Selling Your Home in Alicante: The Essential Guide 2024

ARE you thinking of selling your property in Alicante but don’t know where to start then look no further. In this essential guide, we will take you through the different steps to help you throughout this exciting journey. From finding the ideal estate agents to effective home staging tips we’ve got you covered.

Selling a property can be stressful especially if Spanish is your second language, so the Euro Weekly News has created this guide to help you through the process. This guide will explain how to sell your property by breaking down the process into simple and easy-to-follow steps, ensuring we cover all the important topics like your property’s value, required documents, and tax obligations as well as a reputable estate agent that can save you time, effort, and stress.

Choosing a Real Estate Agent

Choosing the right real estate agent is an important decision as a skilled and experienced agent can make the difference between a hassle-free sale and a stressful costly ordeal. As there are many properties in Alicante for sale and rent it is essential to begin this journey by conducting thorough research and seeking recommendations from a trusted source. Look for an agent who specialises in Alicante city and the surrounding areas and has a proven track record. Communication skills are crucial; you want an agent who listens to your needs, responds promptly, and keeps you informed throughout the entire process.

What are the Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent?

Market Expertise: Real estate agents have in-depth knowledge of the local housing market in Alicante, including current trends and pricing.

Contacts: Agents have direct access to a catalogue of people already interested in properties for sale in Alicante giving potential sellers greater exposure. Agents also have a network of professionals like home inspectors and contractors which can be helpful throughout the process.

Hassle-free Process: Agents save their clients time by pre-screening properties, setting up showings, and handling paperwork allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.

Price Guidance: Agents help sellers set the right price for their property based on the market to make sure you don’t overprice or undervalue your home.

Legal Help: Real estate agents help ensure paperwork is completed correctly which can protect their clients from any legal issues in the future.

Market Exposure: Agents will market your property extensively and reach a wider audience through their listings, social media, websites, and contacts.

Our recommendation:

Magenta Living

Magenta Living is your dedicated ally in the Alicante Province. Focused on providing a straightforward approach, they aim to make the process of buying, selling, or renting properties as smooth and stress-free as possible.

When it comes to selling or buying, Magenta Living takes pride in guiding you through every step and procedure, ensuring a seamless experience right up to the signing at the notary. Their expertise extends beyond transactions, offering valuable advice in legal matters, requirements for foreign clients, and navigating the complexities of taxes.

Their commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and a client-focused approach sets them apart. Magenta Living is dedicated to providing you with a pleasant experience, making sure you are well informed and supported throughout the entire process. They believe in clarity ensuring that you are never left in the dark during any stage of the transaction.

Magenta Living prides itself on its multilingual team, proficient in English, Spanish, Italian, and French. This linguistic diversity ensures effective communication with clients from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a comfortable and inclusive experience throughout the real estate process.

In addition to their hands-on approach, Magenta Living offers a high-end advertisement service, ensuring that your property gets the attention it deserves. Their strategic presence spans the entire Alicante Province, from Alicante to Calp, leveraging 20 years of experience in marketing and international operations.

At Magenta Living, they understand that each client is unique, and their mission is to tailor their services to your specific needs. Whether you are a local resident or a foreign client, the team is well-versed in the intricacies of real estate transactions, providing you with the negotiation expertise and assistance required to achieve your goals.

In essence, Magenta Living is more than a real estate agency; they are your reliable partner in turning your property ambitions into reality. With a clear focus on your satisfaction and an extensive track record of successful transactions, we look forward to assisting you on your real estate journey.

Contact Magenta Living today!

Website: Click here

Phone Number:0034 664610431

Email: hola@magentaliving.es

Opening hours: Monday to Friday  9:00–14:00 16:00–19:00

                 Saturday 9:00–14:00 16:00–19:00

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Understanding the Market

Alicante is a city and municipality in the Valencian Community on the Costa Blanca. It is the capital of the province of Alicante and a historic Mediterranean port. The nearest major airport is Alicante Airport (ALC). This airport has international and domestic flights and is just nine miles from the centre of Alicante. Another major airport is Corvera Airport in Murcia (RMU), which has international and domestic flights from Murcia and is 61 miles from Alicante.

With its warm climate, charming and colourful old town still full of Spanish culture, sparkling coastline, buzzing nightlife and no shortage of places to eat, the city of Alicante has become one of the most sought-after areas for travellers and expats wanting to move to Spain.

Alicante has an international population of around 20 per cent. This number has been steadily increasing over the past 20 years, making Alicante the province with the highest ratio of international residents in Spain. Some of the main nationalities represented include British, German, and French. This means the housing market in Alicante is very active.

What is my property in Alicante Worth?

With its optimal location and idyllic year-round weather, a two-bedroom apartment usually sells for an average of around €200,000 depending on their location. Alicante villas with private pools will usually sell from anywhere between €400,000 to €1 million plus. As always we recommend that you speak with an experienced estate agent to get an accurate valuation of your property.

The nationwide Instituto Nacional de Estadistica (INE) released statistics that showed a year-on-year increase in the price of housing in Spain overall of 7.6 per cent (-2.2 inflation-adjusted).

Also noteworthy, the property demand in Spain remains robust with house sales increasing by 14.7 per cent overall.

How to Sell Your Home Quickly in Alicante

Working with a skilled real estate agent as we have mentioned previously will really speed up the process along with an accurately priced property. Getting to grips with the current real estate trends in Alicante’s property market could considerably boost the efficacy of your sale strategy. Let’s take a more in-depth look at some recent trends:

Selling Your Home with Solar Panels

An increasing trend in Alicante’s real estate sector is the increase in demand for homes that have installed solar panels or other sustainable technologies. Thanks to the year-round sunshine this option is not only good for the environment but it is good for your pocket. Properties with solar panels or ecotechnology will increase your property’s attractiveness and market worth.

