How Much Does It Cost to Buy Property in Spain?
How Much Does It Cost to Buy Property in Spain? explains the Spanish steps and the separate obligations that matter to someone living in the United Kingdom. It is designed as a decision guide, not a promise that one rule fits every buyer or property.
The Spanish process
Work through resale ITP, new-build VAT, regional AJD first, then coordinate notary, registry, lawyer. The exact sequence can change with the property, region, finance and contract.
- resale ITP
- new-build VAT
- regional AJD
- notary
Official source → Agencia Tributaria — Compra de vivienda: IVA o ITP
Checks before you commit
Before paying or signing, verify regional AJD, notary, registry, lawyer. Put conditions, deadlines and consequences in writing and have the documents checked independently.
- registry
- lawyer
- valuation
- mortgage costs
Official source → Agència Tributària Valenciana — Modelo 600
Costs, timing and evidence
Build a file for registry, lawyer, valuation, mortgage costs. Obtain a property-specific cost calculation and confirm current regional rules at the date of completion.
Official source → Junta de Andalucía — ITP and AJD
United Kingdom module
For a buyer connected with the United Kingdom, the Spanish transaction and the home-country position must be documented in parallel.
For a buyer paid in GBP, the property price and Spanish taxes are in EUR. Record the quoted rate, spread, transfer fee and execution date; a rate movement before completion can change the sterling cost materially.
A Spanish lender will assess UK income, existing debt and the GBP/EUR currency mismatch. Ask for a personalised European Standardised Information Sheet and do not assume a fixed loan-to-value ratio.
Official source → Spanish Consulate in London — NIE · HMRC — tax on foreign income
Tax, banking and records at home
A UK resident normally reports taxable foreign rental income through Self Assessment. Keep the Spanish return, exchange-rate workings, invoices and proof of tax paid.
Official source → HMRC — selling overseas property · UK–Spain tax treaty
Official sources
- Agencia Tributaria — Compra de vivienda: IVA o ITP ↗
- Agència Tributària Valenciana — Modelo 600 ↗
- Junta de Andalucía — ITP and AJD ↗
- Agencia Tributaria Región de Murcia — ITP/AJD ↗
- Agència Tributària de Catalunya — property purchases ↗
- Spanish Consulate in London — NIE ↗
- HMRC — tax on foreign income ↗
- HMRC — selling overseas property ↗
- UK–Spain tax treaty ↗
Last legal/source review: 2026-09-16
Open guide · Compare regions · Browse properties · Ask your question