Selling property in Spain from the US: Complete guide

You own a property in Spain, but you're living in the US, and now you're thinking of selling. Whether it's a vacation home you've outgrown, an investment property, or perhaps an inheritance, selling from abroad adds some complexity to an already detailed process.

You probably have questions about how to navigate Spanish property laws, what taxes you'll need to pay, and how selling property in Spain as a non-resident generally works. Here's everything you need to know.

We'll also introduce Wise — your international money transfer alternative. Use Wise to send stress-free transfers to over 140 countries - all at the standard mid-market exchange rate.

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Table of contents

How do I determine how much my property is worth? What to consider when selling a property in Spain Documents required to sell property in Spain How to sell property in Spain: step by step What’s the best way to send money internationally? How long does it take to sell a property in Spain? Costs of selling property in Spain Selling property in Spain: tax implications Selling property in Spain: FAQs

How do I determine how much my property is worth?

Spanish property values have been rising steadily, with nationwide prices increasing by 11.16% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year. You can now expect an average property price of 2,311 EUR per square meter.¹

However, that's just an average. The best way to determine your property's worth is to get a professional appraisal from a qualified real estate agent in Spain. Look for agents who specialize in your property's region and have experience with foreign sellers.

Online property portals like Idealista can also give you a general idea of asking prices for comparable properties. But keep in mind that these listings show asking prices, not final sale prices, which are often negotiated lower.

What to consider when selling a property in Spain

Selling property in Spain as a non-resident requires you to plan and coordinate everything carefully.

• Legal representation: Hiring a Spanish lawyer experienced in international property transactions is typically recommended; they'll handle legal requirements and tax implications for a smoother process

• Tax obligations: You may need to pay Capital Gains Tax and Plusvalía Tax when selling, but some exceptions can help you avoid them (more on this later)

• Property condition: Consider whether the property needs repairs or updates before selling

• Selling yourself vs. using an agent: Selling privately means you'll save on commission fees (typically 4% to 6%), but a good agent brings market knowledge, handles viewings, and has a network of potential buyers² — this is especially handy when you're not physically present in Spain

• Power of attorney: Consider granting power of attorney to your lawyer or a trusted representative in Spain; this way, they’ll be able to sign documents on your behalf

Having the right professional help makes a big difference when selling property in Spain, especially if you don't speak the language or live in the country.

Documents required to sell property in Spain

You'll need to gather quite a bit of paperwork to sell your Spanish property, especially when managing the process from the US.

Here's what documents are typically required³:
Title deeds: This is the official document proving you own the property
Property tax receipts (IBI): You'll need to show you've paid your annual property taxes
Utility bills: Recent bills for electricity, water, and gas to show that the property is in good standing
Community fees documentation: If your property is part of a complex or building with shared facilities, you'll need proof that you've paid all community fees
Energy Performance Certificate: This document rates your property's energy efficiency
Mortgage documentation: If your property has a mortgage, you'll need a certificate showing it's been fully paid off
IDs: Copies of your passport, NIE number (foreign identification number in Spain), and any residency documentation if you have it
Refuse charge receipt (Basura): Proof that you've paid local garbage collection fees
Inventory list: A detailed list of any furniture or appliances included in the sale
License of First Occupation: This document certifies that the property is legally habitable
Tax residency certificate: If you're a non-resident, this helps you avoid having 3% of the sale price withheld

Your lawyer in Spain can help collect these documents, especially if you grant them the power of attorney so they can visit local Spanish offices without you.

How to sell property in Spain: step by step

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1. Hire a lawyer

Before doing anything else, find a qualified Spanish lawyer who specializes in property transactions and has experience working with international clients.

A good lawyer is invaluable because they’ll guide you through Spanish real estate laws, handle tax matters, and protect your interests throughout the sale. They can also often reduce your Capital Gains Tax liability, sometimes by 70% or more.³

2. Decide on your selling strategy

You have 2 main options:

• Hire a real estate agent: A good agent will handle marketing, viewings, and negotiations, but you can expect to pay a commission between 4% and 6% of the sale price²

• Sell privately: This saves on commission but requires much more work, especially from abroad

For most US-based sellers, hiring a real estate agent is the more practical choice. However, be selective in your choice. The Spanish real estate industry is largely unregulated, and virtually anyone can call themselves a real estate agent without specific qualifications.

Reputable agents often belong to professional organizations like RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or LPA (Leading Property Agents).³

3. Gather all necessary documents

Collect all of the required paperwork. Your lawyer can help with this task, especially for documents that must be obtained from Spanish authorities.

4. Prepare your property for sale

Depending on the condition of your property, you may consider:

• Making necessary repairs
• Deep cleaning
• Decluttering and depersonalizing spaces
• Taking professional photos for listings

If you can't visit Spain yourself, your real estate agent can help coordinate these preparations.

5. Accept an offer and sign the preliminary contract

You can negotiate the offers you receive — it's a normal part of the selling process in Spain.

Once you've agreed on terms with a buyer, you'll sign a preliminary contract. This typically requires the buyer to pay a deposit of 10%, which they forfeit if they back out.²

Your lawyer should review this contract before you sign.

6. Complete the sale at the notary

To finalize the sale, you'll need to sign the public deed before a Spanish notary. This officially transfers ownership to the buyer.

