Real estate investment in Spain

The sale of real estate to foreign investors is not limited in Spain: one can buy and sell housing and commercial real estate or rent it out.

Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential real estate prices grow by an average of 1,3% every quarter. Seven years ago, an apartment of 100 m2 cost €203,000, and today it is sold for €300,000.

€3,300

Average price per 1 m²

€500,000+

Real estate investment for residency

6—12%

Associated costs, of the property value

How the residential property price index is growing in Spain

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Cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in Spain

€2 million

Apartment in the centre of Madrid or Barcelona

€500,000

Apartment with a sea view, 500 metres from the beach

€200,000

Apartment in 2 kilometres
from the sea

Investment real estate in Spain

https://immigrantinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/4-72.jpg

location iconSpain, Marbella

€1,884,000 — €4,284,000

Luxury apartments on the coast of Spain
square icon223 m² — 553 m²
bed icon2—4
bathroom icon2—4
https://wonderful-dogs-8ceb8899a2.media.strapiapp.com/2_36458253d8.png

location iconSpain, Palma de Mallorca

€755,000 — €880,000

Modern townhouses with 3 bedrooms, Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca
square icon122 m² — 192 m²
bed icon3
bathroom icon3

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Spain residency or citizenship by real estate investment

Spain offers real estate investors a Golden Visa. A residence permit is obtained by purchasing real estate worth at least €500,000.

The residence permit is valid for 3 years and is renewable for 5 more years. It is not necessary to live in Spain if there are no plans to obtain permanent residency or citizenship.

Permanent residency becomes available after 5 years of living in Spain and 5 more years grant the right to apply for citizenship by naturalisation.

Minimum real estate investment in Spain

€500,000

For residential or commercial real estate

The investor buys a choice of residential or commercial real estate in Spain. For the amount of €500,000, the investor can buy one or more real estate properties. If they include family members in the application, the investment amount will not increase.

The owner of the real estate can be the investor or a company in which they own the majority of the shares. Purchasing commercial premises on behalf of a company gives the right to a tax deduction and allows you to return the paid VAT in the amount of 21%.

Advantages of a real estate investment in Spain

Spain is one of the most attractive countries for property investments in Europe. Its location, safety, rich history and developed infrastructure create a favourable investment environment for expats and immigrants in the real estate market.

Easy access to the country. Spain, with the most accessible entry to Europe, has many routes from other parts of the world, such as the USA. In addition, Spain has connections with countries such as France and Portugal and is a gateway to Africa.

Investment return. The return on investment in real estate in Spain is achievable. There are options here with positive returns, thanks to strong rental demand, the role of tourism and an expanding real estate market.

Growth in immigration and tourism. More and more people decide to move to Spain to improve their quality of life. It is a great benefit as the demand for apartments for rent tends to rise.

Plan B and moving to Spain. A residence permit by real estate purchase allows you to travel to Spain anytime, even if the borders are closed for foreigners without residency.

Expanding real estate market. The availability of real estate transactions is growing. There is a wide range of investment options — greater availability of buildings and apartments for sale or more companies building different real estate types.

Discover real estate market trends in 41 European countries

Practical Guide

Discover real estate market trends in 41 European countries

  • Master the residency process
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Taxes and associated costs

Countries to buy a property and get residency or citizenship

We offer proven properties that comply with the conditions of government programs for investors. You can buy real estate and obtain a residence permit or citizenship.

Country
Property investments
Status
Obtaining time
mt-flagmt-flag
Malta12 properties

€300,000+

Permanent residency

6+ months

Show 12 properties

€300,000+Permanent residency6+ months
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gd-flaggd-flag
Grenada19 properties

$270,000+

Citizenship

8+ months

Show 19 properties

$270,000+Citizenship8+ months
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ae-flagae-flag
UAE113 properties

AED 750,000+

Residence permit

2+ months

Show 113 properties

AED 750,000+Residence permit2+ months
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es-flages-flag
Spain36 properties

€500,000+

Residence permit

5+ months

Show 36 properties

€500,000+Residence permit5+ months
arrowRight icon
pt-flagpt-flag
Portugal68 properties

Not limited

Residency after D Visas

6+ months

Show 68 properties

Not limitedResidency after D Visas6+ months
arrowRight icon
Show all countries

40+ guides with European countries

Find out how much it costs to buy and rent real estate in each country, what the market dynamics are and what taxes you need to pay when buying and selling.

ba-flagReal estate investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The sale of real estate to foreigners is not restricted in Bosnia and Herzegovina: one can buy, lease and sell housing and commercial...

