You do not need to live in Spain full-time to sell a property here. Many owners in Costa Blanca North and the Costa del Sol spend most of the year in another country. The transaction is manageable from abroad, but it works best when documents, authority to sign and the expected completion funds are agreed early.
Begin with a realistic local valuation
Ask for an in-person assessment, rather than assuming the last advertised price in your building is the achievable sale price. The 1 Real Estate team can explain current competing properties, likely buyer questions and how the home should be presented. A realistic asking price makes distance easier to manage because there is less uncertainty later.
Who can open the property and attend viewings?
Agree key handling, viewing access and any preparation or maintenance needs before launching. Make a written inventory of furniture, appliances, storage and parking if they are to be included. This matters especially where the owner will not be present to resolve a disagreement.
Can somebody sign for you?
A properly drafted power of attorney can allow a representative to handle specified formalities, including at the notary, where appropriate. Your legal adviser should explain the powers required and the correct execution and translation/legalisation process for the country where you sign. Do not leave this until a completion date has been booked.
Is residence the same as tax residence?
No. A passport, NIE or Spanish residency document does not automatically settle the tax position. Spanish tax residence can arise through days in Spain and other statutory tests, including the centre of economic interests. If you have links to two countries, obtain specific tax advice before completion.
Plan the completion statement
Ask the legal team to estimate the agency fee, legal fees, mortgage redemption, community/IBI balances, possible plusvalia municipal and capital gains tax. A non-resident seller will also normally see 3% of the relevant sale price withheld by the buyer as an advance payment towards non-resident tax. That withholding is not another final 3% tax.
Do not forget how the proceeds are received
If you are sending euros to a bank account overseas, agree the recipient account, bank documentation and currency arrangements before completion. Exchange rates and transfer costs can make a meaningful difference to the amount you ultimately receive in your home currency.
A simple distance-selling checklist
- Confirm ownership, identification and tax residence with your lawyer.
- Arrange property access, photography and a realistic 1 Real Estate valuation.
- Locate deeds, IBI/community details, energy certificate and any alteration paperwork.
- Discuss power of attorney if you cannot attend signing.
- Agree the provisional completion statement and bank/FX arrangements.
- Make sure post-sale tax filing and any refund process has a named professional responsible.
Working with 1 Real Estate
Our local teams can manage the marketing, buyer enquiries, viewings, feedback and negotiation while you are away. We stay in touch with the seller and their appointed professionals through the sale. Exclusive sellers pay 1% + IVA; non-exclusive sellers pay 1.5% + IVA. If you choose our recommended legal partner on an exclusive instruction, 1 Real Estate contributes €250 towards your legal costs.
Based abroad? Request a free valuation from our Costa Blanca North or Costa del Sol team.
