Buying in Spain
Know what the house really costs
The price is the easy part. The tax changes depending on which region you buy in, and nobody tells you until late. Here it is up front, before you fall in love with a house.
Talk to usRegion by region
The same house, a different tax bill
Spain sets this tax regionally, so two identical homes can differ by tens of thousands of euros. Hover over any region to see what it charges.
- 4–6%
- 6–7%
- 7–8%
- 8–9%
- 9–10%
- 10% or more
What happens next
Four things nobody explains in time
Your NIE
The number you need before you can sign anything. Your agent starts it while you are still choosing.
How the NIE worksThe tax on the purchase
It changes from one region to the next, and it is the single biggest cost after the price itself.
Financing
How much a bank here will lend you, and what deposit you should be ready to put down.
Completion
Notary, land registry and the paperwork around the signing, with the dates agreed in advance.
FAQ
Questions buyers actually ask
- How much tax do I pay when buying a property in Spain?
- On a resale home you pay transfer tax, which is set by each autonomous region and currently ranges from 4% to 13% of the price. On a new build you pay 10% VAT plus regional stamp duty. The map on this page shows the general rate for every region.
- Do I need a NIE to buy property in Spain?
- Yes. Any foreign buyer needs a NIE (foreigner identification number) to sign before a notary. Without it the purchase cannot be completed, so it is worth starting the application early.
- What other costs should I budget for beyond the price?
- Beyond tax, budget for the notary, the land registry, a lawyer if you use one, and mortgage-related costs. As a rough guide, allow 10–15% on top of the purchase price depending on the region and whether the home is new or resale.
- Can I get a mortgage in Spain as a non-resident?
- Non-residents can usually borrow a lower share of the price than residents, so expect to put down a larger deposit. Conditions vary by bank and by country of residence.
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