Buying a home in Spain—whether a modern apartment in Marbella, a beachfront villa on the Costa del Sol, or a city property in Madrid—remains one of the most attractive lifestyle and investment decisions in Europe. But beyond the advertised purchase price, buyers must factor in a series of taxes, fees, and administrative costs that vary depending on the region and whether the property is new‑build or resale.
This updated 2026 guide breaks down every cost you should expect so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.
How Much Should You Budget?
Most buyers underestimate the true cost of purchasing property in Spain. In 2026, you should expect to add 8–13% on top of the purchase price for a resale property, and 10–15% for a new‑build.
Your final figure depends on:
- Property type (new‑build vs. resale)
- Region (taxes vary significantly between autonomous communities)
- Whether you need a mortgage
- Buyer profile (residents, non‑residents, first‑time buyers, large families, etc.)
- Taxes on New‑Build Properties (Directly From a Developer)
When buying a brand‑new home in Spain, two taxes apply:
IVA (VAT)
- 10% across mainland Spain
- 6.5% IGIC in the Canary Islands
- 4–5% for certain social housing categories
AJD (Stamp Duty / Actos Jurídicos Documentados)
- 0.5%–1.5%, depending on the region
- Example: Madrid: 0.75%
Example (Madrid): A €200,000 new‑build apartment
- IVA: €20,000
- AJD (0.75%): €1,500
- Total taxes: €21,500
- Taxes on Resale Properties (Second‑Hand Homes)
For pre‑owned homes, buyers pay ITP (Property Transfer Tax). Rates vary widely:
| Region | ITP 2026 |
| Andalusia | 7% |
| Madrid | 6% |
| Catalonia | 10% |
| Valencia | 10% |
| Balearic Islands | 8% |
| Basque Country | 4% |
| Canary Islands | 6.5% |
Reduced rates may apply for young buyers, large families, or protected housing—always check local regulations.
- Notary Fees
Notary fees are regulated by the Spanish government and depend on the property price.
- Typically 0.2%–0.5% of the purchase price
- Approx. €850 for a €100,000 property
- Approx. €1,000 for a €250,000 property
- Land Registry Fees
Once the deed is signed, it must be registered.
- Usually 0.1%–0.25% of the property price
- Typically €400–€650
- Legal Fees
Hiring a lawyer is not mandatory, but strongly recommended—especially for international buyers.
- Standard legal fees: 1% of the purchase price (+IVA)
- Some advisers charge fixed fees around €300 for mortgage‑related paperwork
- Mortgage‑Related Costs
If you finance your purchase with a Spanish mortgage, expect:
- Valuation (tasación): €300–€600 (appox, depending on the property value)
- Bank arrangement fees: 0%–1% (varies by lender)
- Home insurance (mandatory for mortgages)
Buyers should budget 2–4% of the loan amount for mortgage‑related expenses.
- Real Estate Agent Fees
In Spain, the seller typically pays the agent’s commission. However, buyers may incur:
- Buyer’s agent fees (if using a property finder)
- Optional advisory or due‑diligence services
These vary widely depending on the service level.
- Other Potential Costs
- Utility connection fees
- Property survey (optional but recommended)
- Home insurance
- NIE number application
- Bank account setup
These vary depending on the buyer’s situation and the property type.
Total Estimated Cost Example (Resale Property in Andalusia)
For a €400,000 resale property in Marbella:
- ITP (7%): €28,000
- Notary + Registry: €1,200–€1,600
- Legal fees: €4,000
- Mortgage costs (if applicable): €2,000–€4,000
Total estimated cost: €433,000–€438,000 (without mortgage)
Key Takeaways for Buyers in 2026
- Budget 10–15% extra for new‑builds and 8–13% for resales.
- Taxes vary significantly by region—Madrid and Andalusia remain among the most competitive.
- Mortgage‑related costs add another 2–4% if financing is required.
- Always factor in legal, notary, and registry fees.
- Professional guidance is essential for international buyers navigating Spain’s legal and tax system.
For more information on buying property in Marbella and Costa del Sol, visit Nookhomes for expert guidance and listings that meet your criteria.
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