Andalusia’s Costa del Sol has drawn foreign buyers for decades, from Marbella’s established luxury market to the quieter resale markets further along the coast. Local property law follows the same national framework as the rest of Spain, but planning enforcement, tourist licence rules and buyer demand vary noticeably by town — an independent, English-speaking property lawyer familiar with the region is the best safeguard against the mistakes that catch out first-time foreign buyers here.
Marbella remains the region’s best-known market, spanning everything from beachfront apartments to hillside villas in Sierra Blanca and the Golden Mile. Estepona has grown steadily as a lower-cost, family-oriented alternative nearby, while Málaga city itself has become popular with buyers who want an authentic Spanish city rather than a resort. For buyers comparing the international, high-end end of this market against other Mediterranean destinations, Vogue Properties is a useful reference point.
A purchase in Andalusia follows the same core steps as elsewhere in Spain: a nota simple search at the Land Registry, an arras deposit contract, due diligence on planning and licences, then completion before a notary. Resale purchases pay Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) at Andalusia’s regional rate; new-build purchases pay IVA plus Actos Jurídicos Documentados instead. Budget roughly 10-12% on top of the purchase price to cover tax, notary, registration and legal fees.
Illegally built extensions and properties without a valid licence of first occupation are more common on the Costa del Sol than in many other parts of Spain, particularly on older rural and hillside plots. Confirming a property’s legal status, and that any tourist rental licence is genuine and transferable, before signing the arras is essential — not something to leave until after a deposit has changed hands.
It is not a legal requirement, but strongly recommended. An independent lawyer verifies the nota simple, planning status and any outstanding charges before you commit a deposit.
Resale buyers pay ITP at Andalusia’s regional transfer tax rate. New-build buyers pay 10% IVA plus AJD stamp duty. Your lawyer will confirm the exact figure for your purchase.
No. There are no nationality-based restrictions on buying property in Spain. Non-EU buyers will need an NIE number to complete the purchase.
A straightforward cash purchase usually completes in six to eight weeks from signing the arras; mortgage-backed purchases or complex due diligence can extend this timeline.
