If you’re buying new build property in Spain (including most off-plan apartments in Costa Blanca developments), the “extra costs” aren’t a mystery: they’re a fairly predictable set of taxes plus fixed legal/administrative fees.
Below is the 2026 breakdown most buyers ask for, with clear numbers and a worked table.
Note: taxes vary by region.
The examples below use Valencian Community (Valencia / Alicante / Costa Blanca)
IVA (VAT) vs ITP: which one applies?
New build / off-plan
(developer sale)
You usually pay:
- IVA (VAT): 10% on residential property (typical new homes)
- AJD (Stamp Duty on the deed): see next section
Resale
(second-hand)
You usually pay:
- ITP (Transfer Tax) instead of IVA
In Comunitat Valenciana, the general ITP rate drops from 10% to 9% from 1 June 2026.
This article is focused on new builds/off-plan, but it’s worth stating upfront because buyers often compare the two.
AJD (Stamp Duty) in 2026: the one people miss
AJD on the mortgage deed (if you take a Spanish mortgage) is generally paid by the bank, not the buyer.
In Valencian Community (Communidad Valenciana):
- AJD is 1.5% up to 31 May 2026
- AJD becomes 1.4% from 1 June 2026
That change matters if you’re completing around summer 2026.
When do you pay IVA and AJD?
Usually at completion (signing the title deed), even if you’ve made stage payments. Ask the developer’s payment schedule: sometimes VAT is split across instalments; sometimes it’s settled at the end.
What should you request in writing?
- A clear breakdown of taxes and fees in the reservation / PPC (private purchase contract)
- Confirmation of whether the quoted price is “+ IVA” (it normally is for new builds)
Notary (Notaría): What it costs in practice
Notary fees are governed by an official tariff (arancel).
In day-to-day buying, a realistic planning figure is:
- ~ €800 (average price; typically from €600 to €1,200)
Plus small extras for authorised copies (often needed for registration and admin).
Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad)
Registry fees are also set by official tariff rules.
Typical planning range:
- ~0.1% to 0.25% of the purchase price, often landing around €400–€650 for “average” purchases
(High-value transactions can be higher — the tariff has caps and steps.)
Community fees (Comunidad): the ongoing cost buyers underestimate
This is not a purchase tax, but it affects the real cost of owning a new-build in Spain, especially developments with pools, gyms, lifts, concierge, landscaped areas.
- Across Spain, many owners pay roughly €30–€110/month on average, but it can be lower or much higher depending on services. Usually charged by trimester.
For Costa Blanca new-build developments with facilities, it’s sensible to ask for the community budget (presupuesto) and the fee quota for the specific unit.
2026 Buyer Cost Table for New Build Property in Valencia & Costa Blanca (Comunitat Valenciana)
If you consider buying the new build property in Spain (especially off-plan apartments and new developments along Valencia and the Costa Blanca) this table shows the typical one-off costs you should add to the listed price. In plain terms: it’s a quick way to estimate how much extra you’ll need at completion on top of the purchase price.
|
Example listing price |
IVA (10%) |
AJD (1.4%) |
Notary (avg.) |
Registry est. (0.175%) |
Estimated total (one-off) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
€228,000 |
€22,800 |
€3,192 |
€800 |
€399 |
€27,191 |
|
€357,000 |
€35,700 |
€4,998 |
€800 |
€625 |
€42,123 |
|
€594,000 |
€59,400 |
€8,316 |
€800 |
€1,040 |
€69,556 |
|
€822,000 |
€82,200 |
€11,508 |
€800 |
€1,439 |
€95,947 |
|
€1,150,000 |
€115,000 |
€16,100 |
€800 |
€2,013 |
€133,913 |
What this table includes (one-off costs at purchase):
- IVA (VAT) 10% on new-build residential property
- AJD (stamp duty) on the purchase deed (1.4% from 1 June 2026 in Comunitat Valenciana; 1.5% before)
- Estimated notary and land registry fees (tariff-based, so the exact figure varies)
What this table does not include:
- Ongoing costs like community fees (comunidad), utilities, or annual taxes
- Optional extras like legal representation, mortgage arrangement, furnishing packs, or upgrades
That’s why we call it a buyer cost table: it’s designed for people comparing listings and trying to understand the real completion budget for a new build home in Spain, not just the advertised price.
What to request in writing from the developer (and when)
Ask for this before you pay the reservation deposit or, at the latest, before you sign the PPC (Private Purchase Contract).
The developer’s sales team or their appointed agent should give you clear schedule and explanations (and make sure your solicitor receives the same documents).
Ask for:
- A full written breakdown of purchase costs linked to your specific unit: IVA, AJD, notary, land registry, and any other mandatory fees attached to the sale.
- Written confirmation of how the price is stated: whether the advertised figure is “+ IVA” (it usually is for new-build property in Spain) and whether any “pack” items are included or excluded.
- The payment schedule (reservation, stage payments, completion) with a note on when IVA is due — sometimes VAT is split across instalments, sometimes settled at completion.
- A draft of the PPC (or key terms sheet) showing: completion date/condition, what happens if deadlines slip, and exactly what you’re buying (storage, parking, terrace size, specifications).
FAQ: Costs of Buying a New-Build / Off-Plan Property in Spain (2026)
Quick answers for foreign buyers
About the author
SPACES & PLACES Exclusive Property S.L.
Information in this article is intended for general guidance only. Development details, pricing and availability may change; please verify all information directly with the developer or your trusted adviser before making any purchase decisions.
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