Valencia is the Mediterranean city that ticks all the boxes: climate, beaches, culture, still affordable prices, and a booming real estate market. For French buyers, the potential is enormous, but the rules of the game are not the same as in France, and there are significant differences in price and potential profitability between neighborhoods.
Relying on a French-speaking real estate agency in Valencia allows you to navigate this market with confidence: understand prices, choose the right area, avoid legal pitfalls, and build a coherent investment strategy.
| Which French-speaking real estate agency should you choose in Valencia? Terreta Spain specializes in assisting French buyers and sellers in Valencia, offering a turnkey service that includes legal due diligence, NIE/bank/notary coordination, and renovation. Average timeframe: 2-3 months for a purchase, 1-3 months for a sale. We are the only French-speaking real estate agency in Valencia to offer an integrated renovation service. |
| In short: Buying in Valencia with aFrench-speaking agency The Valencian market in 2025: Average price of €3,240/m² with an increase of +15.5% over the year. Some neighborhoods are experiencing spectacular growth: Jesús (+36%), Olivereta (+29%), Quatre Carreras (+23%), Ciutat Vella (+21%). The Spanish framework is very different from that in France. Notaries offer less protection, the deposit contract is very binding, and financing for non-residents is limited. You also have to deal with NIE, bank accounts, taxes, and fees that often represent 12 to 15% of the price. A French-speaking real estate agency in Valencia such as Terreta Spain secures your purchase by coordinating legal verification (simple notarial certificate, urban planning compliance, co-ownership status), administrative support (NIE, opening a bank account, notary coordination), and negotiation of the deposit agreement. Our in-depth knowledge of the neighborhoods (Ruzafa, Cabanyal, Benimaclet, Patraix) allows us to tailor your strategy to your needs, whether you are looking for a primary residence, a rental investment, or student housing. Average time frame for a purchase in Valencia: 2 to 4 months between the first visit and the signing at the notary's office. |
Different rules of the game from France
Buying real estate in Valencia is not the same as buying in Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux.
- The Spanish notary only authenticates the deed of sale, but does not carry out all the legal and urban planning checks for the buyer as is the case in France. In other words, the buyer is required to do this themselves, with legal assistance.
- Banks generally do not lend more than 60 to 70% of the property price to non-residents: when buying in Spain, you therefore need to plan for a substantial down payment and anticipate the financial arrangements. Read our practical guide to mortgages in Spain for more information.
- Administrative and tax procedures: the buyer must obtain a NIE, open a Spanish bank account, and take into account the IRNR, IBI, and capital gains tax.
- The deposit agreement, equivalent to a preliminary sales agreement, is highly binding: in the event of unjustified withdrawal, the buyer generally loses 10%; if the seller withdraws, they must pay double that amount.
A French-speaking agency in Valencia such as Terreta Spain can help you understand these rules, anticipate the steps involved, and frame the project before signing anything.
Taxes and purchase fees in the Valencian Community
In a real estate transaction in Spain, the purchase costs are not the same in Madrid as they are in Valencia.
- The ITP (Property Transfer Tax) is the main tax paid during a real estate transaction. It amounts to 10% in the Valencian Community for older properties, with certain cases of reduced rates depending on the profile and type of residence. In Madrid, for example, it is 6%.
- If you are buying a new property, you will need to pay 10% VAT + 0.5 to 1.5% AJD, a tax on documented legal acts.
- In addition, there are attorney or legal advisor fees for verifications, notary fees, bank charges, and administrative costs.
In practice, you should expect to pay around 12–15% of the property price in purchase costs in Valencia. A reputable French-speaking agency will calculate these amounts before even starting to show you properties.
Relying on a French real estate agency in Valencia to invest allows you to anticipate each step, each expense, and avoid misunderstandings before signing anything.
For more information, see our practical guide: "The steps involved in buying in Spain" and the comprehensive Terreta Spain guide to buying property in Spain.
Why French-speaking real estate support makes all the difference
Between the language, legal specifics, and dynamics of the Valencian market, many French people proceed cautiously and discover sensitive issues too late. A French-speaking contact person:
- Translates documents and reports explaining the issues involved (charges, urban planning, co-ownership, taxation);
- Ask the right questions to the sellers, the property manager, and the notary;
- Secure the rhythm: good understanding → good decision → good timing.
Valencia: an attractive market that must be mastered
Prices and trends in Valencia in 2025
Valencia is one of Spain's most dynamic markets, while remaining more accessible than Madrid or Barcelona.
