A considered path to a home on the Costa del Sol.
By Deborah Byrne Elves|Founder & PrincipalBuying in Spain is best walked with someone who lives it every day. We take international buyers from first conversation to keys in hand, with clarity, patient negotiation and independent legal and tax counsel introduced from the start.
A short film on buying property on the Costa del Sol.
From introduction to completion.
- 01
Introduction and brief
A private call with Deborah to understand your lifestyle, timing and long list. We shape a considered brief before a single viewing is arranged.
- 02
Curated search
We walk homes personally before you fly in. You see a short, edited list on the ground with local context, not an inbox of portal links.
- 03
Legal and tax counsel
Independent Spanish lawyers, tax advisors and NIE facilitation are introduced early so due diligence runs in parallel with your search.
- 04
Offer and reservation
We negotiate on your behalf and prepare the reservation contract. A holding deposit secures the property while legal checks progress.
- 05
Private purchase contract
The Contrato de Arras is signed and a deposit (typically 10 percent) is paid. Completion is scheduled, usually within four to eight weeks.
- 06
Completion and beyond
Signing at the notary, transfer of funds, keys in hand. We remain involved with utilities, home services and introductions to local trades.
What to budget alongside the purchase price.
Purchase costs on the Costa del Sol typically add between 10 and 13 percent on top of the price, depending on whether the home is a resale or new build. Figures below are guidance only; your lawyer will confirm the exact amounts for your transaction.
- Resale property (ITP)
- Transfer tax on resale homes in Andalucía, currently 7 percent of the declared purchase price.
- New build (IVA + AJD)
- 10 percent VAT on the purchase price plus stamp duty (AJD), currently 1.2 percent in Andalucía.
- Notary and land registry
- Combined notary and registry fees typically fall between 0.5 and 1.5 percent of the purchase price.
- Legal fees
- Independent Spanish lawyers usually charge around 1 percent plus IVA. Fixed fees can be agreed for larger transactions.
- Ongoing costs
- Annual IBI (local property tax), community fees, basura (refuse) and, for non-residents, non-resident income tax.
A relationship, not a transaction.
Deborah Byrne Elves personally accompanies every buyer, from the first exploratory call through to the notary and beyond. Homes are walked in person before you fly in, so viewings on the ground are short, edited and honest.
Independent legal, tax and mortgage counsel are introduced from the start. We coordinate alongside them, keep the timeline moving, and stay involved once the keys are handed over.
Powered by eXp Luxury, a respected global real estate network, we can quietly source and introduce homes that are not on public portals.
Start your property journeyWhat buyers ask us first.
- How long does buying property in Spain typically take?
- From offer to completion, most transactions on the Costa del Sol close within six to ten weeks. Cash buyers can move faster; mortgage buyers should allow additional time for the bank valuation and offer.
- Do I need an NIE to buy property in Spain?
- Yes. A foreign identification number (NIE) is required to complete any purchase and to open a Spanish bank account. We introduce clients to advisors who can process this from abroad or on arrival.
- Can non-residents obtain a Spanish mortgage?
- Yes. Non-resident mortgages are widely available, typically up to 60 to 70 percent loan to value. We can introduce you to specialist brokers who work with international buyers.
- Why work with Byrne Overseas Group?
- The advisory is led personally by Deborah Byrne Elves. We work by introduction, accompany every viewing, and coordinate the legal, tax and lifestyle side of a move alongside the purchase itself.
Figures indicative only. Always confirmed by your independent Spanish lawyer.