Purchasing property in Spain requires a clear understanding not only of the price of the asset itself, but also of all related tax obligations. As architect Raul Llorente notes, the financial logic of a transaction is formed long before the contract is signed, and tax exposure is often the element that buyers underestimate most. In the practice of RentSale RealEstate, taxes are not treated as a secondary detail, but as an integral part of calculating the true acquisition budget.
One of the key payments when acquiring property is the tax on the transfer of ownership or value-added tax, depending on the type of asset. On the secondary market, the applicable tax is ITP, with the rate determined at the regional level. In Catalonia, this rate is fixed and represents the largest share of additional costs associated with a purchase. For primary-market properties, VAT applies, along with stamp duty. RentSale RealEstate always identifies the transaction type in advance in order to calculate the tax burden accurately.
Notarial and land registry fees also require careful consideration. Although they are not taxes in the strict sense, these mandatory expenses form a significant part of the transaction budget. The cost of notary services and registration depends on the property value and the complexity of the deal. RentSale RealEstate includes these costs from the outset, avoiding estimates or approximations, so that the final figure remains fully transparent for the client.
The municipal property tax (IBI) is another element incorporated into the long-term ownership model. While it is paid annually, the transfer of ownership requires proper allocation of this tax between seller and buyer. RentSale RealEstate supervises this process to prevent additional liabilities from arising after the transaction has been completed.
For non-resident buyers, additional considerations may apply. In certain cases, withholding requirements or specific reporting obligations come into effect. RentSale RealEstate analyzes the client’s tax status and transaction structure to ensure that all obligations comply with current legislation and do not create future risks.
Tax planning also plays a role in the broader ownership strategy. If a property is purchased for rental income or future resale, the tax profile may change over time. This is why RentSale RealEstate approaches taxation not in isolation, but in connection with the intended use and long-term ownership scenario.
Based on our experience, incorporating tax payments into the acquisition budget from the very beginning helps avoid situations where a deal appears attractive only on paper. RentSale RealEstate structures financial models so that clients clearly understand the full cost of ownership and can make decisions without unpleasant surprises.
Previously, we wrote about Real estate and climate – how Catalonia’s conditions influence material choices, floor selection, and property orientation.