- Average prices will be around €3,240/m² in 2025 (+15.5% between the end of 2024 and the end of 2025), with annual increases of over 20% in certain neighborhoods: Ciutat Vella (+21%), Quatre Carreras (+23%), Olivereta (+29%), Jesus (+36%).
- Demand is driven by locals, students, expatriates, and remote workers attracted by the lifestyle and lower cost of living.
In concrete terms, with the same budget, a French person can often buy a larger or better-located property in Valencia than on the French coast or in major French cities.
Image title: Real estate price trends in Valencia
Source: Idealista
Major neighborhood profiles in Valencia
Valencia is divided into several major areas, each with a specific type of project.
| Neighborhood | Approximate price per square meter | Profile | Rental yield | Who is it for? |
| Ciutat Vella | 4 600 € | Historical, touristic | 4-5% | Short/medium-term investors – wealth management approach |
| Ruzafa | 4 600 € | Trendy, young professionals | 5-6% | Long-term rental |
| Cabanyal | 3 500 € | Seaside, transformation | 6-7% | Medium-term capital gains – short- and medium-term rentals |
| Benimaclet | 2 900 € | Student, family | 7-8% | Student roommate |
Source: Idealista, November 2025. Indicative gross yields.
A French-speaking agency such as Terreta Spain, which has in-depth knowledge of these sectors, can help you choose the right neighborhood, type of property, and budget to fit your strategy (residence, rental, co-living, pied-à-terre).
To learn everything about Valencia's neighborhoods, read our guides:
- “The ultimate guide to Valencia's neighborhoods”;
- “Valencia, the cheapest neighborhoods to invest in”;
- “Where to invest in Valencia's student neighborhoods.”
How a French-speaking real estate agency in Valencia secures your purchase
Filter properties and save time
Spanish portals are full of listings that are not always up to date or transparent. The role of your French-speaking agency in Valencia:
- Discard properties that are overvalued compared to actual prices in the neighborhood;
- Identify problematic condominiums (high fees, major renovations voted on or planned);
- Check whether the description actually corresponds to the product (usable area, floor, condition, exterior).
This allows you to focus your visits, whether in person or via video, on properties that are relevant to your project.
On-site visits / video tours and detailed reports “without bullshit” and in French
For buyers based in France, it is rarely possible to spend several weeks in Valencia. A French-speaking agency therefore acts as a "local representative":
- Organization of 1–2 day tours if necessary;
- Sending detailed videos, street views, common areas, immediate surroundings;
- Honest reviews: strengths, weaknesses, work needed, noise, light, orientation.
The big plus with Terreta Spain: we are the only French-speaking real estate agency in Valencia to offer aturnkey renovation service.
Upstream legal and urban planning due diligence
As in Madrid, most of the checks must be carried out before signing the deposit agreement. An experienced French real estate agency in Valencia coordinates:
- Retrieval of the Nota Simple, certificates, and information about the homeowners' association.
- Verification of surface areas (usable/built/cadastral/registered), any extensions, enclosed terraces, or verandas.
- Consultation with a lawyer or legal advisor experienced in dealing with foreign buyers.
Objective: to avoid discovering, after the fact, a problem with urban planning, condominium debts, or non-compliance that undermines profitability.
NIE, bank, notary: simplifying the process
For a French buyer, one of the major obstacles is managing the process remotely. A French-speaking agency in Valencia such as Terreta Spain:
- Assists you in obtaining your NIE;
- Connects you with banks that are familiar with non-residents;
- Coordinates communications with the notary and property manager;
- Prepare the signatures (down payment, final deed), whether you are present or represented.
A French-speaking agency in Valencia with extensive experience in expatriate matters simplifies these steps and reduces delays, which can make all the difference in a market as competitive as Valencia's.
The main steps involved in buying property in Valencia with Terreta Spain
- Project scope
- Total budget, including expenses.
- Target neighborhoods and "Plan B" neighborhoods.
- Strategy: primary residence, long-term rental, seasonal rental, shared accommodation.
- Search, pre-selection, and visits
- Market analysis (portals + local network + off-market opportunities).
- Shortlist of properties that are truly aligned with your project.
- On-site or video tours, structured and comparable.
- Due diligence and purchase offer
- Legal, urban planning, and technical checks.
- Estimation of work, expenses, and potential rent.
- Assistance in formulating the offer based on the neighborhood's tension.
- Deposit agreement, financing, and notary
- Negotiation and securing of the clauses of the preliminary agreement.
- Coordination with the bank and preparation of documents.
