When buying property in Spain, it is important to be clear about all of the costs involved as these can be quite different than for buying property in the UK. The exact costs involved will depend on the type of property, including whether or not it is a new build.
You should always consult with a specialist Spanish property lawyer before committing to buying a property in Spain to make sure you are fully aware of all of the costs involved and any other issues you need to consider.
Some of the key costs you may have to pay include:
- IVA (Impuestos sobre el Valor Añadido – Tax on Added Value)
- Stamp Duty
- Transfer Tax (on resale property)
- Legal fees
- Mortgage costs
- Notary fees
- Land registry fees
- Banking fees
You can find out more about these specific costs and when they are likely to apply in the sections below.
For specific advice on the cost of buying a Spanish property tailored to your needs, please get in touch with our friendly, expert Spanish property lawyers based in the UK.
Call: 01438 840 258 Email: admin@judicaregroup.com
General costs for buying a property in Spain
Notary fees
The buyer normally pays the notary fees, which are usually around 0.5-1% of the purchase price.
Land Registry fees
You will need to pay to inscribe the sale with the Spanish Land Registry, with this fee often being in the region of 1% of the purchase price.
Banking fees
You are likely to need to open a Spanish bank account when buying property in Spain and may need to transfer money from abroad, both of which are likely to incur fees. You also need to think about the cost of exchanging currency into Euros for the purchase, which can incur additional costs, while the exchange rate you get can make a significant difference to the overall cost of your purchase.
Mortgage costs
You will normally need to pay your lender a valuation fee for determining how much the property is worth. You may also need to pay an opening fee when you take out the mortgage, which is typically around 1% of the property’s value.
Costs for buying a new build property in Spain
If the Spanish property you are buying is a new build, there are specific additional costs you may have to pay.
IVA (VAT)
This is payable by the purchaser where the vendor is considered a developer who pays IVA and / or this is the first time that the property has been sold / transferred.
The VAT rate depends on the type of property being sold as follows;
- Residential properties 10%
- Plots of land 21%
- Commercial premises 21%
Spanish Stamp Duty
This is payable at the rate of 1.2% of the purchase price and will apply where VAT is payable
Costs for buying a resale property in Spain
If you are buying a property which has been previously owned by someone else (i.e. it is not a new build) then you will have to pay certain additional costs on top of the general costs for buying property in Spain.
Transfer Tax (Impuesto sobre las Transmisiones Patrimonilaes – ITP)
This is payable if the property is a resale (second transfer). This is paid by the buyer at the rate of between 8 and 10% depending on value and area. This has to be paid to the Spanish Treasury within 30 days of the date of signing the title deed and is needed in order to register the property.
Need help buying property in Spain?
Our UK-based team of property lawyers are highly experienced in helping clients to buy and sell property in Spain, as well as handling a whole range of related issues, such as advice on Wills and inheritance.
With a thorough understanding of both UK and Spanish law, we can provide clear, reliable legal guidance in plain English, giving you the confidence to deal effectively with property in Spain.
Call: 01438 840 258 Email: admin@judicaregroup.com