Home purchase costs 2026: How much do notary and land registry fees cost?

Buying a property on the Costa Blanca is a dream for many, but to prevent it from becoming a financial surprise, it is vital to know the additional costs beyond the sale price. If you are planning your investment, you should know that the home purchase costs 2026 represent a significant percentage that you should have prepared in advance. When calculating the budget, you should not only look at the property price, but also consider the notary and registration costs for buying a home along with the applicable taxes for buying a second-hand home, which vary depending on location and property type.

What additional costs should you expect on the Costa Blanca?

When we move in a price range between €300,000 and €450,000, we are talking about mid-high range properties: modern villas, beachfront apartments or renovated country homes. In Spain, and specifically in the Valencian Community, the general rule is to set aside between an additional 10% and 12% on top of the purchase price.

This money is not paid to the seller, but to the State and to the professionals who ensure the property is legally yours. It is essential to understand that these costs are divided into two categories: professional fees (fixed or regulated) and taxes (proportional to the price).

Notary and property registry costs: Legal security for your investment

The first step to becoming the official owner of a property in cities like Altea, Calpe or Benidorm is to go through the notary. Many buyers ask: "Why is it so expensive?" The reality is that notary fees are regulated by the State through a tariff, which means everyone charges the same for the same service, although small discounts may be applied.

Notarial Services

For a purchase between €300,000 and €450,000, notary costs usually range between €800 and €1,200. This amount covers the drafting of the Public Deed, the presence of the notary to legally attest the transaction and the copies necessary for the registries.

The Property Registry

Once the deed is signed, the next step is to register it in the Property Registry. This is what protects you against third parties. If someone tried to sell the house twice, the person registered in the registry is the legal owner. For this price range, the registry cost is usually between €500 and €800.

If you are still in the search phase and want to compare what types of properties you can buy with this budget, we invite you to explore our selection of properties for sale on the Costa Blanca, where you will find verified options ready to be deeded.

Taxes for buying a second-hand home: The largest outlay on the Costa Blanca

If you are going to buy a home that is not new construction, the tax you should know is the Transfer Tax (ITP). In the province of Alicante, this is the factor that most influences the final cost.

The tax rate in the Valencian Community

Currently, the general ITP rate in this area is 10%. Therefore, the calculations are simple but significant:

• For a house of €300,000, you will pay €30,000 in taxes.

• For a house of €450,000, the tax rises to €45,000.

There are reduced rates for specific groups, but in the price range above €300,000, the most common application is the general 10%.

How much does the gestoría cost for buying an apartment and other professional services

The last link in the administrative chain is the gestoría. This company handles all the "paperwork": paying the taxes to the regional Treasury, bringing the deeds to the Registry and making changes to the utility accounts.

Gestoría Fees

Unlike the notary, the gestoría has free pricing. However, for a standard transaction on the Costa Blanca, how much the gestoría costs for buying an apartment usually ranges between €300 and €600. It is a small expense compared to the taxes, but vital to ensure you do not receive fines from the Tax Office for submitting documents late.

Legal Assistance

Although not mandatory, in the Altea area and surroundings it is highly recommended to hire a lawyer. This professional will carry out the due diligence (verification of debts, urban charges and contract review). Their fees are usually 1% of the purchase price.

Summary of costs for a €400,000 purchase

To better visualize the impact of these costs, here is an approximate breakdown for a second-hand property of €400,000:

Frequently asked questions about purchase costs

1. Who pays the notary costs according to the law? Legally, the costs of the main deed correspond to the seller and the copies to the buyer. However, in the commercial practice of the Costa Blanca, it is standard for the buyer to assume the entirety of the costs, except for the Municipal Capital Gains Tax (Plusvalía Municipal).

2. Can I save on taxes when buying on the Costa Blanca? There are discounts for under-35s or large families, but they usually have maximum price limits that are often below €300,000. You can consult the official details at the Electronic Office of the Valencian Tax Agency.

3. What is the Cadastre Reference Value? It is the minimum value on which you must pay taxes. If you buy a house for €350,000 but the Cadastre says it is worth €380,000, you will pay 10% on the higher figure. You can verify it at the Cadastre Office.

4. Are there monthly expenses after the purchase? Yes, once you are the owner you should plan for IBI (Property Tax), the garbage collection fee and the homeowners' association fees.