Buying in Spain
UK buyer's guide to Marbella
Process
UK buyers remain the largest single foreign buyer cohort on the Costa del Sol — post-Brexit, with a heavier paperwork load but undiminished buying volume.
How the process actually works
The main UK-specific items are SDLT impact on the UK side, FX strategy, the 90/180 day Schengen rule for non-residents, and the choice between NLV and standard tourist visits.
Costs and timeline
Allow 10–13% of purchase price for transaction costs (resale; new-build is slightly higher). Reservation deposit at offer (€6,000–30,000 typical), 10% deposit at exchange (Arras contract), balance at notary completion. Total timeline from accepted offer to keys: 6–10 weeks clean resale.
Who you actually need
An independent lawyer (not the one the agent or seller recommends), a gestor for tax and admin, an FX broker if you're transferring from outside the euro, and an agent who actually transacts in the specific micro-market. Skip any of these and you will pay for it later.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I buy without being a resident?
- Yes. Non-residents buy freely. Only the annual tax treatment differs (Modelo 210).
- Is the deposit refundable?
- The 10% Arras deposit is double-or-nothing under standard Spanish contract law — buyer walks, buyer loses 10%; seller walks, seller pays back 20%.
- Do I need a Spanish bank account?
- Yes — for utilities, community fees, taxes and the mortgage if applicable. Opening takes a week or two with NIE in hand.
- Can the lawyer act remotely?
- Yes. A Power of Attorney (Poder) signed at the Spanish consulate in your home country or by apostille lets the lawyer complete on your behalf without you flying in.
