What does buying and owning a home in Spain cost?
Buying a property in Spain involves more than just the purchase price. Think of one-off costs, annual charges, maintenance, insurance and renovations.
With the right insight, you'll know exactly where you stand.
In addition to one-off costs such as taxes and notary fees, there are annual charges that continue as long as you’re an owner. Think of municipal taxes, maintenance and insurance.
There are also additional points often overlooked, such as tax obligations in your home country, renovations, and the furnishing and styling of the property. Any monthly mortgage payments may also play a role.
On average, the additional purchase costs come to around 11–13% of the purchase price. This overview gives you a realistic picture of what buying and owning a property in Spain means financially.
What are the costs when buying?
When buying a property in Catalonia, there are one-off costs on top of the purchase price. Think of taxes, notary fees, registration and legal guidance. These charges vary by region and situation, but together they give a clear picture of the total investment.
To make it easy to understand, I’ve listed the main items, including Spanish terms and estimates at different purchase prices. This way you can immediately see which costs to expect and how they relate to the purchase price.
- Transfer tax (ITP)* – 10% of the purchase price (resale property)
- New build: VAT (IVA 10%) + stamp duty (AJD ±3.5%)
- Notary fees (Gastos de Notaría) – €600–€1,000
- Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) – €400–€650
- Lawyer (Abogado) – ±1% of the purchase price
- Building survey (Informe técnico) – €400–€800 (optional)
- Energy certificate (Certificado de Eficiencia Energética)** – €100–€500 (optional)
- Mortgage costs (Gastos de Hipoteca) – variable
*) Transfer tax (ITP) – progressive rate in Catalonia (since 27 June 2025): the rate depends on the purchase price and can rise significantly at higher amounts. A separate rate of 20% applies to large property owners. Always seek advice from your lawyer or gestor on the exact rate for your situation.
**) Energy certificate – mandatory for every sale and rental. Since August 2025 also required when granting a mortgage. Valid for 10 years. Costs depend on the size of the property.
On average, you can count on 11–14% on top of the purchase price, depending on the type of build and the mortgage — the higher the purchase price, the higher the percentage due to the progressive ITP.
| Purchase price | Costs | % |
|---|---|---|
| €500k | €55k–€60k | 11–12% |
| €750k | €84k–€92k | 11–12% |
| €1.5M | €180k–€210k | 12–14% |
Indicative calculation based on existing property and progressive ITP (Catalonia, as of June 2025). Exact costs depend on property type, mortgage, and personal situation.
What are the costs of ownership?
Owning a property in Spain brings annual charges on top of the purchase price. These vary by property type and municipality. With an apartment, you often pay service charges via the homeowners’ association, while with a detached villa you’re responsible for garden and pool maintenance yourself. There are also fixed charges such as municipal taxes, insurance and utilities.
To give you a clear picture, I’ve listed the main cost components. Some are mandatory, others optional or dependent on your personal situation. Through my network, I help you find reliable partners for maintenance, administration and management.
IBI (local property tax)
Annual municipal tax based on the cadastral value. Municipalities typically apply a rate between 0.4–1.1%.
Basura (waste collection charge)
Municipal waste collection charge. Annual amount, varies by municipality — typically €100–€300 per year.
Municipal charges
Additional local taxes such as sewerage or street maintenance charges. Usually linked to water consumption or property size.
Non-resident tax (IRNR)
Annual tax for non-residents. For non-rented properties, an imputed rental income is calculated (1.1–2% of the cadastral value), taxed at 19% for EU/EEA residents or 24% for non-EU residents. Filing through a gestor is strongly recommended.
Insurance
Usually a combined seguro hogar (buildings + contents + liability). Often mandatory with a mortgage. The premium depends on the rebuild value and contents — a fixed annual expense for almost every owner.
Homeowners' association fees
Monthly contribution to the homeowners' association for joint maintenance of the building, communal areas and possibly pool or garden. Varies greatly per complex — from €50 to several hundred euros per month.
Garden maintenance
Regular maintenance of planting, irrigation, and cleaning. On average €50–€200 per month, with hourly rates around €18–€25. I can help you find a reliable gardener in the region.
Pool maintenance
Cleaning, chemicals and technical checks. Often weekly in summer and less frequent in winter. On average €75–€150 per month. I can introduce you to reliable pool service partners.
Utilities (water, gas, electricity, internet)
Monthly charges for consumption. Electricity relatively expensive (€0.18–€0.35/kWh), water and gas vary by region, internet on average €30–€60 per month.
Gestor (tax administrator)
Spanish tax legislation makes it worthwhile to use a gestor. For €150 per year, they handle the property's administration. If the property value exceeds €700k, they handle additional fiscal obligations for €75 per person. For rental properties, the annual gestor cost is €400.
Property management
Management of the property in your absence, including key holding, inspections and cleaning. Basic management from €50–€150 per month, rental management often 20%-30% of rental income. I work with reliable property managers on the Costa Brava.
Personal assistance
Optional service for personal support, practical organisation and concierge services. Rates vary considerably, often €30–€50 per hour. I'd be happy to introduce you to a reliable concierge partner.
Additional points to consider
Beyond the fixed costs of purchase and ownership, there are additional costs and points of attention to consider. Think of tax obligations in your home country, renovations, and the furnishing and styling of the property.
Any monthly mortgage payments may also play a role. For these matters, you don’t have to figure everything out yourself — I help find reliable partners for renovations, advise on furnishing and styling, and put you in touch with a good mortgage specialist.
This way you get not only insight into the costs, but also the right support to make the property in Spain exactly as you wish.
How can I help with buying and owning?
Buying and owning a property in Spain involves a lot. Dream Casa Brava is not an executor or advisor itself, but I make sure you get access to carefully selected specialists from my network. This way you can be sure you’re well prepared, don’t overlook any risks and always have the right experts by your side.
- Building survey: From a quick technical check to a full official building survey report — including situations where banks may require this.
- Valuation (tasación): Certified valuers for the official valuations required for Spanish mortgages.
- Notary & legal handling: Reliable notaries and legal partners for correct transfer, due diligence, and permit checks.
- Renovation & interior: Contractors, architects, and interior designers for renovation, modernisation, and turnkey furnishing.
- Management & administration: Partners for insurance, gestor services, property management, and garden and pool maintenance.
- Financing & taxation: Independent mortgage advisors and tax specialists specialised in foreign buyers.
Do you have questions about the costs in your specific situation?
The costs of buying depend on the purchase price, the type of property, and your personal situation. I’m happy to think along with you and introduce you to a specialised lawyer or gestor who can make the exact calculation for you. Feel free to get in touch by email, WhatsApp, or the button below.