Case report · Costa Blanca

Torrevieja: Financing a terraced house for a new start on the Mediterranean

A couple from Hamburg, both employed in the public service for many years, were planning early retirement. After numerous stays on the Costa Blanca, the decision fell on Torrevieja, as family and friends already knew the place and the connection to Alicante airport makes short trips to Germany easier.

Key figures

At a glance

  • Purchase price: 438.000 €
  • Renovation: 29.400 €
  • Financing required: 262.800 €
  • Equity: 257.200 €

Anonymised case figure · not a binding statement for other projects · §34i GewO

Typical, anonymised case. Names, places and individual financing figures have been adjusted to protect privacy. The process reflects a typical advisory situation for non-resident financing in Spanien.

Living year-round in one of the most versatile coastal towns on the Costa Blanca

Torrevieja has developed in recent years into a popular place to live for people who want to move their centre of life permanently to Spain. Alongside the well-known beaches, the town and its surroundings offer excellent infrastructure, modern healthcare, international shopping and a lively German-speaking community.

For many owner-occupiers, therefore, it is not the holiday but a permanent home that is central.

Initial situation

A couple from Hamburg, both employed in the public service for many years, were planning early retirement. After numerous stays on the Costa Blanca, the decision fell on Torrevieja, as family and friends already knew the place and the connection to Alicante airport makes short trips to Germany easier.

They were looking for a modern terraced house in a quiet residential area with its own terrace, a small garden and enough room for regular visits from children and grandchildren.

After an intensive search they found a well-kept property in an established urbanisation with short distances to shops and the beaches.

Financing overview

  • Purchase price: 438.000 €
  • Additional costs: 52.600 €
  • Renovation: 29.400 €
  • Total investment: 520.000 €
  • Equity: 257.200 €
  • Financing required: 262.800 €

The challenge

The equity came mainly from the sale of a debt-free apartment in Germany. Even so, the buyers did not want to invest all of the sale proceeds but to keep financial reserves for retirement.

In addition, the house was to be modernised and adapted to their own needs before moving in.

Analysis

The property was well-kept and immediately usable, yet there was a need for optimisation in several areas. Provided for were a new fitted kitchen, the modernisation of the main bathroom, more efficient air conditioning, new floor coverings on the upper floor and the redesign of the terrace with a high-quality pergola as a year-round usable seating area.

As all measures were planned before the purchase contract was concluded, they could be fully included in the overall calculation.

Financing solution

The financing was set at around 60 % of the purchase price. This kept a considerable part of the equity as a reserve, while at the same time a comparatively low outside financing was sufficient.

Alongside the purchase price, all additional costs and the planned modernisation measures were also integrated into the financing. Additional financing after the acquisition was therefore not required.

Outcome

Once the work was completed, a comfortable home was created that is optimally tuned to the needs of the upcoming retirement. The buyers were able to prepare their move as planned and continue to have sufficient financial reserves for travel and unforeseen expenses.

The financing remained manageable and suited the long-term income situation in retirement.

What other buyers can learn

For the transition into retirement in particular, balanced financing is often more sensible than the full use of existing assets. Financial reserves create additional security and allow more flexibility in everyday life.

Anyone who takes modernisation measures into account already at the purchase also avoids later organisational and financial burdens.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Torrevieja suitable as a permanent residence?
Yes. Torrevieja offers excellent infrastructure, numerous shopping options, medical care, a wide range of leisure activities and good access to Alicante airport.
Why was only around 60 % of the purchase price financed?
The buyers had sufficient equity and deliberately chose lower financing in order to keep the monthly burden low in retirement.
Can terrace or outdoor-area modernisation be co-financed?
If the measures are planned and traceably calculated at the time of purchase, they can often be part of the total investment.
Which properties are especially in demand among owner-occupiers in Torrevieja?
Alongside apartments, terraced houses, detached houses and modern villas in quiet residential areas are among the most popular properties for permanent owner-occupation.

Conclusion

Torrevieja offers ideal conditions for people who want to spend their retirement or a new chapter of life on the Costa Blanca. Financing that takes the purchase price, additional costs and all planned modernisation into account from the start ensures planning certainty and creates the basis for a relaxed new start in Spain.

Your contact

A similar situation in Spanien? Let's talk.

Every financing in Spanien is an individual case. In a free initial consultation I will tell you honestly what is feasible and which bank fits.

Book a free consultation

Anonymised individual case, not a binding statement for other projects · Siegfried Perini, BAFA-notified for the cross-border activity of the owner Olga Nikushkina · §34i GewO · no tax or legal advice · no financing commitment; conditions depend on creditworthiness, loan-to-value and bank