€1,177

Average price per 1 m²

1,5%

Average price growth per quarter

Learn more
ad-flagReal estate investment in Andorra

To buy property in Andorra, a foreigner needs to obtain government permission.

€4,600

Average price per 1 m²

€551,500+

Real estate investment for residency

Learn more
tr-flagReal estate investment in Turkey

Foreigners in Turkey can buy and sell housing and commercial real estate and rent it out.

$777

Average price per 1 m²

$400,000+

Real estate investment for citizenship

Learn more
rs-flagReal estate investment in Serbia

Foreigners can buy and sell properties in Serbia. The lease is possible on the principle of reciprocity. If Serbian citizens are allowed...

€2,900

Average price per 1 m²

2.5%

Average price growth per quarter

Learn more
pt-flagReal estate investment in Portugal

Portuguese law does not restrict foreigners from acquiring real estate; they have the same rights as citizens of the country. Portugal...

€3,400

Average price per 1 m²

1.9%

Average price growth per quarter

Learn more
mk-flagReal estate investment in North Macedonia

Foreigners can buy and sell properties with the approval of the Ministry of Justice.

€985

Average price per 1 m²

1,4%

Average price growth per quarter

Learn more
Igor Buglo

Material prepared by Igor Buglo, Head of the Maltese office, MBA

Updated:
08 October, 2024

Frequently asked questions

  • Can foreigners buy property in Spain?

    Yes. Foreigners in Spain can freely buy, sell, and rent out residential and commercial real estate.

  • Are property prices still falling in Spain?

    No. Property prices in Spain have been growing by 1,3% every quarter on average. Seven years ago, an apartment of 100 m² was worth an average of €203,000, and today it can be sold for €300,000.

  • Can I get residency in Spain if I buy a house?

    Yes. Foreigners can participate in the Spain Golden Visa Program and get a residence permit by investment in real estate. To maintain the status, investors need to keep the property.

    Investing in real estate is an opportunity to get additional income in Spain. Investors can make money on reselling the property on average, prices for Spanish real estate are growing by 5% per year. If an investor had bought an apartment worth €200,000 in 2017, they could now sell it for €300,000.

  • What is the average price of a house in Spain?

    The cost of Spanish real estate increases by an average of 1,3% quarterly. The dynamics are confirmed by Eurostat statistics: since 2015, housing prices have increased by 32%.

    The average cost of housing in Spain is €3,300 per 1 m². An apartment by the sea will cost around €500,000. For apartments in the centre of Madrid or Barcelona, you will have to pay about 2 million euros.

  • Do I have to pay tax on my Spanish property?

    Yes. Buyers of new buildings pay a VAT plus a stamp duty: 7—12% of the purchase price. For resale real estate, buyers pay a 6—10% transfer tax.

    The annual property tax in Spain ranges 0.4 to 1,1% of the cadastral value. The rate depends on the region where the property is located.

    Foreign owners who rent their property in Spain pay a 24% income tax. Foreigners may be charged a tax on imputed income, even if the property is not rented. The imputed income tax rate ranges 1 to 2% of the cadastral value of the object. The tax is levied on non-resident owners who live in Spain less than 183 days a year.

  • Is Spain a good place to invest in real estate?

    In general, Spain can offer attractive opportunities for real estate investment, particularly in popular tourist destinations and major cities. However, thorough research and due diligence are essential to assess the suitability of the investment based on your objectives and risk tolerance.

  • How much does a 1 bedroom apartment cost in Spain?

    The cost of a 1-bedroom apartment in Spain can vary significantly depending on the location, city, neighbourhood, size, condition, and other factors. Generally, prices can range from around €50,000 to well over €300,000 or more.

    In major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, as well as popular coastal areas such as the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands, prices tend to be higher due to demand and the attractiveness of these locations for both residents and tourists.