How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Property in Benalmádena?

The asking price is not what you will pay. In Benalmádena, as anywhere in Andalucía, buyers should set aside roughly 9–11% on top of the price for a resale home and 12–14% for a new build. Most of that is tax; the rest is notary, land registry and legal fees.

Resale homes: transfer tax (ITP)

When you buy from a private owner you pay Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) to the Junta de Andalucía. Since 2021 the general rate in Andalucía is a flat 7% of the price (or of the tax office's reference value, if higher). Reduced rates exist for some buyers of a main residence, such as young people or large families, subject to price caps.

New builds: VAT and stamp duty

Buying from a developer, you pay 10% VAT (IVA) on homes (21% on commercial premises or plots) plus stamp duty (AJD), which is 1.2% in Andalucía. VAT is paid to the developer in stages; AJD is paid after signing.

Notary, land registry and admin

• Notary: fees are regulated and scale with the price; for a typical apartment expect somewhere around €600–€1,200.
• Land registry (Registro de la Propiedad): usually €400–€800.
• Gestoría: if you use one to pay the taxes and register the deed, a few hundred euros.

Lawyer

A lawyer is not compulsory, but for a foreign buyer it is the best money you will spend: they check title, debts, planning status and the tourist licence if you plan to let. Independent lawyers commonly charge around 1% of the price plus 21% VAT, often with a minimum fee.

Mortgage costs

Since 2019 the bank pays most of the costs of setting up a mortgage (notary for the loan deed, registry and the stamp duty on the mortgage). The buyer pays the valuation (typically €300–€600) and any copies of the deed they request. Non-residents can usually borrow up to 60–70% of the value.

If the seller is not resident in Spain

When the seller is non-resident, the buyer must withhold 3% of the price and pay it to the Spanish tax office (form 211) on the seller's behalf. Your lawyer handles this at signing, but it is worth knowing why the seller receives less than the price.

Worked example

A resale apartment at €300,000: ITP €21,000, notary and registry about €1,800, lawyer about €3,600 including VAT. Total costs: roughly €26,400 (8.8%), before any mortgage valuation or furniture. The same price as a new build: VAT €30,000, AJD €3,600, notary and registry €1,800, lawyer €3,600, total about €39,000 (13%).

Run your own numbers with our buying costs calculator.

After you buy

Budget for the annual IBI (municipal property tax), rubbish collection, community fees and, if you are not resident, the non-resident income tax on the property. We explain it in taxes for non-resident owners.

This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rates and allowances change: confirm your situation with a lawyer or tax adviser before signing.