Buying in Spain: The Complete Guide 2026 (Prices, Taxation, Costs, Pitfalls, Advice)

Inheritance and gift tax (ISD) in Spain applies to heirs and beneficiaries, whether resident or non-resident, as long as the property transferred is located in Spain. The national rate varies from 7.65% to 34%, but each autonomous community applies its own reductions, which can be very advantageous (up to 99% reduction in Madrid). The ISD depends on the value of the property, the family relationship and the region. Gifts are also taxed and must be declared immediately. Deadlines vary from 6 months (inheritance) to 30 days (donation), subject to penalties. With good forethought, the help of a tax expert and a strategy tailored to your region, you can optimise the transfer of your assets with complete peace of mind and legality.

: Buying a property in Spain is now both a financial and an investment opportunity. Prices remain competitive compared with other European countries, with an average cost per m² that is significantly lower than in France or the UK. The country also benefits from strong rental demand, fuelled by international tourism and the growing presence of expatriates, which guarantees attractive returns on both seasonal and long-term rentals. Taxation remains attractive for foreigners, with advantageous rates and agreements avoiding double taxation. Finally, the unique living environment - climate, culture, infrastructure - supports property value and ensures good prospects for long-term capital gains. In short, Spain combines the pleasure of living with a profitable investment.

Buying a property in Spain is an accessible project, provided you follow the right steps. It all starts with clearly defining your project: second home, rental investment or permanent move, and establishing your overall budget, including the purchase costs (around 12-14% of the price of the property). You will then need to obtain your NIE, the identification number for foreign nationals, before you can take any official steps. Once you have this document, you can start looking for the ideal property, preferably with the help of a specialist agency. Once you've found the right opportunity, a reservation contract and then a preliminary contract are signed, together with a deposit. Finally, the purchase is formalised at the notary's office, with the keys handed over once the balance has been paid. With the right support, you can secure every step of the way and avoid unpleasant surprises.

: Buying a property in Spain attracts many French speakers, but beyond the asking price, there are significant additional costs to consider. Depending on whether the property is new or old, various taxes apply (VAT at 10%, ITP between 6 and 10% and AJD around 1%). Then there are the notary's fees (0.5% to 1%), registration fees (€400 to €800), any solicitor's fees (€1,000 to €2,500) and, in the case of a loan, bank charges and valuation fees. In total, you need to allow an average of 12% to 14% of the price of the property to cover all the costs involved in the purchase.

Buying property in Spain: as an individual or via a company? Beware, using a French SCI or SAS is a tax trap leading to double taxation, as Spain does not recognise their fiscal transparency. This expert guide compares the simplest method (individual purchase) with the only viable professional solution (creating a Spanish Sociedad Limitada, SL) to help you choose the right structure for your project.

Investing in real estate in Spain offers exceptional opportunities, from profitable rentals to a sunny retirement. This comprehensive guide provides expert insights into Spanish property taxation (ITP, IRNR), crucial legal steps (NIE, lawyer), high-potential investment zones, and common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring the security of your assets.

Buying property in Spain? Beware of pitfalls! This expert guide details the 5 critical mistakes to avoid for this high-stakes investment. Never sign the "Contrato de Arras" (preliminary contract) without verifying the "Nota Simple" (property's legal status), budgeting for 10-14% hidden fees, or engaging your own lawyer (abogado). Discover how to secure your dream in the sun and avoid an administrative nightmare.

Obtaining a mortgage in Spain as a non-resident means bank financing is typically limited to 60-70% of the property's appraised value (the *tasación*). Consequently, you'll need a total personal contribution of 40-50% to cover the difference plus 10-15% in associated costs. This expert guide analyzes 2025 rates (fixed vs. variable Euribor) and key pitfalls to avoid, such as tied products (insurances) or an appraisal value lower than the selling price.

Anticipating Spanish property interest rates for 2026 is a crucial exercise. The key lies not in Madrid but in Frankfurt: everything depends on the ECB's decisions and the evolution of the Euribor index. After the volatility of 2023-2024, our analysis of probable scenarios points towards stabilization within a range of 2.5% to 3.0%. Discover the concrete impact of this 'new normal' on your borrowing capacity and your choice between a fixed or variable rate loan.

Does your Spanish bank refuse to lower your loan rate ('novación')? That's common; most banks refuse. The real solution is 'subrogación': your legal right to transfer your mortgage to a competing bank for a better rate. This expert guide explains when it's profitable (1% difference, early in the loan term) and how to do it step by step.

Calculating your borrowing capacity in Spain is different. Spanish banks cap non-resident loans at 70% of the lower amount between the sale price and the "Tasación" (the official valuation). Furthermore, your total debt-to-income ratio ("Tasa de Esfuerzo") must not exceed 35%, including your existing loans. This expert guide shows you how to calculate the exact capital you can borrow and the total down payment required (often 40-50%).

Have you finished paying off your mortgage in Spain? Congratulations, but beware: your mortgage charge is not automatically cancelled! The 'encumbrance' remains visible on the Nota Simple, blocking any future resale or new loan. This expert guide details the 4 essential steps (Certificado de Deuda Cero, Notary, Modelo 600, Registry) to achieve 'cancelación registral' and ensure your property is finally legally 'libre de cargas'.

Dreaming of retirement in Spain with a modest pension? Obtaining a mortgage is challenging, yet achievable. The primary hurdle isn't your pension's stability (which banks value), but the 75-year age limit imposed by lenders, which shortens loan terms and increases monthly payments. This expert guide explores 4 tailored solutions: maximizing your down payment (50%+), a reverse mortgage (if already a homeowner), 'nuda propiedad' (bare ownership), or adding a younger co-borrower.

Seeking a mortgage in Spain post-55? The key challenge isn't merely the insurance cost (Seguro de Vida), but the strict 75-year age limit for final repayment imposed by banks. This pivotal rule drastically reduces your loan term (e.g., a maximum of 10 years if you are 65), potentially skyrocketing monthly payments beyond acceptable debt-to-income thresholds. This expert guide dissects this 'scissor effect' and offers actionable solutions, including significant down payments (50%+) or partnering with a younger co-borrower.

Beware the myth of a 50% debt-to-income mortgage in Spain! Contrary to popular belief, Spanish banks adhere to the same prudent 30-35% rule (the 'Tasa de Esfuerzo') as many other countries, a lesson learned from the 2008 crisis. Basing your project on this myth is the number one risk of having your financing refused and forfeiting your 10% deposit (Contrato de Arras). This expert guide debunks the myth, explains the private banking exception based on 'disposable income', and provides 3 concrete solutions if you exceed the 35% limit.