The Costs of Buying a Home in Spain: Taxes and Fees

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Spain. You need an NIE and a Spanish bank account, and the rest follows a clear sequence. What catches buyers out is usually money and checks, not permission.

The real budget

Budget roughly 8% to 14% on top of the price for taxes, notary, registry and lawyer. Transfer tax on resale homes ranges from about 6% to 10% depending on the region. If you need a mortgage, non-residents can usually borrow 60% to 70% of the value, so get an agreement in principle before you make offers.

Checks before you commit

Hire an independent lawyer, not one recommended by the seller’s agent. Request a nota simple from the property registry to see the owner, size, debts and charges, and check the habitation certificate and any unpaid community fees, IBI or utility bills.

From deposit to keys

Most purchases start with a reservation, then an arras contract with a deposit of usually 10%; if you walk away, you usually lose it. You then sign the escritura at a notary, pay the balance and get the keys. Afterwards, pay the transfer tax or VAT, register the property in your name, move the utilities over and budget for IBI each year.

See every step in our buying property in Spain checklist, and rent first if you’re still choosing an area.