Rule of thumb: 10–13% on top of the price. The largest item is the transfer tax ITP, which is progressively tiered in the Balearics — and replaced by IVA plus stamp duty on new builds. Here are the items in detail.
The Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales applies to purchases of existing property and goes to the Balearic government (ATIB). It is calculated progressively per band — the total price is not taxed at the top rate; each band is taxed at its own rate:
| Price band | Rate |
|---|---|
| €0 – €400,000 | 8% |
| €400,000 – €600,000 | 9% |
| €600,000 – €1,000,000 | 10% |
| €1,000,000 – €2,000,000 | 12% |
| above €2,000,000 | 13% |
As of 2026, Illes Balears. The tax base is the higher of the price and the cadastral reference value (valor de referencia).
Example: at a price of €850,000 the first €400,000 are taxed at 8%, the next €200,000 at 9% and the remainder at 10%. The calculator does this for your price.
If you buy first-hand from a developer, VAT (IVA) of 10% applies instead of ITP, plus stamp duty AJD (Actos Jurídicos Documentados) of 1.5% — from €1,000,000 2.0% on the whole amount. In total a new build is therefore taxed less than a resale property in the upper price range, but more than a cheap resale apartment.
Notary (notaría) and land registry (Registro de la Propiedad) charge according to a statutory fee schedule, regressive to the price. As a guide value we use 0.8% combined; at very high prices the share is below that, at low prices above. Add copies, certifications and powers of attorney.
Budget around 1.0% of the price plus 21% IVA for the lawyer — often with a minimum fee. The gestoría for NIE, tax returns and transfers adds a few hundred euros, as do certified translations and apostilles for powers of attorney.
In a classic sale the seller bears the commission — buying is commission-free for buyers. If you engage us with a buyer's mandate, you pay our fee of 2.5% (min. €9,500) plus IVA — in return we work exclusively for you.
With a Spanish mortgage add the valuation (tasación), bank fees and the mortgage deed; the AJD on the mortgage has been borne by the bank since 2018. Don't forget: home insurance, furnishing, initial repairs — and the running costs of IBI, community, refuse charge and non-resident tax.
Reservation, arras, escritura, aftermath — what happens when, and where the traps are.
→Running taxes, wealth tax, on sale 3% retention and capital gains tax — explained.
→Escritura, nota simple, cédula, energy certificate, community — what must be ready before the first viewer.
ITP or IVA/AJD, notary, lawyer, optional buyer's mandate — in seconds.
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