Frequently Asked Questions

Ja, buitenlanders kunnen zonder problemen een woning kopen aan de Costa Brava. Dit geldt voor zowel Nederlanders, Belgen als andere internationale kopers. Er zijn geen beperkingen op het bezit van een tweede huis, vakantiewoning of investering in steden zoals Blanes, Lloret de Mar, Palamós, Platja d’Aro, Calonge, Santa Cristina d’Aro, Malgrat de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols en Begur. Bij PA Costa Brava begeleiden wij buitenlandse kopers professioneel bij elke stap van het aankoopproces, zodat u volledig zorgeloos uw tweede woning kunt kopen in Spanje. Wat u moet weten:

• NIE number (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) For a property on the Costa Brava, a NIE number is mandatory. This number allows you to sign the purchase contract, pay taxes, and register your property. PA Costa Brava can assist you in applying for your NIE number and will guide you through the entire process.
• Notary and registration The ownership transfer takes place at a Spanish notary, who ensures that everything is handled correctly. Afterward, the property is registered in the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). At PA Costa Brava, we ensure that you safely and fully legally become the owner of your property on the Costa Brava.
• Bank account in Spain It is advisable to open a Spanish bank account for tax payments, notary fees, and other expenses. We will assist you with this and ensure everything runs smoothly.
• Taxes and additional costs Foreigners pay the same taxes as Spaniards, such as transfer tax on existing homes or VAT on new construction, notary fees, and registration fees. PA Costa Brava provides a clear overview of all costs so you know what to expect.
• Local guidance By choosing PA Costa Brava, your registered real estate agent on the Costa Brava, you will receive complete guidance throughout the purchase. We are your local contact in Blanes, Lloret de Mar, Palamós, Platja d’Aro, Calonge, Santa Cristina d’Aro, Malgrat de Mar, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Pals, Tamariu, Calella de Palafrugell, and Begur, even if you are not regularly in Spain yourself.

Conclusion: Een buitenlander kan veilig en volledig legaal een tweede huis kopen aan de Costa Brava. Met de lokale expertise van PA Costa Brava bent u verzekerd van een zorgeloze, veilige aankoop en een betrouwbare begeleiding in elke stap van het proces, van bezichtiging tot juridische afhandeling.

Gemiddeld 6 tot 8 weken tussen het tekenen van het voorlopig koopcontract (arras) en de overdracht bij de notaris. Is er een technische inspectie of hypotheek nodig, dan duurt het proces langer. Lees ook: How does a reservation agreement work?.

The Número de Identificación de Extranjero is required for buying a property, opening a bank account and paying taxes. You can apply at the police in Spain or through the Spanish consulate. With a power of attorney the number is usually arranged within 6 weeks. PA Costa Brava can help you with this.

Ja, buitenlandse kopers kunnen een hypotheek in Spanje afsluiten. De voorwaarden verschillen per bank en regio. PA Costa Brava adviseert u over de mogelijkheden en koppelt u aan betrouwbare Spaanse banken of een andere hypotheekverstrekker. Tegenwoordig herfinancieren Nederlandse klanten vaak hun eigendom in Nederland om de ontstane overwaarde te gebruiken voor de aankoop van een tweede huis aan de Costa Brava. Lees ook: mortgage in Spain for foreigners.

In addition to the purchase price, allow for around 11% to 13% in additional costs. For an existing property in Catalonia you pay transfer tax (ITP), calculated progressively since 27 June 2025: 10% on the first €600,000, 11% on the part between €600,000 and €900,000, 12% between €900,000 and €1,500,000 and 13% above that. You also pay notary, registration and legal fees. For new-build properties bought directly from a developer you pay VAT instead of ITP. PA Costa Brava prepares a tailored overview in advance. (Last checked: August 2026) (Last checked: August 2026) Read more: Read more: all costs of buying a house in Spain.

De belangrijkste: kopen zonder juridische controle (schulden of ontbrekende vergunningen op de woning), de bijkomende kosten onderschatten, en tekenen zonder de Spaanse tekst te begrijpen. Met een aankoopbegeleider die de woning, het kadaster en de vergunningen controleert voorkomt u dit. Lees ook: 10 mistakes to avoid when buying a property in Spain.

• Legal certainty: A registered real estate agent ensures that your purchase process is completely legal. You can be sure that the preliminary purchase agreement, the notary transfer, and registration in the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) are handled correctly.
• Local knowledge and network: A registered real estate agent knows the local market and has a network of reliable partners: notaries, banks, contractors, painters, and installers. PA Costa Brava can connect you with the best professionals.
• Negotiation and valuation: A local real estate agent can determine the right price and negotiate on your behalf. This way, you avoid overpaying and gain insight into the market value of properties on the Costa Brava.
• Complete A to Z guidance: From finding your dream home to the handover of the keys: a registered real estate agent will guide you every step of the way. At PA Costa Brava, you will receive updates with photos, videos, and clear reports, even if you are not regularly present in Spain yourself.
• Risk avoidance: Buying a house abroad can entail risks, such as hidden defects, unclear ownership rights, or permit issues. PA Costa Brava minimizes these risks through thorough inspections and professional advice in all popular Costa Brava towns.

