Hidden Costs of Buying Property in Spain

The price of a property in Spain is not the whole cost of buying it. On top come the taxes, the notary, the Land Registry, your lawyer and, afterwards, the yearly costs of ownership. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers puts these figures in writing for each purchase before anything is signed, from our office in Jávea and our associated office in Dénia, on the Costa Blanca.

When you buyThe costs of the purchase

• TaxesA resale property pays transfer tax; a new build pays VAT and stamp duty instead. The rates are set by law and can change.
• NotaryThe notary’s fees are set by an official scale, according to the price and the deed.
• Land RegistryThe registration in your name, also under an official scale.
• Your lawyerLawyers’ fees are not fixed by law. We give you a written quote before you instruct us.

Often overlookedCosts buyers do not expect

• Debts on the propertyUnpaid IBI or community fees that can follow the property. We check them and have them settled at completion.
• Planning problemsExtensions or pools built without a licence, which can lead to fines or orders.
• Mortgage costsIf you finance the purchase, the bank’s valuation and the costs of the mortgage deed.
• ExchangeThe cost of transferring the funds from abroad.

Every yearThe costs of owning

As an owner you pay the IBI, the rubbish collection tax and, where there is one, the community fees. As a non-resident you also file an annual tax return for the property. We tell you about each of them in advance.

Frequently asked questions

When are the purchase taxes paid?

After completion, within the period set by law. We take care of it.

Can you give me the figures before I make an offer?

Yes. Send us the price and the type of property and we will set out the costs in writing.

How we work

From our office in Jávea and the associated office in Dénia we work across the northern Costa Blanca: Jávea, Dénia, Moraira, Teulada, Benitachell, Benissa, Calpe and Altea. See also the conveyancing process in Spain and the nota simple.

Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has advised international clients on Spanish property for more than 30 years. We work in English, French and Spanish.

The lawyers who will handle your matter

José Manuel Tomas

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Admitted to the Valencia Bar in 1992 (no. 6407) · Alicante Bar no. 9382

José Rico

Family Law · Valencia Bar no. 12075

Mariano Ortuño

Valencia Bar no. 6041

Manuel Lopez de Andujar

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Valencia Bar no. 7773

Juan Poch

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Alicante Bar no. 3607

María Salvá

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3699

Antonio Rodríguez de Sola

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3374

Selling a property? See selling a property in Spain as a non-resident.

How we meetIn person in Jávea, or 100% remote

In person in JáveaMeet us at our office in the Centro Comercial Arenal, Avenida del Pla 126. Meetings in English, French or Spanish.

100% remote, from homeMost of our clients never need to travel. We work by email, phone, WhatsApp and video call, and you sign through a power of attorney. Only the NIE has to be applied for in person, in Spain or at a Spanish consulate.

How much do you charge?

Every case is different, so before any work starts we send you a written quote. You know our fee from the beginning, with no surprises at the end.

Next stepWhat happens when you contact us

1. You send your enquiryThrough the form below, by phone, WhatsApp or email. A few lines are enough.
2. A lawyer reads itNot an assistant: one of our lawyers reviews your situation and replies personally, the same day.
3. We tell you the next stepWhat needs to be checked first, and which documents would help.
4. We confirm scope and feeIn writing, before any work starts.
5. You decideNothing is commissioned until you say yes.

This page is general information about Spanish law and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and you should take advice on your own circumstances before acting.