Buying Property in Spain
Personalised Service for Property Buyers
Lottas House offers a personalised buyer-focused property service for clients looking for a holiday home, investment property or permanent residence on the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol.
Our more than 30 years of real estate experience in Finland and Spain enables us to understand both our clients’ expectations and the local Spanish property market and buying practices.
Our work always begins by listening. We discuss your wishes, budget, timetable and intended use of the property. You do not need to know exactly what type of home you want or which area would suit you best.
Based on this information, we search for and compare suitable properties through our extensive network. When needed, we also recommend locations, arrange carefully planned viewings and guide you through local price levels, reservations and every stage of the buying process.
Our Service Includes
• A personal assessment of your wishes and requirements
• Searching for suitable areas and properties
• Comparing properties and arranging viewings
• Guidance with reservations and the different stages of the purchase
• Cooperation with experienced law firms and local professionals
• Support after completion
• Our service is completely free of charge for the buyer
The properties displayed on our website represent only part of the homes available through our network. Tell us what you are looking for, even when you do not immediately find the right property on our website.
We will send you carefully selected options that match your requirements and help you find a home that genuinely suits your needs and lifestyle.
The Buying Process
Once a suitable property has been found and the main terms have been agreed, the buyer usually pays a reservation deposit of several thousand euros. The amount depends on the property and the reservation terms.
The lawyer then contacts the seller or the seller’s representative and reviews the ownership documents, licences, permits and other legal documentation. The lawyer also verifies that there are no unresolved mortgages, debts, unpaid taxes or other encumbrances affecting the property.
We work with experienced law firms so that buyers can proceed with confidence and receive legal assistance in their own language.
Once the legal checks have been completed, a private purchase contract may be signed.
When buying a resale property, the buyer normally pays part of the purchase price upon signing the private contract, often approximately 10%. For newly built homes, the payment schedule depends on the developer, the contract and the stage of construction. Therefore, if the home is not yet ready for handover, payments may be made in installments.
The final public title deed is signed before a notary. The remaining purchase price is usually paid at this stage, and the keys and possession of the property are handed over to the buyer.
Following completion, the lawyer arranges payment of the applicable taxes and registration of the new owner with the Spanish Land Registry.
The buyer does not necessarily need to attend the notary appointment personally, as the lawyer can usually represent the buyer under a valid power of attorney.
Taxes and Buying Costs on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol
In addition to the purchase price, buyers should budget for taxes and the fees of the lawyer, notary and Land Registry.
The total amount depends mainly on whether the property is a new build or a resale, the region in which it is located and its purchase price.
Costa Blanca – Valencian Community
• Resale properties are generally subject to 9% Transfer Tax, known as ITP.
• New-build properties are generally subject to 10% VAT, known as IVA, and 1.4% Stamp Duty, known as AJD.
• Legal, notary and Land Registry fees are payable in addition.
The general ITP rate in the Valencian Community has been 9% since 1 June 2026. Reduced or higher rates may apply depending on the property, purchase price and circumstances of the buyer.
Costa del Sol – Andalusia
• Resale properties are generally subject to 7% ITP.
• New-build properties are generally subject to 10% IVA and 1.2% AJD.
• Legal, notary and Land Registry fees are payable in addition.
The general Andalusian rates are 7% for ITP and 1.2% for AJD, although reduced rates may apply in certain circumstances.
Example of Buying Costs
For a new-build property on the Costa del Sol with a purchase price of € 300,000, the usual taxes are:
• 10% IVA: €30,000
• 1.2% AJD: €3,600
The buyer should also budget for legal, notary and Land Registry fees. The final total budget is always calculated individually for each property.
Costs of Property Ownership
Owning a property in Spain also involves annual and monthly costs.
Community fees depend on the property and the facilities provided by the residential community. Swimming pools, landscaped gardens, lifts, gyms, SPA facilities and heated pools will generally affect the amount payable.
We will provide the current community fee for each property before you make a purchase decision.
Other typical ownership costs include:
• Annual municipal property tax, known as IBI
• Electricity and water
• Home insurance
• A possible municipal waste collection charge
Owners who are permanently resident outside Spain may also have annual Spanish tax filing or tax payment obligations. A lawyer or tax adviser will assess these according to the owner’s individual circumstances.
Tell Us What Kind of Home You Are Looking For
Tell us about your wishes, plans and any questions you may have about buying property in Spain. We will be pleased to assist you.
