Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida for new-build buyers
The Costa Blanca (Alicante province) and the Costa Cálida (Región de Murcia) offer some of Spain's most accessible new homes, from Jávea's hillsides to the Mar Menor. They sit in two regions with different taxes: AJD of 1.4% in Valencia (from 1 June 2026) and 1.5% in Murcia.
By Investidad advisory team · Last reviewed 16 Oct 2026
Two coasts, two regions
The Costa Blanca is the coast of Alicante province in the Comunitat Valenciana. The Costa Cálida is the coast of the Región de Murcia, including the Mar Menor lagoon. They meet south of Pilar de la Horadada, and many buyers compare developments on both sides. Alicante-Elche airport serves most of the Costa Blanca and the north of Murcia; Región de Murcia International Airport at Corvera serves the Costa Cálida; the northern Costa Blanca can also use Valencia airport.
Areas and who they suit
- Jávea & Calpe
- CHARACTERNorthern Costa Blanca: coves, hills and the Peñón de Ifach
- OFTEN SUITSBuyers wanting landscape and villas
- Altea
- CHARACTERWhitewashed old town and a quieter coast
- OFTEN SUITSBuyers seeking character and calm
- Benidorm & Finestrat
- CHARACTERHigh-rise resort with year-round activity; Finestrat for newer projects nearby
- OFTEN SUITSBuyers wanting services and a busy season
- Alicante
- CHARACTERProvincial capital with port, beaches and the airport
- OFTEN SUITSCity living and long-term lets
- Torrevieja
- CHARACTERLarge resort town with salt lakes and a broad service base
- OFTEN SUITSBuyers wanting amenities at a lower entry price
- Orihuela Costa
- CHARACTERUrbanisations, golf and beaches south of Torrevieja
- OFTEN SUITSGolfers and holiday-home buyers
- Mar Menor
- CHARACTERCalm lagoon and Mediterranean coast; family resorts
- OFTEN SUITSFamilies and buyers wanting shallow water
- Murcia
- CHARACTERRegional capital inland, with university and services
- OFTEN SUITSCity buyers and long-term lets
- Águilas & Mazarrón
- CHARACTERQuieter southern coast with bays and smaller towns
- OFTEN SUITSBuyers wanting a less developed coast
| AREA | CHARACTER | OFTEN SUITS |
|---|---|---|
| Jávea & Calpe | Northern Costa Blanca: coves, hills and the Peñón de Ifach | Buyers wanting landscape and villas |
| Altea | Whitewashed old town and a quieter coast | Buyers seeking character and calm |
| Benidorm & Finestrat | High-rise resort with year-round activity; Finestrat for newer projects nearby | Buyers wanting services and a busy season |
| Alicante | Provincial capital with port, beaches and the airport | City living and long-term lets |
| Torrevieja | Large resort town with salt lakes and a broad service base | Buyers wanting amenities at a lower entry price |
| Orihuela Costa | Urbanisations, golf and beaches south of Torrevieja | Golfers and holiday-home buyers |
| Mar Menor | Calm lagoon and Mediterranean coast; family resorts | Families and buyers wanting shallow water |
| Murcia | Regional capital inland, with university and services | City buyers and long-term lets |
| Águilas & Mazarrón | Quieter southern coast with bays and smaller towns | Buyers wanting a less developed coast |
Purchase taxes
- Comunitat Valenciana (Costa Blanca)
- IVA10%
- AJD1.4%
- SINCE1 June 2026 (1.5% before)
- Región de Murcia (Costa Cálida)
- IVA10%
- AJD1.5%
- SINCE25 July 2025 (2% before)
| REGION | IVA | AJD | SINCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comunitat Valenciana (Costa Blanca) | 10% | 1.4% | 1 June 2026 (1.5% before) |
| Región de Murcia (Costa Cálida) | 10% | 1.5% | 25 July 2025 (2% before) |
AJD is charged on the deed, so the rate that applies is the one in force on the day you sign the title deed, not the day you reserved. Resale homes pay ITP instead. Compare in the purchase cost calculator and read costs and taxes of a new build.
If you plan to let
In the Comunitat Valenciana, a tourist registration needs a favourable municipal planning-compatibility report and lasts five years. In Murcia, you file a declaration with the regional tourism institute and must hold liability insurance. Both regions leave room for town halls to restrict. See tourist rental licences by region and, for steadier income, letting long term.
Questions buyers ask
- Torrevieja is in Alicante: which tax rules apply?
- Valencian rules, because Alicante province is in the Comunitat Valenciana. The Mar Menor towns such as San Pedro del Pinatar are in the Región de Murcia.
- My deed will be signed after a tax change. Which rate applies?
- The rate in force on the date of the deed. IVA is charged on stage payments as you make them, at the rate then in force.
