call us

What You Need to Know Before Buying
a Property in Costa del Sol as a Foreigner

  1. Home
  2. Uncategorized
  3. What You Need to Know Before Buying a Property in Costa del Sol as a Foreigner

Considering buying property in Marbella or elsewhere along the Costa del Sol?

As foreigner, the process can seem complex — but with the right knowledge and professional support, it’s entirely achievable.

In this guide, Best House Marbella walks you through the steps, costs, legalities, and tips to make your purchase smooth, secure, and successful.

Why Now Is a Great Time to Buy in Spain

 

  • Favorable interest rates and mortgage conditions
    Across Spain and Europe, mortgage rates remain attractive for qualified buyers, making today a strong buying window.

  • Increasing demand for Mediterranean homes
    Spain’s warm climate, quality of life, and favorable tax regimes continue to draw international buyers.

  • Strong resale value in prime areas
    Luxury areas such as Marbella, Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía, and Benahavís retain value even in shifting markets.

  • Lifestyle & remote work trends
    The rise of remote work and digital nomadism increases demand for comfortable, year-round homes in coastal destinations.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget & Financing Options

 

Establishing your budget early will help you narrow down your options and avoid unexpected expenses later on. From mortgage options to legal fees and taxes, having a solid financial plan ensures a smoother buying process and positions you to act quickly when you find the right property.

 

1.1 Setting realistic expectations

  • Beyond property price, account for taxes, fees, renovations, furnishing, and ongoing community costs.

  • Factor currency exchange fluctuations if you’re not in euros.

1.2 Mortgages for non-residents

  • Spanish banks often offer up to 60–70 % loan-to-value (LTV) for non-residents.

  • Mortgage terms, interest rates, and documentation requirements vary — obtaining pre-approval is wise.

1.3 Preparing your documentation

  • Valid passport and proof of identity

  • Proof of income, bank statements, credit history

  • In many cases, a Spanish “NIE” (foreigner identification number) is required before proceeding

Step 2: Choose the Right Location in Costa del Sol

 

When buying property in Spain, location is everything — and the Costa del Sol offers a variety of prime areas that cater to different lifestyles and investment goals:

 

  • Marbella’s Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, and Nueva Andalucía remain top choices for those seeking luxury living, vibrant social scenes, and proximity to exclusive beaches and marinas.
  • For a quieter, more private atmosphere surrounded by nature and panoramic views, Benahavís and La Quinta offer exceptional options that blend elegance with tranquility. Meanwhile, Estepona, Mijas, and nearby coastal towns are becoming increasingly popular among international buyers looking for great value without compromising on quality or access to amenities.

 

When evaluating neighborhoods, it’s important to consider not just the property itself but the lifestyle it offers. Think about how close you want to be to shops, restaurants, schools, and transport connections.

Pay attention to the property’s orientation and views, which can greatly influence comfort and resale value. A well-maintained community with good infrastructure, security, and management adds long-term stability. Finally, always check for future development plans or zoning changes in the area — these can significantly affect both your living experience and investment potential.

Step 3: Engage a Qualified Local Agent & Legal Team

 

3.1 Why a local expert is indispensable

  • Deep understanding of local market, pricing, and negotiation

  • Network of trusted professionals (inspectors, architects, notaries)

  • Ability to show off-market or upcoming properties

 

3.2 Legal & tax advisors

  • A Spanish abogado (lawyer) or notary ensures you don’t run into legal surprises

  • Ensure you understand taxes (stamp duty, property transfer tax, plusvalía, etc.)

  • Assistance with contract review and due diligence

Step 4: Property Search, Offers, and Due Diligence

 

4.1 Selecting properties & scheduling visits

  • List your must-haves (bedrooms, plot size, orientation)

  • Ask for high-quality photos, videos, and disclosures in advance

  • Inspect in person (or hire a trusted representative)

 

4.2 Making an offer

  • Typically, a small reservation deposit secures exclusivity while formal checks are done

  • Offers are often made via “contrato de arras” (earnest money agreement)

 

4.3 Due diligence checks

  • Verify property registry (Registro de la Propiedad) status

  • Confirm there are no outstanding debts, liens, or legal issues

  • Ensure urban planning permits are in order

  • Verify community fees, utilities, and service records

Step 5: Costs, Taxes & Ongoing Expenses

 

5.1 One-time costs (buyer’s side)

  • Notary fees, registry fees, legal fees

  • Property transfer tax / VAT + AJD

  • Mortgage arrangement and valuation fees

  • Survey and inspection costs

 

5.2 Annual and ongoing costs

  • Property tax (IBI)

  • Community/community maintenance fees

  • Insurance, utilities, garbage collection

  • Non-resident income tax (if you don’t live full time)

 

5.3 Tax implications & incentives

  • For residents, ability to deduct mortgage interest (depending on your jurisdiction)

  • Capital gains tax on resale (varies if you’re non-resident)

  • Wealth tax, inheritance tax, etc. — depends on your home country and Spain

Marbella Property Selling FAQs

 

Do you need to be in Spain to buy property?

No. Much of the process can be handled remotely through legal representatives, power of attorney, and digital communications.

How long does the purchase process take?

Typically 2–3 months from offer acceptance to deed signing, though it can vary depending on property, financing, and due diligence.

Can you rent out the property short-term (vacation rental)?

Yes, but local regulations vary municipality to municipality — we can help you understand rental licensing in Costa del Sol.

Are there restrictions for foreign buyers?

In some sensitive or strategic zones, yes — always check with your lawyer and local authorities.

What happens if I default or change my mind?

Legal penalties may apply depending on the “arras” contract conditions. Always ensure you understand terms before signing anything.

Ready to Buy Your Property?

 

At Best House Marbella, we make buying your dream property in Costa del Sol simple, transparent, and rewarding. Whether you’re relocating, investing, or searching for a holiday home, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way—without the stress.

 

  • Access to the most exclusive properties in Marbella and Costa del Sol

  • Full legal and purchasing support in your language

  • Personalized property search tailored to your needs

  • Expert negotiation to secure the best deal

 

Don’t leave your dream home to chance. Let’s find it together.

👉 Tell us what you’re looking for or get in touch for a free consultation—no pressure, just real advice.

info@besthousemarbella.com

Recent Blog Entries