You've found the house, and you want to put an offer in. The terrace, the view, the price that is within budget. But remember: the asking price is not what you'll actually pay to complete your purchase.
In Spain, the buyer covers the purchase taxes and most of the fees. As a rule of thumb, budget around 11–13% on top of the purchase price for a resale home on the Costa Brava. Here's where that money goes.
Resale homes: property transfer tax (ITP)
Most homes on the Costa Brava are resales, and for these you pay the Property Transfer Tax, known as ITP. It's normally the biggest additional cost.
Since June 2025, Catalonia uses a sliding scale, where each slice of the price is taxed at its own rate:
10% on the first €600,000
11% on the part between €600,000 and €900,000
12% on the part between €900,000 and €1.5 million
13% on anything above €1.5 million
So on a €1 million home, the ITP comes to about €105,000, an average of around 10.5%.
One thing to know: the tax office has its own "reference value" for every property. Your lawyer can check this value before you sign.
New builds: VAT and stamp duty instead
If you buy a brand-new home directly from a developer, you don't pay ITP. Instead you pay 10% VAT (IVA) plus stamp duty (AJD), which in Catalonia is typically around 1.5%. New builds are less common on the Costa Brava, but if you're considering one, budget roughly 12–13% in total.
The fees on top
The taxes above are the bigger costs to factor in, but it's important to bear in mind the below as well:
Notary: the notary prepares and witnesses the title deed. Fees are set by law on a sliding scale, usually around €600–€1,200 for a typical home.
Land Registry: registering the home in your name, usually a few hundred euros.
Your lawyer: essential for checks on the property, contracts and tax. Many charge around 1% plus 21% VAT; some offer a fixed fee. Always agree it in writing first.
NIE: your foreigner's tax number, which you need before you can buy. The government fee is small, but there may be a cost if your lawyer handles it.
Bank and transfer costs: opening a Spanish account and moving money, especially if you're converting from dollars. For better rates and an efficient transfer process, ask me for a currency exchange partner recommendation.
Mortgage costs, if any: valuation, arrangement fees and sometimes life insurance.
Case Study: a €700,000 village house
Here's roughly what a cash purchase of a €700,000 resale home could look like:
ITP (10% on €600,000 + 11% on €100,000) = €71,000
Notary = €1,000
Land Registry = €600
Lawyer (1% + VAT) = €8,470
Total on top of the price
about €81,000 (around 11.6%)
It's much better to know this before you make an offer than at the notary's desk.
Planning your own Costa Brava chapter?
Knowing your true budget from the start means you look at the right homes and make offers with confidence. If you'd like help working out what your budget really buys on the Costa Brava, get in touch.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rates and fees change, so always confirm the costs for your own purchase with a qualified lawyer.
Sources
Osborne Clarke, Catalonia tightens real estate taxation: new tax rates, April 2025
Spanish Property Insight, One in five homes for sale in Catalonia now affected by the new ITP increase, July 2025
CostaLuz Lawyers, Spanish property purchase costs 2026
Immoabroad, Buyer's costs when purchasing a property in Spain
De la Guía Luzón, Legal fees for buying property in Spain in 2026