---
title: "Investing in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Property on the Costa del Sol"
description: The Spanish real estate market, particularly in the Costa del Sol region, presents an attractive opportunity for Slovak investors. Whether you're looking for an apartment for short-term rental or a villa for flipping, the process has its own specificities that differ significantly from what we're used to at home. In collaboration with an expert on the local market, we've prepared a detailed overview of what to expect.
image: https://bizpartnergroup.com/hubfs/blog_bpg_image_142.png
---

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 21 April 2026

# Investing in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Property on the Costa del Sol

The Spanish real estate market, particularly in the Costa del Sol region, presents an attractive opportunity for Slovak investors. Whether you're looking for an apartment for short-term rental or a villa for flipping, the process has its own specificities that differ significantly from what we're used to at home. In collaboration with an expert on the local market, we've prepared a detailed overview of what to expect.

![blog\_bpg\_image\_142](https://bizpartnergroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog_bpg_image_142.png?width=1600&height=900&name=blog_bpg_image_142.png)

## **1. The Secondary Market Purchase Process**

When buying a property that has already been owned, the process begins with finding a suitable property and submitting an offer. Once accepted, several key steps follow:

- **Reservation Fee:** Used to take the property off the market. It ranges from €6,000 (for standard apartments) to tens of thousands of euros for luxury villas.
- **Protection of Both Parties:** If the buyer withdraws, the deposit is forfeited. If the seller changes their mind, they must return double the deposited amount.
- **Legal Due Diligence:** An absolute necessity, taking 2 to 3 weeks. A lawyer checks the land registry, compliance with the zoning plan, occupancy permits, and any outstanding tax or community fee debts.

## **2. Watch Out for Community Rules and Rental Restrictions**

In Spain, most holiday properties are part of so-called urbanizaciones with shared management. This brings important restrictions for investors:

> **Warning for Airbnb investors:** Owners' communities now have the right to ban short-term rentals within their complex by a majority vote. However, they cannot ban long-term rentals (over 12 months).

If you plan to rent out the property, your lawyer must thoroughly review the community rules to avoid purchasing an apartment where you cannot legally operate a rental business.

## **3. Taxes and Fees: What to Expect?**

When calculating your investment, bear in mind that listed sale prices are always exclusive of taxes.

| Property Type | Tax / Fee | Total Price Increase |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Secondary Market (Resale) | 7% Transfer Tax (Andalusia) | ~10% (incl. lawyer/notary) |
| New Build | 10% VAT + 1.2% Stamp Duty | ~13% |
| Commercial Premises | 21% VAT (no exceptions) | — |

When selling a property, Spain does not offer an income tax exemption based on the length of ownership. The seller pays a 19% capital gains tax (the difference between the purchase and sale price) and the municipal tax known as Plus Valía.

## **4. Flipping and Buying Through a Company**

For investors engaged in renovation and resale (flipping), it is more advantageous to use a Spanish limited liability company (S.L.). If a company purchases a property under €500,000 exclusively for the purpose of resale within 3 years, it pays only 1% transfer tax instead of 7%.

**Key restrictions during renovation:**

- There are two types of permits: minor (interior, windows) and major (changes to layout and load-bearing structures).
- During peak season (June 15 – September 15) and major public holidays, construction work in urbanizaciones is generally prohibited.

## **5. Common Myths: Squatters and Security**

Although squatters (okupas) receive a lot of media coverage in Spain, the situation on the Costa del Sol is calmer thanks to gated urbanizaciones with security. If the owner discovers an intrusion within 48 hours, the police can remove the individuals immediately. A greater risk are so-called "non-payers" — tenants who stop paying after the first month. This is why landlords today require strict verification of income and employment contracts from prospective tenants.

## **Conclusion**

Spain offers excellent opportunities for capital appreciation, but it does not forgive mistakes. The market is highly competitive and rational decision-making is key. As experience shows, a good local lawyer, accountant, and experienced agent are not an extra cost — they are an essential protection for your investment.

[Financing](https://bizpartnergroup.com/en/blog/tag/financing)

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