Buying Property in Guardamar del Segura: What Will It Really Cost?
Buying a property in Guardamar del Segura is about more than finding the right home and agreeing on the purchase price.
Whether you are looking for a beach apartment, a townhouse, a golf property or a modern new-build home, it is important to understand the total cost of buying property in Spain before you commit.
The good news is that the additional costs are relatively straightforward once you know what to expect.
In this guide, we explain the main costs involved when buying a property in Guardamar del Segura in 2026, including the differences between resale and new-build properties.
1. The Purchase Price
Naturally, the largest cost is the property itself.
If you find an apartment advertised at €250,000, for example, you shouldn't assume that €250,000 is the total amount you will need to complete the purchase.
Taxes and other transaction costs are added to the purchase price.
This is why we always recommend establishing your maximum overall budget, rather than simply deciding how much you want to spend on the property.
2. Property Transfer Tax on Resale Properties
If you buy a resale property in Guardamar del Segura, you will normally pay Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) rather than VAT.
The standard ITP rate in the Valencian Community is currently 9% for property acquisitions, following the change that came into effect on 1 June 2026. Properties with a value above €1 million are subject to an 11% rate. Certain reduced rates and special circumstances can apply, so your lawyer or tax adviser should confirm the rate applicable to your purchase.
Example
If you buy a resale property for €250,000:
€250,000 × 9% = €22,500 ITP
So your cost has already increased from €250,000 to at least €272,500, before the other purchase expenses.
3. VAT and Stamp Duty on New-Build Properties
New-build properties purchased directly from a developer are treated differently.
Instead of ITP, the buyer normally pays:
- 10% VAT (IVA)
- 1.4% AJD (Stamp Duty) under the standard current rate
The Spanish Government confirms that the purchase of a new dwelling from a developer is subject to VAT, with the standard residential rate currently 10%.
Example
For a €250,000 new-build property:
- VAT at 10% = €25,000
- AJD at 1.4% = €3,500
- Property price = €250,000
Total before other costs = €278,500
This is one reason why comparing a €250,000 resale property with a €250,000 new build isn't always an exact like-for-like comparison.
4. Notary and Land Registry Costs
The purchase also involves the Spanish Notary and Land Registry.
The notary formalises the public deed of sale, while the Land Registry records your ownership of the property.
The exact amounts depend on the transaction and property value, so we recommend asking your legal representative for an accurate estimate before completion.
These costs are relatively small compared with the purchase taxes, but they still need to be included in your overall budget.
5. Legal and Administrative Fees
For international buyers in particular, we strongly recommend using an independent Spanish property lawyer to check the purchase before you commit.
Your lawyer can help verify matters such as:
- Ownership of the property
- Existing mortgages or debts
- Property and cadastral information
- IBI payments
- Community fees
- Planning or legal issues
- Contracts and deposit agreements
- The final escritura
You may also use a gestor to assist with tax and administrative procedures.
Professional fees vary depending on the transaction and services required, so always ask for a full quotation beforehand.
6. Mortgage and Bank Costs
If you are financing your purchase with a Spanish mortgage, there can be additional costs.
These may include:
- Property valuation
- Mortgage-related bank charges, where applicable
- Insurance or banking products
- Mortgage broker fees, if you use one
The exact costs depend on the lender and your individual circumstances.
If you are a cash buyer, these mortgage-related costs obviously don't apply.
7. Don't Forget the Costs After You Buy
Your budget shouldn't stop at the day you receive the keys.
Once you own your property in Guardamar, you will also have ongoing expenses such as:
IBI – annual local property tax.
Community fees – particularly important for apartments, gated communities and developments with communal pools, gardens or other facilities.
Insurance – buildings and/or contents insurance.
Utilities – electricity, water, internet and other services.
Maintenance – repairs, servicing, pool maintenance and general upkeep depending on the property.
If the property is intended as a holiday home, you may also want to consider property management and cleaning costs if you are not living locally.
So, How Much Extra Should You Budget?
As a general guide, buyers should avoid planning their purchase around the advertised property price alone.
For a typical resale property in Guardamar, the 9% ITP is the largest additional expense, followed by professional and transaction costs.
For a new-build property, the 10% VAT and 1.4% AJD already add 11.4% before notary, registration and professional costs.
As a result, a sensible starting point is to allow roughly 10–12% extra for a resale purchase and around 12–14% for a new-build purchase, although the actual figure will depend on the property, your circumstances and whether you require finance.
For example:
| Property price | Resale – 9% ITP | New Build – 10% VAT + 1.4% AJD |
|---|---|---|
| €200,000 | €18,000 | €22,800 |
| €250,000 | €22,500 | €28,500 |
| €300,000 | €27,000 | €34,200 |
| €400,000 | €36,000 | €45,600 |
These figures show the main purchase tax only and do not include legal, notary, registration, mortgage or other professional costs.
The Most Important Number Isn't Always the Asking Price
When you are searching for property in Guardamar del Segura, it's easy to compare homes simply by their advertised prices.
But €250,000 doesn't necessarily mean the same thing when comparing a resale property with a new build.
The type of property, purchase taxes, your financing arrangements and the professional services you require can all change the final amount you need.
That's why we recommend calculating the complete purchase budget before making an offer or reservation.
At Zebra Homes, we can help you understand the different costs involved and put you in contact with the appropriate legal and professional advisers to ensure you know exactly what you are committing to.
Looking for a property in Guardamar del Segura?
Whether you're looking for a resale apartment, traditional Spanish property or modern new build, we can help you find the right property for your budget.
Contact Zebra Homes today and let us know what you're looking for.
