Taxes and fees when buying property in Marbella (2026)

Questions and answers

• What taxes and fees do I pay when buying property in Marbella, Costa del Sol?

  On a resale home, transfer tax (ITP) at Andalusia's general rate of 7%. On a new home from the developer, VAT at 10% plus stamp duty (AJD) at 1.2%. In both cases the notary and the Land Registry charge by official scales set by the Government, and a lawyer's fee is agreed with the lawyer.

• Is the property transfer tax (ITP) in Andalusia 7% in 2026?

  Yes. The Junta de Andalucía gives 7% as the general rate. A 6% rate applies to a main residence worth up to 150,000 euros, and a 3.5% rate to certain buyers within limits of 150,000 or 250,000 euros.

• How much are VAT and stamp duty on a new build in Marbella?

  VAT is 10% on a home sold by its developer, including up to two garage spaces and annexes sold with it. Stamp duty on the deed is 1.2%, the general rate in Andalusia. On a price of 1,000,000 euros before VAT, that is 100,000 euros of VAT and 12,000 euros of stamp duty.

• What is the Cadastre's reference value, and can it raise my tax?

  It is a value the Cadastre gives each property every year. Transfer tax is calculated on the higher of the reference value and the price you pay. If you buy below the reference value, the tax is calculated on the reference value.

• When do I have to pay the purchase tax in Andalusia?

  Within two months, counted from the day after the deed is signed.

• Who pays the notary when buying property in Spain?

  Whatever buyer and seller agree. If they agree nothing, article 1455 of the Civil Code puts the cost of the deed on the seller, and the first copy and everything after the sale on the buyer.

• Will the transfer tax in Andalusia go down in 2027?

  The Junta de Andalucía announced on 24 September 2026 that its 2027 budget will lower the general rate from 7% to 6.75%. Until that budget is law, the rate is 7%.

• Is Marbella, Costa del Sol a good place to buy property as an investment?

  That depends on the home, the price and how long you hold it, and nobody can promise a return. What can be known in advance is the cost of getting in and out: 7% transfer tax on a resale, or 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty on a new build; and on a sale, a non-resident pays 19% on the gain, besides the town hall's tax on the rise in land value. If you plan to let to holidaymakers, the home must first be entered in Andalusia's Tourism Register by responsible declaration; the Junta asks for a certificate of the community of owners approving tourist use, and tells owners to check the town's planning rules with the town hall. Check all of that before you buy, not after.