From ~£200k
Costa Cálida (Murcia)
Best value, year-round sun, new-builds dominated by lifestyle resorts.
Spain · the UK buyer's hub
I'm ready to buy in Spain.
Vetted developments, post-Brexit rules made simple, the real cost of buying, and a direct line to our on-the-ground specialist. Everything a British buyer needs in one place.
Why Spain
The easiest big market for British buyers.
Spain remains the most reachable, best-understood overseas property market for UK residents. Direct flights from every UK airport, English-speaking legal infrastructure, modern new-builds at prices that still surprise British buyers, and a transparent buying process.
From ~£175k
Costa Blanca (Alicante)
Long-established UK favourite with excellent flight access.
From ~£300k
Costa del Sol (Andalusia)
Marbella, Estepona and Málaga — the premium end of the Spanish market.
From ~£450k
Mallorca & Ibiza (Balearics)
Lifestyle and a high ceiling. Limited rental licences.
From ~£250k
Madrid
The capital — urban, professional, with the best Spanish ITP rate at 6%.
From ~£350k
Barcelona & Costa Brava (Catalonia)
Higher transfer tax (10%) but unmatched lifestyle.
The numbers
What will it really cost?
Headline prices in Spain are only the start. Use the calculator to see the full cash-needed-at-completion figure — taxes, lawyer, notary, registry and mortgage arrangement included.
Advanced — GBP/EUR rate
Estimated buyer costs
Cash needed at completion
£142,355
Includes deposit, taxes, fees
Monthly mortgage
£1,044
On £187,850 over 25 yrs
Deposit
£101,150
35% of price
Acquisition costs
£41,205
Taxes, notary, lawyer, registry
| Line item | Estimate |
|---|---|
VAT (IVA, 10%) Charged on new-build only. IGIC applies in the Canaries. | £28,900 |
Stamp duty (AJD, 1.5%) Average mainland AJD rate; varies by region. | £4,335 |
Notary (~0.5%) | £1,445 |
Land registry (~0.4%) | £1,156 |
Independent lawyer (~1%) Always use an independent lawyer — not one provided by the seller or agent. | £2,890 |
NIE, translations & admin | £250 |
Mortgage arrangement (~1%) | £1,879 |
Bank valuation | £350 |
Property price: £289,000 · €338,130 at £1 ≈ €1.17
- Closing costs in Spain are typically 10–14% of the property price on top of the headline figure.
- UK residents post-Brexit usually need 30–40% deposit; rates vary 3.5–5.5% on Spanish euro-denominated mortgages.
- Figures are estimates only — your lawyer will confirm exact amounts before completion.
Estimates only. Beyond Britain provides editorial guidance and connects UK buyers with trusted local specialists. Always verify final figures with your Spanish lawyer and mortgage broker.
Common questions
The things every UK buyer wants to know.
Can't find what you're looking for? Speak to our specialist.
Can I still buy property in Spain after Brexit?
Yes. UK buyers can buy Spanish property freely. The only practical changes are around residency (you can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa) and mortgages (Spanish banks lend up to 60–70% to non-residents, so budget a 30–40% deposit).
How much extra does it cost on top of the price?
Budget 10–14% on top of the headline price. That covers transfer tax (or IVA on new-build), notary, land registry, your independent lawyer and any mortgage arrangement fees. The affordability calculator on this page shows it broken down line by line.
Do I need to be in Spain to buy?
No. Most British buyers do the bulk of the process from the UK and only visit Spain for a hosted viewing trip and final completion. Your independent Spanish lawyer can act under power of attorney if you can't travel for completion.
How long does the whole process take?
Resales typically complete in 8–12 weeks from reservation. New-builds and off-plan are paid in staged deposits, with completion 12–24 months later depending on construction stage.
Will I need to pay tax in both the UK and Spain?
You only pay Spanish property taxes — IBI (local council tax) and a small annual non-resident income tax if it's a second home. The UK/Spain double tax treaty means you won't be taxed twice on the same income. Always check with a qualified cross-border tax advisor.
Can I rent it out when I'm not using it?
Yes — short-term rental licences are regional. In Murcia and Andalusia they're generally straightforward. In the Balearics and parts of Barcelona they're tightly restricted. We'll flag the rental rules for any specific property you ask about.
Ready when you are
Get the Santa Rosalía buyer guide.
Our flagship 32-page guide — prices, plans, the buying process, taxes, flight access and a direct line to Lucía, our specialist on the ground in Murcia. Yours instantly.