to institutions (Miguel Hernandez de Elche University is only 15 km away, and San Vicente del Raspeig University is 27 km away). The University General Hospital of Elche is the nearest. In addition, there is a medical center in the city center that provides emergency medical care. The most famous natural parks in Santa Paula are Las Salinas de Santa Paula and Cabo de Santa Paula.

Development and housing types

Santa Paula is well-known for its low-cost real estate. There is resort accommodation just a few minutes' walk from the sea. It is primarily a secondary housing stock built in the 1960s and 1970s. These are five-story building complexes without elevators. There are also new buildings here. Prices for new townhouses begin at 150,000 €, while villas start at 250,000 €.

Average price per square meter

Advantages and disadvantages

Santa Paula is a beautiful spot to live and relax due to its pleasant climate. The average annual temperature is 18° C. The water temperature in the summer is around 25° C. Carabassi, Playa La Gola, and Playa Lisa are the most popular beaches, with fine white sand that is great for walking with children.

Santa Paula restaurants and cafés serve classic Mediterranean food due to its proximity to the sea.

Throughout the year, numerous events are organized, including Easter, Madonna del Carmen, Moorish and Christian celebrations, and Madonna del Loreto holidays.

Santa Paula's infrastructure is well-developed.

One downside is the absence of supermarkets within walking distance in the city's western section.

5. Elche

Geographical location

Elche is a municipality in the autonomous community of Valencia, Spain, located in the province of Alicante. Baggio Vinalopo is the municipality. Elche has a land area of 326.07 square kilometers. It has over 230,000 residents and is the province's second-largest municipality, behind the capital. Elche's population has grown significantly since 2000, as many people have chosen to relocate here. Elche is considerably more popular because it is only 20 kilometers from Alicante and 50 kilometers from Murcia.

Infrastructure

In Elche, there are child daycare facilities, schools, and government buildings (Miguel Hernandez de Elche University and Herrera Private University).

In terms of health care, Elche has several medical and specialist centers spread around the city (University General Hospital of Elche).

Elche has a vibrant cultural scene, with theaters, the Archaeological and Historical Museum of Elche, the Paleontological Museum of Elche, and the Palm Grove Museum.

L'Aljub, is the primary retail complex, with about 120 stores, a hypermarket, and several cinemas. There are also about 3,000 parking spots. A huge bowling alley is also available at the mall.

There are many restaurants, pubs, cafés, and nightclubs to choose from.

Elche has many restaurants, bars, cafés, nightclubs, and taverns.

Elche is the second-largest city in the Valencian Community, and it has a lot of green space. Elche's palm grove and the Mystery of Elx have been added to the World Heritage List.

Development and housing types

Elche has various districts that contain all you need for a pleasant stay: Altabix, Carrs, Pla Pla-Corazón de Jess, Plaza Castilla, and Martnez Valeros. Els Palmeras, San Antoni, El Travaio, and Altabix have the most expensive real estate in the city, with prices per square meter averaging 1,460 €. El Pla de San Josep and San Crispi have more affordable real estate (about 1000 €/m2).

Average price per square meter

Advantages and disadvantages

Climate is favorable. The area is ecologically clean. Healthy growth of the construction industry is evident. Compared to other municipalities in Alicante, there is a large variety of occupations available.

APARTMENT SEARCH

To find a property, you should work with a reliable agent.

Realtors are well-versed in specific locations, have agents of many nationalities or speak multiple languages, and can provide all necessary information, such as supermarkets, beaches, medical centers, etc.

Another careful consideration in the reason for the purchase: primary dwelling, secondary residence, holiday property, or investment.

The realtor will tell you more about the condition of the house. You should also pay for an architectural service to assess the building's condition.

BOOKING OF THE SELECTED PROPERTY

After selecting a property, the buyer must pay a nominal fee (3,000 to 5,000 €). This serves to keep the agreed-upon price frozen. A buyer's deposit is non-refundable if the offer is withdrawn for any reason.

Before paying a deposit or signing any agreements and entering into a sales contract, you should consult with a real estate lawyer to review this document and defend your interests in purchasing homes.

Consider the following factors when selecting a local real estate lawyer:

• Real estate experience.
• Real estate and/or tax law specialization.
• Knowledge of foreign languages.
• Independence from the purchasing and selling process.
• Knowledge of local legislation.

