Selling in Spain typically costs 5–10% of the sale price. The main elements are agent fees, capital gains tax on any profit, and the municipal plusvalía — and non-resident sellers have 3% of the price withheld at completion.
The costs of selling, at a glance
| Cost | Typical guide | Who / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Estate agent fee | 3 – 5% + IVA | Paid by the seller; deductible against the gain. |
| Capital gains tax | 19 – 28% | On the profit; 19% flat for non-residents. |
| Plusvalía (municipal) | Varies by town | Tax on the increase in land value; seller pays. |
| Energy certificate | €150 – €500 | Mandatory to market the property. |
| Legal fees | ~1% + IVA | Optional but advisable, especially for non-residents. |
| Mortgage cancellation | If applicable | Notary, registry and any early-repayment fee. |
Capital gains tax
Capital gains tax is charged on your profit — the sale price less the original purchase price and allowable costs (purchase taxes and fees, the agent’s commission, plusvalía, and qualifying improvements with invoices). Keeping those records can materially reduce the taxable gain.
| Seller | Rate on the gain |
|---|---|
| Resident — first €6,000 | 19% |
| Resident — €6,000 to €50,000 | 21% |
| Resident — €50,000 to €200,000 | 23% |
| Resident — €200,000 to €300,000 | 27% |
| Resident — above €300,000 | 28% |
| Non-resident (flat) | 19% |
The 3% retention (non-residents)
If you are a non-resident, the buyer is legally required to withhold 3% of the sale price at completion and pay it to the tax authority as an advance against your capital gains tax. If your actual liability is lower than the 3% withheld, you reclaim the difference; if higher, you settle the balance. Factor this into your net-proceeds calculation.
Plusvalía municipal
Plusvalía is a local tax on the increase in the land value during your ownership, levied by the town hall and paid by the seller. Since 2022 you may choose the more favourable of two calculation methods, and if you sold at a loss on the land value you may be exempt — but the obligation to declare always applies.
The selling process, step by step
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Valuation & strategy | A realistic valuation and a positioning and pricing strategy for your property. |
| 2. Preparation | Energy certificate, documents in order, and professional photography and presentation. |
| 3. Marketing | Discreet or open marketing across the right channels and buyer networks. |
| 4. Offers & negotiation | Qualifying buyers, negotiating terms and price in your interest. |
| 5. Arras | The preliminary contract with a 10% deposit, setting the completion date. |
| 6. Completion | Signing at the notary, settlement of taxes, and transfer of funds. |
Getting the best price
For prime property, presentation and positioning matter as much as the headline price. The right valuation, professional photography, a considered marketing strategy — discreet where discretion is wanted — and access to genuine buyers, including our international and off-market network, are what achieve the best result. As advisers we represent your interest throughout, with full transparency.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to sell a property in Spain?
Total selling costs typically run between 5% and 10% of the sale price. The main elements are estate-agent fees, capital gains tax on any profit, the municipal plusvalía, an energy performance certificate, and legal fees.
How much is capital gains tax when selling in Spain?
Residents pay on a sliding scale from 19% up to 28% depending on the size of the gain. Non-residents pay a flat 19% on the gain. The taxable gain is the sale price less the original purchase price and allowable costs such as agent fees, plusvalía and qualifying improvements.
What is the 3% retention when selling as a non-resident?
When the seller is a non-resident, the buyer must withhold 3% of the sale price and pay it to the tax authority as an advance against the seller’s capital gains tax. If your actual liability is lower, you can reclaim the difference; if higher, you pay the balance.
What is the plusvalía tax?
Plusvalía (Impuesto sobre el Incremento del Valor de los Terrenos) is a municipal tax on the increase in the land value during your ownership, paid by the seller. Since 2022 you may choose between two calculation methods, and there is no exemption from declaring it.
What are estate agent fees in Spain?
Agent fees are paid by the seller and typically range from 3% to 5% of the sale price plus IVA, and can be higher for prime or complex luxury sales. The fee is deductible against your capital gain.
What documents do I need to sell my property in Spain?
You will need the title deed (escritura), a recent nota simple, the energy performance certificate (mandatory to market the property), the most recent IBI receipt and community-fee statements, and any habitation or first-occupancy licences.