Buying on the Costa del Sol
Everything Dutch and Belgian buyers need to know, from NIE number to handover of the keys.
Buying an apartment or villa on the Costa del Sol as a Dutch or Belgian buyer? This guide explains the whole process, from NIE number to handover of the keys, including the real costs, the financing options and the best areas. Written by Jansen & Brouwer Property Capital: two young entrepreneurs who make Spanish property clear and transparent, without the sales talk.
The buying process in 6 steps
- NIE-nummer aanvragen. A Spanish tax number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is required to buy property. We arrange this with you by power of attorney, remotely if you prefer.
- Selecting and viewing the property. We schedule several viewings on a single day. In July we are on the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca ourselves for live tours.
- Reserveren. With a reservation contract, usually €6,000 to €10,000, the property is taken off the market and the price is fixed.
- Koopcontract (contrato de arras). Within a few weeks, with a down payment of usually 10%. An independent lawyer checks the title deed and any charges on the property.
- Financing rondmaken. With your own funds or a Spanish or Dutch mortgage, as explained below.
- Notaris & sleuteloverdracht. The deed (escritura) is signed before the notary, the remaining amount is paid and you receive the keys. Registration in the property register follows.
The real costs
Reken naast de aankoopprijs op ongeveer 11 to 13% additional costs. These differ by area and by type, new build or resale:
| Kostenpost | New build | Bestaande bouw (resale) |
|---|---|---|
| BTW (IVA) | 10% | n.v.t. |
| Zegelrecht (AJD) | ±1,2% | n.v.t. |
| Overdrachtsbelasting (ITP) | n.v.t. | 7% (Andalusië) |
| Notaris, registratie & juridisch | ±2% | ±2% |
Would you like to know exactly what a specific property costs and returns? We are happy to prepare a personal calculation, tailored to your situation and financing.
Book a no-obligation call →Financing for non-residents
As a non-resident, at a Spanish bank you can usually 60 to 70% of the value finance, with rates that have recently been around 3 to 4%. Many Dutch and Belgian buyers combine their own funds with equity released from their home. We put you in touch with independent mortgage advisers who work with Spanish banks. We earn nothing from this, so the advice is genuinely independent.
The best areas on the Costa del Sol
The premium segment: golf, marinas and international schools. Strong rental demand, stable value retention.
The fastest developing part of the coast. Plenty of new build, an authentic centre and lower entry prices than Marbella.
Accessible prices, close to Málaga airport, popular for both rental and personal use.
Quieter, greener, highly rated. Ideal for anyone looking for space and privacy a short distance from Marbella.
Frequently asked questions
This guide is for information purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Costs, tax rates and financing conditions change and differ by region and personal situation. Always seek guidance from an independent lawyer and tax adviser.