You cross the motorway, the road starts to climb and the landscape suddenly changes. Behind you is the Puig Campana; ahead is the Benidorm skyline and, from many terraces, the Mediterranean. If you’re looking for an estate agent in Finestrat, Spain, this is probably what brought you here: the urbanisations spreading across the hills between the La Marina shopping centre and the mountain.
It’s a young area and very different from the postcard image of the old village. That’s why it’s worth understanding how life works here before you fall for a view.
A few minutes from the AP-7, you’ll find urbanisations such as Finestrat Hills, Sea Hills, Balcón de Finestrat and Sierra Cortina. Much of what’s for sale is recently built apartments, townhouses and villas, many in complexes with pools and communal areas.
It suits you if you want views, light and a modern home, and if you’re happy to get around by car. If you’d like to walk to the beach every morning, La Cala is probably a better place to look.
A brochure won’t show you these things, so we recommend taking your time on a visit:
I’m Martyna Kamińska, a licensed agent (API no. A419, RAICV no. 2891), and I live in Altea, not far from these hills. I can help you compare urbanisations in English, Spanish and Polish, and elsewhere on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida if Finestrat turns out not to be your place.
If you’re buying an empty home from abroad, you won’t be starting from scratch: our network of lawyers, tax advisers, interior designers and renovation teams is there for you. And if you’re selling, I’ll prepare a realistic valuation against what competes with your home in the area, including new builds.
Can I live in these urbanisations without a car?
In most cases, it’s difficult. Some areas near La Marina have more services within reach, so I’d recommend trying the actual walk before you decide.
How far are they from the beach?
It varies with the urbanisation, but generally a few kilometres from Cala de Finestrat or Benidorm’s Poniente beach. I’d advise driving the route yourself instead of relying on the listing.
Can I stay all year if I buy here?
Owning property doesn’t give you the right to reside if you’re from outside the EU, including the UK. Without a visa, you can generally spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period in Spain, so it’s best to get legal advice early.
What taxes will I pay?
For new builds, generally 10% VAT (IVA) and 1.4% stamp duty (AJD); for resale, 9% transfer tax (ITP), or 11% above €1 million. Reduced rates apply in some cases, so it’s worth confirming with a tax adviser.
Can you check a resale property I’ve found myself?
Yes, I offer buyers a verification service, even if they didn’t find the property through me. On a recent urbanisation, it’s also worth checking the community, its fees and any outstanding works before you sign the arras (deposit) contract.
Tell me which urbanisation has caught your eye or which home you’d like to sell, and I’ll give you my honest opinion, even if the conclusion is that you don’t need an agent. You can call me on +34 622 91 98 87, email info@mkpremiumproperties.com or visit www.mkpremiumproperties.com.