Selling your property in Marbella: documents, taxes and steps
Selling a home well is mostly about setting the right price, presenting it better than the competition and having the paperwork ready from day one so you don't lose buyers.
1. Valuation
The price should be based on recent real sales of similar homes in the same area, not on what other listings are asking. A well-priced home sells sooner and often for more than one that starts too high and has to drop.
2. Documents to have ready
- The title deed and an up-to-date nota simple.
- Energy performance certificate: compulsory to advertise and sell.
- Latest IBI receipt.
- Community certificate showing there are no debts.
- If there is a mortgage, the bank's outstanding balance certificate (it is paid off on completion day with the sale money).
- Plans, licences and invoices for major renovations, if you have them.
3. Presentation and marketing
Professional photos, a good description in Spanish and English, and exposure on the website, on portals and to buyers already searching in the area.
4. Viewings, offer and deposit contract
Screening buyers, accompanying viewings and negotiating. Once there's an agreement, the deposit contract (arras) is signed, normally with 10% of the price, and a completion date is set.
5. Seller's taxes and costs
- Plusvalía municipal (municipal land value tax): charged by the town hall depending on how long you've owned the property. If you sell at a loss, it isn't due.
- Capital gains tax: on the difference between the sale and purchase price (plus costs and renovations). For residents, 19% to 30% depending on the amount; there are exemptions, for example for over-65s selling their main home.
- If you are not resident in Spain: the buyer withholds 3% of the price and pays it to the tax office on account of your tax (non-resident tax is 19% of the gain). If the withholding is more than the tax, you can claim the difference back.
- Mortgage cancellation, if any, and the agency fee.
6. Completion at the notary
The deed is signed, you receive the balance and hand over the keys. Afterwards, the utilities in your name are cancelled.
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This guide is for information only and is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer or tax adviser. Taxes and percentages can change: confirm them before signing.
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