What buying on the Costa del Sol really costs — clearly, from the start

One of the nicest things about buying in Spain is that the costs are well defined. Beyond the asking price there are a few standard items, and once they are laid out, your real budget is clear from day one — which is exactly how it should be.

The purchase in three easy stages

1. Reservation agreement — a deposit (often around €6,000) that takes the property off the market while checks begin.
2. Private purchase contract — usually 10% of the price, secured by arras (the Spanish earnest-money deposit).
3. Completion at the notary — the remaining balance plus costs, when the keys change hands.

The costs on top of the price

Purchase costs on the Costa del Sol usually come to around 10–13% of the price, depending on whether the home is a resale or a new build and how you finance it:

• Transfer tax (ITP) on resale homes in Andalusia.
• VAT (IVA) plus stamp duty (AJD) on new builds instead.
• Notary and Land Registry fees.
• Legal fees for the conveyancing and checks.
• Mortgage costs, if you finance.

Your lawyer confirms the exact figures for your situation before you sign — so nothing is ever an estimate at the moment it matters.

Why we work it out first

Knowing the total from the start makes everything easier. You view only homes you can comfortably complete on, your offer is grounded in real numbers, and you arrive at the notary with no surprises — just the keys.

We prepare a personalised total-cost picture at the very beginning of every purchase, before the first viewing, because a clear number is what lets you buy with confidence and enjoy the whole thing.