Buy property on the Costa del Sol: real cases from practice with a Spanish mortgage for non-residents
Anonymised examples of how buyers arranged a mortgage and financed their property on the Costa del Sol. The fifteen reports range from Marbella and Puerto Banús to Casares and Torrox.
Why budget the total outlay rather than the purchase price on the Costa del Sol?
Even a property in very good condition calls for further investment after completion, so buyers on the Costa del Sol budgeted purchase price, transaction costs and planned works together. The Spanish bank finances up to 70 percent of the lower of purchase price and valuation; costs and works come from equity or a loan against German property.
From our practice
Property financing on the Costa del Sol: The following case reports show, in anonymised form, how different situations on the Costa del Sol were financed for non-residents. Creditworthiness, the property and the bank's loan-to-value are always decisive.
For the market itself — prices, districts and the transfer tax that applies in Andalusia — see Marbella property for sale: what tax is due, and how much will a bank lend?
Marbella: Villa financing for a permanent centre of life (Costa del Sol)
For high-quality properties in Marbella too, it is sensible not to consider the purchase price alone.
Puerto Banús: Financing an exclusive apartment at the marina for a permanent residence (Costa del Sol)
Exclusive properties also often need individual adaptations before they fully match personal living ideas.
Nueva Andalucía: Financing a golf villa for life on the Costa del Sol
Even with exclusive villas, additional investment often arises before the property fully matches one's own ideas.
Estepona: Financing a modern detached house between the old town and the coast (Costa del Sol)
Modern houses also often need individual adaptations before they fully match personal requirements.
Benahavís: Financing a villa with a panoramic view for a permanent centre of life (Costa del Sol)
With high-quality properties, additional investment often arises even though the property is already in very good condition.
Mijas: Financing an Andalusian country house for life between the coast and the mountains (Costa del Sol)
Not every property with a rural character is automatically a rustic finca.
Fuengirola: Financing an apartment near the beach for a permanent centre of life (Costa del Sol)
In cities like Fuengirola in particular, a look at well-located existing apartments is worthwhile.
Benalmádena: Financing a penthouse with a sea view for a permanent centre of life (Costa del Sol)
High-quality new-build or nearly new properties too do not always fully match personal living ideas.
Málaga: Financing a city apartment in the historic centre for a permanent centre of life (Costa del Sol)
City-centre apartments are often convincing for their location and character.
Nerja: Financing a villa with a sea view for a permanent centre of life (Costa del Sol)
Even if a property is already in good condition, targeted modernisation before moving in is often worthwhile.
Casares: Financing a detached house between the coast and nature for a permanent centre of life (Costa del Sol)
Casares suits buyers who want a quieter residential setting without giving up quick access to the coast.
Sotogrande: Financing a high-quality villa for a permanent centre of life (Costa del Sol)
In the high-priced segment too, financing should not be aligned exclusively with the purchase price.
Manilva: Financing a terraced house with a sea view for a permanent centre of life (Costa del Sol)
Manilva shows that attractive residential locations on the Costa del Sol do not necessarily have to be in the top price segment.
Torrox: Financing a detached house for retirement on the eastern Costa del Sol
Anyone planning their retirement for the long term should think about future requirements already at the property purchase.
La Cala de Mijas: Financing a modern apartment for a permanent centre of life (Costa del Sol)
La Cala de Mijas offers not only an attractive coastal location but also excellent conditions for year-round living.
Frequently asked questions
How much can non-residents borrow?
In Spain, banks finance non-residents up to a fixed share of the bank or purchase value depending on country and profile; the remainder plus acquisition costs is equity.
Which places on the Costa del Sol do the case reports cover?
The reports range from Marbella and Puerto Banús to Casares and Torrox. They are anonymised examples of how buyers arranged a mortgage and financed their property on the Costa del Sol.
What is the ITP rate in Andalusia when buying a property on the Costa del Sol?
In Andalusia, the ITP stands at 7 %. Purchase costs and works are covered from own funds or by borrowing against existing German property.
How are transaction costs and planned works paid for when buying on the Costa del Sol?
Even properties in very good condition regularly require adjustments after purchase. In the reports from Marbella, Estepona and Mijas, the total cost was therefore calculated from the outset, not just the purchase price: The Spanish bank finances up to 70 % of the lower of the purchase price and the tasación; purchase costs and adjustments are covered by equity or a mortgage secured against existing German property. Andalusia levies an ITP of 7 % — the lowest rate among the mainland coastal regions presented here.
A similar situation in Spain? Let's talk.
Every financing in Spain is an individual case. In a free initial consultation I will tell you honestly what is feasible and which bank fits. The initial consultation is free and without obligation; on completion you pay 1 % of the loan amount (no VAT) — no bank commission. What we charge.
Anonymised individual case, not a binding statement for other projects · Siegfried Perini for the owner Olga Nikushkina · §34i GewO · no tax or legal advice · no financing commitment; conditions depend on creditworthiness, loan-to-value and bank
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Content by Siegfried Perini — local brand representative since 2019, active in real estate since 1992, entered in the German intermediary register (§ 11a GewO) as a person directly involved in brokerage and advice. Point of contact for German-speaking buyers in Spain and Portugal. Brokerage by Olga Nikushkina, mortgage credit intermediary under § 34i German Trade Regulation (GewO); in Portugal through a locally licensed intermediary.