A PREREQUISITE FOR BUYING A PROPERTY IN SPAIN: OBTAINING AN NIE

To perform legal business in Spain, you must have this identity document. It is a one-of-a-kind number that will remain valid for the client's whole lifetime.

The NIE can be obtained in person (at a Spanish consulate or embassy in the nation of residency or a Spanish local police station) or through a notary's power of attorney.

OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN SPAIN

You can open a bank account in Spain if you have an NIE. It is not necessary to open an account before purchasing a home. However, it is recommended when it comes to paying annual taxes and housing bills in Spain.

REAL ESTATE INSPECTION AND NEGOTIATIONS

The legal person chosen to manage the procedure oversees evaluating the property subject to the sales contract.

The checks performed at this stage are meant to prove the legality of the transaction and the "cleanliness" of the residence and to collect documents required to complete the formalities. Checking the property burden, an address certificate, the absence of urban planning violations, completed and uncompleted works, last paid IBI receipts, waste collection, water, electricity services, and, finally, obtaining identity documents of sellers, an act of ownership, are the most common procedures at this stage.

SIGNING OF THE SALES CONTRACT AND TRANSFERRING OF REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP

Following receipt of the NIE and gathering all legal information about the property to draft the sales contract, a contract is signed with a payment of 10% or 15% of the property's worth.

To expedite the procedure, the sales contract on Costa Blanca can be signed via email.

When the final payment is made, the ownership documents will be transferred. The notary signs the sales agreement once the seller has received the remaining funds and the buyer has possession of the keys.

REGISTRATION AND CHANGE OF LEGAL STATUS

After the notary signs the deed, the buyer has 30 days to pay real estate taxes and register the property in the land registry. Only then is the legal status altered. The additional costs amount to around 12% of the purchase price. They include:

• Property registration costs.
• Notary fees.
• Purchase tax.
• Lawyer's fees.
• Housing maintenance costs.

EXPENSES AND TAXES

Annual expenses on Costa Blanca are the same as those in the buyer's home country: light, water, Internet, etc.

Annual taxes that you will have to pay after purchasing real estate include:

• Non-resident income tax
• The equivalent tax in Spain is personal income tax.
• Real Estate Tax (IBI) and rubbish collection. These taxes are paid to the local government that owns the land.

IS IT WORTH BUYING A PROPERTY IN ALICANTE?

Foreign home buyers accounted for 41.81 percent of all property purchases in Alicante in the second quarter of 2019. The most active international purchasers in the Alicante market are British, Belgians, Dutch, French, and Russians.

Alicante real estate is typically two times less expensive than Madrid and Barcelona. Alicante lacks some of the amenities that Madrid offers. Nonetheless, Alicante is a fantastic place to live because it has all you need for a friendly and secure existence.

There is always something to do in Alicante, whether a night out with friends at a restaurant or a holiday on the beach. It is a thriving, multicultural coastal province with a historical core.

It combines a friendly metropolitan lifestyle with peaceful rural settings. Alicante has parties and concerts, and theaters and superb Michelin-starred restaurants are always open to guests.

THE BEST RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF ALICANTE

So, where is the greatest spot in Alicante to buy an apartment?

You may buy or rent real estate in Alicante based on your lifestyle and budget choices.

Recommendations for locating a home in Alicante are based on the buyer's specifications.

Students and young people should stay in areas near the city center or the universities of Orihuela and Elche.

The most famous resorts of Torrevieja and Elche are the regions where a foreigner should reside and where a senior should buy an apartment; Forbes magazine has named them the greatest for retirement.

Families with children might prefer Elche and Santa Paula, which have excellent infrastructure and reasonable home prices.

Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja are good places to acquire a rental flat to invest in.

Real estate near the sea is more affordable in Torrevieja and Santa Paula.

It is preferable to live in Guardamar del Segura, Europe's greenest municipality, for an extended period.

This Alicante district guide for different buyers can assist you in selecting suitable housing.

SPAIN-REAL.ESTATE WILL ASSIST YOU IN PURCHASING AN APARTMENT IN ALICANTE

The agency specializes in the search and selection of Alicante flats, houses, and townhouses. You will need assistance if you are relocating to this fantastic metropolis of the future. Spain-Real.Estate will assist you with all the nuances of local legislation and provide support and assistance with documentation.

Begin your search for Spanish real estate at Spain-Real.Estate right now!