What documents do I need to sell a property on the Costa Blanca?
If you are planning to sell a property on the Costa Blanca, it is essential to know which documents are required. Although the selling process in Spain is similar to that in other European countries, the details differ – especially regarding the paperwork required by buyers, notaries and local authorities. Proper preparation saves time, avoids complications at the notary, and builds confidence with potential buyers.
Selling a house, apartment, or villa on the Costa Blanca involves more than just signing a contract. Sellers must prove that the property complies with all legal and technical requirements. This includes ownership proof, energy certificates, occupancy licenses and, if applicable, documents for renovations or building permits. Tax and municipal records are also essential.
The exact set of documents may vary depending on whether the property is new, a resale, or a holiday home, but certain papers are required in nearly every case.
Ownership and legal documentation
The most fundamental document is the Escritura Pública, the notarised title deed, together with the latest Land Registry extract (Nota Simple) from the Registro de la Propiedad. This document shows who owns the property and whether there are any charges or mortgages registered against it.
The Cadastre certificate (Certificado Catastral) is also required. It contains details of the property’s exact location, size and reference number. Notaries and buyers will cross-check these details with the Land Registry to ensure consistency. Any discrepancies should ideally be corrected before the sale.
Technical and habitability documents
One of the key requirements is the Energy Performance Certificate (Certificado de Eficiencia Energética). It has been mandatory since 2013 for all property sales and rates the building’s energy efficiency. It must be issued by an authorised technician and available when advertising the property. Without this certificate, the notary cannot finalise the sale.
Another important document is the Occupancy Certificate (Cédula de Habitabilidad), known in the Valencia region as the Licencia de Segunda Ocupación. It confirms that the property meets basic safety, hygiene, and habitability standards. For older properties, sellers should verify that this document is still valid or renew it before the sale.
If any alterations, extensions, or refurbishments were carried out, corresponding Building Licences (Licencias de Obra) and technical completion certificates must be provided. Buyers want assurance that all construction work was legally authorised and compliant with local planning rules.
Financial and tax-related documents
Sellers must also show that there are no outstanding debts or local taxes on the property. This includes the most recent IBI receipt (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles), which is the annual property tax, and receipts for garbage collection and municipal fees. Utility bills for water, electricity, and gas are also helpful to facilitate ownership transfer.
If the property belongs to a community of owners (Comunidad de Propietarios), the notary will require a certificate from the administrator confirming that no community fees are owed. This document is typically issued shortly before the notary appointment.
Additional documents for non-residents
Foreign sellers who are not tax residents in Spain must provide their NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) and a copy of their ID or passport. The buyer is legally required to withhold 3% of the sale price and pay it to the tax office (Hacienda) as a prepayment of the seller’s capital gains tax.
Conclusion: Preparation is key
Selling a property on the Costa Blanca requires a well-prepared set of documents. Proper organisation not only avoids delays but also inspires buyer confidence. Verifying the validity of your energy certificate, occupancy license, land registry and cadastre data early on ensures a smooth transaction.
Many sellers rely on specialised agents or administrative consultants (gestores) who collect and verify all documents. Especially for foreign owners or older properties, professional assistance can ensure full legal compliance and peace of mind.
Notice
The content of this page and the detailed pages containing specific information has been created with the utmost care. However, this content is only for informative purposes and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For legal or tax questions, you should always consult with a qualified expert such as a lawyer or tax advisor. We assume no responsibility for the legal validity of the information provided at any given time or at a later date.