Buying a property in Spain is one of those life-changing decisions: excitement, new projects, the Mediterranean lifestyle and, of course, enjoying the sunshine of the Costa Blanca. However, it is also a process full of formalities which, if not handled correctly, can easily become overwhelming. At WATSONS REAL ESTATE, your trusted estate agency in La Marina, we have helped thousands of international clients to find their ideal home on the Costa Blanca. Along the way, we have guided them to avoid common mistakes that, with the right advice, can easily be overcome.

What are the most common mistakes when buying a property on the Costa Blanca?

Mistake 1: Underestimating the total purchase costs

A very common error is to focus only on the purchase price of the property and forget about additional expenses such as taxes, legal fees, notary or land registry costs. At our estate agency in La Marina, we provide a clear and upfront breakdown of all expenses, helping you to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Mistake 2: Delaying the NIE application

The NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) is essential to sign contracts, purchase property or pay taxes in Spain. Many buyers do not apply in time, which delays the whole purchase process. At WATSONS REAL ESTATE, together with the lawyer of your choice, we guide you through the NIE application process, avoiding unnecessary delays.

Mistake 3: Insecure money transfers and poor exchange rates

When buying in Spain, transferring large amounts internationally is not only about security: many buyers lose thousands of euros by relying solely on their local bank, which often applies unfavourable exchange rates and hidden fees. Moreover, unsecured transfers can put your money at risk. At WATSONS REAL ESTATE we guide you towards safe, regulated transfer solutions and connect you with trusted currency exchange professionals. In this way your money is protected, transfers are transparent, and you benefit from much better exchange rates—saving both stress and money.

Mistake 4: Arriving with a too rigid idea

It’s good to know what you want, but often buyers become so fixated on a single idea that they miss out on alternative properties that may suit their lifestyle even better. As a local estate agency in La Marina, we use our in-depth market knowledge to show you options that suit your needs, even those you may not have considered. Many clients are positively surprised to discover that their ideal home is sometimes different from their initial idea.

Mistake 5: Not securing mortgage approval before viewing properties

Many buyers start viewing homes without having first spoken to a bank. The problem? When they find the right property, they lose valuable time arranging finance, and sometimes miss the opportunity to quicker buyers. It also weakens their negotiation power. At WATSONS REAL ESTATE we help our clients secure mortgage approval in advance, so when the perfect home appears, they are ready to move quickly. This not only speeds up the process but also strengthens their negotiation position—often leading to a better price.

Mistake 6: Choosing the wrong agent or solicitor

One of the most important decisions when buying a property in Spain is selecting the right professionals to advise you. Many foreign buyers fall into the trap of working with small or unlicensed agents, or with solicitors who are unfamiliar with local regulations. This can lead to unnecessary delays, complications and even financial risks.

At Watsons Real Estate, we have a large and experienced team, all the necessary licences and a 4.9-star rating on Google, so you can be sure you are in good hands.

When it comes to legal representation, it is equally important to choose a solicitor who knows local law and has experience in property transactions in the area. We can recommend trusted local solicitors who will ensure that everything is done correctly and securely.

With the right agent and solicitor, your purchase will be a smooth, transparent and stress-free experience.

Mistake 7: Forgetting post-purchase responsibilities

New owners often overlook ongoing expenses such as utility bills, local taxes, community fees or insurance. Our team provides post-sale support, guiding you through everything you need so your property is ready to enjoy from day one.

Why choose WATSONS REAL ESTATE as your estate agency in La Marina?

At WATSONS REAL ESTATE, we are much more than just estate agents: we are your trusted partners when buying property in Spain. A property investment does not end at the notary’s office – it is a complete process. That is why, as your estate agency in La Marina, we provide a personalised and comprehensive service designed to make sure you enjoy the experience.

We offer you:

• Property search and full guidance throughout the entire process

• Assistance with NIEs, contracts, banking matters and translations

• Post-sale support with taxes, utilities and registration

• Expertise and local knowledge of La Marina Urbanisation and Costa Blanca South

• A multilingual team with decades of experience advising international buyers

Your new life on the Costa Blanca starts with our estate agency in La Marina

If you are thinking of buying a property on the Costa Blanca, remember that working with an estate agency in La Marina with proven international expertise can make all the difference.

At WATSONS REAL ESTATE, we transform what could be a stressful process into a smooth, safe, and exciting journey towards your new home in Spain.

Contact us today – we are here to help you take the first step towards your dream home:

• Office: Calle Ámsterdam 2D – Urbanisation La Marina (San Fulgencio) 03177 Alicante

• Email: enquiries@watsonsrealestate.net

• Phone numbers: +34 965 063 012 | +34 605 37 50 33

• Or simply fill in the contact form on our website