Updated 2026-07-03 · by Equipo Técnico
Buying a fixer-upper on the Costa Blanca: real costs
Buying a fixer-upper on the Costa Blanca means two budgets: the purchase and the works. A full renovation is quoted individually to per m² including VAT (on request for a 90 m² flat), and on top of the purchase you should add 12-14% in costs and taxes (10% transfer tax in the Valencia region, notary, registry and admin). Before you buy, check the structure, services, damp and legal status. A 10-15% contingency is essential.
Buying a fixer-upper on the Costa Blanca can be a great move: well-located properties at a low entry price that gain value and comfort after the works. But it only works out with clear numbers from the start. The most common mistake is falling for the location and budgeting the renovation below what it will truly cost.
The two budgets: purchase and renovation
Cost of buying and renovating (indicative, tax/VAT included)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purchase costs (transfer tax, notary, registry, admin)10% transfer tax in Valencia region | 12–14% of price |
| Full renovation, standard quality | variable per project |
| Full renovation, mid quality | variable per project |
| Full renovation, high-end | variable per project |
| Very old property surchargeasbestos, re-planning, structure | +8–15% |
| Contingency for surprisesessential | 10–15% |
A real example: a 90 m² flat to renovate with a on request purchase price carries about on request in purchase costs and, at mid quality (per m²), roughly on request of works. Approximate total: on request plus the contingency. Doing this sum before you sign avoids nasty surprises later.
What to check before you buy
- Structure: cracks, floor slabs, and in older blocks possible concrete-reinforcement decay.
- Damp: rising damp, leaks and condensation, all very common on the coast.
- Services: the age of plumbing and wiring (often a full replacement is needed).
- Legal status: the land-registry extract (nota simple), any charges, and that the real area matches the deed.
- Community: pending special levies and the state of the building facade and roof.
- Planning: no unlicensed works or pending change-of-use issues.
A pre-purchase report stops you buying problems
Before signing, a technical visit with a builder or architect lets you estimate the real renovation cost and spot hidden problems that can change the budget completely. That pre-purchase report, at a modest cost, is the best investment to avoid buying a home that needs double the work you expected, which matters most when you are buying from abroad.
VAT and renovation extras
- On homes over two years old, the renovation is taxed at 10% VAT if the company supplies materials and labour.
- The minor works licence adds around 4-5% of the budget (ICIO tax plus fee).
- Project and works supervision, if there are structural changes.
- Certified waste disposal, usually included in the quote.
For overseas buyers the key is to work to a written fixed price with a single English-speaking contact who coordinates the job. That way you know from the outset what the renovation will cost and avoid the overruns that appear when the scope is not clearly defined. We can quote before you complete the purchase.