- Arranging for notarization (in person or by proxy).
- Post-purchase: renovation, rental, or installation
- Connection of utilities (water, electricity, gas, internet).
- We connect you with architects, craftsmen, and managers according to your needs.
- Launch of the rental process or assistance with moving in.
To visualize this, take a look at our timeline for buying property in Spain.
5 mistakes to avoid when buying property in Valencia without French-speaking assistance
Buying property in Spain on your own exposes you to risks that many French people discover too late. Here are the most common pitfalls:
1. Signing the deposit agreement without prior legal review
In Spain, the preliminary agreement is very binding. If you sign before checking the nota simple, co-ownership debts, or urban planning compliance, you risk discovering major problems after paying a 10% deposit. A French-speaking agency such as Terreta Spain systematically coordinates this due diligence before signing.
2. Underestimating purchase costs
Many French buyers only budget for the price of the property and notary fees. In Valencia, you should allow for an additional 12 to 15% (10% property transfer tax, notary, lawyer, bank fees). Without this allowance, you may find yourself short of funds when it comes to signing.
3. Neglecting to analyze rental demand in the neighborhood
A property may look attractive on paper, but if you are looking to invest in rental property, you need to check the actual demand (students in Benimaclet, young professionals in Ruzafa, families in Patraix). A local agency is familiar with these dynamics and can help you avoid buying a property that will be difficult to rent out.
4. Buying without having obtained your NIE
The NIE (Foreign Identification Number) is mandatory in order to sign the deed of sale. Obtaining it can take 2 to 6 weeks depending on the consulate. Many buyers think they can do it "at the last minute" and find themselves stuck on the day of signing at the notary's office.
5. Overestimating Airbnb profitability without knowing the regulations
Valencia has tightened its regulations on tourist rentals since 2024. Some neighborhoods drastically limit Airbnb licenses. Relying on this model without checking its legal feasibility can ruin your profitability strategy. To learn more, read our article: "How to obtain a tourist license in Valencia."
A French-speaking real estate agency in Valencia anticipates these pitfalls and secures each step so that your investment proceeds smoothly.
Case study: purchase of a two-bedroom apartment in Benimaclet with Terreta Spain
To illustrate the process in concrete terms, here is the sequence of events for a real purchase accompanied by Terreta Spain in Valencia.
- Client profile: French couple, tax residents in France, aged 40 and 42, looking to invest in rental property with a focus on yield. Total available budget: €180,000 (down payment + financing).
- Objective: Acquire a two-bedroom apartment in a dynamic neighborhood with solid rental potential and medium-term capital appreciation prospects.
Step 1: Framing and research (3 weeks)
After an initial discussion, we focused on Benimaclet. We shortlisted five properties out of 17 that we visited virtually. Twelve were ruled out due to overpricing, co-ownership with planned renovations, poor orientation, or excessive maintenance fees.
Step 2: On-site visits (2 days in Valencia)
Organization of a condensed tour of visits over a weekend. The couple visited the five selected properties. They fell in love with a 65 m² two-bedroom apartment in Benimaclet, listed at €185,000, with a small terrace and elevator.
Step 3: Due diligence and negotiation (1 week)
We verified the simple nota (clear title, no mortgage), the status of the co-ownership (no debts, no planned work), and the conformity of the cadastre/registry. On this solid basis, we negotiated the price: final agreement at €178,000.
Step 4: Deposit agreement and financing arrangements (3 weeks)
Signing of the deposit agreement with a financing clause (security in case of bank refusal). Meanwhile, obtain your NIE in 3 weeks via the consulate, open a Spanish bank account, and put together your credit file. Financing granted at 70%, i.e., €125,000. Personal contribution: €53,000 + purchase costs €25,000 (14%).
Step 5: Notarized signature and rental (2 months after the deposit)
Signing of the authentic deed at the notary's office in Valencia. Referral to a rental manager. Apartment rented on a long-term basis at €1,100/month. Net return (after expenses, IBI, non-resident tax): 5.2%.
Total time frame: 3.5 months from the first visit to signing.
- Result: Legally secure purchase, negotiated price, financing obtained, property quickly rented out. The couple was able to focus on the purchase decision while Terreta Spain coordinated all the administrative and legal procedures.
Why Terreta Spain is well positioned for French buyers looking to purchase property in Valencia
Terreta Spain specializes in Valencia, with an approach designed for French buyers.
- Regular analyses of prices, yields, and neighborhoods (neighborhood guides, focus on areas catching up).
