Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles — the Spanish equivalent of council tax. Paid annually to the town hall.

Do I pay tax on an empty holiday home?

Yes — non-residents owe a small annual income tax even if the property is never rented.

Can foreigners buy property in Spain?

Yes. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Spain. You'll need an NIE number and a Spanish bank account; that's it.

No. Many buyers on the Costa Blanca are non-residents who use their property as a holiday or rental home. Residency only matters for tax purposes.

An overview of property-related taxes in Spain: at purchase, while owning and on sale.

ITP (resale, 8–10%) or IVA + AJD (new build, 10% + 1.5%).

IBI (council tax) — typical €400–€1,800/year. Non-resident income tax even on unrented homes (~0.2% of cadastral value).

Capital gains tax (19–28%) + plusvalía municipal on the increase in cadastral land value.