Buying a sea-view plot on the Costa Blanca is the dream of many investors and future residents. The chance to build your home to your own specifications in a privileged setting, with the Mediterranean as your everyday backdrop, is one of the most attractive options in the property market.
However, purchasing a building plot involves a number of legal and planning considerations that it’s essential to understand before taking the step.
Why buy a sea-view plot?
Investing in a sea-view plot in the Marina Alta offers several advantages over buying an already-built home:
- Total customization: You can build your dream home exactly as you imagine it.
- More privacy: Plots are often larger than those in established developments.
- Capital appreciation: Land with sea views is a scarce resource, and its value tends to rise over time.
- Efficiency: Building new allows you to incorporate the latest technologies in energy efficiency and home automation.
Types of plots in the Marina Alta
Urban plot (urban land)
This is the safest option for building. It has all the required urban services: road access, water, electricity, sewerage, and public lighting. It’s located within the urban area or in established developments.
Where to find them: In developments such as La Fustera, San Jaime, Benimarco, or Maryvilla (Calpe).
Indicative price: Between €200,000 and €600,000 depending on location and size.
Buildable plot
Land that the PGOU plans to develop, but which doesn’t yet have all the services. It requires more paperwork and longer timelines.
Indicative price: Between €100,000 and €300,000.
Risk: Development timelines may be extended.
Rustic plot
Non-developable land. In the Marina Alta, regulations protect rustic land, allowing only constructions linked to agricultural or livestock activities, with very strict limitations.
Not recommended for building a home, except in very specific cases and with extensive legal advice.
Key legal aspects before buying a plot
1. Planning Certificate (Cédula Urbanística)
This is the most important document before buying a plot of land. It’s requested from the Town Hall and confirms what can be built on that plot: buildability, site coverage, setbacks, maximum height, and permitted uses.
Without the planning certificate, you don’t truly know what you’re buying.
2. Land Registry “Nota Simple”
The “nota simple” informs you about the ownership of the plot, its charges (mortgages, liens, easements) and its registered description. It’s essential to ensure that the seller is the rightful owner and that the plot is free of charges.
3. Easements and access
Check that the plot has legal road access and that there are no right-of-way easements that would restrict its use. A plot without legal access is practically unsellable.
4. Building permit
Once you’ve bought the plot, you’ll need a major works permit from the Town Hall to build. In Benissa, the approval timeframe usually ranges from 4 to 9 months. The cost includes the licensing fee (1–2% of the PEM) and the ICIO (4% of the PEM).
Recommended areas to buy a plot with views
- Benimarco (Benissa): Spectacular views of the Peñón de Ifach, spacious plots. From €250,000.
- La Fustera (Benissa): Sea views, exclusivity. Plots from €300,000.
- Oltamar (Calpe): Panoramic views, good value for money. From €180,000.
- Cumbre del Sol (Benitachell): Stunning views, more competitive prices. From €150,000.
- Maryvilla (Calpe): Sea and Peñón views, established development. From €200,000.
Total costs of buying a plot and building
In addition to the land price, you should consider:
- ITP (Transfer Tax): 10% of the plot price (second-hand).
- VAT + AJD: 10% + 1.5% if the plot is from a developer (new build).
- Construction cost: Between €1,200 and €2,000 per square meter built, depending on quality.
- Project and site supervision: 10–12% of the budget for material execution.
- Licences and fees: Approximately 6–8% of the PEM.
- Utility connections: Between €5,000 and €15,000.
Conclusion
Buying a sea-view plot on the Costa Blanca is a smart investment if it’s done with the right information and professional advice. The key is to verify the planning regulations, obtain the planning certificate, and work with professionals who know the local market.
At Benimo-Villas, we advise you throughout the entire process, from finding the ideal plot to obtaining the required permits. Get in touch with us and start bringing your project to life.
