What it costs to buy in Spain
On Spain’s median asking price of €524,000, that is €42k – €79k on top.
Budget 8–15% on top of the asking price. The single biggest line is regional transfer tax on a resale — 6% in Madrid, up to 13% in Catalonia — so where you buy changes the bill more than what you buy.
Last checked 11 September 2026 against the sources listed at the foot of this page.
Buying property in Spain involves more than just the purchase price; there are various one-off and recurring costs you need to consider first.
This guide outlines these costs, offering insights into taxes, fees, and what to expect as a property owner.
The lines that dominate the bill
- Transfer tax (ITP), resale
- 6–13%
- Regional. 6% Madrid, 7% Andalusia, 10% Valencia and Galicia, 10–13% Catalonia, 8–13% Balearics.
- VAT (IVA), new-build
- 10%
- Charged instead of transfer tax on a first sale from the developer. 4% for protected housing (VPO).
Every cost, in full
| Cost | Amount | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax (ITP), resale | 6–13% | Regional. 6% Madrid, 7% Andalusia, 10% Valencia and Galicia, 10–13% Catalonia, 8–13% Balearics. |
| VAT (IVA), new-build | 10% | Charged instead of transfer tax on a first sale from the developer. 4% for protected housing (VPO). |
| Stamp duty (AJD), new-build only | 0.5–2% | Regional, paid on top of VAT. Madrid 0.75%, Catalonia and Aragón 1.5%. |
| Notary fee | ≈€600–1,200 | Fixed statutory scale on the declared price. Proportionally smaller the more you spend. |
| Land registry fee | ≈€400–700 | Statutory scale for recording the deed. Paid by the buyer. |
| Gestoría (paperwork agent) | ≈€300–600 | Handles tax filings and registration. Optional in principle, usually compulsory if you take a mortgage. |
| Legal fee | 1–2% + 21% VAT | An independent lawyer is not legally required but is strongly advised for a foreign buyer. |
| Estate agent fee | 3–6% + 21% VAT | Paid by the seller and built into the asking price. |
| Mortgage costs | Valuation only, ≈€300–600 | Since Ley 5/2019 the bank pays the notary, registry, stamp duty and gestoría on the loan. |
| Annual property tax (IBI) | ≈0.4–1.1% of cadastral valueunconfirmed | Set by each municipality on the cadastral, not market, value. Exact 2026 bands not confirmed. |
| Non-resident imputed income tax | 19% or 24% of 1.1–2% of cadastral value | An annual charge on deemed rent even if you never let the property. 19% for EU/EEA residents. |
Who pays the estate agent
No. Almost everywhere in Spain the seller pays the agency commission and it is priced into the asking price.
The number you need before you can complete
NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) — mandatory before signing the escritura. About €10 in state fees; days to several weeks via a consulate or police station.
Recently changed, or about to
The widely reported 100% tax on non-EU non-resident buyers, announced in early 2025, has not been enacted and remains an unpassed proposal. Catalonia raised transfer tax to a progressive 10–13% under Decret Llei 5/2025.
Sources
Tax authorities, registries and notarial bodies first. Check the figure you care about before you rely on it.
- Agencia Tributaria — imputed income for non-residentsprimaryNon-resident imputed income: 1.1%/2% of cadastral value at 19% or 24%.
- Banco de España — mortgage-related expensesprimaryUnder Ley 5/2019 the borrower pays only the valuation.
- ITP rates in Catalonia, 2026Catalan progressive 10–13% brackets under Decret Llei 5/2025.
- Property transfer tax rates by region, 2026Regional ITP rates, 10% VAT and 0.5–1.5% stamp duty on new-build.
- Costs of buying property in Spain, 2026Notary, registry, gestoría and legal fee ranges.
This is general information for a non-resident buyer of a residential property, not tax or legal advice. Rates change, reliefs depend on your circumstances, and regional variation is the rule rather than the exception — take local professional advice before you commit to anything.
Cite this page
Habio, “Cost of buying property in Spain”. https://habio.ai/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-spain
https://habio.ai/guides/cost-of-buying-property-in-spain
Free to quote with attribution to Habio. Every figure links to its source.
What you would actually be paying for
See what property in Spain is actually asking, by region.
The process in more detail
Understanding One-Off Purchase Costs
When buying property in Spain, you should budget for a range of fees and taxes that can add 8–15% to the property's asking price.
A Breakdown of Purchase Taxes and Fees
The main costs include transfer tax (ITP) that varies by region, notary and registration fees, and optional legal assistance.
Ensure you have an estimate for the total costs to avoid unexpected financial burdens.
A Worked Example
Taking a typical property price of €525,000, you might expect total costs to be approximately €42,000 to €78,750 based on the 8–15% range.
For instance, if we assume a transfer tax of 10% for Valencia, your total purchase costs could be €63,750 (10% of €525,000), plus fees.
- Transfer tax (10%): €52,500
- Notary fee (average): €900
- Land registry fee (average): €600
- Legal fees (1.5% + VAT): €9,180
- Total estimated purchase costs: €63,750
Recurring Costs of Ownership
After purchase, you will have ongoing costs including an annual property tax, community fees, and utilities.
These can vary widely, but a rough estimate for annual property taxes (IBI) is about 0.4–1.1% of the property's cadastral value.
Community and Utility Fees
If your property is in a communal area or a condo, be prepared for community fees, which can range greatly depending on services provided.
Utilities include water, electricity, internet, and insurance, which should be factored into your annual budget.
Mortgage Considerations for Non-Residents
If you're a non-resident, securing a mortgage can be somewhat more complicated. Generally, banks offer lower loan-to-value ratios for non-residents, typically around 60–70%.
As part of your mortgage process, you'll need a valuation, and you may also want to hire a gestoría to help with paperwork, although their services are usually compulsory when getting a mortgage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the transfer tax in Spain?
The transfer tax (ITP) varies by region, typically ranging from 6% to 13%, depending on where you buy.
Are legal fees necessary when buying property?
While not legally required, hiring an independent lawyer is highly advised, particularly for foreign buyers.
What are typical community fees?
Community fees vary widely depending on the property but should be budgeted as part of your ongoing costs.
How does annual property tax work?
Annual property tax (IBI) is set by local municipalities and is usually calculated based on the cadastral value.
How can I secure a mortgage as a non-resident?
Non-resident mortgages are available; however, banks often require a lower loan-to-value ratio and additional documentation.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change — verify the current position with official sources and a qualified professional before acting. Last reviewed September 2026.