New to Costa Blanca forum

Hi Andy, where are you looking to buy? I suggest that you rent for a short while before you buy to make sure you like the area. Living here is very different to having a holiday. 

Steve 

Hi Steve

I intend spending a few trips primarily in the winter, just exploring out of season, grabbing a cheap flight and airbnb.

I am open to all areas really, within a short cycle ride of a beach, so maybe up to a km inland.

Where do you live ?
Andy

Hi Andy, 

I live in Benidorm which is not everybody's cup of tea but the other half and I love it here. We retired here 5 years ago after having most of our holidays here for many years.

There are some nice quieter towns up and down the coast from here and a few within cycling distance. Albir, Altea, Alfaz, La nucia to mention a few. Whichever...all in a nice area. 

If I can help you with any specific questions I'm quite happy to help. 

Steve 

It really depends on your budget,  do you want to renovate or move right in , unless you’ve experienced it you can’t make a decision on  areas , everyone likes different, we bought last year after many trips and 3 years looking, we are very happy with our purchase, if you having a trip to look I could give you the number of Jorge our agent who was excellent and the name and number of our lawyer. Good luck in your search.

I would look at the places others have mentioned or even one of the small villages south of Benidorm but before Alicante if you really want to live in the area.

If you really want to live in Benidorm, other than the normal visits to suss out potential problems ie. in winter - damp, no sun & summer - blazing sun I would also make sure that the upstairs, downstairs or next to the apartment isn't a tourist rental or that there isn't a hotel across the street - drunk Brits coming back walking or slamming taxi doors at 2-3 am. Remember also that the higher up the apartment is, sadly, the noise from the street is amplified..