How Much Does It REALLY Cost To Sell Your House in Spain in 2026? Full Breakdown

Thinking of selling your property in Guardamar del Segura or the Costa Blanca South?

Everyone tells you what you will sell for. Almost no one tells you what you will actually keep.

After 100+ sales at Zebra Homes, I have seen vendors caught out because they budgeted for two costs, rather than the full picture.

Here is the 2026 breakdown for Alicante province, including three worked examples so you can estimate your net figure before you put your property on the market.

Important: This is general information based on property sales in Guardamar, Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja and Quesada in 2025/26. It is not legal or tax advice. Always confirm your individual position with your lawyer or qualified tax adviser.

The 5 Main Costs You Need To Consider When Selling in Spain in 2026

1. Estate Agency Fees

Typically 4%–5% + 21% IVA, although the actual fee can vary depending on the property, value, area, service level and agreement.

2. Plusvalía Municipal

A local tax paid to the relevant Ayuntamiento. The amount varies depending on factors including the property's cadastral land value, ownership period and the applicable calculation method.

3. Capital Gains Tax

For non-residents, the general rate is 19% on the calculated taxable gain. Spanish residents are subject to the applicable progressive tax rates, depending on their individual circumstances.

4. 3% Non-Resident Retention

Non-resident sellers normally have 3% of the sale price withheld by the buyer and paid to Hacienda. This is a payment on account rather than necessarily the final amount of tax owed.

5. Legal Costs And Certificates

Allow approximately €1,000–€1,800 as a general guide for items such as legal advice, Energy Certificate and relevant documentation. Actual costs vary.

In short, the price you sell for is not the amount you keep.

Before putting your property on the market, it makes sense to calculate your expected net figure after the main selling costs and taxes.

1. Estate Agency Fees – Why They Vary

In our area, estate agency fees commonly fall around 4% to 5% + 21% IVA, although the actual fee can vary.

Factors that can affect the fee include:

• Area: Guardamar del Segura, Quesada, Rojales and other areas can have different market conditions.
• Property value and type: A €120,000 apartment and a €600,000 villa may have very different fee structures.
• Service level: Professional photography, video, drone photography, international portals, keyholding and other services can all affect the agreed fee.
• Sales agreement: Exclusive and multi-agency arrangements can have different fee structures.

At Zebra Homes, we work within the 4%–5% + IVA range, although the fee can be lower depending on the property, value and circumstances.

We always confirm the agreed fee in writing before the property is listed.

2. Plusvalía Municipal – What You Need To Know

Plusvalía Municipal is a local tax paid to the relevant Ayuntamiento.

Following changes introduced in 2021/2022, there are different methods for calculating the tax, and in applicable cases the taxpayer can use the method that produces the lower result.

The amount can vary considerably depending on factors such as:

• The property's cadastral land value
• How long you have owned the property
• The municipality's applicable coefficients
• Whether there has been an actual increase in land value
• The type of property

As a general guide based on sales we have handled, amounts can often be in the following range:

• Apartments: approximately €300–€800
• Villas: approximately €600–€1,500

However, these are indicative figures only. Your exact Plusvalía should be calculated for the individual property.

If there has been no increase in land value, there may be no Plusvalía due, subject to the applicable rules and the evidence required.

Worked Example 1 – €150,000 Apartment in Guardamar

Purchase price: €110,000

Sale price: €150,000

Difference: €40,000

Indicative Costs

• Agency fee: 4% of €150,000 = €6,000
• IVA on agency fee: €1,260
• Total agency cost: €7,260
• Plusvalía: approximately €400–€650
• Capital Gains Tax for a non-resident: €40,000 × 19% = €7,600
• 3% non-resident retention: €4,500
• Lawyer, Energy Certificate and documentation: approximately €1,100

The important point is that the €40,000 difference between the purchase and sale price is not automatically your net profit.

There are several costs and taxes to take into account before calculating what you will actually receive.

Worked Example 2 – €300,000 Villa in Orihuela Costa or Quesada

Purchase price: €220,000

Sale price: €300,000

Difference: €80,000

Indicative Costs

• Agency fee: 4% of €300,000 = €12,000
• IVA on agency fee: €2,520
• Total agency cost: €14,520
• Plusvalía: approximately €750–€1,200
• Capital Gains Tax for a non-resident: €80,000 × 19% = €15,200
• 3% non-resident retention: €9,000
• Capital Gains Tax for a Spanish resident: approximately €16,840 in this example, depending on the individual tax position

For higher-value properties, agency fees may sometimes be negotiated at a lower percentage depending on the property and service required.

