The True Costs of Buying a Property in Spain
- nerjawithsanna
- May 27
- 2 min read
When dreaming about buying a home in Spain, most people focus on the price tag. A property listed for €250,000 sounds straightforward, but the actual cost can be significantly higher. Purchasing a resale property comes with a range of mandatory and optional fees that can surprise first-time buyers. In this article, we’ll walk you through what those costs are and how much they truly add up to.
PROPERTY PRICE: 250.000 €
Total Estimated Costs: €21,950 (8.8%)
In this example, the additional costs for buying a €250,000 resale home amount to €21,950, roughly 8.8% of the purchase price. These include the following:
1. Transfer Tax (ITP 7%) – €17,500
This is by far the largest cost. In Andalusia, the transfer tax for resale properties is currently 7%, calculated directly from the purchase price.
2. Notary Fees – €800
A notary must be present in all real estate transactions in Spain. Their role is to ensure the process is legal and that both parties fully understand the agreement.
3. Property Registry Fee – €600
This fee covers the official registration of the new owner at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).
4. Lawyer (1%) – €2,500
It’s commonly estimated that legal fees equal around 1% of the purchase price. However, this is an area where significant savings are possible. Thanks to our long-standing relationships with trusted lawyers, many of our clients at Nerjawithsanna pay only €1,000–€1,500, regardless of the property’s value.
5. Gestor – €400
A gestor helps manage administrative paperwork and tax-related formalities. While not mandatory, this service is highly recommended for foreign buyers.
6. NIE Number (if needed) – €150
Foreign buyers must obtain an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) to complete the property purchase process in Spain.
Summary: Budget Smart — and Avoid Pitfalls
Buying a property in Spain can be smooth and exciting — but without the right support, it can also be confusing, stressful, and full of unexpected costs.
If you want the process to be truly hassle-free and financially predictable, we strongly recommend using Nerjawithsanna’s property shopping service. We support our clients every step of the way — from choosing the right lawyer to negotiating and handling all the paperwork — and we make sure there are no unnecessary costs or surprises.
With the right guidance, you can save money, time, and stress — and focus on what matters: finding your dream home.
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