Foreign buyers in Marbella must pay several property-related taxes and fees when purchasing a home. These costs vary slightly based on:
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Whether the property is new or resale
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The region (Andalusia)
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Property price
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Whether a mortgage is involved
Here’s a breakdown of the main costs:
💰 1. Transfer Tax (ITP) – 7%
For resale properties, the main tax is ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales):
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Flat rate: 7% in Andalusia (including Marbella)
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Applied to the declared purchase price
✅ Example: €500,000 villa → ITP = €35,000
🏗️ 2. VAT (IVA) + Stamp Duty (AJD) – Only for New Builds
If you’re buying a brand-new property from a developer, instead of ITP you’ll pay:
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VAT (IVA): 10%
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Stamp Duty (AJD): 1.2% in Andalusia
✅ Example: €500,000 new apartment → Total = €56,000 in taxes
📜 3. Notary & Land Registry Fees
These are mandatory fees for:
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Signing the public deed
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Registering the property with the Land Registry
| Fee Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Notary | €600–€1,000 |
| Land Registry | €400–€800 |
💡 Fees increase with property value.
🧑⚖️ 4. Legal Fees
Independent legal representation is essential for foreign buyers.
| Service | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Conveyancing & POA | €1,500–€3,000 |
| Due diligence | Included in legal fee |
| Remote services | Optional, often included |
✅ We provide fixed-fee quotes before any commitment.
🏦 5. Mortgage Costs (if applicable)
If you’re financing the purchase, expect:
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Bank valuation fee: €300–€600
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Notary mortgage deed fee: €500–€1,000
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Stamp duty (AJD) on the loan: paid by the bank (by law)
📄 6. Ongoing Ownership Taxes
Once you own the property, expect to pay:
| Tax | What It Covers | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| IBI | Annual municipal property tax | 0.4%–1.1% of cadastral value |
| Garbage Tax | Waste collection | ~€150–€300/year |
| Non-resident Income Tax | 19% of a notional rental value (even if not rented) | Varies |
💡 Estimated Total Purchase Costs in Marbella
| Purchase Price | Estimated Total Closing Costs |
|---|---|
| €250,000 (resale) | €20,000–€22,000 (8%–9%) |
| €500,000 (resale) | €40,000–€45,000 (8%–9%) |
| €1,000,000 (new build) | €120,000+ (12%–13%) |
✅ Always ask for a full cost estimate before signing any contracts.
⚠️ Common Mistakes Foreign Buyers Make
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Underestimating total tax burden
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Not budgeting for lawyer and registry fees
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Forgetting about annual non-resident tax filings
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Declaring a lower value than actual price (can lead to penalties)
🧑⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps You
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Full cost calculation before signing any arras
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Explain all taxes in plain English
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Assist with tax number (NIE) and declarations
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Connect you with bilingual tax accountants if needed
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Handle remote payment and representation through POA
📞 Need Help Calculating Property Costs in Marbella?
Avoid surprise fees and tax problems. Let us give you a clear breakdown of all closing costs before you commit.