FAQ

Yes, foreign citizens – like all European Union citizens – are free to buy property in Spain. The purchase process does not require any special permits. All you need is a foreigner identification number – NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). At Agnes Inversiones, we support our clients from the very first step – we help them obtain the NIE number, which is necessary to complete the transaction. We also take care of all the formalities so that the process runs smoothly, legally and without stress. All Agnes Inversiones employees speak Polish, Spanish and English. More on formalities and preparing for the purchase:

• How does the property process work in Spain?
• How to prepare for buying a property in Spain?
• How to obtain an N.I.E. number in Spain?

Yes, of course. Some of our clients decide to buy remotely, especially in the initial phase of the investment. At Agnes Inversiones, we offer comprehensive assistance with this type of transaction:

• real-time video presentations,
• contact with a solicitor who is a member of the Spanish Bar Association,
• the option of signing documents through a representative.

This solution is chosen by people who want to reserve their dream property without having to travel immediately. Of course, we also encourage them to come and sign the notarial deed, as it is a unique moment that is worth experiencing in person. More on buying through a representative: Power of attorney when buying property in Spain

At Agnes Inversiones, we always provide our clients with a complete quote before beginning the process. Transparency is essential for us, as it allows our clients to know exactly what expenses to expect and plan their budget in advance. Between 8% and 13% of the value of the property must be added to the price of the property we choose. These include, among others, legal and notary fees, taxes, and expenses dependent on the Autonomous Community. Below you will find some basic information about these expenses in Andalusia. 1) Taxes Secondary market: – Property Transfer Tax (ITP) of 7% of the value of the property purchased on the secondary market. Primary market (purchase from developer): – VAT of 10% of the value of the property. – Stamp Duty (AJD) of 1.2%. 2) Legal fees

• Solicitor: 1% of the transaction value + 21% VAT
• Notary fees: from approx. €1,000, depending on the transaction amount; for a purchase of €2,500,000, approx. €2,200
• Registration in the Land Registry: between €500 and €1,000

3) Mortgage expenses - Mortgage set-up fees: between 1% and 1.5% of the capital 4) Other expenses:

• Contract formalisation expenses for utilities (water, electricity, telephone): from around €500
• Cost of N.I.E. number approx. €190 + 21% VAT/person
• Costs of certified translations, if necessary

More on purchase costs and choosing a property:

• Transaction costs for buying property in Spain
• What sort of properties are Poles looking for? – Poles have bought a record number of properties in Spain. Results for the first half of 2026

Yes, it is possible. We work with leading banks in Spain that offer mortgages to foreigners. At Agnes Inversiones, we help our clients prepare documentation and support them in negotiations with banks. The standard required down payment is 40-45% of the property value, and the loan term can be up to 25 years. The process takes approximately 6-8 weeks. More on mortgages in Spain:

• How to get a mortgage in Spain?
• Spanish banks offer cheapest mortgages in Europe

The property buying process with Agnes Inversiones is transparent and structured:

1. Selecting the right property – we analyze your needs, location, and budget together.
2. Reservation and payment of the deposit (reserva).
3. Obtaining a NIE number.
4. Signing the preliminary contract (contrato de arras).
5. Finalizing the transaction at the notary and handing over the keys

Agnes Inversiones also offers support in renovations, rentals, and property management. The scope of services is always individually tailored depending on the client's needs. Thanks to our comprehensive service, clients have peace of mind; we support them every step of the way. More on the buying process step by step:

• How does the property process work in Spain?
• How to prepare for buying a property in Spain?

Yes. At Agnes Inversiones, we provide full short-term and long-term rental services. This includes:

• Support in obtaining a tourist license,
• Photo sessions and property marketing,
• Guest and reservation services,
• Cleaning, maintenance, and billing.

This ensures your investment continues to generate revenue even while you're out of Spain. Many of our clients take advantage of this solution, combining the pleasure of owning a vacation property with real profit. More on rentals and holiday properties:

• Agnes Inversiones services: rental and property management
• Investing in rental property in Spain – an investor’s guide and new regulations for 2026
• Your own holiday home or home swapping? What would Poles choose?

Yes. The entire process—from presentation to contract signing—can also be conducted in English or Polish. All Agnes Inversiones employees speak Polish, Spanish, and English. This ensures our clients feel confident and secure, understanding every step of the transaction.

