Buying in Spain feels overwhelming at first.
If you’re thinking about buying on the Costa del Sol (Los Arqueros, Benahavís, Marbella), the best way to feel confident is to understand the process before you fall in love with a property.
The buying process in Spain, step by step 🧭
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Agree the deal 🤝
You make an offer. Once accepted, the property is typically reserved and you sign a private purchase contract.
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Lawyer due diligence (don’t skip this) ⚖️
Your lawyer checks that everything is legally in order, including:
• Ownership and title ✅
• Debts/charges ✅
• Planning permissions ✅
• Community status and fees ✅
• Licences and legal compliance ✅
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Deposit 💳
Usually 10% (timing depends on what’s agreed in the contract).
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Completion day: title deed + keys 🔑
You sign the title deed (escritura) in front of a notary, pay the balance, and the keys are yours.
What should you budget for in Andalucía? 💶
A good rule of thumb is 10% to 13% on top of the purchase price for taxes and buying costs (it varies depending on resale vs new build).
Typical taxes 🧾
• Resale homes: Property Transfer Tax (ITP) is commonly 7% in Andalucía
• New builds: VAT (IVA) 10% + Stamp Duty (AJD) (rate varies, your lawyer will confirm the exact %)
Other common costs 📌
• Notary + land registry (variable, usually a few thousand €)
• Legal fees (often around 1% + VAT, depending on complexity)
Can foreigners buy in Spain? 🌍
Yes, there are no restrictions. You’ll just need an NIE number (your lawyer can help arrange it).
info@losarquerosestates.com
