Buying a property on Costa del Sol – a simple step-by-step guide
Costa del Sol is one of Europe’s most popular regions for international buyers. Great weather, good connections and a wide range of properties make it very attractive – but the buying process is not the same as in your home country.
Here is a short, practical overview of how the process usually works – and what to think about at each step.
1. Get your budget and total cost clear
The first step is to decide how much you can and want to spend.
In Spain, the total buying cost is usually 10–13% on top of the purchase price. This includes:
- Taxes
- Notary and registry fees
- Legal fees
- Possible bank/mortgage costs
Make sure your budget covers price + 10–13% so there are no surprises later.
2. Decide how you will use the property
Before you start looking, be clear on your main purpose:
- Holiday home?
- Full-time living?
- Rental investment?
- A mix of the above?
This affects what you should prioritise:
- Location (beach, town centre, quiet residential area)
- Access to schools, medical services and transport
- Type of property (apartment, townhouse, villa)
At JMA Prime Estate, we always start with a short needs analysis so we don’t waste time on the wrong properties.
3. Choose the right area on Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol is a long coastline with many different towns and neighbourhoods. A few examples:
- Fuengirola – very good transport (train to the airport), busy all year, lots of services.
- Mijas Costa / La Cala – beachside, many modern developments, popular with international families.
- Marbella – more exclusive image, higher price levels in many areas.
- Benalmádena – hillside views, mix of traditional Spanish and international areas.
A good approach is:
- Shortlist 2–3 areas that fit your lifestyle.
- Visit them at different times of day if possible.
- Then focus your property search inside those areas.
4. Build the right team: agent, lawyer and (if needed) bank
To keep the process safe and simple, you normally need three key partners:
- Your main agent
- Understands your needs
- Coordinates viewings (even with other agencies via shared listing systems)
- Guides you from first contact to handing over the keys
- Understands your needs
- An independent lawyer
- Works only for you as the buyer
- Checks all documents, debts, licences and contracts
- Manages payments, tax and registration correctly
- Works only for you as the buyer
- A bank (if you need financing)
- Gives you an indication of how much you can borrow
- Explains conditions, interest and extra costs
- Gives you an indication of how much you can borrow
On Costa del Sol, many agencies share the same database of properties. That means you don’t need 10 agents – you need one good one who represents you and uses the network in a smart way.
5. From offer to completion – the key steps
When you find the right property, the journey usually looks like this:
- Offer & negotiation
You submit an offer via your agent. If the seller accepts or counters, your agent helps you find an agreement. - Reservation
A short reservation document is signed and you pay a reservation fee (often 6,000–10,000 € depending on price level and agreement). The property is taken off the market for a set period. - Legal checks (due diligence)
Your lawyer checks ownership, debts, licences, planning issues and all key documents. If problems appear, they advise you and negotiate solutions – or recommend walking away. - Private purchase contract
Once everything is clear, a more detailed contract is signed. You normally pay up to 10% of the purchase price (including the reservation already paid). - Completion at the notary
The final deed is signed, the remaining amount is paid, and you receive the keys. Your lawyer handles taxes and registration in your name.
6. Think beyond the purchase: management and rentals
Many international buyers focus only on the purchase – but the real question is: What happens after?
Important points to consider:
- Who will hold the keys and check the property when you’re away?
- Who can help with cleaning, small repairs and deliveries?
- Will you rent the property out? If yes – who will manage guests, check-in/out and licences?
At JMA Prime Estate, we combine property search and purchase support with rental and property management services, so you have one team before and after the sale.
In short – a clear process makes all the difference
Buying on Costa del Sol doesn’t have to be complicated. With:
- A realistic budget
- A clear idea of how you will use the property
- The right area and property type
- A good agent and independent lawyer
…you can move through the process step by step and enjoy your new home instead of worrying about what you might have missed.
How JMA Prime Estate can help
We help international buyers by:
- Understanding your needs and suggesting suitable areas and property types
- Searching the market (our own listings and through partner networks)
- Coordinating viewings and guiding you through each step of the transaction
- Working closely with trusted lawyers and banks
- Offering rental and property management after the purchase
If you’re considering buying a property on Costa del Sol, contact JMA Prime Estate for a free, no-obligation call and let’s map out your next steps together.