- In-depth knowledge of key areas: Ruzafa, El Carmen, Cabanyal/Malvarrosa, Benimaclet, Campanar, Patraix, etc.
- Trilingual support (French, Spanish, English) and a network of trusted notaries, lawyers, craftsmen, and partners.
Are you considering a purchase in Valencia? The best place to start is to talk to your French-speaking expert who really knows the city and its micro-markets.
Sell your apartment or house in Valencia with a French-speaking agency
Are you a property owner in Valencia and considering selling? Terreta Spain is also your real estate agency for selling your property in Spain.
Whether you live in France or elsewhere, selling a property in Valence requires local, French-speaking support to optimize the price, manage taxation, and secure the transaction.
Why sell with Terreta Spain in Valencia?
- Realistic valuation of the Valencian market: we analyze prices neighborhood by neighborhood (Ruzafa, Cabanyal, Benimaclet, Patraix) to set a competitive and realistic sale price.
- Complete sales file: up-to-date simple note, energy certificate, community certificate, IBI — we compile the file for you.
- Professional marketing: HD photos, virtual tours, multilingual listings (FR/ES/EN), distribution on all real estate portals and, above all, to our network of qualified buyers.
- Comprehensive tax support: coordination with our partner lawyers for the management of the 3% withholding tax, the IRNR declaration, etc.
- Remote sales: Do you live in France? We manage visits, negotiations, and signing by notarized proxy.
Sale period in Valencia
The Valencia market is very dynamic. It often takes less than three months to sell a well-located property in the most sought-after neighborhoods (Ruzafa, historic center, Cabanyal).
Are you looking to sell your property in Valencia? Consult our comprehensive guide to selling in Spain or contact us for a free valuation.
FAQ: buying with a French-speaking agency in Valencia
Is it really useful to go through a French-speaking agency to buy in Valencia?
Yes, because she explains the procedures in French, filters out risky properties, coordinates checks before the deposit is paid (the preliminary sales agreement), and helps you avoid signing a preliminary agreement too quickly that could turn out to be unfavorable.
Isn't Valencia already "too expensive"?
Prices have risen significantly, but remain lower than in Madrid and Barcelona, with some neighborhoods still catching up and offering attractive returns. The challenge is to choose the right area, not to look for a "bargain" everywhere. Take a look at our article: "Is it already too late to buy in Valencia?"
Can you expect good rental returns in Valencia?
Yes, especially in student neighborhoods and areas undergoing transformation, provided that you carefully consider the neighborhood, the type of property, and the rental strategy. A French-speaking agency such as Terreta Spain can help you make these decisions.
How much time should you allow for a purchase in Valencia?
Between defining the project, conducting research, visiting properties, obtaining your NIE, signing the deposit agreement, and signing the deed, you can generally expect the process to take two to four months, or longer if financing is complex or significant work is required.
Do you need to speak Spanish to shop in Valencia?
No, a French-speaking agency such as Terreta Spain translates all documents, coordinates with the notary/lawyer in French, and accompanies you to every appointment.
Can we buy remotely from France?
Yes, with video visits, notarized proxy signature, and complete management of NIE/remote banking procedures. Expect a minimum of 2-3 trips (visits, signing of the deposit, signing at the notary).
What is the difference between a Spanish agency and a French-speaking agency?
A French-speaking agency understands the expectations and constraints of French buyers (taxation in France/Spain, financing for non-residents, dual tax returns) and coordinates everything in French.
Does Terreta Spain also assist with sales in Valencia?
Yes, absolutely. Terreta Spain will assist you from start to finish in selling your apartment or house in Valencia: realistic market valuation, compilation of a complete file (simple title deed, energy certificate, co-ownership certificates), professional multilingual marketing, buyer qualification, negotiation, and tax assistance with our partner lawyers. Average sale time: often less than 3 months for well-located properties.
How long does it take to sell a property in Valencia?
Often less than three months for properties in desirable locations in dynamic neighborhoods (Ruzafa, historic center, Cabanyal). The Valencian market is very active, with strong demand from French, European, and local buyers. A realistic valuation and professional marketing significantly accelerate the sale.
Can you sell your property in Valencia from France?
Yes, that is entirely possible. Terreta Spain manages on-site visits, qualifies buyers, negotiates on your behalf, and can finalize the signing at the notary's office by notarized power of attorney. You do not need to travel unless you wish to sign the deposit agreement (compromis). We also coordinate with our tax lawyers to manage the 3% withholding tax and capital gains tax declaration (IRNR).
