The questions international buyers ask most — answered clearly, in the order they actually come up: process, legal protection, costs and investment.
Budget 10–13% on top of the purchase price for taxes and fees. For resale properties: ITP transfer tax at 7% — Andalusia’s rate, the lowest in Spain. For new builds: VAT at 10% plus stamp duty at 1.2%. Add notary, land registry and legal fees of approximately 2–3%. One important note for international buyers: closing costs in Spain are significantly higher as a percentage than in the US or the UK — budget for this from the start, not after you fall in love with a property.
More information: Complete buying costs guide
In Spain, most agencies represent the seller — not you. A buyer’s agent works exclusively in your interest: searching the entire market (not just their own portfolio), negotiating the price, reviewing the property’s legal status and coordinating the legal, tax and banking process on your behalf. The distinction matters most at negotiation and due diligence — the two moments where the seller’s agent has no incentive to protect you. BK Realty Group operates as a buyer’s agent on the Costa del Sol.
More information: Buying Step by Step Guide and Why Buy on the Costa del Sol
Yes — and this is non-negotiable. In Spain, the notary authenticates the transaction but does not represent either party. Your lawyer (abogado) carries out the due diligence: checking the Nota Simple (title search), verifying there are no debts or charges on the property, confirming planning permissions are legal, and reviewing all contract terms before you sign anything. BK Realty Group works with a network of independent lawyers who represent only the buyer — never the seller — and who have no financial interest in the transaction completing.
More information: Buying Step by Step Guide
Reservation fees to take a property off the market while contracts are prepared are standard practice in Spain — but they should only be paid after your lawyer has reviewed the property’s legal status. The correct sequence is: (1) reservation fee → (2) legal due diligence → (3) Arras contract (10% deposit with protection clauses for both parties) → (4) final signing at the notary. Never pay a reservation fee without independent legal advice in place. BK Realty Group coordinates the entire process and ensures your lawyer is involved from the very first step.
More information: Buying Step by Step Guide
Marbella: highest price per m², luxury lifestyle, Golden Mile, Puerto Banús — best for prestige and capital preservation. Estepona: the Garden City, strongest new-build pipeline, better value, family-friendly — best for long-term growth. Málaga city: tech hub, highest rental yields, most urban — best for buy-to-let investors. The right answer depends entirely on whether you prioritise lifestyle, ROI, or both.
More information: Full comparison
The short-term rental landscape in Andalusia has tightened significantly. Every tourist rental property now requires a Registration Number — mandatory for listing on any platform including Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com. New tourist rental licences have been suspended or severely restricted in Málaga city centre and parts of Marbella. Outside these zones, licences remain available but require the property to meet specific habitability and safety standards. A 2024 court ruling also confirmed that owners’ associations can ban short-term rentals with a 3/5 majority vote — making it essential to check the community statutes before purchasing with rental intent. Pre-licensed properties command a significant premium and are increasingly scarce in high-demand areas.
More information: Andalusia Holiday Rental Guide and Why Invest in the Costa del Sol
The data is strong. Málaga province recorded price growth of up to 13% year-on-year in prime areas, with gross rental yields of 5–7% in key locations. Supply consistently falls short of structural demand, which continues to support prices. Americans are now one of the fastest-growing buyer groups, and they consistently choose the premium end of the market — their average purchase price runs about 29% above the foreign-buyer average, a reliable signal of confidence from the most analytical buyer demographic.
More information: Why invest in the Costa del Sol
Your nationality and residency status change the rules. Find the answers that apply to you.
For UK Buyers — Buying after Brexit, the 90/180-day rule, rental income tax, the 100% surcharge proposal and mortgages with GBP income.
For US Buyers — Buying 100% remotely, IRS obligations and the US–Spain treaty, residency options after the Golden Visa, and mortgages with US income.
Information correct as of July 2026. Always consult an independent tax and legal adviser for your specific situation.
