Homes by the sea on the Costa Cálida

Yes. Foreign buyers need an NIE, the Spanish identification number for foreigners. You can apply at a Spanish consulate in your own country or at the police foreign office in Spain. In practice you also need a Spanish bank account for taxes and utility bills.

For a resale home you pay transfer tax (ITP) to the Región de Murcia; for a new build, VAT and stamp duty instead. On top of that come notary and land registry fees and, usually, a lawyer. The total depends on the home and the price, so ask for an estimate for the property you have in mind.

The Mar Menor is a shallow saltwater lagoon, separated from the open sea by La Manga. The water is usually calm, which suits families and water sports. On the Mediterranean side, from Cabo de Palos to Águilas, the sea is open, with waves, rocky coves and good spots for snorkelling. Many buyers visit both before they choose; the place pages describe each town.

Yes. Send an enquiry from the page of a home, tick that you would like to plan a viewing and give the dates of your trip. The office replies personally to plan the viewings.

After you agree on a price, you usually sign a private purchase contract and pay a deposit. The home then comes off the market until the deed is signed at the notary. Have the contract checked by an independent lawyer before you sign.

Every listing shows its current status: available, reserved or sold. When the office changes a home, the website is updated with it.