The Complete 2026 Buyer's Guide to Marbella
Everything international buyers need to know before purchasing property on the Costa del Sol — from paperwork and taxes to areas, financing and completion. Authored by La Sala Homes managing director Justin Boland, who has helped hundreds of international clients acquire property here since 2010.
The eight phases of a Marbella purchase
- Define your brief and budget — pick your area shortlist and price band before you fly.
- Choose your area and decide between off-plan and resale.
- Get your Spanish paperwork in place: NIE, Spanish bank account and a power of attorney to your lawyer.
- Engage an independent lawyer — never use the seller's or developer's lawyer — and run full due diligence.
- Make the offer, sign the reservation (€6,000 to €10,000) and the private purchase contract (10% deposit).
- Arrange your Spanish mortgage or confirm cash funds. Non-residents typically borrow 60 to 70% LTV.
- Complete at the notary, sign the escritura, pay taxes, take the keys.
- Post-completion: register the deed, transfer utilities, set up direct debits and file the first tax returns.
What it really costs
Resale property: 7% transfer tax, roughly 1% notary and registry, roughly 1% independent legal — around 8 to 10% total on top of the price.
New-build: 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty, plus notary, registry and legal — 11 to 13% total.
Ongoing: annual IBI property tax (€800 to €5,000+), community fees (€100 to €800/month), non-resident income tax if you don't rent it out, and rental income tax at 19% (EU) or 24% (non-EU) if you do.