Buying a home in Murcia is an exciting step — however, many buyers overlook the additional costs involved beyond the property’s purchase price. Understanding these additional charges when buying in Murcia can save you stress and help you budget realistically for your new home in Spain.
1. Property Transfer Tax (ITP)
For resale properties, buyers in Murcia must pay the Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) — the Property Transfer Tax.
- The standard rate is 8% of the purchase price for most properties.
- Higher-value homes may incur up to 10%, depending on the final purchase amount.
It’s important to note that this tax is calculated on the declared value of the property — or the value assessed by the regional tax authority, whichever is higher.
For new-build properties, the ITP does not apply; instead, buyers pay VAT (IVA) and stamp duty, as outlined below.
2. VAT (IVA) and Stamp Duty (AJD)
If you’re buying directly from a developer, you’ll pay 10% VAT (IVA) on the property’s price, plus 1.5% Stamp Duty (Actos JurÃdicos Documentados – AJD).
These taxes apply primarily to brand-new villas, apartments, or off-plan developments.
3. Notary Fees
Every property transaction in Spain must be formalised before a Spanish notary. The notary ensures the legality of the contract, verifies the identities of the parties, and records the transaction officially.
Fees typically range from €600 to €1,000, depending on the property’s value and the number of pages in the title deed (escritura).
4. Land Registry Fees
After signing at the notary, the title deed must be registered in the Spanish Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).
- Expect to pay around €400–€800 for this process.
It ensures your legal ownership is recorded and protects your rights to the property.
5. Legal Fees
Hiring a qualified Spanish property lawyer (abogado) is strongly recommende, plus if they can speak your language that is an addtional bonus. Your lawyer will handle all legal checks, ensure there are no debts on the property, and guide you through the tax obligations.
- Legal fees usually range between 1% and 2% of the purchase price (plus VAT).
6. Mortgage Costs
If you’re financing your purchase with a Spanish mortgage, there are additional expenses:
- Bank valuation: Around €300–€600.
- Mortgage opening fee: Usually 0.5%–1% of the loan amount.
- Some banks may also charge for translation or insurance policies.
7. Administrative Costs
If you use a gestor (an administrative agent) to handle paperwork and or tax payments, expect an additional €300–€500 fee. Some non-Spanish speakers find this quite useful.
8. Annual Ongoing Costs
Once you’ve completed the purchase, remember the annual charges:
- IBI (property tax): Paid to your local town hall.
- Community fees: If your home is on an urbanisation or complex.
- Utilities and insurance.
These ongoing additional charges when buying in Murcia are modest compared to other regions of Spain, one of the reasons Murcia remains so attractive to international buyers.
Final Thoughts
Factoring in around 10–13% of the purchase price for taxes and fees will give you a realistic budget. With careful planning and the right local advice, buying property in Murcia can be a smooth and rewarding experience.
If you’re considering buying property in Murcia, Murcia Services is here to help every step of the way. Our experienced team specialises in helping international buyers find their ideal home across the Murcia Region from luxury golf resort villas to coastal apartments, We offer honest advice, a transparent buying process, and local expertise to make your property purchase stress-free and enjoyable.
