Everything you need to know about buying property in Spain - from the step-by-step purchase process to taxes, legal requirements, financing, and making the most of your investment. Written by our in-house experts with 20+ years of experience.
A head-to-head analysis of Marbella, Estepona, and Fuengirola comparing property prices, lifestyle quality, rental yields, and buyer profiles to help you choose the right Costa del Sol location in 2026.
Navigate every stage of purchasing Spanish property with confidence. From NIE numbers to notary signatures, this comprehensive guide covers legal requirements, costs, timelines, and insider tips for international buyers.
Everything international buyers need to know about purchasing Costa del Sol property: from selecting the right area and understanding Spanish property law to navigating taxes, securing mortgages, and completing your purchase successfully.
No. Many international buyers complete the entire purchase remotely using a Power of Attorney (POA). We recommend trusted bilingual lawyers who can act on your behalf, though a viewing visit is always advisable before committing.
Typically 4-12 weeks from reservation to completion for resale properties, depending on mortgage requirements and due diligence. For off-plan purchases, the legal process is fast - but you wait for construction to complete, typically 18-36 months.
An NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a Spanish tax identification number required for all property transactions. It must be obtained before signing any contracts. Apply early as it can take 4-8 weeks from inside Spain or via a Spanish consulate in your home country.
For resale properties, you pay ITP (Transfer Tax) at 7% of the purchase price in Andalucía. For new builds, you pay IVA (VAT) at 10% plus AJD (Stamp Duty) at 1.2%. Additional costs include notary fees (~0.5%), land registry (~0.5%), and legal fees (~1%).
Yes. Spain imposes no nationality restrictions on property ownership. Citizens from any country can buy residential property in Spain. For non-EU buyers, Spain's Golden Visa programme offers residency for purchases over €500,000.
Yes. Under Spanish law, all off-plan stage payments must be covered by a bank guarantee (aval bancario) or insurance policy. If the developer fails to complete, your payments are returned with interest. Always insist on receiving the bank guarantee documentation.
Our multilingual advisors have guided hundreds of international buyers through the Spanish property market. Schedule a no-obligation call to discuss your situation.
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