Buying property in Spain costs more than just the purchase price. If you're considering buying a villa, apartment, or townhouse in Marbella, Malaga, or the Costa del Sol, it's essential to understand the extra fees, taxes, and legal costs involved. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about buying fees in Spain for both off-plan and resale properties — designed especially for international and non-resident buyers.
Government Taxes When Buying Property in Spain
One of the biggest costs when buying property in Spain is government tax. The tax rate varies depending on whether you are buying an off-plan (new build) or resale (pre-owned) property.
- Off-plan/new build property: 10% VAT (IVA) on the purchase price + 1.5% stamp duty (AJD) in Andalusia (Costa del Sol region).
- Resale property: 7% Transfer Tax (ITP) on the purchase price.
Note: For luxury properties or unique cases, rates may vary slightly, so always consult a lawyer.
Legal Fees for Buying Property in Spain
You will need a Spanish lawyer to represent you throughout the purchase process. Your lawyer will ensure all due diligence is done, including verifying the title deed, ensuring no debts on the property, and handling contracts.
- Legal fees: ~1% of the purchase price (+ VAT at 21%)
- Includes handling Spanish bank accounts, NIE numbers, and due diligence.
Notary and Registration Fees
All property purchases in Spain must be formalised by a notary. The notary fee and the cost to register the property in the Land Registry are additional expenses.
- Notary fees: ~0.5% - 1% of the purchase price (depends on complexity).
- Land Registry fees: Usually included within the notary's costs but can vary.
Town Hall and Local Taxes
Depending on the area, some Town Halls impose local taxes during the property transfer process. This is sometimes known as Plusvalía tax, although in many cases this is a seller's responsibility, but always check with your lawyer.
- Approximate Town Hall fee: ~1.2% of the purchase price.
Mortgage Costs (Optional)
If you require financing, Spanish banks typically offer mortgages of up to 70% loan-to-value (LTV) for non-residents. Mortgage fees include broker fees, bank fees, and set-up costs.
- Mortgage broker fees: ~1% of loan amount.
- Bank valuation fees: From €400 to €1,000 depending on property value.
Total Buying Costs Summary (Estimated)
Here’s a simplified breakdown of buying property in Spain costs for non-residents:
| Cost Type | Off-Plan (New Build) | Resale |
|---|---|---|
| Government Tax | 10% VAT + 1.5% AJD | 7% ITP |
| Lawyer Fees | ~1% (+ VAT) | ~1% (+ VAT) |
| Notary & Registry | ~1% | ~1% |
| Town Hall Fee | ~1.2% | ~1.2% |
| Mortgage Broker (Optional) | ~1% | ~1% |
Are Buying Fees Different Between Marbella, Malaga, and Costa del Sol?
In general, the buying fees and taxes listed above apply uniformly across Marbella, Malaga, Mijas, Estepona, Benahavis, and the wider Costa del Sol region, as they all fall under Andalusia’s regional tax system. However, some small variations in Town Hall fees may apply depending on the exact municipality, so having a local real estate lawyer is essential to clarify these for you.
Conclusion: Plan Your Budget Properly
Understanding the costs of buying property in Spain is key to budgeting for your dream home in Marbella, Malaga, or anywhere on the Costa del Sol. If you’re considering buying and want to know exactly what your fees and taxes would be, feel free to reach out to us for a personal breakdown based on your chosen property.
Need expert guidance? At NuSun Realty, we offer a completely free service to buyers, helping you navigate the entire buying process — from selecting the right property to working with trusted lawyers, banks, and mortgage brokers.
👉 Contact us today to learn more and get your bespoke property search started.
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