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Taxes and purchase costs for non-residents in Spain
The taxes and costs associated with buying property in Spain as a non-resident can amount to between 10% and 15% of the price. This guide breaks down each item so you can plan your budget accurately. Combined with the right non-resident mortgage, the actual cash you need from your savings is often much less than you think — request a free assessment to see your exact numbers.
The essentials
8 min full read- 1Total purchase costs for non-residents: 10-13% of property price
- 2Resale property: ITP 4-10% (varies by region)
- 3New build: VAT 10% + AJD 0.5-1.5% (varies by region)
- 4Annual IRNR tax applies to non-resident owners even without rental income
Buying property in Spain as a non-resident?
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Taxes at the time of purchase
The main tax depends on whether the property is new-build or resale:
For resale property: Transfer Tax (ITP). The rate varies by autonomous community, from 6% in the Basque Country and Madrid to 10-13% in communities such as Catalonia or Valencia.
For new-build: VAT at 10% + Stamp Duty (AJD) at 0.5-2% depending on the community. In the Canary Islands, IGIC at 7% applies instead of VAT.
Use our ITP and costs simulator to calculate the exact amount for your autonomous community.
| Region | ITP (resale) | AJD (new-build + mortgage) |
|---|---|---|
| Andalusia | 7% | 1.2% |
| Catalonia | 10% | 1.5% |
| Madrid | 6% | 0.75% |
| Valencia | 9% | 1.4% |
| Balearic Islands | 8-13% (sliding scale) | 1.2% |
| Canary Islands | 6.5% | 0.75% (+ IGIC 7% instead of VAT) |
| Basque Country | 4-7% | Variable |
Andalusia
7%
1.2%
Catalonia
10%
1.5%
Madrid
6%
0.75%
Valencia
9%
1.4%
Balearic Islands
8-13% (sliding scale)
1.2%
Canary Islands
6.5%
0.75% (+ IGIC 7% instead of VAT)
Basque Country
4-7%
Variable
Transaction costs (notary, registry, agency)
In addition to taxes, there are a series of fixed costs associated with the sale and mortgage:
| Item | Indicative range | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Notary (sale deed) | 600-1,000 EUR | Buyer |
| Notary (mortgage deed) | 300-600 EUR | Bank (since Law 5/2019) |
| Land Registry | 300-700 EUR | Buyer |
| Agency (gestoria) | 300-600 EUR | Buyer (or bank for mortgage part) |
| Official valuation | 250-500 EUR | Buyer |
| Sworn translations | 400-800 EUR (total) | Buyer |
| Power of attorney (if applicable) | 50-150 EUR | Buyer |
Notary (sale deed)
600-1,000 EUR
Buyer
Notary (mortgage deed)
300-600 EUR
Bank (since Law 5/2019)
Land Registry
300-700 EUR
Buyer
Agency (gestoria)
300-600 EUR
Buyer (or bank for mortgage part)
Official valuation
250-500 EUR
Buyer
Sworn translations
400-800 EUR (total)
Buyer
Power of attorney (if applicable)
50-150 EUR
Buyer
Recurring costs as a non-resident owner
The purchase is not the only cost. As a non-resident property owner in Spain, you will have annual tax obligations:
IRNR (Non-Resident Income Tax): if you do NOT rent, you are taxed on imputed income of 1.1-2% of the cadastral value. If you rent, you are taxed on rental income (19% EU, 24% non-EU).
IBI (Property Tax): annual municipal tax based on cadastral value. Between 200 and 1,500 EUR/year depending on location.
Home insurance: mandatory if you have a mortgage. Between 200 and 600 EUR/year.
Community fees: variable by property, from 50 EUR/month to 300 EUR/month in developments with pools and communal areas.
Taxes when selling the property
When you sell, you will face two main taxes:
Municipal capital gains tax (plusvalia): tax on the increase in land value. Calculated by the town hall based on the period of ownership and cadastral land value. Paid upon sale.
Capital gains in IRNR: the difference between the purchase price and the sale price is taxed at 19%. The buyer is obliged to withhold 3% of the sale price and pay it to the Tax Agency as a guarantee.
This 3% withholding can be partially recovered if the actual gain is lower. It is a process managed by your tax adviser.
Plan your exit from the startKnowing the tax implications of selling before you buy allows you to calculate the real return on your investment. Always include exit costs in your analysis.
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Frequently asked questions
Do EU non-residents pay the same taxes as non-EU non-residents?
Purchase taxes (ITP, VAT, AJD) are the same for everyone. The difference is in the IRNR on rental income: EU/EEA residents pay 19% on net income (they can deduct expenses), while non-EU residents pay 24% on gross income.
Are there ITP discounts for non-residents?
ITP discounts (for buyers under 35, large families, etc.) apply equally regardless of residence, provided you meet the requirements of the autonomous community. However, most require it to be the primary residence, which excludes non-residents.
Do I need a fiscal representative in Spain?
Technically yes: non-residents must designate a fiscal representative in Spain for communications with the Tax Agency. In practice, your agency or tax adviser acts as the representative. The cost is usually included in their annual management fees.
How do double taxation agreements affect me?
Spain has agreements with over 90 countries. Generally, property income (rental, sale) is taxed first in Spain and then deducted or exempted in your country. Each agreement has its specifics: consult the one for your country with a specialist adviser.
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About this content
Mortgage Content Editor
Published: July 2026
Last updated: July 2026
This page is informational and editorial in nature. It explains how the described mortgage conditions typically work and what to review, without guaranteeing results or replacing a lender’s assessment.