Conclusion: A registered real estate agent like PA Costa Brava is essential for a safe, efficient, and worry-free purchase of a second home on the Costa Brava. You will benefit from local knowledge, legal certainty, and personalized guidance, whether you are looking for a property in Blanes, Lloret de Mar, Palamós, Begur, or Sant Feliu de Guíxols.

De kosten van een aankoopmakelaar aan de Costa Brava liggen doorgaans tussen de 1% en 1,5% + IVA van de aankoopprijs, afhankelijk van de complexiteit van de woning en het volledige aankoopproces. PA Costa Brava biedt volledige en onafhankelijke aankoopbegeleiding van A tot Z bij de aankoop van uw woning, appartement, villa of tweede huis aan de Costa Brava, in plaatsen zoals Platja d’Aro, Calonge, Begur, Pals en Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Als geregistreerd API aankoopmakelaar, aangesloten bij het Colegio Oficial de Agentes de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria, werken wij uitsluitend in het belang van de koper — nooit van de verkoper. Van bezichtigingen en prijsonderhandelingen tot controle van de Nota Simple, juridische controle, notaris, sleuteloverdracht en volledige aftersales: uw aankoopmakelaar aan de Costa Brava begeleidt u veilig en professioneel tijdens het gehele aankooptraject.

Yes, an energy certificate (certificado de eficiencia energética) is required for both selling and renting out, and must be mentioned in advertisements. We arrange the inspection through our local partners. An energy certificate and a cédula de habitabilidad start from €150 excluding IVA and can be obtained within a few weeks.

Yes. In Catalonia a property must in principle have a valid Cédula de Habitabilidad (certificate of habitability) when sold or rented out; the seller must hand it to the buyer. Only in a few exceptional situations can a property be sold without a valid cédula, for example if it has already been applied for and a technical architect confirms the property complies, if the property is bought to be renovated (with a technical report) or if it is bought to be demolished. In those cases the buyer must expressly release the seller in the notarial deed. Buying without a valid cédula carries risks for mortgages, utility connections and future rental or sale.

No problem! PA Costa Brava can fully guide you through your purchase, acting as your local contact and property manager. We will keep you updated weekly with photos, videos, and updates on your property.

De kosten hangen af van de locatie, de oppervlakte van woning en perceel en de gewenste werkzaamheden. Ook een zwembad is van invloed. Een combinatie van property management en wekelijks zwembadonderhoud is mogelijk vanaf €200 exclusief IVA per maand. Maandelijks sleutelbeheer met property management is er vanaf €75 exclusief IVA. Wij stellen graag een offerte op maat voor u samen. Lees ook: property management on the Costa Brava, how it works.

In principle weekly; the exact frequency depends on your package. For clients with pool maintenance we combine the weekly visit with a property check: airing the house, running the taps and sanitary fittings, and checking for leaks, damp, damage and signs of break-ins. We report anything unusual immediately.

We are called by the alarm monitoring center or neighbours, go to the property, take photos, inform you immediately and arrange the repair in consultation with you. The first response is charged at an hourly rate; for any further repairs you always receive a no-obligation quote first.

Yes. For €50 + IVA per month we keep your keys and act as the local contact for couriers, technicians and the alarm monitoring center. Our phone number can also be given to three direct neighbours, so they can reach us if they notice anything suspicious in or around your home.

No, PA Costa Brava is not a rental agency. We focus on owners who use their property themselves.

Removing leaves and dirt, vacuuming the pool floor, checking and adjusting chlorine and pH levels, cleaning filters and skimmers, and checking the pump and equipment. We spot problems early, so repairs stay small.

The price depends on the size of the pool and the filter system. As a guide price you can count on €200 + IVA per month for a pool up to 50 m2, including weekly visits (4 to 5 per month).

Yes, regular maintenance is needed outside the season too, against algae, frost damage and pump problems. A clean pool and tidy surroundings also make the house look lived-in, which reduces the risk of burglary or squatters. The frequency can be lowered outside the season in consultation.

A green pool means algae growth caused by unbalanced water values. We identify the cause (filter, circulation, chemistry), carry out a shock treatment and restore the water balance.

PA Costa Brava is a registered real estate agent on the Costa Brava and works with a network of reliable architects, contractors, painters, electricians and installers.

For most renovations, yes: an obra menor (minor works) or obra mayor (structural works) permit from the municipality. Building without a permit leads to fines and problems when selling. We handle the permit process with local architects.

