BUYER’S GUIDE

Buy property in Murcia, Spain

How buying works, what it costs and where to look, from a local agency with over 13 years in Murcia

13+ yearsHelping buyers find homes in Murcia

Costa CálidaMar Menor, Mediterranean, golf and inland towns

Step by stepFrom your first viewing to the notary

WHY MURCIA

Why buy property in Murcia?

The Region of Murcia, in the south-east of Spain, is one of the sunniest parts of Europe. Its coastline, the Costa Cálida, includes the calm, warm Mar Menor lagoon, the Mediterranean beaches of La Manga and Águilas, and some of the best-known golf resorts in Spain.

Property is generally better value than on the Costa del Sol or the busiest parts of the Costa Blanca, and the region offers everything from beachfront apartments to golf resort villas and country houses inland. The Region of Murcia International Airport at Corvera and Alicante-Elche Airport both serve the area, and the high-speed AVE train links Murcia city with Madrid.

Whether you want a holiday home, a permanent move or an investment, this guide explains how buying works, what it costs and where to look.

One of the sunniest climates in Europe
Mar Menor and Mediterranean beaches
Golf resorts with communal pools and security
Good value compared with other Spanish costas
Two international airports within reach
Large international community and English-speaking services

STEP BY STEP

How to buy property in Murcia

Buying in Spain follows a clear process. Most purchases go through these steps, and our team guides you through each one.

1. Set your budget, including buying costs of roughly 10–14% on top of the price
2. Get your NIE, the tax identity number every buyer in Spain needs
3. Open a Spanish bank account for the purchase and household bills
4. Choose your area and view properties, in person or by video tour
5. Appoint an independent lawyer to check the title, debts and licences
6. Pay a reservation fee to take the property off the market
7. Sign the private purchase contract, usually with a 10% deposit
8. Complete at the notary, pay the balance and collect your keys

COSTS AND TAXES

Buying costs and taxes in Murcia

Buying costs depend on whether the home is a resale or a new build bought from the developer. As a rule of thumb, allow around 10–11% of the price on a resale and 12–14% on a new build.

Transfer tax on a resale is charged on the price or the official reference value of the property, whichever is higher. Tax rates can change, so your lawyer will confirm the exact figures before you sign.

Resale: transfer tax (ITP) of 7.75%
New build: VAT (IVA) of 10% plus stamp duty (AJD) of 1.5%
Notary and Land Registry fees, usually around 1% together
Independent lawyer, typically around 1% plus VAT
Mortgage valuation, if you are borrowing

BUYING FROM ABROAD

Buying in Murcia as a non-resident

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Spain, and many of our clients buy from the UK and the rest of Europe. You can view by video, sign through a power of attorney and complete without travelling if you prefer.

Owning a home does not give you the right to live in Spain. UK citizens can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, and longer stays need a visa such as the non-lucrative visa. The property-based golden visa ended in April 2025.

Spanish banks lend to non-residents, usually up to around 60–70% of the value. Once you own the home you will pay the annual council tax (IBI), community fees on developments, and non-resident income tax, which applies even if you do not rent the property out.

New build, resale or off-plan?

Each type of purchase has its own advantages. We sell all three and can help you compare them.

New build

Modern designs, energy efficiency and builder warranties. You pay VAT and stamp duty instead of transfer tax, and many homes come with communal pools on gated developments.

Resale

Often more space for the money, established gardens and neighbourhoods, and you can move in quickly. Your lawyer checks for debts, licences and any unregistered building work.

Off-plan

Buy before or during construction, often at launch prices and with a choice of plot and finishes. Stage payments must be protected by a bank guarantee or insurance.

Buying property in Murcia: FAQs

Can foreigners buy property in Murcia?

Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers in Spain. You need an NIE tax number and, in practice, a Spanish bank account.

How much are the buying costs in Murcia?

Allow around 10–11% of the price for a resale, made up mostly of 7.75% transfer tax, and around 12–14% for a new build, which carries 10% VAT and 1.5% stamp duty, plus notary, registry and legal fees.

Do I need a lawyer to buy in Spain?

It is not a legal requirement, but we strongly recommend an independent lawyer who works for you, not the seller, to check the title, debts and licences before you pay a deposit.

Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?

Yes. Spanish banks lend to non-residents, usually up to around 60–70% of the purchase price or valuation, depending on your income and circumstances.

Does buying a property give me residency in Spain?

No. Owning property does not give you residency, and the property-based golden visa ended in April 2025. Non-EU citizens, including UK citizens, can stay up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa.

Can I buy without travelling to Spain?

Yes. You can view by video tour and give your lawyer a power of attorney to sign at the notary on your behalf.

How long does buying take?

A resale purchase often completes within one to three months of reservation. New builds and off-plan homes complete when the property is finished and has its licences.