When buying property in Catalonia (Costa Brava), you should consider a total cost-buyer of on average 12% to 13% on resale and about 13% to 15% for new construction. These costs include taxes (ITP or VAT), stamp duty (AJD), notary fees and legal guidance.
1. Costs at resale: The ITP in Catalonia
When buying an existing home, you pay Transfer tax, known in Spain as Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP). Since the last legislative changes in 2025, Catalonia uses a progressive system where the value of the property determines the rate.
- Standard rate: The general rate in Catalonia is 10%.
- Luxury real estate: For homes with a purchase value above €1.000.000 rate rises to 11% on the part above this amount.
- Reduced rates: A concessionary rate of 5% for specific groups (young people under 33 with limited incomes, large families and people with disabilities), provided the property serves as their main residence (domicile).
- Historical heritage: A rate of 7%.
Here is an overview of the tariffs valid from 27 June 2025.
2. New construction costs: VAT and stamp duty
With new construction, you buy directly from a developer. In this case, you pay no ITP, but a combination of VAT (IVA) and Stamp duty (AJD).
- VAT (IVA): This is a national rate and currently amounts to 10% for residential properties.
- Stamp duty (AJD): The Actos Jurídicos Documentados is determined regionally. In Catalonia, this rate is set at 1,5% of the purchase price.
In new construction, it is essential to check whether there is a bank guarantee present for the deposits made. This is a crucial step in the legal due diligence.
Read more about the buying process in new construction.
3. Notary and registration fees
The costs for the official transfer at the notary and entry in the registers are set by law via fee scales (aranceles).
- Notary fees: On average around €2000, depending on the complexity of the deed and the sale price.
- Property Register (Registro de la Propiedad): The cost of registering your title and cadastral registration is usually between €800 – €1200.
Note: The Spanish notary has a passive role. Unlike in Belgium or the Netherlands, the Spanish notary does not conduct in-depth investigations into construction crimes or hidden debts.
Read more about the duties of the Spanish notary.
4. Legal guidance: The indispensable link
Engaging an independent lawyer is standard procedure in Spain. Your counsel will carry out the necessary checks that the notary fails to make, such as checking the cedula de habitabilidad (occupancy permit) and any outstanding taxes.
- Costs: Typically, the cost for full legal guidance is 1% of the purchase price (+ VAT).
- Risk avoidance: A lawyer will prevent you from being held liable for debts of the previous owner or from buying a property with irreparable building violations.
Read more about buying safely in Spain.
5. Other administrative costs
Finally, keep a budget in mind for smaller but necessary items:
- NIE number: Applying for your tax identification number.
- Utilities: Cost of transferring water and electricity contracts.
- Bank charges: Costs for issuing bank cheques (a common payment method in Spain).
Read more about the practical side of the buying process.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What percentage buyer's fee should I charge for a property in Catalonia? For a resale property in Catalonia, you should expect around 12% to 13% on top of the purchase price. For new builds, this percentage is higher, around 14% to 15%, due to the higher stamp duty and VAT.
Is the ITP in the Costa Brava the same as in the rest of Spain? No, the ITP (transfer tax) is set by autonomous region. Catalonia has a base rate of 10%, which is higher than regions such as Madrid (6%), but similar to the Valencia region.
What is the difference between VAT and ITP when buying Spanish property? VAT (IVA) applies only to the first transfer of a property (new construction). ITP applies to every subsequent transfer (existing construction). You never pay both taxes at the same time.
Why do I need a lawyer if a notary is already involved? The Spanish notary only checks that the documents meet the formal legal requirements at the time of signing. A lawyer does prior research on the urban planning condition, the presence of debts and the legitimacy of the seller.
About the author: Glenn Janssens is a lawyer specialising in Spanish real estate transactions and tax regulations. Since 2017, he has been helping Belgian and Dutch individuals and entrepreneurs to safely purchase and structure real estate in Spain. He guides files from A to Z: from due diligence, ownership and tax control to estate planning and optimisation for residents and non-residents. Thanks to his years of experience, hundreds of handled files and focus on transparent communication, Glenn makes complex Spanish legislation understandable and practically applicable for every property buyer.
