Apartments for sale in Spain

Types of apartment

In a complex. Most new apartments on the coast are built in gated complexes with a pool, gardens and sometimes a gym and underground parking. The shared areas are paid for through community fees; the amount depends on what the complex offers, so ask for it before you buy.

Penthouse. The top floor, often with a large terrace or a private solarium on the roof. Dearer than other apartments in the same block, but this is where the views are.

Ground-floor apartment. In Spanish, planta baja: usually with its own patio or small garden. Handy with children or a dog.

Resale. Finished apartments in established neighbourhoods: you can move straight in and see the street and the neighbours. Most of our resale stock is on the Costa Blanca, above all in Torrevieja.

Where to look

Costa Blanca — the widest choice and price range, both new builds and resale. Costa del Sol — almost all new build, mainly in the west of Málaga province: Estepona, Mijas, Marbella, Fuengirola. Mar Menor — apartments by the warm lagoon and on Murcia's golf resorts.

If you plan to let it

Since 3 April 2025, a new holiday let in an apartment building needs the express approval of the owners' community: three fifths of the owners, holding three fifths of the shares in the building, must vote in favour. Holiday lets must also be entered in a national register. If you are buying to let to holidaymakers, check the community's position before you buy. Long-term lets are not affected.

Buying from the UK

Buying does not give you residency. Spain's golden visa for property investors was abolished in April 2025. Anyone can still buy without restriction, but without a visa a UK passport holder can stay up to 90 days in any 180.

Taxes depend on the region. On a new build you pay 10% VAT everywhere, plus stamp duty of 1.4% in the Valencian Community (Costa Blanca), 1.2% in Andalusia (Costa del Sol) and 1.5% in Murcia (Mar Menor). On a resale property you pay transfer tax instead: 9% in the Valencian Community (11% on the whole price above €1,000,000), 7% in Andalusia and 7.75% in Murcia. Notary, land registry and paperwork usually add 0.5–1% of the price.

NIE and a Spanish bank account. You need an NIE, the foreigner's identification number, and we handle it for you. For a new build you do not need a Spanish bank account: you can pay the developer from your UK account. For a resale property it is not a legal requirement, but in practice you will want one: the seller is paid at the notary with a Spanish banker's draft, and a transfer from abroad has to leave several days before completion.

Mortgages. Spanish banks usually lend non-residents up to 70% of the valuation, against 80% for residents.

Off-plan. By law, every payment you make to the developer before completion must be covered by a bank guarantee. Check it before you sign.