Over the last few weeks we have been working hard in the background which is what we do each summer while we are "On Holiday" at Valencia Property. We have put together a book, a full buying guide for getting your own Valencia Property, we have added pages and updated over 100 posts on this blog in the background while addressing issues such as links that no longer worked and more. And the latest thing we have done is to provide you with a checklist for your Valencia Relocation, a step by step guide to what you need to do and the timelines for doing it. So today we thought we would introduce it.
Now of course you might just want to get on with it, get here and buy your property so you can start living your Valencia dream. Valencia beckons you with its year-round sunshine, vibrant culture, and irresistible blend of Mediterranean charm and modern sophistication. The dream is clear: you wake up to orange blossom-scented mornings, you enjoy tapas by the beach, Almuerzos mid morning, cocktails in the sun and you live in one of Europe's most liveable and walkable cities. But before you start browsing those tempting property listings, there are crucial questions you need to answer honestly.
The Financial Reality Check
Do you have your finances sorted? Moving to Valencia isn't just about the property purchase price and whether you have enough money to live on when you get here. Valencia property transactions typically require 15-16% additional costs beyond the purchase price, covering everything from notary fees to agency commission to registration taxes. Then there's the currency conversion consideration - using your home bank could cost you thousands compared to specialist transfer services such as those provided by Currencies Direct and others. You can read more about this in the article below, just click on the image.
What's your tax situation? This is where many prospective buyers get caught off guard. If you'll be spending more than 183 days in a calendar year in Spain, you'll become a Spanish tax resident with new obligations here and possibly still have them in your home country. Have you consulted with tax professionals who understand international property ownership? The implications can be significant and vary dramatically depending on your home country. And most importantly you need to make a decision about selling a property in your home country or not before committing. Again read the following article and make sure to inwardly digest the first tip. It's not only for Americans.
Do you need to sell first? Many buyers assume they need to sell their home country property before purchasing in Valencia. While this might provide clarity on your budget and your tax situation, Valencia's current market conditions show very high demand and increasingly low supply. The best properties move quickly, and you might miss opportunities waiting for a sale to complete. You may want to consider financing initially even if you wouldn't need it after selling your current home. As mortgage interest rates are so affordable currently in Spain it definitely makes sense. Again read the article below about interest rates and mortgages.
Location, Location, Lifestyle
What type of Valencia lifestyle do you actually want? This isn't just about apartment versus villa. Do you see yourself in the historic charm of Ciutat Vella, the trendy restaurants of Ruzafa, or the suburban tranquillity of La Eliana? Each of Valencia's 19 distinct city neighbourhoods offers a completely different experience and they are a world away from suburban living in one of the towns and villages outside those city districts. Your choice will fundamentally shape your new lifestyle.
Have you considered the practical implications of those choices? If you have children, have you researched education options? Valencia offers excellent international schools, but spaces fill up quickly and waiting lists are common. Again, take a look at our article about international and bilingual schools in Valencia below. Originally written in 2021 but updated regularly.
What about healthcare—will you rely on Spain's public system or need private insurance? These decisions affect both your budget and your property location choices. With many of the visas available you will be required to have private healthcare provision with no copayments but did you know how affordable that can be? Have a listen to our podcast with Diana from Gidea insurance about health insurance here.
The Knowledge Gap That Could Cost You
Do you understand Valencia's property market dynamics? Unlike property markets in many countries, Valencia operates with its own rhythms and regulations. August viewings are virtually impossible as the city essentially closes down as you will know if you have been following the blog assiduously (as you should be). The optimal buying window, market pricing structures, and legal requirements all differ significantly from what you might expect.
Are you prepared for the cultural and administrative maze? Getting your NIE number, opening Spanish bank accounts, understanding community fees, registering for local services—each step has its own procedures and potential pitfalls as you will see in our step by step guide. Many new residents underestimate the time and complexity involved in getting things prepared properly beforehand and settling down post purchase.
Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
The difference between a smooth Valencia property purchase and a stressful ordeal often comes down to preparation and timing. Starting your research 3-6 months before you want to move isn't excessive - it's almost essential. The most successful Valencia relocations follow a structured timeline working hand in hand with us at Valencia Property that addresses legal, financial, and practical considerations in the right order.
