Yes, foreigners can purchase property on the Costa del Sol. However, certain legal steps must be completed, including obtaining a taxpayer identification number, opening a bank account at a Spanish bank, and navigating the legal requirements. Assistance from a lawyer will be necessary for this process. Contact us, and we’ll help you handle everything smoothly and efficiently.
Taxes can vary depending on the type and price of the property. When purchasing a newly built property directly from a developer, a 10% VAT (IVA) is applied to the purchase price. For resale properties, the Property Transfer Tax (ITP – Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales) is applicable, which is currently set at 7% of the purchase price in the Costa del Sol region. Additionally, approximately 3% of the purchase price covers other costs associated with the buying process, including legal services, document translations, notary fees, and property registration fees.
The Costa del Sol region in Málaga is one of the most dynamic real estate markets in Spain. Demand, both from national and international buyers, remains exceptionally strong, far outpacing supply, despite the high level of activity among developers. The range and variety of properties available are remarkably broad. Notably, the Costa del Sol accounts for the largest share of high-end real estate in Spain, with 35% of all properties priced at over €1 million. For those interested in investing in real estate along this coastline, we recommend starting with options priced from €180,000, with the upper range reaching several tens of millions of euros. Prices can vary depending on the type of property, location, size, views, and other factors. Currently, our real estate database offers over 8,000 properties for sale. For example, the price of a 57-square-meter, one-bedroom apartment is listed at €93,500.
Standard Timelines for the Purchase Process
Our team will assist you every step of the way to ensure the purchase process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
An “off-plan” property or a “new development” refers to newly constructed real estate that has either not yet been built or has never been lived in. Typically, such properties are sold once the plans are approved, the building permit is obtained, and during the construction phase, prior to completion.
Pre-launch prices are special discounts offered by developers to generate interest in the early stages of a new project. These discounts are typically available for a limited time and apply to a select number of units. At this stage, the developer has usually applied for a building permit, but construction has not yet begun. Buyers who purchase at this phase will need to wait for the entire construction process to be completed, which can take around 24 months or longer.
The primary differences are price and selection. New developments are often built in phases. When buying during the pre-launch phase, buyers may benefit from a price discount of approximately 20-25%, depending on the project.
Additionally, pre-launch buyers often have the opportunity to secure properties with the best views or layouts. At later stages of construction, most units may already be reserved or sold, and prices are typically higher.
We currently offer over 200 new development projects along the coast, tailored to meet the needs and interests of our clients.
We specialize in new developments located along the coast from Málaga to Sotogrande. Most projects are modern in style, featuring high-quality properties built with premium construction and finishing materials.
Tip: With numerous developers operating along the coast, it can be challenging for clients to differentiate between projects. We recommend consulting with our specialists before reaching out to individual developers.
The construction time for new developments varies depending on the project size, property type, and location.
For apartments, townhouses, and semi-detached villas, construction typically takes 18 to 24 months from the time the building permit is issued.
Detached villas, on the other hand, often have a shorter completion time, averaging 12 to 18 months from the start of work on the plot, depending on the design and size of the project.
Yes, you can rent out your property through a real estate agency or online platforms. We would be happy to recommend trusted partners who can handle all administrative matters, whether you are considering short-term or long-term rentals.
Yes, we can also take care of selling your property for you. The Costa del Sol region is growing, and property prices are steadily rising, offering flexibility in the sales market. Real estate prices in this area tend to increase consistently and steadily. Apartments here are in constant demand, attracting both those seeking vacation homes and investors.
This is not just about acquiring property; it’s about securing the future of your dreams.
Whether you’re building a life in any of the sunny coastal cities, you’ll find a perfect blend of peaceful, high-quality relaxation, stunning nature, rich leisure activities, family time, and 5-star experiences. Rightfully, Marbella, located in the heart of Costa del Sol, was named the most desirable destination in Europe.
For those with a smaller budget, the Valencia and Alicante areas remain attractive options, while those seeking a more varied lifestyle, luxury, and diverse leisure activities are drawn to the southernmost location of Costa del Sol.
The Costa del Sol coastline is truly “international,” home to many Norwegians, Germans, Swedes, and Brits. The environment here is cosmopolitan and full of ease. Life here is shaped by professionals from various countries, making the region rich in international schools and extracurricular activities for children. The Spanish environment has also adapted to tourists and foreign residents, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
For more information, you can read our blog articles here: LIFE IN COSTA DEL SOL
All of our clients would agree – the real estate purchasing journey can be just as exciting as it is filled with the stress of navigating a process that can easily overwhelm both first-time buyers and experienced ones. It’s an unfamiliar market, a foreign language, and it can be challenging to make the right choice or understand all the nuances.
We are here to make it easier. We start working with clients from scratch – often, they haven’t even been to Spain yet. We share property options with them, then meet in person to view properties, introduce them to the location, explain the pricing, and discuss why prices are what they are.
Additionally, you need a lawyer to check and ensure the documents are in order, so all important questions can be reviewed. We go through everything slowly and carefully, and that’s why mutual trust is essential.
Given the wide variety of real estate options along the Costa del Sol, client searches are quite diverse. Some prefer to be closer to the sea, while others opt for quieter locations in the mountains, prioritizing sea and mountain views from their terraces.
Typically, clients look for 2-3 bedroom apartments in residential complexes with communal pools, lush surroundings, and sizes ranging from 70 to 100 m². One of the key requirements is a terrace, as the abundance of sunny weather along the coast means a significant amount of time is spent outdoors rather than indoors. Apartments with sea views, views of pools, gardens, and mountains are particularly popular.
When choosing a property in Costa del Sol, there are several key factors to consider:
Once you’ve viewed the properties, carefully consider your options and choose the one that fits your lifestyle and investment goals.
At Vive Ahora, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from finding your ideal property to signing the deed. We’ll help you navigate legal requirements, understand the associated costs and taxes, and ensure you make the most of your investment, whether for personal use or rental income.