Definitely yes. The Costa del Sol is one of the most stable and dynamically developing regions in Spain. At Agnes Inversiones, we help our clients find the perfect property tailored to their goals and expectations – whether they're looking for a second home in the sun or a rental investment. If the purchase is for a holiday rental, we advise on how to ensure the property has the best income potential, and then we can take over full management of the rental, taking care of guest services, reservations, and property maintenance. More on investing on the Costa del Sol:

• The Costa del Sol is one of the safest destinations for investment in luxury property in 2026
• Puls Biznesu: Spanish flats are attracting Poles. They win them over with sunshine and a good rate of return [INTERVIEW]

Typically, from the moment of booking the property to signing the notarial deed, the entire process takes about 2-3 months. In many cases – with good coordination and document preparation – the process can be completed much faster if both the seller and buyer are ready to commit. When buying from a developer, it depends on the stage of construction of the project. When purchasing with a mortgage, it's worth remembering that banks in Spain typically take about two months to fully process the application and finalize the formalities. Agnes Inversiones ensures that every stage of the transaction runs smoothly, according to agreed deadlines, and that clients are kept up to date on progress. Our goal is to make purchasing a property in Spain a comfortable, predictable, and stress-free process for clients – from the initial booking to the moment they receive the keys. More on the stages and timeline of the purchase: How does the property process work in Spain?

Reserva is the first step in the process of buying real estate in Spain. It involves paying a specific amount (usually between €6,000 and €10,000) that reserves the selected property and blocks its sale to other potential buyers while the documents are analyzed and a preliminary agreement is prepared. It's important to remember that the reservation itself does not constitute a legal basis for transferring ownership or granting pre-emptive rights – it is a preliminary document that allows the formal purchase process to begin. Typically, a preliminary agreement (arras) is prepared within approximately 14 days of signing the reservation. A deposit / Arras is a preliminary agreement that details the terms of the purchase, the obligations of both parties, the date of signing the notarial deed, and the method of transferring the property. At this stage, the buyer typically pays 10% of the property's value. Depending on the terms of the agreement, this amount may be partially refundable or non-refundable. The arras contract provides legal security for both the buyer and seller. Should either party fail to meet the agreed-upon terms, it clearly outlines the consequences (e.g., loss of the deposit or the obligation to return it). Our firm, Agnes Inversiones, actively participates in each of these stages, ensuring the security and transparency of the transaction and ensuring that all pre-agreed-upon matters are reflected in the contract. More on the reservation and the arras contract:

• Reservation and payment of a deposit – How does the property process work in Spain?
• Preliminary agreement and payment of the deposit – the so-called Contrato de arras

Buying real estate in Spain requires preparing several basic documents that confirm identity, the legality of the transaction, and the source of financing. The process can seem complex, so Agnes Inversiones assists clients at every stage—from completing documentation, through its verification, to final notarial formalities. In many cases, we also commission additional technical audits of the property to ensure that the building's condition meets the seller's declarations and the buyer's expectations. Key documents include:

• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)—a foreign national identification number required for every transaction in Spain, including purchasing real estate and opening a bank account.
• Valid passport or ID card
• Financial documents (e.g., bank statements, income certificates)—especially in the case of a mortgage purchase.
• Title Deed (Título de propiedad) / Land and Mortgage Register – a document confirming that the seller is the actual owner of the property and that the property is free from encumbrances.
• Energy Efficiency Certificate (Certificado de Eficiencia Energética) – a mandatory document specifying the property's energy efficiency class.

More on the documents required for the purchase: Documents and formalities required to purchase property in Spain

Yes. After purchasing a property in Spain, every owner is required to pay certain local taxes and fees. These include:

• IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) – an annual property tax assessed by the local municipality,
• Non-resident tax, if the owner does not reside permanently in Spain,
• Solidarity tax – only applies to assets exceeding €3 million,
• Basura – a waste collection fee,
• Community fees – if the property is located in a complex, covering the maintenance of common areas such as the swimming pool, gardens, security, maintenance, and lighting.

At Agnes Inversiones, we thoroughly explain all tax obligations related to purchasing real estate in Spain to our clients. We also assist with tax settlements and contacts with local authorities and housing associations. By working with experienced tax advisors and property managers, our clients can rest assured that all obligations are met on time and in accordance with Spanish law. More on property owners’ taxes: Property tax, wealth tax, and ITSGF in Spain: obligations of non-residents

Absolutely. Every property in Spain should be thoroughly inspected by a local lawyer (abogado) before signing a reservation or preliminary agreement. This is a crucial step that protects the buyer's interests and minimizes legal risk. A lawyer:

• verifies that the property has all the necessary permits and legal documents,
• checks for tax arrears, mortgages, or debts to the housing association,
• confirms that the plot boundaries and factual circumstances are consistent with the documentation,
• prepares and reviews contracts, and also oversees the transfer of ownership process at the notary's office.

