Buying in Spain
Your guide to buying property in Spain.
Buying on the Costa del Sol, step by step. I guide you through every stage so it stays simple, transparent and free of surprises.
Step by step
Six clear steps from offer to ownership.
NIE & bank account
Obtain your NIE (foreigner identification number) and open a Spanish bank account — both are needed to complete a purchase and pay taxes.
Independent lawyer
Appoint an independent lawyer to run due diligence on the property: charges, licences, debts and full legal status, acting only for you.
Reservation
Sign a reservation agreement with a deposit to take the property off the market while the legal checks are completed.
Private purchase contract (arras)
After due diligence, you sign the private purchase contract — typically with a deposit of around 10% of the price.
Notary (title deed)
The public title deed (escritura) is signed before a notary and the remaining balance is paid, transferring ownership to you.
Taxes & Land Registry
Pay the purchase taxes (ITP transfer tax on resale, or VAT on a new build) and register your ownership at the Land Registry.
What it costs
Costs & taxes at a glance.
Beyond the price, plan for taxes and a handful of one-off fees. Here is what to budget for on the Costa del Sol — roughly 9–13% of the purchase price all in.
- 7%
ITP — transfer tax
Flat rate on resale (second-hand) homes in Andalucía (since 2021).
Resale only
- 10%
VAT (IVA)
Paid instead of ITP when you buy a new build directly from the developer.
New build only
- 1.2%
AJD — stamp duty
Documented-acts duty in Andalucía, added to VAT on a new-build purchase.
New build only
- ≈ 0.5–1%
Notary
Fees for signing the public title deed (escritura) before the notary.
Resale & new build
- ≈ 0.5–1%
Land Registry
Registering your ownership at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).
Resale & new build
- ≈ 1% (+VAT)
Lawyer
Your independent lawyer's fee for due diligence and handling the purchase.
Resale & new build
Resale (second-hand)
Second-hand homes, available to move into now. You pay a flat 7% ITP transfer tax, plus notary, Land Registry and legal fees.
New build (off-plan / developer)
Bought from the developer, often off-plan with guarantees and customisation. You pay 10% VAT plus 1.2% AJD stamp duty, plus notary, Land Registry and legal fees.
These figures are typical estimates for the Costa del Sol and can change with the law and your circumstances. I'll always give you a precise, itemised cost breakdown for your specific purchase — and your independent lawyer confirms every figure before you commit.
Perspectives
Articles for buyers.
Good to know
Buying in Spain — your questions.
Budget roughly 9–13% of the purchase price on top of the price itself. On resale properties you pay ITP 7% in Andalucía; on new builds you pay VAT 10% + AJD 1.2%. On top of tax, allow for notary, Land Registry and lawyer fees. These figures are typical estimates for the Costa del Sol and can change with the law and your circumstances. I'll always give you a precise, itemised cost breakdown for your specific purchase — and your independent lawyer confirms every figure before you commit.
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your Spanish foreigner identification number. It is required to buy property, pay taxes, open a bank account and sign at the notary. I can point you to the most efficient way to obtain it.
Yes, in practice. A Spanish bank account makes it straightforward to transfer funds for completion and to set up direct debits for utilities, community fees and local taxes once you own the property.
From an accepted offer to signing at the notary it usually takes around 6 to 10 weeks, depending on your lawyer's due diligence, any mortgage and how quickly the paperwork comes together. Off-plan new builds follow the developer's construction timeline.
Yes. Many of my international clients complete remotely by granting their lawyer a power of attorney, so they don't need to be in Spain for every step. I coordinate viewings, video tours and the full process so distance is never an obstacle.
Get in touch
Ready to begin?
I guide you through the entire process, from your first questions to the keys in your hand. Tell me about your situation and I’ll take it from there.
Email hello@martaaragon.com
WhatsApp +34 647 952 617