Your English-speaking estate agent on the Costa del Sol

Buying a home on the Costa del Sol, entirely in English: from the first viewing to the notary, and beyond.

Short answer: Imagine Marbella is an English-speaking estate agent on the Costa del Sol, from Sotogrande to Málaga. We talk you through everything that matters in English: the property, the costs, the NIE number, the contracts and the notary. As a buyer you pay us no commission; the seller does.

Looking for an English-speaking estate agent in Spain?

Then what you really want is someone who speaks your language and understands your questions. Spanish rules differ from those at home, and a misunderstanding in a contract can quickly cost a lot of money. With us everything happens in English, without an interpreter and without guesswork. We also speak fluent Dutch, French and Spanish, so we work smoothly with every seller, notary and bank.

We deliberately work only on the Costa del Sol. There we know every town, every neighbourhood and most new developments up close. If you are looking on the Costa Blanca or elsewhere in Spain, we will tell you so honestly.

Why buying in your own language helps

  • You understand what you sign. We go through the reservation contract, the private purchase contract and the notarial deed with you in English before you sign anything.
  • You know all costs in advance. For a resale home in Andalusia you pay 7% transfer tax (ITP); for a new build 10% VAT and 1.2% stamp duty. On top of that come the notary, land registry and, if you wish, a lawyer. It is all on our page buying costs.
  • Your NIE number and bank account. Without a Spanish tax number (NIE) you cannot buy. We explain how to apply for it and who can help you.
  • New builds with peace of mind. When you buy off plan, every deposit should be covered by a bank guarantee. We check this with you, together with the payment schedule and the completion date.
  • No surprises after the purchase. We also discuss the annual costs in advance, such as property tax (IBI), the community fees and the tax for non-residents.

Buying from the UK

Since Brexit, UK citizens can stay in Spain for 90 days in every 180 without a visa, so if you plan to spend longer here it pays to look at residence options early. A mortgage or an inheritance also works differently in Spain. We know the questions British buyers ask us and point you in the right direction. For your personal tax situation we always recommend a tax adviser at home. You will find more in our guide tax and law in Spain.

How we guide you

  1. Getting to know you: you tell us how you want to live, your budget and your timing.
  2. Selection: we put together a personal selection of resale homes and new developments.
  3. Viewings: we plan your viewings; ask about our free viewing trip.
  4. Offer and reservation: we negotiate on your behalf and check the documents.
  5. Notary: we are there with you and make sure you understand everything.
  6. Aftercare: even after you get the keys we keep helping, for example with furnishing, interior design or letting.

No commission for buyers

As a buyer you pay us nothing: the agency commission is paid by the seller, for both new builds and resale homes. We are members of GIPE and hold the European MMCEPI quality label; read what that means for you: certified and insured.

Our area: the Costa del Sol

We are at home along the whole coast, with most demand in Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona, but also in Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Málaga, Casares, Manilva and Sotogrande. You will find an overview of all locations on the Costa del Sol.

Geert and Martine welcome you

Since 2018 Imagine Marbella has been a boutique estate agency on the Costa del Sol. Geert and Martine help you personally, in English, and take the time to answer your questions. Read more about us or browse our full listings.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Imagine Marbella speak English?

Yes. We guide you entirely in English, from the first meeting to the notary. We also speak Dutch, French and Spanish.

Which area do you cover?

Only the Costa del Sol, from Sotogrande to Málaga. We know its towns, neighbourhoods and new developments up close.

Do I pay commission as a buyer?

No. The agency commission is paid by the seller, for both new builds and resale homes.

What costs do I pay on top of the price?

For a resale home 7% transfer tax in Andalusia, for a new build 10% VAT and 1.2% stamp duty, plus notary, land registry and, if you wish, a lawyer. You will find a full overview on our page on buying costs.

Do I need an NIE number?

Yes, you cannot buy a property in Spain without a Spanish tax number (NIE). We explain how to apply for one.

Can you help me after the purchase too?

Yes. We remain your point of contact, for example for furnishing, interior design, letting or a later sale.

Imagine Marbella editorial team. Last updated: 3 November 2026.