You ride up in the lift with the keys in your hand, open the door and breathe in that new-home smell. You step onto the terrace and, for the first time, this slice of the Mediterranean is yours. Buying a new build apartment in Benidorm, Spain, can feel just like that, as long as you know what you’re signing and who is protecting your money before you pay a reservation deposit.
Above this text, you’ll find our selection of new apartments. Here’s what the brochure usually leaves out.
This is your first decision, and it affects both your timeline and your risk:
In a city as vertical as Benidorm, height and orientation can transform the same apartment. Ask what will be built opposite, how much sun the terrace gets and how many lifts serve the building. Check the communal facilities too: pools, a gym or a spa are a pleasure, but they also feed into your community fees.
The most common mistake is falling in love with the show flat and leaving the paperwork for later. Before you transfer anything, we recommend checking:
I’m Martyna Kamińska, a licensed agent (API no. A419, RAICV no. 2891), and I’d rather tell you a development isn’t right for you than sell you something that doesn’t fit. We can help you in English, Spanish and Polish, in Benidorm and across the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida.
We don’t disappear once you’ve signed, either. You have access to our network of lawyers, tax advisers, interior designers and renovation teams, which is especially useful when you collect the keys to an empty apartment from abroad.
What taxes do I pay on a new build in Benidorm?
As a general rule, you’ll pay 10% VAT (IVA) and 1.4% stamp duty (AJD). On a €400,000 apartment, that’s €45,600 before notary and land registry fees. Lower rates apply in some cases, so I’d advise confirming yours with a tax adviser.
What happens to my money if the developer doesn’t finish?
From the moment the building licence is granted, your stage payments should be protected by insurance or a bank guarantee, including legal interest. If you’re asked to pay before then, I recommend speaking to a lawyer first, as that stage can be riskier.
Can I live in Benidorm full time after buying?
Not automatically if you’re from outside the EU, including the UK: owning property doesn’t give you the right to reside. Without a visa, you can generally spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period in Spain, so I’d suggest getting legal advice on your options early.
Should I buy new build or resale in Benidorm?
It depends on your timeline, your budget and the property. Resale generally carries 9% transfer tax (11% above €1 million) and lets you see the building and its community in action. If you’ve found one yourself, I also offer buyers a verification service before they sign anything.
What should I check on handover day?
Go through the apartment calmly, room by room, and compare it with the agreed specification. I recommend putting any defects in writing, like a snagging list, so that you have a clear basis for requesting repairs.
Tell me how you picture your life in Benidorm and I’ll tell you honestly which developments are worth your time, even if new build turns out not to be your best option. Call me on +34 622 91 98 87, email info@mkpremiumproperties.com or visit www.mkpremiumproperties.com.