Housing & Real Estate in Spain: Complete Guide

Find houses, apartments, and villas for sale or rent in Spain. Comprehensive guide to buying property in Spain, including Mallorca, Marbella, Barcelona, and Alicante.

Housing & Real Estate in Spain

Spain offers diverse housing options, from beach apartments in Barcelona to mountain villas in Mallorca. Whether you’re buying or renting, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Spanish property market.

Quick Stats

  • Average Property Price: €1,700-€3,000 per m² (varies by region)
  • Popular Areas for Expats: Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Mallorca, Costa del Sol
  • Rental Market: Strong demand in major cities
  • Foreign Ownership: No restrictions for EU citizens; some limitations for non-EU

Top Regions for Property

1. Mallorca

Premium island property market with strong international appeal. Average prices: €3,500-€5,000 per m².

2. Marbella (Costa del Sol)

Luxury coastal real estate. Average prices: €3,000-€6,000 per m².

3. Barcelona

Urban apartments with high rental yields. Average prices: €3,500-€5,000 per m².

4. Alicante

Affordable Mediterranean coast property. Average prices: €1,500-€2,500 per m².

Buying vs Renting

Buying Property in Spain

  • Lower long-term costs if staying 5+ years
  • Potential for capital appreciation
  • Can qualify for Golden Visa (€500k+ investment)
  • Requires NIE number and Spanish bank account

See our Complete Buying Property Guide →

Renting in Spain

  • More flexibility for short-term stays
  • No upfront capital required
  • Easier to test different cities/neighborhoods
  • Typically requires 1-2 months deposit

For EU Citizens

  1. NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
  2. Spanish bank account
  3. Proof of funds
  4. Legal representation (recommended)

For Non-EU Citizens

All of the above, plus:

  • Valid visa or residence permit
  • Additional documentation may be required

Learn more: NIE Application Guide →

Property Costs & Taxes

One-Time Costs (Buying)

  • Property Transfer Tax (ITP): 6-10% of purchase price (varies by region)
  • Notary Fees: €600-€1,500
  • Land Registry: €400-€650
  • Legal Fees: 1% of purchase price
  • Total: Expect 10-13% of purchase price in additional costs

Annual Costs (Owning)

  • Property Tax (IBI): 0.4-1.1% of cadastral value annually
  • Community Fees: €50-€300/month (if applicable)
  • Wealth Tax: On properties >€700k (varies by region)
  • Non-Resident Tax: 19-24% on imputed rental income (if not resident)

Finding Property

  • Idealista.com - Largest Spanish property portal
  • Fotocasa.es - Major marketplace
  • Rightmove Overseas - For UK buyers
  • Kyero.com - International property search

Working with Agents

  • Commission: Typically 3-5% (paid by seller in Spain)
  • Always verify agent credentials
  • Consider bilingual agents for smoother process

Find vetted property finders: Property Finder Directory →

Regional Property Guides

Explore detailed property market analysis by region:

Get Expert Help

Immigration Lawyers

Need a visa to buy property? Golden Visa requires €500k+ property investment.

Property Finders & Real Estate Agents

Local experts can help navigate the Spanish property market.

Accountants & Tax Advisors

Spanish property taxes can be complex, especially for non-residents.

Browse Guides