The Complete Guide to Buying Property on the Costa del Sol

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Quick Answer

Budget for the purchase price, applicable taxes and separately quoted fees. Arrange your NIE and independent legal checks before committing to a property. Completion depends on the contract, financing and legal checks. Off-plan delivery also depends on construction. Buying a property does not itself grant residence rights.

Your Journey to Ownership

  1. Define Your Requirements

    Establish your budget range, property type (apartment, penthouse, townhouse, villa), location preferences, and must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Consider your timeline for purchase.

      Start with our Property Finder

    • Property Search

      Work with Del Sol Prime Homes to view suitable properties. We offer virtual tours, in-person viewings, and area familiarization trips to help you find your perfect home.

        Search Properties

      • Appoint a Lawyer (Power of Attorney)

        Appoint an independent lawyer before making binding commitments. A suitably scoped notarised power of attorney can authorise a representative when you cannot attend.

        • Power of Attorney document
        • Passport copy
        • Lawyer engagement letter

      • Obtain Your NIE Number

        Arrange your NIE through the competent Spanish authority or consulate. Check the required documents and appointment availability; processing times vary.

        • Passport copy
        • NIE application form (EX-15)
        • Reason for application

      • Open Spanish Bank Account

        Agree payment arrangements with your lawyer, notary and bank. A Spanish account may be practical; check whether an existing SEPA account meets your transaction and lender requirements.

        • NIE number
        • Passport copy
        • Proof of address
        • Proof of income

      • Reservation

        Have any reservation or deposit agreement reviewed before signing or paying. The amount, refund conditions, deadlines and consequences of withdrawal depend on the agreement.

        • Reservation agreement
        • Passport copy
        • Proof of funds

      • Private Purchase Contract

        Review the private purchase contract, legal checks, payment schedule and completion conditions before signing. Deposits and staged payments are contractual, not a universal fixed percentage.

        • Contrato Privado
        • Agreed payment schedule
        • Due diligence report from lawyer

      • Complete at Notary

        The notary authorises the purchase deed. Complete the agreed payments and handover conditions, then arrange the applicable taxes and Land Registry submission. Registration is a separate process.

        • Escritura
        • Final payment
        • All previous documentation

      All Costs Explained

      Illustrative estimate using general tax rates and assumed fees. Your tax base, reliefs, invoices and mortgage terms can change the final total.

      Enter quoted fees in euros. Blank fields are not included in the estimate.

      Transfer Tax (ITP) - Resale Properties

      7%

      Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales - paid on resale properties in Andalucía

      VAT (IVA) - New Build Properties

      10%

      Value Added Tax paid on new-build properties directly from developers

      Stamp Duty (AJD) - New Builds

      1.2%

      Actos Jurídicos Documentados - additional tax on new-build purchases

      Notary Fees

      Quoted separately

      Fees for the notary to witness and authenticate the sale deed

      Land Registry Fees

      Quoted separately

      Fees to register the property in your name at the Land Registry

      Legal Fees

      Quoted separately

      Independent lawyer fees for due diligence and contract review

      Bank Charges

      Quoted separately

      Bank transfer fees and account setup costs

      Mortgage Costs (if applicable)

      Quoted separately

      For mortgages covered by Law 5/2019, the borrower pays valuation; the lender pays mortgage-deed notary, registration, administration and taxes. Agreed fees may also apply.

      Prime Costa del Sol Locations

      Marbella

      Luxury capital of the Costa del Sol

      Puerto Banús

      World-famous marina and nightlife

      Estepona

      The Garden of the Costa del Sol

      Fuengirola

      Family-friendly beach town

      Benalmádena

      Marina and charming pueblo

      Mijas

      White village with sea views

      Spain's Digital Nomad Visa

      This route is for qualifying third-country nationals who work remotely for businesses outside Spain. EU citizens use different residence rules. Check all current conditions before applying.

      Key Benefits

      Work Remotely from Spain

      Legally work for non-Spanish companies while living on the Costa del Sol

      Schengen Area Access

      Short visits within Schengen remain subject to the residence document and applicable travel conditions.

      Family Inclusion

      Qualifying family members may apply subject to their own conditions and additional financial requirements.

      Renewal period

      Renewal in two-year periods is available if the qualifying conditions continue to be met.

      Minimum Monthly Income: 200% SMI

      Requirements

      • 200% of the current Spanish minimum wage (SMI), for the main applicant.
      • Employees work for an employer outside Spain. Professional activity for Spanish clients must not exceed 20% of the total professional activity.
      • A recognised qualifying academic or professional credential, or at least three years of professional experience.
      • Applicable Spanish social-security coverage or compliant equivalent private health insurance; travel insurance is insufficient.
      • Criminal-record certificates covering the preceding two years of residence and the required declaration concerning the preceding five years.
      • Evidence of a foreign work or professional relationship for at least three months, the business operating for at least a year, and permission and conditions for remote work.
      • Qualifying family members may apply subject to their own conditions and additional financial requirements.

      Processing Timeline

      • Residence authorisation: statutory decision period: 20 working days
      • Initial visa validity: Up to 1 year
      • Initial residence authorisation: Up to 3 years
      • Renewal period: Renewal in two-year periods is available if the qualifying conditions continue to be met.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Can foreigners buy property in Spain?
      International buyers can generally buy Spanish property. Check any requirements specific to the buyer and property; ownership and immigration permission are separate matters.
      What is a NIE and how do I get one?
      A NIE is the Spanish identification number for a foreign national. Arrange your NIE through the competent Spanish authority or consulate. Check the required documents and appointment availability; processing times vary.
      What are the total costs of buying property in Spain?
      In Andalucía the general resale transfer-tax rate is 7%. A qualifying new-home purchase generally attracts 10% VAT plus applicable AJD, whose general regional rate is 1.2%. Tax bases, reliefs and separately quoted fees affect the total.
      What is the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?
      This route is for qualifying third-country nationals who work remotely for businesses outside Spain. EU citizens use different residence rules. Check all current conditions before applying. The telework visa lasts up to one year; a residence authorisation can last up to three years. Eligibility and additional family requirements apply.
      Do I need to be in Spain to buy property?
      Appoint an independent lawyer before making binding commitments. A suitably scoped notarised power of attorney can authorise a representative when you cannot attend.
      How long does the buying process take?
      Completion depends on the contract, financing and legal checks. Off-plan delivery also depends on construction.
      Can I get a mortgage in Spain as a foreigner?
      Lenders assess income, debts, residency, valuation and the property. Borrowing limits, deposit requirements and charges depend on the offer. Obtain a written personalised assessment before making commitments that depend on finance.
      What ongoing costs should I expect?
      Budget for IBI, applicable community charges, utilities, insurance and maintenance. Tax obligations also depend on residence status and how the property is used or rented. Obtain figures for the specific property and your circumstances.

      Let Us Guide You Home

      Tell our multilingual team about your budget, location preferences and intended use. We can help you compare suitable properties and identify the questions to discuss with your independent advisers.

      +34 613 57 84 16 · info@delsolprimehomes.com · Browse Available Properties

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