Buying Property in Spain
A friendly, practical guide to finding, checking and buying your Costa del Sol home with more confidence.
Buying Guide
Start Your Spanish Property Search the Right Way
Buying a property in Spain can feel exciting, but it can also feel unfamiliar if you are used to a different legal system, buying process or property culture. The good news is that the process is straightforward when you know the steps, understand the costs and have the right support around you.
This buyer hub brings together the main search tools, practical guides and planning pages you need before buying on the Costa del Sol. Start by browsing live listings, send us a property brief, or read the key buying guides before you arrange viewings.
Start Your Search
Find the Right Costa del Sol Property
Advanced Property Search
Search live Costa del Sol listings by municipality, sub-area, property type, price, bedrooms, bathrooms and new-development status.
Use Advanced Search →Property Finder
Tell us what you are looking for and we will help you prepare a more focused shortlist from live Costa del Sol property listings.
Send Your Property Brief →New Developments
Explore new-build and off-plan homes across the Costa del Sol, from modern apartments to larger residential developments.
View New Developments →Homes under €500,000
Browse a budget-friendly selection of apartments, townhouses and holiday homes across the Costa del Sol.
View Homes under €500,000 →Homes under €1 Million
Compare apartments, penthouses, townhouses and selected villas across the Costa del Sol up to €1 million.
View Homes under €1 Million →Penthouses
Explore top-floor homes, duplex penthouses and properties with generous terraces, views and elevated living.
View Penthouses →Helpful Starting Points
Essential Buying Guides
Step-by-Step Buying Process
Understand what usually happens from the first property search through to offer, reservation, legal checks, completion and handover.
View Buying Process →Purchase Costs & Taxes
Get a clearer view of the additional costs involved when buying in Spain, including transfer tax or IVA, notary, registry and legal fees.
View Purchase Costs →NIE Number
Learn why the NIE number matters, when you normally need it and why it is better to organise the paperwork early in the buying journey.
Read NIE Guide →Visas & Residency
If you plan to spend longer periods in Spain, understand the broad visa and residency routes before choosing the right property and location.
Explore Visas & Residency →Simple Overview
How the Buying Process Usually Works
1. Define your search properlyStart with your lifestyle needs, budget, preferred areas, property type and how you plan to use the home. A clear brief saves a lot of wasted viewing time.
2. Compare areas before choosing propertiesMarbella, Estepona, Benahavís, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Casares Costa and Manilva each suit different buyers. The right area matters as much as the right home.
3. View seriously and ask practical questionsLook beyond the terrace and view. Ask about community fees, running costs, parking, storage, licences, maintenance, access, rental rules and the surrounding area.
4. Appoint an independent lawyerYour lawyer should check title, debts, licences, planning status, community rules and the legal position before you commit fully. Do not rely only on sales material.
5. Reserve, complete legal checks and signOnce terms are agreed, the transaction moves through reservation, private contract where applicable, due diligence, completion at notary and registration.
Buyer Protection
Use Independent Legal Advice
Before you pay a reservation fee or sign any binding document, you should have independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer acting for you. Your lawyer can confirm the property’s legal position, explain the contract and advise how funds should be handled.
As a general rule, buyers should avoid transferring reservation funds or deposits to an estate agent. Your lawyer can advise the safest route for your specific purchase and help protect your position before you commit.
Choose the Right Fit
Buying by Area and Lifestyle
Compare Costa del Sol Areas
Still deciding between Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Casares Costa and Manilva? Start with the area guide.
Explore Area Guide →Beachside Homes
For buyers who want beach walks, restaurants nearby and easy holiday use, beachside location can be more important than extra interior space.
View Beachside Homes →Golf Properties
Golf communities often appeal to buyers looking for views, greenery, managed surroundings and a calmer residential rhythm.
Explore Golf Homes →Start Your Search
Tell Us What You Want to Buy
Share your preferred areas, budget, bedrooms, property style and how you plan to use the home. We can help you narrow the search and prepare a more focused Costa del Sol shortlist.
Send Us Your Property Brief →Practical Planning
Useful Guides Before You View
International Schools
For families, school access can strongly influence where to buy and how practical a location feels day to day.
Explore Schools →Healthcare
Understand local healthcare access, hospitals, clinics and medical facilities before choosing a full-time or long-stay location.
View Healthcare Guide →Golf Courses
Golf access can shape both lifestyle and property choice, especially for buyers seeking fairway views or resort-style surroundings.
Explore Golf Courses →Questions
Buying Property in Spain FAQs
Can foreigners buy property in Spain?Yes. Foreign buyers can buy property in Spain, although they will normally need an NIE number and should use an independent lawyer to handle legal checks and completion.
How much should I allow for purchase costs?Purchase costs vary depending on whether the property is resale or new build. As a broad guide, buyers should budget for taxes, notary, registry and legal fees. Always confirm the exact figures with your lawyer before committing.
Do I need a lawyer when buying in Spain?Yes, independent legal advice is strongly recommended. Your lawyer checks the property, explains the contract, confirms debts or charges and helps protect your position before completion.
Should I choose the area before choosing the property?Usually, yes. The right area affects daily life, travel, schools, rentals, resale appeal and how often you use the home. A good property in the wrong location can quickly become frustrating.
Can Holiday Homes Spain help me narrow the search?Yes. Tell us your budget, preferred use, areas, bedrooms and must-have features. We can help you compare locations and focus on properties that match your plans.