Property Taxes in Estepona 2025: Complete Guide for Foreign Homeowners in Spain

For Non-Residents and International Buyers in Guadalmansa, Torre Bermeja & Beyond
Owning a property on the Costa del Sol is a dream for many, but staying on top of Spain’s local taxes system is essential to protect your investment. Whether you live in Spain full time or only visit seasonally, this guide covers everything you need to know about property taxes in Estepona — including deadlines, legal obligations, and tips for non-resident owners.

1. IBI – Property Taxes (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles)

IBI is the annual municipal tax applied to all real estate in Spain. It is calculated based on the cadastral value of the property and collected by the Estepona town hall.
Applies to: All property owners, resident or not
Due: September 2 – November 5, 2025
How to pay: Online, by bank, or direct debit
Keeping your contact details up to date with the Ayuntamiento is critical. Many foreign owners miss this bill due to lack of postal delivery. We recommend setting up a direct debit or using a gestor.

2. Basura – Waste Collection Tax

This is the town hall’s annual fee for rubbish collection and public waste services. It applies regardless of whether the property is occupied year-round.
Due: April 10 – June 15, 2025
Amount: Around €150–€200 per year
Tip: This is billed separately from IBI and must be paid independently

3. IVTM – Vehicle Circulation Tax

If you own a car registered in Spain, even if rarely used, you are liable to pay IVTM (road tax).
Due: March 1 – May 31, 2025
Payment: Through the Málaga Provincial Tax Office
Common issue: Forgotten taxes on unused or second vehicles
Be sure to de-register unused cars to stop the annual charges.

4. Non-Resident Income Tax – Modelo 210

Non-residents who own property in Spain are required to submit this tax declaration yearly.
If rented:
EU/EEA residents: 19% tax on net income (expenses deductible)
Non-EU residents: 24% tax on gross income
Filing: Quarterly
If not rented (personal use):
Taxed on imputed income (1.1–2% of cadastral value)
Example: €300,000 × 1.1% × 19% = approx. €627/year
Filing: Annually before December 31
Failure to file Modelo 210 can lead to fines, interest, and issues when selling your property.

5. Capital Gains Tax When Selling

property taxes

If you sell your Spanish property at a profit, you must pay capital gains tax.
EU/EEA residents: 19%
Non-EU residents: 24%
The buyer withholds 3% from the sale and pays it to the Spanish tax authority as an advance.
You must file a return to claim any refund if the withheld amount exceeds your tax due.

6. Plusvalía Municipal

This is a municipal tax charged on the increased land value from when you purchased the property to when you sell it.
Paid within 30 working days after sale
May be challenged if you sell at a loss

7. Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio)

Applies only to non-residents with Spanish assets exceeding €700,000 (after allowances). This includes property, vehicles, and certain bank accounts.
Annual filing required
Rates range from 0.2% to 2.5%

8. Declaration of Foreign Assets – Modelo 720

Only applies to tax residents in Spain. If you become a Spanish resident and hold foreign assets over €50,000 (in accounts, shares, or real estate), you must declare them.
Filing deadline: March 31
Non-compliance can result in high penalties

9. Inheritance and Gift Tax (ISD)

If you inherit or receive property in Spain, you may be liable for inheritance or donation tax.
Based on relationship to the donor and regional allowances
Non-residents now benefit from regional tax reductions (e.g. in Andalucía)

10. Taxes When Buying a Property

New build purchases:
VAT (IVA): 10%
Stamp Duty (AJD): 1.2%
Resale purchases:
Transfer Tax (ITP): 7% in Andalucía
These taxes are typically settled by your lawyer at the time of purchase.

Livingstone Estates' Tax Tips

Set up direct debit for IBI, Basura, and IVTM
Use a tax advisor to manage Modelo 210 filings
Check the property registry after purchase
Request updated debt certificates before listing a property for sale
Store all receipts for at least five years

Need Assistance?

We cooperate with Martínez-Echevarría Lawyers to support international homeowners across Estepona with expert tax advice, property management guidance, and legal coordination.

Contact Livingstone Estates

Email: info@livingstone-estates.com
Phone: +34 952 806 417
Services: www.livingstone-estates.com/services
NIE Guide: www.livingstone-estates.com/blog/how-to-obtain-nie-number-in-spain

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