Buying Property in Marbella? Here's Everything You Need to Know
The Costa del Sol attracts over 8,700 property transactions per year in the Golden Triangle alone — with 90% of luxury buyers coming from abroad. Every international purchase requires expert tax structuring, legal due diligence, and ongoing compliance. Fideso has guided buyers through this process since 1980.
Why International Buyers Need Expert Advisory
Buying property in Spain as a foreigner is not just a real estate transaction — it's a tax event, a legal commitment, and often the beginning of a long-term relationship with the Spanish tax authorities. Getting the structure right from day one saves significant money and avoids costly mistakes.
Tax Structuring
Should you buy personally, through a Spanish S.L., or via a holding company? The wrong structure can cost tens of thousands in unnecessary tax.
Legal Due Diligence
Urban planning violations, undeclared extensions, disputed boundaries — Spanish property has unique risks that only local expertise can uncover.
Ongoing Obligations
Non-resident owners face annual tax filings, wealth tax exposure, and Modelo 720 reporting requirements — even if the property generates no income.
Cross-Border Complexity
Double taxation treaties, foreign asset reporting in your home country, inheritance law conflicts — buying abroad creates obligations in multiple jurisdictions.
What Does It Cost to Buy Property in Spain?
Beyond the purchase price, buyers should budget 10–13% for taxes, fees, and registration costs. Here's a typical breakdown.
| Cost Item | Typical Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Tax (ITP) | 7–10% | Resale properties — varies by Autonomous Community |
| VAT (IVA) + Stamp Duty | 10% + 1.5% | New-build properties only |
| Notary Fees | 0.1–0.5% | Scaled to property value |
| Land Registry | 0.1–0.3% | Registration of title deed |
| Legal Fees | 1–1.5% | Independent legal representation |
| Annual Non-Resident Tax | ~0.3–0.5% | Imputed income on property value |
These rates are indicative. The actual costs depend on whether the property is new-build or resale, its location within Andalucía, and your tax residency status. Fideso provides a personalised cost estimate before you commit.
How Fideso Supports Your Purchase
From your first inquiry to years after completion, we handle the tax and legal side so you can focus on finding the right property.
Before You Buy
- Tax residency assessment — resident vs. non-resident implications
- Purchase structuring advice (personal, S.L., or holding company)
- NIE application and tax number registration
- Spanish bank account opening
- Mortgage coordination with Spanish and international lenders
The Transaction
- Full legal due diligence on the property
- Contract review and negotiation (arras, private purchase contract)
- Conveyancing and power of attorney
- Notary attendance and title deed execution
- Land registry filing and post-completion formalities
After Completion
- Annual non-resident income tax filings (IRNR — Modelo 210)
- Rental income compliance and quarterly VAT if applicable
- Modelo 720 foreign asset declaration
- Wealth tax and solidarity tax planning
- Community of owners representation
If You Become a Resident
- Full Spanish tax compliance (income, wealth, assets)
- Beckham Law application — pay 24% instead of up to 47%
- Payroll setup for domestic staff
- Succession and inheritance planning under Spanish law
- Ongoing annual tax filings and advisory
Non-Resident Owner? You Still Have Tax Obligations
Many international buyers don't realise that owning property in Spain triggers annual tax obligations — even if you never rent the property out and only use it as a holiday home.
Non-Resident Owners Must File:
- Annual imputed income tax (even if property is empty)
- Rental income declarations (if rented)
- Wealth tax on Spanish assets above €700,000
- Modelo 720 foreign asset declaration in your home country
- Capital gains tax when you sell (19% for EU/EEA, 24% others)
Thinking of Becoming a Resident?
Many property buyers eventually relocate to Spain full-time. The transition from non-resident to resident triggers a complete change in your tax obligations — and opens the door to significant savings through the Beckham Law.
Learn about the Beckham LawReady to Buy with Confidence?
Whether it's your first Spanish property or an addition to your portfolio, our team ensures the tax and legal side is handled properly from day one.
Book a Free Property Assessment