Complete Guide to Buying Property in Jávea

Jávea, Xàbia in Valencian, is one of the most popular places on the Costa Blanca for international buyers. Most purchases here are villas in residential areas, apartments near the Arenal or the port, and some country properties. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has guided buyers in Jávea for more than 30 years, from our office in the town and our associated office in Dénia, in person or entirely by power of attorney.

Step by stepBuying in Jávea

• NIE and bank accountThe NIE is applied for in person; we help you with the Spanish bank account.
• Legal checksBefore you pay anything: ownership, charges, licences, debts and the community.
• Contrato de arrasThe private contract with a deposit. With arras penitenciales, a buyer who withdraws loses the deposit, and a seller who withdraws returns it doubled.
• CompletionThe deed before the notary, the payment, the taxes and the Land Registry.

In JáveaPoints to check in Jávea

• Villas and extensionsPools, porches and extensions built without a licence are common in older villas. We check them against the licences and the Catastro.
• Country landOn rustic land the building rules are strict; what can be legalised or extended is checked before you commit.
• Near the seaProperties close to the coast can be affected by the coastal law, the Ley de Costas.
• Holiday lettingIf you plan to let the property to tourists, the registration with the regional authorities and the community rules are checked first.

For a villa we always advise an inspection by an architect. We can put you in touch with Sergio Tomás Arquitectos in Jávea, an architect we usually work with, or you can instruct one of your own choice.

TaxTaxes and costs

A resale property pays transfer tax; a new build pays VAT and stamp duty instead. On top come the notary and the Land Registry, whose fees are set by regulation, and the annual costs of ownership: IBI, the rubbish collection tax, the community fees and, for non-residents, the annual tax return for the property. We put the figures for your purchase in writing before anything is signed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to come to Spain?

No. Apart from the NIE, the purchase can be completed by power of attorney.

Which languages do you work in?

English, French and Spanish.

How we work

From our office in Jávea and the associated office in Dénia we work across the northern Costa Blanca: Jávea, Dénia, Moraira, Teulada, Benitachell, Benissa, Calpe and Altea. See also property lawyers on the Costa Blanca and the nota simple.

Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has advised international clients on Spanish property for more than 30 years. We work in English, French and Spanish.

The lawyers who will handle your matter

José Manuel Tomas

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Admitted to the Valencia Bar in 1992 (no. 6407) · Alicante Bar no. 9382

José Rico

Family Law · Valencia Bar no. 12075

Mariano Ortuño

Valencia Bar no. 6041

Manuel Lopez de Andujar

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Valencia Bar no. 7773

Juan Poch

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Alicante Bar no. 3607

María Salvá

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3699

Antonio Rodríguez de Sola

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3374

Selling a property? See selling a property in Spain as a non-resident.

How we meetIn person in Jávea, or 100% remote

In person in JáveaMeet us at our office in the Centro Comercial Arenal, Avenida del Pla 126. Meetings in English, French or Spanish.

100% remote, from homeMost of our clients never need to travel. We work by email, phone, WhatsApp and video call, and you sign through a power of attorney. Only the NIE has to be applied for in person, in Spain or at a Spanish consulate.

How much do you charge?

Every case is different, so before any work starts we send you a written quote. You know our fee from the beginning, with no surprises at the end.

Next stepWhat happens when you contact us

1. You send your enquiryThrough the form below, by phone, WhatsApp or email. A few lines are enough.
2. A lawyer reads itNot an assistant: one of our lawyers reviews your situation and replies personally, the same day.
3. We tell you the next stepWhat needs to be checked first, and which documents would help.
4. We confirm scope and feeIn writing, before any work starts.
5. You decideNothing is commissioned until you say yes.

This page is general information about Spanish law and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and you should take advice on your own circumstances before acting.