Also, keep in mind you will need to have the necessary documents such as the building permits, system warranties, and installation certificates for your potential buyers.

Alicante’s location

It will come as no surprise that properties that are located on the coast and if possible with a sea view are still high on the list of properties for most buyers. Alicante, with its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, is a favored destination for digital nomads seeking an ideal work-life balance.

Renowned for its picturesque beaches, vibrant culture, and pleasant Mediterranean climate, the city offers an appealing environment for remote professionals. Alicante’s strategic location, well-connected by air, train, and road networks, facilitates seamless travel within Spain and across Europe. The presence of co-working spaces, high-speed internet, and a growing community of like-minded individuals further contribute to its popularity among digital nomads.

The city’s affordability, coupled with a rich culture and an array of recreational activities, makes Alicante a compelling choice for those seeking a thriving and well-connected base to pursue their professional endeavors while enjoying a high quality of life with Alicante port area in high demand.

What Documents Do You Need to Sell a House In Alicante?

There are a number of documents required in order to sell your home and a good real estate agent will help you through this process by helping you to fill out and organise all the relevant paperwork. To give you an idea of the documents required here is a handy list of the top documents you may need:

Preparation of utility contracts, community charges, and ‘Suma’ invoices. Liaison throughout the transaction with representatives of the Buyer and Notary.

Preparation of Notary Appointment and all related Paperwork

Translation at the Notary.

Calculation of 3 per cent retention.

Calculation and advice regarding Capital Gains Tax.

Fiscal representation throughout the whole process.

Calculation of Goodwill and a letter of ‘Good Standing’ with your community fees from the administration of your community.

Title deed, the Escritura Pública (original ones if possible)

Passport

NIE certificate/card

IBI, Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles (Real Estate Tax)

Cadastral certificate

What Does It Cost to Sell Your Home in Alicante?

Nota simple: This usually costs around €5 at the land registry office

Energy certificate: This cost will depend on the size of your home but the average cost is around €150

Cédula de habitabilidad (if it is compulsory in your autonomous community): The cost varies depending on the autonomous community and can range from €15 to €55.

Plusvalia: Sellers pay this tax based on the incremental value of the land over the number of years you have been the owner.

Community fees: If you live in an urbanisation you need to make sure all the community fees are up to date as this can slow down the sale of your property as you need to present a Community Certificate to the buyer when signing the title deed.

IBI and Utilities: IBI (council tax) needs to be paid for the full year by the seller and utility bills need to be up to date and proof will also be required to prove this.

Mortgage cancellation fees: If you have not yet finished paying the mortgage: this will be determined in the contract you signed for the acquisition of the mortgage and will vary according to your conditions. You may also be required to pay a Mortgage Cancellation and Registration Fee at the Notary, this can cost anywhere between €600 and €1,000.

Non-Resident Retention Fee: The 3 per cent retention fee is a capital gains tax that is applicable to non-residents when they sell a property. The buyer of the property will have to retain 3 per cent of the Escritura Sales Price to pay directly to Hacienda on the vendor’s behalf towards their Capital Gains Tax. The retention is based on the difference between the original purchase price of the property and the price it is sold for.

Agents Commission: If you do decide to work with an agent you will also have to pay their fees.

Legal Fees: A good legal office will help you arrange most of the documents required help you calculate the 3 per cent retention fee and give you advice and fiscal representation throughout the selling process.

Does Selling Your House Count as Capital Gains in Spain?

Yes, and capital gains tax (CGT) is due on the profits made from selling a property in Spain as mentioned above. When selling a property or investment the profit earned during the sale is taxable under Spanish law. A good legal office can help with this.

Marketing Your Property in Alicante

Selling your home can be a challenge but with the right people, strategies, and preparation you can increase your chances of a speedy sale. Here are some tips and insights to help sell your home.

According to a study by Iowa State University recently digital listings with more photos and descriptions can earn higher sale prices for the full case study click here.

It is important to declutter and depersonalise your home, fix any obvious repairs, and stage your home to sell.

Top tips on how to stage your home for a sale

Declutter rooms: clean and declutter your home, we even recommend putting some items in storage. With clean clutter-free rooms, your potential buyer will be able to picture themselves in the space.

Repaint bright or bold colour schemes: use neutral tones to create a blank canvas for your buyer.

Rethink layouts: Optimise the space you have so whether you’ve got open-plan interiors or floor-to-ceiling windows that provide exquisite panoramic views across the neighbourhood, make sure you’re showing them off!

Depersonalise: Store personal items to again help the buyer picture themselves living there. Minimalism is in, so it’s also a good idea to limit the photos and personal items on show and thin out bookshelves and display cabinets. In particular, a clear top shelf will give the appearance of higher ceilings.

Potted plants: Fresh green potted plants dotted around the property can make your home really inviting.

Fragrance: Use diffusers, candles, or even freshly baked goods to create an inviting fragrance.

Exterior: We spend most of our time outdoors in Spain so making sure the exterior and entryway of your property are clean and tidy is essential. Help your buyer to imagine themselves enjoying the outdoor lifestyle of Mojácar. You’re not just selling a property, you’re selling a home and a new lifestyle for your lucky buyers, so make sure to entice them in by showing it off! Many people move to Spain in search of the sun, so presenting a sun-kissed rooftop terrace or a glistening outdoor pool is sure to draw people in.

Marketing Photos: Staging the garden or dining area is a great way to present your property as part of the aspirational lifestyle buyers can imagine for themselves. Consider setting places at the table with your nicest silverware and ensure that any art pieces are framed and neatly placed.

If you found this article useful, remember to keep coming back for more top tips on living in Spain.

Read more about Alicante news in the Euro Weekly News Costa Blanca South/ North editions