Barcelona’s real estate market is attractive for international buyers — but many overlook the additional taxes and legal fees required to complete a purchase.
This guide breaks down all the property-related taxes and costs foreigners need to consider when buying in Barcelona, whether for personal use or investment.
📊 Main Taxes When Buying a Property in Barcelona
The taxes depend on whether you’re buying new or resale property:
🏗️ New Build Properties (from a developer)
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VAT (IVA): 10% of the purchase price
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Stamp Duty (AJD): 1.5% in Catalonia (sometimes reduced to 1.25%)
🏠 Resale Properties (second-hand)
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Property Transfer Tax (ITP): 10% of the purchase price in Catalonia
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For properties under €1M, flat 10%
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Slightly higher rates apply above €1M
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💡 Example: A €500,000 resale flat → €50,000 in ITP
🖋️ Notary & Land Registry Fees
These are standard legal transaction costs in Spain:
| Fee Type | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Notary fee | €600 – €1,200 |
| Land registry fee | €400 – €800 |
| Gestoría (admin agent) | €300 – €500 |
| NIE (if needed) | €150 – €250 |
💼 Lawyer Fees (Highly Recommended)
Hiring an independent property lawyer in Barcelona is the best way to avoid legal issues and protect your investment.
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Typical range: €1,500 – €3,000
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We offer flat-fee pricing based on property value and complexity
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Our services include:
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Due diligence
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Contract review
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Power of Attorney drafting
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Tax filing and notary coordination
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📆 Annual Ongoing Costs After Purchase
🏛️ Property Tax (IBI – Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles)
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Paid yearly to the local council
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Based on cadastral value, not market value
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Typical range: €300–€1,500/year
🏢 Community Fees (if in apartment building)
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Monthly maintenance fees
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Typically €40–€200/month
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Covers elevator, cleaning, repairs, etc.
♻️ Waste Collection Tax (Tasa de Residuos)
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Annual local fee
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Around €100–€200 per property
💸 Capital Gains Tax (When Selling Later)
If you sell the property later, you may owe:
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Plusvalía Municipal: Based on increase in land value (payable to city)
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Capital Gains Tax (CGT):
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19% for first €6,000
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21% for €6,000–€50,000
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23% for €50,000–€200,000
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26% above €200,000
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We help structure purchases and ownership to optimize tax exposure from day one.
📑 How Borderless Lawyers Helps You Plan Ahead
✔️ Full tax estimate before you commit
✔️ Compare ITP vs. IVA scenarios
✔️ Handle all payments, declarations, and forms
✔️ Coordinate with notary and tax offices
✔️ Set up utilities, bank accounts, and ongoing tax obligations
🧾 Example: Real Cost Breakdown (Resale Apartment – €500,000)
| Item | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | €500,000 |
| ITP (10%) | €50,000 |
| Notary & registry fees | €1,500 |
| Lawyer fee (flat) | €2,500 |
| Total upfront cost | €554,000 |
📞 Plan Your Barcelona Purchase with Clarity
We help you understand the true cost of your investment and protect you from legal surprises.