Legal & Residency in Spain

Purchase Costs in Andalucía

One of the first questions buyers ask is “what should I budget on top of the price?”
In Andalucía, purchase costs depend on whether you’re buying a resale or a new-build, but the ranges are predictable once you understand how the taxes work.

• Resale homes: typically around 10% total (ITP plus legal fees)
• New builds: usually 12–13% (IVA, AJD and fees)
• Variations by price band, incentives and municipality

Open Purchase Costs Guide →

Spain Visa Options

If you’re planning to stay in Spain beyond short visits, understanding the right visa route early can save time and frustration later.
The best option depends on how you work, where your income comes from, and how long you intend to stay.

• Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers and founders
• Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees and passive income
• EU family rights and alternative pathways

Explore Visa Options →

Buying Process (Step-by-Step)

Buying property in Spain follows a clear legal sequence, but the terminology and timing can feel unfamiliar if you’re used to another system.
Knowing what happens — and when — makes the process far less stressful.

1. Reservation and arras contracts
2. Legal checks and due diligence
3. Financing or funds transfer
4. Completion and handover

See the Buying Process →

Taxes When Buying & Owning

Beyond the initial purchase, property ownership in Spain comes with ongoing obligations.
Understanding these early helps you budget realistically and avoid surprises.

• Purchase taxes (ITP, IVA, AJD)
• Annual taxes such as IBI, Basura and non-resident tax
• Wealth tax considerations for higher-value assets

Read the Tax Guide →

Selling Costs & Taxes

If you’re selling a property in Spain, different costs apply — and they’re often misunderstood.
Planning ahead helps avoid last-minute delays at completion.

• Agency, legal and mortgage cancellation fees
• Capital gains and Plusvalía
• Required documentation, including EPC

Open Seller Guide →

Residency & NIE Essentials

Some admin steps are unavoidable when moving to Spain.
Getting these in the right order makes everything else — banking, healthcare and utilities — much smoother.

• NIE numbers and Spanish bank accounts
• Health insurance requirements
• Padrón and TIE registration where applicable

Start with the Essentials →

Holiday-Rental Licences & Transfers

Short-term rental rules in Andalucía changed significantly in 2025.
Whether a licence transfers with a property — and whether a community can block new ones — now depends on several layers of regulation.

• VFT vs NRUA registrations
• Community approvals under updated LPH rules
• Local overlays in Benahavís, Marbella and Estepona

Read the Guide →