Currency values fluctuate, property prices rise, and the best properties in the best locations get snapped up quickly. Schools accept applications at specific times of year, and some administrative processes can't be rushed regardless of your urgency. You can find more information about all of this in our guide.
The Questions That Determine Success
Before you take another step toward Valencia property ownership, ask yourself:
- Have I researched visa requirements and understood the legal implications?
- Do I have a realistic budget that includes all costs, not just the purchase price?
- Have I identified the specific Valencia lifestyle I want and the districts that offer it?
- Do I understand the tax implications in both Spain and my home country?
- Have I planned for healthcare, education, and other essential services?
- Do I have the right professional team lined up—lawyers, tax advisors, currency specialists?
- Am I prepared for the cultural and administrative integration process?
If you're hesitating on any of these questions, you're not alone. Valencia property purchase involves navigating unfamiliar systems, understanding local market dynamics, and making decisions that will affect your finances and lifestyle for years to come so you need somebody on your side that not only understands all of these considerations but also goes into bat for you to make sure it's all made to look as smooth as possible. That's us of course for those who can't read between the lines.
Your Roadmap to Valencia Success
The complexity might seem overwhelming, but thousands of international buyers successfully make Spain their home every year and we help hundreds of people do that in Valencia each year. The key is following a proven system that addresses every critical aspect in the right sequence.
Ready to turn your Valencia dreams into a carefully planned reality?
The comprehensive Valencia Relocation Checklist provides everything you need: detailed timelines, essential contacts, insider tips from 25+ years of local expertise, and step-by-step guidance through every phase of your move. From initial planning through long-term integration, you'll have a proven roadmap that anticipates challenges and maximises your chances of a successful transition to Valencia living. And it only takes one click. No sign ups, no downloads, nothing. One click below and you can read it in full.
Continue reading: The Valencia Relocation Checklist - A Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to Valencia
Don't let poor planning turn your Valencia dream into a stressful ordeal. Get the complete guide now.
And if you are ready to start now, or even if you need some advice as to where to start and how to start, then get in touch with us here at Valencia Property. We can help you to arrange all aspects of your move. Contact us to get started. Let us know how we can help you.
Property of the Week in L'Eliana
Styles and tendencies come and go and nowadays most people don’t mind doing a bit of renovation work to achieve their ideal home, but what about the plot? Established grounds with peace, tranquility, and sufficient shade takes time, patience and skill to develop, summers are getting warmer and longer so forget about gravel, decks and cactus and repeat after me, trees are good, green is good, cool is good.
Here in the El Carme-Sant Agustí-Bonavista of L’Eliana this Independent villa has been recently renovated with quality materials and excellent attention to detail. On the main floor you can find a Reception Area, elegant Living Room with Fireplace, Office Study Room, a well equipped Open Plan Kitchen, WC, two Double Bedrooms and Bathroom whilst upstairs there is a generous Main Bedroom with full Bathroom.
Outside along with the beautiful Garden, we have Garage Space, Storage and Laundry Room, a Dip Pool to cool in and covered terrace to dine out when the sun goes down.
As pretty as it's pictures and a cool oasis of calm for those with green fingers and thumbs.
Featured Stepping Stone Rental Property
Available now, take care of your TIE, NIE, VISA, property swap, Home search & purchase, New life transition starting from this ideal location in the Casa del Camino. Just off the beaten path... High wood beam ceilings, chilled balcony overlooking a prosperous and abundant lemon tree, massively historic tree (bicentennial) covered park in front aka "The Temple" park.
This quaint 2 bedroom apartment is tucked in-between the beach neighborhood and the city center. It's right next to bike lanes, metro, and buses that will take you one way or the other. It's quiet being located within a large park square. AC only in the living room and WIFI squared away. Ideal for a couple or a family with a young child. The main bedroom has it's own balcony looking onto the park.
It's a bit reminiscent of staying in a casa rural out in the countryside but with the perks of being in the city. The style is old-fashioned but everything is in great condition.
If You Liked This...
Then you'll want to get our other recent new publication, the full 2025-26 Guide to Buying Property in Valencia. You can read the first couple of chapters at the following link, just click on the image and then download the rest or fill in the form below and we'll send the book directly to you.
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