Resources
Frequently asked questions
The questions that arrive most often, answered without figures we have not yet verified. Where an answer depends on a rate or a regional rule, we say so and point you to the tool or the guide that handles it.
Can a foreigner buy property in Spain?
Yes. Spain places no general nationality restriction on buying residential property. What changes with nationality and residence status is the paperwork — an NIE is required to complete — and, for buyers from outside the EU, the immigration position, which is entirely separate from the purchase itself.
How much should I budget on top of the purchase price?
Purchase costs in Spain depend on the region, on whether the property is new or resale, and on whether you borrow. Because the transfer tax rate is set regionally, there is no single national figure worth quoting. Our Purchase Cost Calculator works from the rates that apply to your transaction rather than an assumed average.
Can I get a Spanish mortgage as a non-resident?
Non-resident lending exists and is routine, but it is a different product from resident lending: the loan-to-value offered, the documentation required and the valuation process all differ. The mortgages guide sets out how lenders assess an application, and the Mortgage Calculator models a payment from the terms you have actually been quoted.
What does owning a Spanish property cost each year?
Annual ownership costs typically include local property tax, refuse and local charges, community fees where the property forms part of a community, insurance, utilities and, for non-residents, an annual tax filing obligation. The amounts are property-specific; the Total Cost of Ownership Calculator adds up the ones that apply to you.
Why does this site show fewer numbers than others?
Because we publish a figure only once it has been checked against the authority that sets it and stamped with the date it was checked. An out-of-date tax rate presented confidently is worse than no rate at all. Where a figure is not yet verified, the page says so — see our methodology.
How to read this page
- General information
- Explains how a cost, tax or process generally works in Spain, with the authoritative source named.
- Estimate
- A calculated figure based on the inputs and assumptions you can see and change. It is not a quotation.
- Not professional advice
- Nothing here is legal, tax, mortgage or investment advice. Confirm your position with a qualified professional in Spain.