Buying an apartment in Alcossebre is a common choice for people who already know the Costa del Azahar and want to come back every year. For a foreign buyer the steps are the same as for a Spaniard, with two things to sort out first: getting an NIE and, in practice, opening an account with a Spanish bank. This guide sums up the process, the taxes in force in 2026 and what you can do with the apartment when you're not using it. It is no substitute for advice from a notary or a tax adviser.
Why buy in Alcossebre
Alcossebre is the seaside part of Alcalà de Xivert (Castellón province), a village of around 2,000 people with more than 10 km of coastline, between Valencia and Barcelona.
- Peace and quiet: a village atmosphere, with essential services open all year round.
- Beaches and nature: four Blue Flag beaches in 2026 (Carregador, Romana, El Moro and Manyetes) and, to the north, the Serra d'Irta Natural Park, with around 12 km of unspoilt coast.
- Well connected:Peñíscola is about 35 minutes away by car, Valencia 1 h 30 min and Barcelona 2 h 50 min.
- Airports: Castellón about 25 minutes away, Valencia 1 h 30 min, Reus 2 h and Barcelona 2 h 45 min. Full details in how to get to Alcossebre.
- Mild climate: an average of 17.5 °C a year and more than 2,700 hours of sunshine (AEMET).
Areas of Alcossebre
Alcossebre stretches along the coast, from the Serra d'Irta in the north to the pebble beaches in the south. Each area has its own feel:
| Area | What it's like |
|---|---|
| Las Fuentes (north) | Sandy beach with freshwater springs, a marina and access to the Serra d'Irta. The Madeira Apartments are here |
| Centre and Carregador beach | The main beach (850 m, Blue Flag since 1987), the seafront promenade and the village services |
| Romana and El Moro beaches | Sandy beaches linked to the Carregador by the Senda Litoral, a wooden boardwalk by the sea |
| Tres Playas and Manyetes (south) | Small coves and a quiet beach with dunes |
| Serradal-L'Estany (south) | A natural 1.6 km pebble beach |
Before you decide, spend a few days in the area you like, out of season as well. To see what the village is like the rest of the year, read our travel tips.
How much does an apartment in Alcossebre cost?
As a rough guide, RealAdvisor estimated an average price of around €2,519/m² in Alcalà de Xivert (postcode 12579) in July 2026: about €2,521/m² for flats and €2,450/m² for houses, 9% more than a year earlier. It is a statistical estimate from a private property portal, not a valuation: the real value depends on the area, distance to the sea, views, condition and the facilities of the complex. To see actual properties, browse Casa Azahar's properties for sale.
Steps to buying property in Spain as a foreigner
- Get your NIE. The foreigner identity number is compulsory to buy property in Spain. It is issued by the National Police (Ministry of the Interior).
- Open a Spanish bank account. It is the usual way to pay the price and, later, the taxes, community fees and water and electricity bills.
- Check the property. Ask the Land Registry for a "nota simple" (who owns it and whether there are charges or mortgages on it) and ask about community fees and any unpaid bills.
- Sign the reservation or deposit contract (arras). It sets the price and the completion date, and you pay a deposit. Read the terms carefully: depending on the type of arras agreed, a buyer who pulls out may lose the deposit.
- Sign the deed before a notary. The notary identifies both parties and checks the registry records. If your Spanish isn't fluent, bring an interpreter or give power of attorney to someone you trust.
- Pay the taxes and register the purchase at the Land Registry, which protects your ownership against third parties.
Taxes and buying costs in Alcossebre
Alcossebre is in the Valencian Community (Comunitat Valenciana), which sets its own rates for resale homes. These are the rates in force in October 2026:
| Type of home | Tax | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Resale (second-hand) | Property transfer tax (ITP) | 9% since 1/6/2026; 11% above €1,000,000 |
| New build (first sale by the developer) | VAT (IVA) | 10% |
| New build | Stamp duty (AJD) | 1.4% |
On top of the taxes come the notary and Land Registry fees and, if you hire them, a "gestoría" or a lawyer: ask for a quote before you sign. The municipal capital gains tax (plusvalía municipal) is paid by the seller and collected by Alcalà de Xivert town council.
Renting it out when you're away
Many foreign owners use their apartment for a few weeks a year and rent it out the rest of the time. Casa Azahar, the local agency through which the Madeira Apartments are booked, manages owners' apartments: bookings, guest check-in, cleaning and maintenance. Find out more about renting out your apartment with Casa Azahar.
If that is your plan, check that holiday letting is possible in the building before you buy:
- In the Valencian Community, holiday lets (stays of 10 days or fewer) must be registered with the tourism register, with a favourable municipal planning compatibility report.
- Since 2025, the owners' community has to approve the activity expressly, by a three-fifths majority.
- If you buy a home that is already registered, the registration does not pass to you automatically: you must file a change-of-owner declaration and a new planning report.
- The rules are changing: confirm the position of the specific building before you sign.
Rent out my apartment with Casa Azahar
If you sell one day as a non-resident
If the seller is not resident in Spain, the buyer withholds 3% of the price and pays it to the Spanish Tax Agency with form 211. That amount is a payment on account of the seller's tax on the gain, which is taxed at 19% and declared on form 210. The municipal capital gains tax is also paid by the seller. If you are thinking of selling, Casa Azahar handles sales too: sell your apartment with Casa Azahar (page in Spanish).
Casa Azahar: sales and rentals in Alcossebre
Casa Azahar is an Alcossebre agency that sells property and manages holiday apartments, with an office at Avenida Las Fuentes, 11. Its properties for sale change often, so check them directly.
See properties for sale in Alcossebre
Want to get to know the village before you buy? Stay a few days at the Madeira Apartments and, if you're driving, read our tips on car hire in Alcossebre.