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PURCHASE GUIDE — COSTA DEL SOL

Your Complete Guide to Buying Property in Southern Spain

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01

Welcome to the Costa del Sol Property Market

Buying property on the Costa del Sol is a safe, fully regulated process backed by Spanish and EU law. Whether you’re purchasing a beachfront apartment, a contemporary villa, or an investment property, this guide will walk you through every step — from taxes to the final signing at the notary.

02

Taxes & Costs When Buying Property in Spain

New-Build Properties (from developers)
When purchasing a brand-new home or off-plan project, the buyer pays:

  • IVA (VAT): 10%

  • AJD (Stamp Duty): 1.2% in Andalusia

  • Notary & Land Registry: 1–1.5%
     

Total estimated cost: 12–13.5% of the property price
 
Resale Properties (secondary market)
For resale homes in Andalusia, the buyer pays:

  • ITP (Transfer Tax): 7%

  • Notary & Land Registry: 1–1.5%
     

Total estimated cost: 8–8.5%
 
Who Pays the Agency Commission?

  • In Spain, the buyer never pays commission.

  • The seller or the developer pays all agency fees.

  • This means you receive full professional representation at zero cost.

03

Step-by-Step Purchase Process

Step 1 — Consultation & Property Curation
We define your goals, filters, lifestyle needs and investment strategy.
 After that, we prepare a curated selection of the best projects (new-build and resale).


Step 2 — Viewings / Virtual Tours
We schedule visits or virtual tours, guiding you through pros, cons and ROI potential of each property.


Step 3 — Reservation
To secure the chosen property:

  • Sign a Reservation Contract

  • Pay €6,000–€10,000 (refundable in specific cases)

Step 4 — Legal Due Diligence
Your lawyer:

  • Verifies ownership & licenses

  • Checks debts, permissions & technical documentation

  • Protects your deposit and funds

Legal fees: ~1% of the price


Step 5 — Private Purchase Contract (PPC)
For new builds: staged payments
For resales: 10% deposit

Step 6 — Mortgage (optional)
Foreign buyers can obtain:

  • 60–70% LTV

  • competitive interest rates

Step 7 — Notary Completion
You sign the Title Deed (“Escritura”), transfer the final payment and receive the keys.


Step 8 — Registration & Utilities Setup
Your lawyer registers the property and arranges utilities, taxes and community setup.

04

Annual Ownership Costs

  • IBI (property tax): 0.4–1.1%

  • Community fees: depend on amenities

  • Rubbish tax: ~€150–€200/year

  • Insurance: optional but recommended

05

Why the Costa del Sol Is a Top Property Market

  • Strong capital appreciation

  • High rental demand year-round

  • International schools & modern infrastructure

  • Safe, stable and highly liquid market

  • Lifestyle unmatched in Europe

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