The buyer pays the remaining balance, and all taxes and fees are settled. The notary will then register the sale with the Land Registry.

7. Handle post-sale matters

After the sale, you'll need to:

• Pay your Capital Gains Tax
• Settle the Plusvalía Tax (tax on land value increase)
• Cancel utility contracts
• Notify the community of owners about the sale (if your property is part of a community)

You'll also need to transfer the funds back to the US, which can be expensive. Banks often charge high fees for international transfers and offer poor exchange rates, building in a hidden markup when converting from EUR to USD.

What’s the best way to send money internationally?

Banks are certainly one option for sending money internationally, as are services like PayPal. But the problem with banks is they can often be slow, expensive and inconvenient. Luckily, there’s a better alternative out there.

You can send money worldwide with Wise for low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. It’s easy and quick to set up a payment online, and you’re guaranteed secure transfers even when sending large sums.

Wise is a money service business (MSB) regulated by 12 international financial authorities and uses sophisticated security features to keep you and your money safe.

Open a Wise account, and you can send, spend and convert between 40+ currencies whenever you need to. You can even receive money from all over the world using your own local account details.

As if all that wasn’t enough, there’s a Wise Multi-Currency Card too. For a one-time fee of just $9, you can spend in over 150 countries in the local currency. Your USD is automatically converted at the mid-market rate for just a small conversion fee.

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How long does it take to sell a property in Spain?

Most properties in Spain sell within 3 to 6 months.²³ However, the timeline ultimately depends on the location, property type, and market conditions.

Luxury properties typically take longer to sell because the pool of potential buyers is smaller. Properties in high-demand tourist areas often sell faster.

Make sure to set a realistic price. Overpriced properties tend to sit on the market and become "stale listings." Potential buyers begin to wonder what's wrong with them, which can lead to even longer selling times and lower offers.

Costs of selling property in Spain

Make sure to budget for the following expenses.

Expense	Typical cost²³
Real estate agent fees	4% to 6% of the sale price
Lawyer's fees	1% of the sale price
Energy Performance Certificate	150 to 300 EUR
Plusvalía tax	Varies by location, not always applicable
Capital Gains Tax	19% for non-residents

If you're planning on transferring your proceeds back to the US, you'll also need to plan for international transfer fees and currency exchange rates. These costs can add up to thousands of dollars on large transfers.

Selling property in Spain: tax implications

Tax implications of selling property in Spain can vary depending on your circumstances. That said, here are a few common things to watch out for:

• 3% withholding: Spanish law requires buyers to withhold 3% of the purchase price and pay it to tax authorities as security against your tax obligations — your lawyer can file for a rebate if this amount exceeds your actual tax liability³

• Capital Gains Tax: Non-residents pay a flat 19% tax on profits, but your lawyer may be able to reduce your liability²³

• Plusvalía Tax: This municipal tax is calculated based on the increase in land value during your ownership period and can sometimes be negotiated or avoided

• US tax obligations: You'll also need to report the sale on your US tax return — the US taxes you on your worldwide income, so you may have to pay capital gains tax there as well⁴

Working with knowledgeable lawyers in Spain and the US can help you better understand your tax obligations and legally reduce your burden where possible.

Selling property in Spain: FAQs

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Is it hard to sell a property in Spain?

Selling a property in Spain isn't necessarily difficult, but it's a process that you'll likely need to navigate with a lawyer and a real estate agent. There are paperwork requirements and tax obligations to keep in mind, but generally speaking, Spain is popular with foreigners, so you're not going to be the first US citizen or resident selling your property there.

As long as your property is properly priced and is in a desirable location, it'll likely sell within 3 to 6 months.²³ However, it can be more difficult if your property has legal issues or outstanding debts.

Can you pull out of a house sale in Spain?

Yes, you can pull out of a house sale in Spain, but there may be financial consequences. If you back out after signing the preliminary contract, you might have to return the buyer's deposit and potentially pay compensation. The specific consequences depend on the terms written in your contract and the reason for cancellation.

If the buyer pulls out, they typically forfeit their deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price), which you get to keep as compensation for the failed sale.²

Who pays notary fees in Spain — buyer or seller?

In Spain, the buyer typically pays the notary's fees.

As a seller, you're usually responsible for the Plusvalía Tax, real estate agent commission, and Capital Gains Tax, but not the notary fees, property transfer tax, or registration fees.

These costs can sometimes be negotiated as part of the sale.

How do I avoid capital gains tax on my property in Spain?

It may not be possible to completely avoid the Capital Gains Tax, but a knowledgeable lawyer may be able to help you reduce it by 70% or more.³

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Selling property in Spain as a non-resident involves multiple steps, and you'll likely need professional help. However, with a good lawyer and real estate agent, the process is manageable and likely to be a success.

Typically, you can expect to sell your property within 3 to 6 months.²³

In addition to fees and tax obligations, make sure to plan for the often-overlooked costs such as international money transfers and currency exchange rates. If you need to send your funds back to the US, these hidden expenses can cost you thousands of dollars.

To send large amounts between the US and Spain with low fees and no currency exchange rate markups, use Wise.

Sources

1. Global Property Guide - Spain
2. JamesEdition - Selling Property in Spain
3. Idealista - Ten easy steps to sell property in Spain
4. Expat Tax - U.S. Capital Gains Tax on Selling Property Abroad

Sources checked 05/22/2025