Do you have any questions about the properties, buying process, or investing?
Feel free to write – I’m happy to help you navigate the Costa del Sol real estate market.
Fill out the form, and I’ll get back to you soon!
- info@suzannerealty.hu
- Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Resale Property
Transfer Tax (ITP): 6%–10% of the purchase price
Notary Fees: €600–€1,200
Land Registry Fees: €400–€700
Legal Fees: 1%–2% of the purchase price
Total Additional Costs: approx. 8%–12%
New-Build Property
VAT (IVA): 10% of the purchase price
Documentary Tax (AJD): 1%–1.5%
Notary + Land Registry: €600–€1,200
Legal Fees: approx. 1%
Total Additional Costs: approx. 11%–13%
Example:
Resale apartment of €250,000: max extra costs ~€30,000 (~12%)
New apartment of €300,000: max extra costs ~€36,000–€38,000 (~12–13%)
Yes, I can assist you in hungarian, english, and spanish languages throughout the entire process—from property search to purchase, including legal and administrative matters. I can also help after the purchase with potential rental management and property operation.
Types of Rental: Short-term (for tourists, Airbnb-style) or long-term (monthly rental).
Permits: Short-term rentals require a tourist license (“Licencia Turística”) obtained from the local town hall. Long-term rentals do not require a permit.
Taxes: Rental income is subject to local taxes and Spanish income tax; for short-term rentals, VAT (IVA) may also apply in certain cases.
Contracts: Long-term rentals should have a written contract (usually minimum 6–12 months). Short-term rentals follow the rules of the platform (Airbnb, Booking, etc.).
Management: The owner can manage the rental themselves or hire a property management company that handles bookings, cleaning, and customer service.
Rental Price Levels: Depend on location (Marbella, Benalmádena, Fuengirola), seasonal fluctuations, apartment size, and amenities.
Factors Affecting Rental Income on the Costa del Sol:
Location: Marbella, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, or central Malaga
Type & Size: Studio, 1–2 bedroom, penthouse
Amenities: Pool, terrace, view, parking, furnished
Season: In peak summer season, short-term rental rates can be 2–3 times higher than in winter
Average Rental Prices (around 2025, Short-Term / Airbnb):
| Location | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marbella | €100–€150 / night | €150–€250 / night | €250–€400 / night |
| Benalmádena | €70–€120 / night | €120–€200 / night | €180–€300 / night |
| Fuengirola | €60–€100 / night | €100–€180 / night | €150–€250 / night |
| Malaga City | €80–€120 / night | €120–€200 / night | €180–€300 / night |
Long-Term Rentals (Monthly):
1-Bedroom: €600–€900 + utilities/month
2-Bedroom: €900–€1,500 + utilities/month
3-Bedroom: €1,200–€2,500 + utilities/month
Note: For short-term rentals, prices vary greatly depending on season and demand.
Without a Mortgage: Usually 4–8 weeks from offer acceptance to the registration of ownership at the Land Registry.
With a Mortgage: 6–12 weeks, as the bank’s loan approval and documentation extend the process.
Yes, it is necessary for payment of the purchase price, utility bills, and taxes.
Yes, every foreign buyer is required to have an NIE number for the purchase and official procedures.
Yes. New-build properties are subject to VAT and documentary tax, while resale properties incur transfer tax (ITP). Legal and notary fees are similar for both.
Banks typically finance 60–80% of the purchase price. To apply for a mortgage, proof of income and a Spanish bank account are required.
It is recommended, as a lawyer checks contracts, permits, and the Land Registry status.
The notary certifies the sales contract, and the Land Registry records the ownership in your name.
| Expense Type / Item | Average (Apartment / Flat) |
|---|
| Community / HOA Fees | approx. €50–€150/month for a standard apartment. Higher in luxury or serviced complexes: €200–€500/month. |
| Electricity / Water / Gas / Internet (Utilities) | Electricity + water + internet: approx. €100–€200/month on average. |
| Home / Property Insurance | approx. €150–€400/year for an average apartment. |
| Local Property Tax + Garbage Fee | Garbage collection + minor municipal fees: approx. €100–€150/year. |
| Maintenance, Minor Repairs, Upkeep | For an apartment, relatively low; annually a few hundred to a few thousand €, depending on the property. |