How to buy a home in Marbella
The steps, the costs in Andalucía and the documents you will need.
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Define what you are looking for
Area, type of home and a budget that includes the purchase costs. Also how you will use it: holidays, full time or rental. We start searching while you are still at home.
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Viewings
We prepare a viewing plan for your trip, including homes listed by other agents when they fit, and video viewings if you cannot travel.
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NIE and a Spanish bank account
Every buyer needs a foreigner identity number (NIE) and usually a Spanish bank account. Your lawyer can arrange both, often with a power of attorney.
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Reservation
Once the price is agreed, a reservation contract and a deposit take the home off the market while your lawyer checks it.
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Checks and private contract
Your lawyer checks the title, any debts, licences and planning status. Then you sign the private purchase contract and pay a deposit, usually 10% of the price.
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Completion at the notary
You sign the title deed before a notary and pay the balance. The keys are handed over the same day.
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Taxes, registry and after sale
The taxes are paid and the deed is registered at the Land Registry. We help with utilities, community fees, property management and anything else you need.
What it costs
In Andalucía, taxes depend on whether you buy a resale home or a new build from the developer. On top of them come the notary, the registry and your lawyer.
- Resale
- Transfer tax (ITP): 7%
- New build
- VAT 10% plus stamp duty (AJD) 1.2%
- Notary and registry
- Usually between 1% and 2%
- Lawyer
- Commonly around 1% plus VAT
Estimate your costs
- Transfer tax (ITP, 7%)
- €70,000
- Notary and registry (approx. 1.5%)
- €15,000
- Lawyer (approx. 1% + VAT)
- €12,100
- Total costs (9.7%)
- €97,100
- Price plus costs
- €1,097,100
Indicative figures. Some buyers qualify for reduced rates and your lawyer will confirm the exact amounts.
What you will need
- A valid passport or EU identity card
- Your NIE (foreigner identity number)
- A Spanish bank account
- Proof of the origin of the funds
- Mortgage approval, if you need financing
A word of caution
The requirements to work as an estate agent vary across Spain, and not everyone offering property is trained for it. Work with an established agency and an independent lawyer, and never pay a deposit before your lawyer has checked the property.
Frequently asked questions
Updated October 2026.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Marbella on top of the price?
For a resale home, the 7% transfer tax plus notary, registry and lawyer come to around 10% of the price. For a new build, 10% VAT and 1.2% stamp duty plus the same fees come to around 14%.
Do I need an NIE to buy?
Yes. Every foreign buyer needs a foreigner identity number (NIE). Your lawyer can apply for it for you, often with a power of attorney.
Can I buy without travelling to Spain?
Yes. With a power of attorney your lawyer can sign on your behalf, and we can arrange video viewings of the homes you are interested in.
Can non residents get a mortgage in Spain?
Yes. Spanish banks lend to non residents, although they usually finance a smaller share of the value than for residents. Your bank will confirm the figure.
What deposit is paid when signing the private contract?
Usually 10% of the price. Never pay a deposit before your lawyer has checked the property.
Start your search with us
Tell us what you are looking for and we will prepare a first selection.