Family-run real estate agency on the Costa del Sol, on the buyer's side

For a new-build property, allow approximately a further 13%, and for a resale property around 9%. The largest part consists of taxes: for a new build, 10% VAT and Andalusian stamp duty AJD, and for a resale property ITP, the transfer tax, which is a uniform 7% in Andalusia. The remainder covers the lawyer, usually around 1% of the price, the notary and Land Registry registration. You will receive a precise written breakdown of the costs for the specific property before making a reservation.

Nothing to the buyer. Our estate agency services are paid for by the developer or seller. The commission is included in the sale price, even if the buyer approaches us independently. We do not charge you for preparing a shortlist, viewings or consultations. If you buy a property through us, you will not pay more for it.

Yours. The seller has their own agent, whose role is to sell. We represent the buyer: we search across the market, not only among one developer's properties, and for every property we will also tell you what concerns us about it. The decision is always yours, but you should not make it based on incomplete information.

An EU citizen can buy property in Spain. You need an NIE for the transaction and tax formalities. Your lawyer confirms the documents and payment arrangements. A Spanish bank account can be useful or required by a lender, but is not a universal condition for purchase. An appropriate power of attorney can help with formalities when you are abroad.

For a resale property, it usually takes two to three months from reservation to signing before the notary. For a new build, it depends on the construction stage, and the waiting period is usually one to three years. One visit is generally sufficient, usually for one to three days of viewings. You can sign at the notary in person or under a power of attorney. If you cannot travel at present, we can arrange a live remote viewing for you.

That depends on what the property will be used for and how you may wish to pass it on in the future. Most commonly, married couples buy it in equal shares, sometimes parents buy with their children, and in certain circumstances a company may be used for a rental property. Spanish inheritance and gift tax varies according to the region and the family relationship. Discuss this with a lawyer before signing the reservation agreement.

The exchange can be arranged by your bank or a specialist currency exchange provider, which often offers a more favourable rate for larger amounts. Spanish banks and notaries are legally required to verify the source of funds, so prepare bank statements, tax returns or proof of the sale of assets in advance. This is a routine part of the process, but do not leave it until the final week before signing.

Property tax IBI, owners' association fees, waste collection, insurance and utilities. You will also have to file a non-resident tax return, either on deemed rental income if you do not let the property, or on actual rental income. For an apartment in a well-maintained development, allow approximately 2,500 to 6,000 euros per year, depending on the size and facilities of the building.

Costa del Sol offers milder winters, an international environment and Málaga Airport, with direct flights to most European capitals. Prices reflect this. Costa Blanca is cheaper. Do you want to visit throughout the year and is it important that your property retains its value? Then Costa del Sol makes sense. If price per square metre is the deciding factor, we will tell you openly.

Yes, gladly. We will tell you what we know about the development and developer, visit the site and verify whether the offer is still available and on what terms. You will pay the same as if you approached the seller directly. The difference is that you have someone on your side who lives here and knows the local market.

No. An Estepona listing can mean the town centre, the New Golden Mile or a development farther west or inland. Ask for the exact location and test the route to the beach, shops and restaurants. We compare the everyday journey, not just a map pin.

The neighbourhood, orientation, terrace privacy, view, condition and community facilities can matter more than bedroom count. We compare the actual unit and recurring costs, including what can be built nearby. A development’s lowest advertised price does not describe every unit.

No. Your lawyer needs to check the current regional and local rules, any required registrations and the owners’ community position for that specific property and intended use. We can then assess realistic income against seasonal vacancy, cleaning, management, maintenance and taxes.

We confirm the available unit, its specification, price and payment schedule with the selling side before recommending a reservation. Compare a specific floor plan and unit number, rather than relying on a project-wide “from” price.

Agree a written management scope: key holding, inspection frequency, cleaning, urgent repairs, owner reporting and guest support if applicable. Management, furnishing and rental operations are separate paid services. Ask for the fee and approval limits for repairs before signing.

Discuss the ownership shares, source of funds, mortgage obligations and succession plans before reserving. Ask independent tax advisers in Spain and in your home country how ownership or rental income affects your own circumstances. We coordinate the purchase; they provide the individual legal and tax advice.

Compare the access arrangements, locks, insurance, alarm options and a practical key-holding or inspection service. Ask who can respond locally and how an incident is reported. No building or service can promise that a risk disappears completely.

Choose according to timing, the exact unit and the total cost. A resale allows you to inspect the home and established community now. A new build requires checks on the developer, permits, payment protection, specification and delivery terms. Rental use must be checked separately for either option.