Thursday, 26 March 2026, 17:45
International buyers are increasingly active in the property markets of Marbella and the Costa del Sol, which includes Malaga, Estepona, Benahavís, Manilva, and Fuengirola. According to Koax Legal, a Marbella-based law firm that specializes in real estate transactions, the volume of foreign acquisitions has grown steadily in recent years. This growth is driven by both lifestyle demand and long-term investment logic. Alongside this trend, buyers now expect a higher level of legal scrutiny before signing contracts.
The demand for luxury homes and second residences is predominantly being fueled by buyers from the United Kingdom, Northern Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. With the emergence of branded residences and high-value off-plan developments, property transactions have become more intricate. It is precisely this complexity that underscores the importance of legal advice during the buying process.
Why Foreign Investors Rely on Koax Legal When Buying Property in Marbella
For many buyers unfamiliar with Spanish regulations, the process of acquiring property can involve more legal steps than they might expect. Koax Legal plays a pivotal role in navigating these waters, assisting international clients throughout the purchase process. Their services include legal due diligence, ownership verification, contract review and drafting, and coordinating with sellers, developers, banks, and notaries. The firm highlights that many investors, especially those engaging in off-plan or high-value transactions, often underestimate the pitfalls that can arise without proper checks at every stage.
From Luxury Developments to Large-Scale Investment Operations
The firm’s caseload reflects the full range of activity in the local market. On the high-end residential side, Koax Legal has advised international buyers purchasing units in Design Hills by Dolce & Gabbana, a luxurious branded residence project developed by Sierra Blanca Estates on the iconic Golden Mile. Manuel Macías, the firm’s Founder and Real Estate Lawyer, took the lead in providing legal guidance for this transaction, ensuring that all contractual and regulatory stipulations were met from reservation to completion.
In addition to high-end residential deals, the firm has also engaged in more complex operations. One noteworthy case involved the acquisition of an entire building in Estepona by a foreign investor. This transaction was structured through a non-resident company and included the subsequent incorporation of a Spanish entity. Navigating this multifaceted transaction required meticulous due diligence, negotiations with multiple sellers, and the international coordination of documentation across various jurisdictions. The project is currently moving through a change-of-use process aimed at repositioning the asset within the local market—an endeavor where meticulous legal and strategic planning are crucial.
Key Questions from Foreign Buyers
What taxes do foreigners pay when buying property in Spain?
As of 2026 rates in Andalusia, buyers of resale properties typically pay a Transfer Tax (ITP) of 7% of the purchase price. In contrast, new builds incur VAT at 10% and Stamp Duty (AJD) at 1.2%.
How does the purchase process typically work in Marbella?
The process generally begins with a reservation contract and a deposit (usually around €6,000), followed by a private purchase contract that involves a further payment of approximately 10%. The completion takes place before a notary. In the case of new builds, buyers can expect staged payments of between 30% and 50% prior to handover.
What legal checks are essential before completing a purchase in Spain?
A specialized real estate lawyer should verify ownership, check for any outstanding debts on the property, ensure urban planning compliance, and validate the authenticity of licenses and contracts—all before any documents are signed.
Legal Expertise as a Standard Part of Buying Property in Spain
As the property market along the Andalusian coast becomes more competitive and diversified in its deal structures, legal advisors have evolved from being perceived as a luxury for only the largest transactions to a necessity for buyers at all levels. At Koax Legal, specializing in real estate transactions, the goal remains consistent: to ensure that international buyers navigate the complexities of the purchase with full legal certainty and avoid complications further down the line.