At Agnes Inversiones, we always ensure that our clients are fully protected legally. We work with experienced Spanish law firms that specialize in serving international clients. This ensures the entire process is transparent, secure, and understandable—and clients receive full support in English, Spanish or Polish. Our goal is to make the purchase of real estate in Spain not only safe but also comfortable for the client – that is why Agnes Inversiones coordinates cooperation with lawyers, explains each stage and ensures the timely preparation of all documentation. More on the legal verification of a property: Verification of the property’s legal status

In Spain, many properties – especially apartments, gated communities, and residential complexes – belong to a so-called owners' association (comunidad de propietarios). This association is responsible for maintaining common areas, such as:

• gardens and green areas,
• swimming pools, gyms, playgrounds,
• lighting and cleaning of common areas,
• security and reception,
• building and infrastructure maintenance.

Each property owner in such a complex pays a monthly or quarterly fee – the so-called community fee. The amount depends on the size of the property, the number of amenities, and the level of maintenance services. It typically ranges from €150 to €500 per month, but in luxury developments with 24-hour security and extensive infrastructure (e.g., Marbella, Benahavís), the fees can be significantly higher. At Agnes Inversiones, we always provide our clients with detailed information about the amount and scope of community fees at the property selection stage. Thanks to this, the buyer makes an informed decision, with a full understanding of the real costs of maintaining their new home in Spain. More on community fees and maintenance costs: Property maintenance costs on the Costa del Sol

Yes. In Spain, and particularly in the Andalusia region, there are specific regulations governing short-term (tourist) rentals. To legally rent out a property, you must obtain a tourism license (Vivienda con Fines Turísticos), issued by the Junta de Andalucía. From April 2025, an additional requirement has been introduced – for properties located in condominiums, the consent of the owners' community council may be required if the tourism activity was not previously registered. It is also worth remembering that some cities, such as Malaga, have introduced more restrictive regulations limiting tourist rentals in selected districts – especially in city centers or areas with high tourist traffic. At Agnes Inversiones, we constantly monitor changes in the legal aspects of short-term rentals. More on short-term rental regulations:

• Investing in rental property in Spain – an investor’s guide and new regulations for 2026
• One year on from the changes to the regulations on short-term rentals in Spain. How has this affected the tourism market?

Buying a property in Spain requires not only a good location, but above all, certainty regarding the legal and technical condition of the chosen property. This is a key step that determines the security of the entire transaction. At Agnes Inversiones, we attach great importance to this and always recommend conducting a comprehensive property inspection before signing any contract:

• Verification of legal documents: land and mortgage register, building permits, occupancy permits, and certificates
• Checking for tax arrears and homeowner association debt
• Sometimes hiring a building surveyor/inspector, if the property is older, to assess the technical condition of the installations, structure, roof, etc.

Property inspection is a crucial step before purchasing. Agnes Inversiones ensures full transparency of the transaction. If necessary, we organize a technical audit with independent experts. This ensures our clients have the peace of mind that their investment is safe and fully verified. More on checking a property before purchase: Verification of the property’s legal status

Maintaining a property in Spain involves regular costs that are worth including in your annual budget. Typical expenses include:

• Community fees – if the property is located in a complex with a pool, garden, or security.
• Local taxes – including IBI (property tax) and garbage collection.
• Utilities – water, electricity, gas, and internet bills.
• Property insurance – recommended for property security.
• Maintenance and servicing – garden and pool maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs.

At Agnes Inversiones, we help our clients with complete property management – from selecting the right service providers, to cost monitoring and regular expense reporting. This gives owners peace of mind and the assurance that their home in Spain is always a well-maintained and secure investment. More on property maintenance costs: Property maintenance costs on the Costa del Sol

Yes. At Agnes Inversiones, we regularly conduct remote transactions for clients from Poland and abroad. We organize video presentations, and all documents can be signed electronically. The deposit (reserva) is transferred via bank transfer. This is a very common practice—many of our clients choose to book online to avoid missing out on the opportunity to purchase their dream property. More on reserving a property: Reservation and payment of a deposit – How does the property process work in Spain?