Worked Example 3 – €500,000 Detached Villa

Purchase price: €320,000

Sale price: €500,000

Difference: €180,000

Indicative Costs

• Agency fee: 4% of €500,000 = €20,000
• IVA on agency fee: €4,200
• Total agency cost: €24,200
• Plusvalía: approximately €1,100–€1,800
• Capital Gains Tax for a non-resident: €180,000 × 19% = €34,200
• 3% non-resident retention: €15,000
• Legal and documentation costs: approximately €1,200–€1,500

Again, the actual figures will depend on your individual circumstances, including your purchase costs, allowable deductions, tax residency and the property's municipal tax position.

How To Get Your 3% Retention Back – Non-Residents

If you are a non-resident seller, the buyer normally withholds 3% of the sale price and pays it to the Spanish tax authorities on your behalf.

For example, on a €150,000 sale:

€150,000 × 3% = €4,500

This is a retention against your tax liability, rather than necessarily being the final amount of Capital Gains Tax you owe.

The general process is:

1. The buyer withholds 3% of the sale price.
2. The buyer pays the amount to Hacienda using Modelo 211.
3. You receive the relevant documentation.
4. Your lawyer or tax adviser files the appropriate tax return, normally Modelo 210.
5. If the amount withheld is greater than your final liability, you can claim the difference back.

If you have sold at a loss or your actual tax liability is lower than the 3% retained, you may be entitled to a refund.

Keep your original purchase deeds and documentation relating to the purchase and any eligible improvements or costs.

3 Legal Ways To Potentially Reduce Your Capital Gains Tax

There are legitimate deductions and exemptions that may reduce the amount of tax payable, depending on your circumstances.

1. Keep Evidence Of Eligible Purchase And Selling Costs

Certain costs associated with buying, selling and improving the property may be deductible when calculating the taxable gain.

Examples can include:

• Purchase taxes
• Notary costs
• Certain legal costs
• Estate agency fees
• Eligible improvement or renovation costs
• Other qualifying expenses supported by invoices and documentation

Always confirm what is deductible with your tax adviser.

2. Check Whether You Qualify For A Resident Exemption

Certain exemptions can apply to Spanish tax residents, including specific rules relating to a person's main habitual residence and age.

For example, there are specific rules for people aged over 65 who sell their habitual residence.

Reinvestment of proceeds into another habitual residence can also have tax implications and may allow relief in qualifying circumstances.

Your lawyer or tax adviser should confirm whether you qualify.

3. Establish Whether There Has Been An Actual Loss For Plusvalía

If there has been no increase in the value of the land for Plusvalía purposes, there may be no tax due.

The relevant evidence and calculation should be checked with the Ayuntamiento or your legal adviser.

Get Your Net Figure Before You Decide Your Asking Price

This is something I see regularly in areas such as Campomar, Benimar, La Marina and Quesada.

A vendor wants to sell for €300,000 because they need to receive €280,000 net.

But once agency fees, taxes, Plusvalía and other costs are taken into account, the numbers can look very different.

That is why knowing your estimated net figure before you list is important.

At Zebra Homes, we can prepare a free net-profit calculation based on your individual property and circumstances.

Get My Free Net-Profit Calculation

If you are considering selling in Guardamar, Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja or Quesada, send me:

• Your property address
• Your original purchase price
• The year you purchased

I can then give you an initial 2026 net-sale estimate within 24 hours.

There is no obligation to list your property with us.

FAQs

How much are estate agent fees in Guardamar or Quesada in 2026?

Estate agency fees commonly fall around 4% to 5% + 21% IVA, although the actual fee can vary depending on the property, value, area, service level and agreement.

At Zebra Homes, we agree the fee in writing before listing, and it can be lower depending on the circumstances.

How much is Plusvalía in Guardamar in 2026?

There is no single fixed amount. It depends on the property, cadastral land value, ownership period and the applicable calculation.

As a broad guide from sales we have handled, apartments can often be around €300–€800 and villas around €600–€1,500, but your exact amount should be calculated for the individual property.

How long does it take to get the 3% retention back?

If you are entitled to a refund, the timescale depends on when the relevant tax return is filed and how quickly Hacienda processes the claim.

Your lawyer or tax adviser can handle the claim and give you an indication of the expected timescale.

Do I always have to pay Capital Gains Tax when selling a property in Spain?

Not necessarily. The amount depends on factors including your tax residency, purchase and sale costs, eligible deductions, the calculated gain and whether any exemptions or reliefs apply.

Can I reduce the Capital Gains Tax I pay?

Potentially. Certain purchase costs, selling costs, eligible improvements and specific exemptions or reliefs can affect the calculation.

It is important to keep invoices and supporting documentation and have your individual position checked by a qualified tax adviser.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Spanish tax rules can change and individual circumstances can produce different results. Always confirm the applicable taxes, deductions, exemptions and filing requirements with your lawyer or qualified tax adviser.