How high are the purchase costs in Spain?
Depending on the region, 10–13 % of the purchase price. The largest item is the ITP (transfer tax): Balearics banded 8–13 % (from €400,000 tiered up, 13 % above €2m), Andalusia 7 %, Catalonia banded 10–13 % (Decret llei 5/2025), Valencia 9 %, Canaries 6.5 %. Plus notary (0.5–1 %), land registry (0.3–0.5 %), lawyer (1 %) and the NIE application. AJD on the mortgage has been paid by the bank, not the buyer, since 2018.
Why are the costs lower in Portugal?
The IMT is tiered — for medium purchase prices the effective rates are often lower than Spain's flat ITP. There are also fewer intermediate taxes. In total 7–10 % in costs. For non-residents a flat 7.5 % IMT has applied since 25 May 2026 (DL 97/2026), unless you become tax resident within two years or let at a moderate rent.
Can I use the costs as equity?
No, on the contrary: purchase costs must be provided in addition to equity because they cannot be financed. At 70 % LTV in Spain and 11 % costs you therefore need 30 + 11 = approx. 41 % of the purchase price in your own funds.
What does a good lawyer in Spain cost?
Typical fees: 1 % of the purchase price, at least €1,500–2,000. For more complex purchases (developers, renovation properties) higher. A good lawyer checks charges, defects and licences — and is worth the money.
Who pays the AJD on a mortgage?
Not you — the bank. Since 10 November 2018 the lender is the taxable person for AJD on mortgage deeds (Real Decreto-ley 17/2018, confirmed by Ley 5/2019). It is no longer a buyer's cost and cannot be passed on to you by contract clause. As a buyer you pay AJD only on a new build — there on the purchase deed, because that deed is subject to IVA; roughly 0.75–1.5 % depending on the region (Comunitat Valenciana 1.4 %).