As a guideline: €1,000 to €1,500 per m2 for a solid renovation. For new builds the price is between €2,000 and €3,000 per m2. The final price depends on the level of finish and the state of the property; we prepare a detailed budget in advance.

A bathroom can usually be renovated within two weeks. A larger renovation (floors, windows, doors, bathrooms, kitchen) quickly takes three months or more. If a building permit is needed, allow at least six to eight extra weeks; for structural work the permit procedure can take longer, depending on the municipality.

Yes. Tourist rental in Catalonia requires permission from the municipality. The property must be registered as a Habitatge d'Ús Turístic (HUT); once approved you receive a registration number that must be shown in advertisements and on rental platforms. Rules differ per municipality: many places have restrictions, a temporary freeze or a maximum number of tourist homes. Please note: the separate national NRA/NRUA number is no longer required; the Spanish Supreme Court annulled this national register on 19 May 2026. The Catalan HUT registration does remain mandatory. (Last checked: August 2026) (Last checked: August 2026)

That depends on the municipality. Since the end of 2023, Catalan municipalities may only issue new licences below a maximum of 10 tourist homes per 100 inhabitants. In municipalities above that limit, new applications are frozen. If you are buying with rental plans, have the address checked in advance.

An existing HUT licence is linked to the property and can usually be transferred to the new owner. In municipalities where no new licences are issued, a property with a licence is a valuable selling point. We take this into account in our purchase and sales guidance.

When you own a second home on the Costa Brava, there are several annual taxes you need to consider. PA Costa Brava is happy to help you manage these obligations clearly and correctly.

• Property tax (IBI): The IBI is a municipal tax that must be paid annually based on the cadastral value of your property. Each municipality applies its own rate.
• Wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio): Foreigners only pay wealth tax if the value of their Spanish real estate exceeds a certain threshold. PA Costa Brava can calculate precisely whether you owe this tax and how much.
• Income Tax for Non-Residents (IRNR): Even if you do not permanently reside in your home, there is a tax on owning a second home. This is calculated based on the cadastral value. PA Costa Brava advises on the correct declaration and helps you comply with Spanish regulations.
• Renting out your home: When you rent out your second home to holidaymakers, you must pay income tax on the rental income. PA Costa Brava can connect you with local specialists who handle the administration and filings correctly.
• Local surcharges: Some municipalities charge additional taxes, such as waste disposal fees or tourist taxes. We will inform you exactly what obligations apply to your home in Palamós, Begur, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, or other locations on the Costa Brava.

In short: A second home on the Costa Brava involves several annual taxes, such as IBI (property tax), wealth tax, and non-resident income tax. With the expertise of PA Costa Brava, your local registered real estate agent, everything will be handled smoothly, correctly, and without any worries.

Count on annual fixed charges and maintenance costs: IBI (property tax), municipal waste charges, the IRNR tax for non-residents, home insurance, property management, pool and garden maintenance and minor repairs. For an average detached house of around 150 m2, a plot of 600 m2 and a normal pool, expect €7,000 to €12,500 per year, excluding water and electricity. Community fees, an alarm system, major repairs and exceptional garden work are not included in this indication. (Last checked: August 2026) (Last checked: August 2026)

Yes, and this is often forgotten. As a non-resident you file an annual return via Modelo 210 (IRNR), even without renting out. Spain applies a deemed income of 1.1 percent (or 2 percent with an outdated cadastral value) of the cadastral value, taxed at 19 percent for EU residents. The Spanish tax office does not send an invitation: you must file yourself. We are happy to refer you to a reliable gestor. (Last checked: August 2026) (Last checked: August 2026) Read more: Read more: taxes on a second home in Spain.

If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you become a tax resident and your situation changes completely. Most second-home owners deliberately stay below that. If in doubt, seek advice before planning longer stays.

De belangrijkste vuistregel: zorg dat de woning bewoond oogt en dat er regelmatig iemand komt. Krakers (okupas) zoeken gericht naar woningen die er verlaten uitzien: volle brievenbus, verwilderde tuin, nooit licht. Effectieve maatregelen: wekelijkse aanwezigheid, lege brievenbus, onderhouden tuin en zwembad, een alarmsysteem met lokale contactpersoon en goed contact met de buren. Dit is precies wat ons property management wekelijks doet. Lees ook: preventing squatters: six measures that work.

Speed is everything. If an occupation is discovered and reported within about 48 hours, the police can often act immediately without a court order. After that it becomes a longer legal procedure. Because we visit managed properties weekly and act as first contact for the alarm, an incident is almost always discovered in time.

We are active in Calonge - Begur - Calella de Palafrugell - Tamariu - Llafranc - Platja d'Aro - Sant Feliu de Guixols - Santa Cristina d'Aro - Tossa de Mar - Lloret de Mar - Blanes - Malgrat de Mar