Transparent from the start
What does it cost to buy a home in Spain?
On top of the asking price you pay taxes to the government and the costs of the notary, land registry and lawyer. You don't pay us any agency commission: that's covered by the seller or the developer.
Work it out yourself
What will you pay in total?
Enter the asking price and choose the property type. You'll instantly see an honest estimate of all costs.
For a new build, enter the price excluding VAT.
Estimate based on the upper end of the usual range for notary and registry, and the standard tax rate. Indicative and not binding. Mortgage costs are not included.
Overview
Resale home or new build
The main difference is the tax: for a resale home you pay transfer tax, for a new build VAT and stamp duty.
Resale property
| Transfer tax (ITP)standard rate in Andalusia | 7 % |
| Notaryofficial scale, RD 1426/1989 | approx. €1,200 to €2,000 |
| Land registryofficial scale, RD 1427/1989 | approx. €800 to €1,200 |
| Lawyerrecommended, not mandatory | approx. 1% + 21% VAT |
| Agency commissionpaid by the seller | € 0 |
New builds
| VAT (IVA)home, garage and storage room | 10 % |
| Stamp duty (AJD)on the price excluding VAT | 1,2 % |
| Notaryofficial scale, RD 1426/1989 | approx. €1,200 to €2,000 |
| Land registryofficial scale, RD 1427/1989 | approx. €800 to €1,200 |
| Lawyerrecommended, not mandatory | approx. 1% + 21% VAT |
| Agency commissionpaid by the developer | € 0 |
Building plots and commercial premises carry 21% VAT. A reduced rate applies in a few cases, for example a main residence for buyers under 35. This rarely applies to a second home.
Worked example at €1,000,000
Resale home: transfer tax €70,000, notary €2,000, registry €1,200 and lawyer €12,100. Around €85,300 in total, or 8.5%.
New developments: VAT €100,000, stamp duty €12,000, notary €2,000, registry €1,200 and lawyer €12,100. Around €127,300 in total, or 12.7%.
What's not included?
- Mortgage costs, such as valuation and bank fees.
- Your Spanish tax number (NIE), if you don't have one yet.
- Annual costs after the purchase, such as property tax (IBI) and community fees.
Why do we show this?
In Andalusia, every agent must state the buyer's taxes and costs alongside a price (Decreto 218/2005 and Article 20 of the Spanish consumer protection law). We're happy to: this way you know exactly where you stand up front. On request you'll receive the abbreviated information document (Documento Informativo Abreviado) for each property.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay the agent a commission as a buyer?
No. At Imagine Marbella you pay no agency commission as a buyer. It's paid by the seller or, for new builds, by the developer.
How much do you pay on top of the price of a resale home?
Allow around 8 to 9% of the price: 7% transfer tax (ITP), notary, land registry and a lawyer.
And for a new build?
For a new build you pay 10% VAT (IVA) and 1.2% stamp duty (AJD), plus notary, registry and lawyer. Around 12 to 13% of the price excluding VAT in total.
Is a lawyer mandatory?
Not legally, but we always recommend one. An independent lawyer checks ownership, debts, permits and the deed. Allow around 1% of the price plus 21% VAT.
Are the amounts binding?
No. Taxes are fixed percentages, but notary and registry fees depend on the price and the deed. We show the upper end of the usual range, so you won't face any surprises.
Would you like a calculation for a specific property? Ask us, and we'll send you a tailored overview within 24 hours.
Next step
A calculation for your property?
Send us the property you're interested in. We'll prepare an overview of all costs, personally and in your language.
- Tailored selection, including homes that aren't online
- Viewings planned around your travel
- Guidance from search to notary and handover of the keys