🏡 The Real Costs of Selling a Property in Spain (Updated 2026)
A clear, seller‑friendly guide from Golf del Sur Properties
Selling a home in Spain involves several legal and financial steps, and understanding the associated costs helps you plan ahead with confidence. Below is an updated breakdown of the main expenses sellers can expect in 2026, explained in simple terms and aligned with current Spanish regulations.
💼 1. Estate Agency Commission
Estate agency fees in Spain typically range between 4% and 6%, with 5% being the most common.
At Golf del Sur Properties, we believe sellers should know exactly what they’re paying for. A professional agency should offer:
- High‑quality marketing and photography
- Legal know‑how (option contracts, due diligence, NIE guidance)
- Buyer qualification
- After‑sales support
Good news:
Estate agency fees are tax‑deductible when calculating Capital Gains Tax.
Exclusive vs. non‑exclusive listings
You can list your property with multiple agencies.
Some agencies offer a reduced commission for exclusive listings — but remember, the average time to sell a property in Spain is 8–10 months but in the more desirable areas, this is considerably lower.
📈 2. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) – Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residentes / IRPF
Capital Gains Tax is paid on the profit made from the sale.
2026 CGT rates for individuals:
- 19% on the first €6,000
- 21% from €6,000 to €50,000
- 23% from €50,000 to €200,000
- 27% above €200,000 (new bracket introduced in 2022 and still in force)
Example
Bought in 2008 for €150,000 → Sold in 2026 for €325,000
Profit: €150,000
Tax is applied progressively across the brackets.
Deductions
You can deduct all official, invoiced expenses, including:
- Renovations and improvements (if registered with the authorities)
- Notary fees
- Lawyer fees
- Estate agency commission
- Energy certificate
- Costs from your original purchase
Exemptions
You may be exempt from CGT if:
- You are over 65,
- The property is your primary residence, and
- You have lived there officially for at least 3 years.
💶 3. 3% Retención (Non‑Residents Only)
If the seller is not a Spanish tax resident, the buyer or their legal representative must withhold 3% of the sale price and pay it directly to the Spanish Tax Office.
This is not an extra tax — it is an advance payment toward your Capital Gains Tax.
If your actual tax liability is less than 3%, you can apply for a refund in full or a proportional amount.
🔌 4. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC / Certificado Energético)
Required by law since June 2013 for all properties sold or rented.
- Cost: €100–€500, depending on size and complexity
- Must be issued by a qualified architect, engineer, or surveyor
- Fully deductible against Capital Gains Tax
We can arrange this for you as part of our seller service.
🏛️ 5. Plusvalía Municipal (Tax on Land Value Increase)
Plusvalía is a local tax charged by the Town Hall on the increase in the value of the land, not the building.
Key points
- Usually paid by the seller, unless contractually agreed otherwise
- Can be a significant amount depending on location and years owned
- Must be paid within 30 days of completion
🧾 Summary of Seller Costs in Spain (2026)
| Cost | Who Pays? | Notes |
| Estate agency commission | Seller | 3–6%, tax‑deductible |
| Capital Gains Tax | Seller | Progressive rates up to 27% |
| 3% Retención | Non‑resident sellers | Advance payment toward CGT |
| Energy certificate | Seller | €100–€500, deductible |
| Plusvalía municipal | Seller (unless agreed otherwise) | Based on land value increase |
🌴 Selling With Golf del Sur Properties
We guide sellers through every step — from valuation to completion — ensuring clarity, transparency, and a smooth experience.
Our team handles the paperwork, coordinates with notaries, and ensures all taxes and certificates are correctly managed.