When international buyers focus on the property price alone, they are often surprised by the additional costs of buying in Spain. Transfer taxes, notary fees, legal advice, registry charges, and mortgage-related expenses typically add a meaningful percentage on top of the purchase price. Knowing what to expect before you make an offer helps you size your deposit correctly and avoid last-minute funding gaps.
Figures vary by region, property type, and whether you buy with cash or a mortgage — the breakdown below uses typical ranges for resale property on the Costa del Sol and Andalucía, with language like usually and in most cases where rules differ. If you need the wider sequence from budgeting to bank approval, our mortgage process guide maps where these costs appear along the way.
Purchase taxes — usually the largest extra cost
For resale property, buyers in the autonomous community of Andalucía pay a flat ITP (transfer tax) rate of 7% (reduced from the previous sliding scale of 8% to 10%), making property purchases on the Costa del Sol tax-competitive compared to other Spanish regions. For new-build properties, IVA (VAT) at 10% applies instead, plus a stamp duty (AJD) which is set at 1.2% in Andalucía. Your lawyer confirms which regime applies to your specific property.
Notary, registry and legal fees
The notary fee for the escritura is typically based on the property value — often in the range of €600–€1,500+ for standard residential purchases, though exact fees depend on price and complexity. Land registry inscription usually adds a few hundred euros more.
Most foreign buyers appoint a lawyer or gestor to review contracts, coordinate the NIE, and handle tax filings. Legal fees vary widely but are commonly quoted as a fixed fee or a percentage of the purchase price — budget accordingly and agree scope in writing.
Mortgage-related costs
If you finance with a Spanish mortgage, expect additional line items:
- Bank valuation (tasación) — usually paid by the buyer, often a few hundred euros
- Arrangement or opening fees — varies by bank; some lenders offer reduced fees for non-residents, others do not
- Life or home insurance — often linked to the mortgage offer
- Notary fee for the mortgage deed — separate from the purchase deed in many cases
Use our mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments; combine that with purchase costs to understand total cash needed. Remember non-residents typically need a 30–40% deposit plus these purchase costs in accessible funds.
Ongoing costs after completion
Beyond completion day, budget for IBI (annual property tax), community fees if applicable, utilities setup, and non-resident income tax declarations if you let the property. These are not purchase costs but affect your total ownership budget — see our guide on taxes for non-resident property owners for a general overview.
Pulling it together
A practical rule of thumb for resale purchases in Andalusia: plan for roughly 10%–13% on top of the property price to cover taxes and professional fees, before mortgage-specific charges. New-build and other regions differ — always get a personalised estimate from your lawyer before committing. For a worked example combining deposit and purchase costs on a €300,000 property, see our guide on how much deposit you need for a mortgage in Spain.
Once your budget is clear, gather the paperwork early. Our mortgage documents checklist lists what banks typically request, and you will need your NIE in place before signing. For the full financing process, see our non-resident mortgage guide. For quick answers on deposit size, appraisal gaps, and what banks will or will not finance, see the dedicated mortgage FAQ.
Do I pay the same taxes as a Spanish resident?
Purchase taxes (ITP or IVA/AJD) are generally the same whether you are resident or non-resident. Ongoing annual taxes and reporting obligations differ for non-residents — your lawyer or tax advisor explains what applies after completion.
Can purchase costs be added to the mortgage?
In most cases, no — Spanish banks finance a percentage of the property value or appraisal, not the full purchase costs. You normally need cash available for taxes, notary, and legal fees in addition to your deposit.