Yes, in Spain, it's possible to purchase real estate both as an individual and through a company – Spanish or foreign. The choice of legal form depends on the investment purpose, tax strategy, and financing method. At Agnes Inversiones, we work with experienced lawyers and tax advisors who help select the best solution for each client – whether it's a buy-to-let, long-term investment, or acquisition by a company.

To legally rent out property in Spain on a short-term basis, you must obtain a tourist license (Vivienda con Fines Turísticos) issued by the Junta de Andalucía. The application requires the preparation of appropriate documentation, including:

• a property plan,
• an energy efficiency certificate,
• a cadastral number,
• the owner's details and N.I.E. number,
• a declaration of compliance with technical requirements (e.g., air conditioning, equipment, safety).

More on the tourist license: Tourist licences in Spain. What do buyers of holiday flats need to know?

The most popular are Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís, Mijas, Fuengirola, and Benalmádena – each offers a different lifestyle and investment potential. At Agnes Inversiones, we help clients choose the best location according to their expectations, budget, and plans – whether purchasing a second home or investing in a rental property. Thanks to our market knowledge, we advise on the best places to buy to combine comfortable living with high potential for property appreciation. More on choosing a location on the Costa del Sol: Eastern and western Costa del Sol: location is a key decision

The Costa del Sol is one of the most stable and dynamically developing real estate markets in Europe. Continued high demand, both in the premium and holiday rental segments, has led to prices steadily rising for several years – by an average of 4–6% annually. At Agnes Inversiones, we see a growing number of investors – including those from Poland – considering purchasing property on the Costa del Sol as a safe investment and an effective way to diversify their capital. Thanks to our market knowledge and analysis of current trends, we advise on which locations and property types have the greatest potential for value growth and return on investment. At Agnes Inversiones, our goal is not only to find the perfect property but also to help build a long-term investment strategy based on reliable data and local experience. More on prices and property market trends:

• Property prices in Spain continue to rise sharply – Poles have bought a record number of properties in Spain. Results for the first half of 2026
• The property market in Spain is changing. Climate pricing, new regulations and more informed investors

Yes, the purchase of a property in Spain can be completed by international transfer from any bank account, but in practice, it is recommended to open a Spanish bank account. Having a local account significantly simplifies all financial formalities, such as notary fees, taxes, property maintenance, and settlements with the community. Most importantly, it allows you to document the origin of funds (origen de fondos), which is required by Spanish anti-money laundering regulations. It's also worth remembering that in Spain, payments by bank transfer on the day of the notarial deed signing are not common, as they often are in countries other than Spain. The standard form of payment is a certified bank check (cheque bancario), which is presented to the seller upon signing the deed at the notary. The bank issues this check based on the funds in the buyer's account, guaranteeing the security of the transaction for both parties. At Agnes Inversiones, we assist our clients throughout the entire process to ensure that all financial matters are planned and ready for the day of the deed signing. More on opening a bank account in Spain: Bank account in Spain – how to open one?

Yes. Purchasing a property in Spain does not automatically grant residency, but as a European Union citizen, you can live and reside in Spain without visa restrictions. In practice, however, if you plan to spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, you become a tax resident, which entails additional obligations, including filing income tax returns in Spain. Therefore, before deciding on permanent residence, it is advisable to consult a lawyer or tax advisor who will help you choose the most favorable legal and tax solution. At Agnes Inversiones, we support our clients not only with the purchase of real estate but also during the relocation process. More on moving to Spain: Poles choose Spain! Once again, it is one of the most popular moving destinations

We highly recommend the Costa del Sol – a region that has been attracting residents from around the world for years with its climate, quality of life, and exceptional energy. It boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, an international community, excellent infrastructure, numerous international schools, golf courses, modern sports centers, and a rich cultural and gastronomic offer. Another advantage is the proximity of Malaga International Airport, offering direct connections to many cities in Europe and the world, making the Costa del Sol an excellent place for both living and working remotely. At Agnes Inversiones, we have specialized in the real estate market in this region for years and offer a wide selection of houses, villas, and premium apartments tailored to various needs – from holiday investments to year-round residences. With a deep understanding of the specific characteristics of each town, we help our clients choose the ideal location that best suits their lifestyle and plans. Thanks to the experience of Agnes Inversiones, the decision to live in Spain becomes a conscious and dream-fulfilling choice, not a random decision influenced by emotions. More on living on the Costa del Sol:

• Why live on the Costa del Sol? It is not only a safe haven
• Marbella – the ideal place to live and work
• Eastern and western Costa del Sol: location is a key decision