Selling Guide

COSTA DEL SOL PROPERTY

COSTA DEL SOL
property

Selling a property, especially for the first time, can feel like a daunting process. From paperwork to pricing, staging to legal steps, there’s a lot to navigate. But with the right advice and a trusted team behind you, it can be smooth, strategic and even enjoyable. This guide from Greystone International Group walks you through every stage of selling property in the Costa del Sol, helping you feel prepared and empowered from start to finish.

Why a Great Agent

Makes All the Difference

Choosing the right estate agent is the single most important decision you’ll make when selling. A strong agent brings market knowledge, expert negotiation, legal coordination, and, crucially, access to serious buyers.

what to look for:

1. Open Communication

1 Open Communication:

You should feel at ease asking questions and receiving honest, timely feedback.

2. TRACK RECORD:

2 TRACK RECORD:

Choose someone with proven sales in your local area and experience with international clients.

3. Accurate valuation:

3 accurate valuation:

A strong agent will offer a data-backed, realistic appraisal, not just what you want to hear.

4. Clear expectations:

4 clear expectations:

Agree early on what’s included in the sale (fixtures, appliances, etc.) to avoid future disputes.

5. No question too small:

5 no question too small:

A great agent welcomes your questions and guides you through every decision confidently.

Ask Your Agent:

What’s my home realistically worth in today’s market?

How many homes have you sold in this area?

How do you market properties like mine?

What feedback do you provide after viewings?

What costs or taxes should I expect when selling?

Preparing Your

costa del sol

Home for Sale:

First impressions matter and presentation plays a big role in maximising value and attracting buyers.

Staging Tips:

Declutter and depersonalise to help buyers imagine themselves in the space

Fix small issues like leaky taps, peeling paint, or worn flooring

Add a fresh coat of paint and invest in professional cleaning.

Create a simple inventory of what’s included in the sale to prevent confusion.

If possible, consider professional staging, especially for luxury or vacant properties. It can significantly increase interest and sale speed.

Open Market VS

Exclusive Listing:

In Spain, it’s common to list with multiple agents (open market). The first to secure a buyer earns the commission. However, this can lead to inconsistent marketing or duplicated listings on property portals.

An exclusive agreement with one trusted agent gives you:

A consistent brand and marketing strategy

Priority placement in campaigns

Higher likelihood of premium listings, editorial, and social media focus

Streamlined communication with fewer delays or errors

Your agent can advise you on which approach best suits your property and goals.

Marketing Your

Property the Right Way:

Strong marketing helps your property stand out in a crowded market. At Greystone, we tailor every campaign to reach the right audience, locally and internationally.

What’s Included:

Professional photography and video tours

Listings on leading portals (Idealista, Fotocasa, Kyero, etc.)

Social media and targeted digital ads

Email campaigns to qualified buyers

Optional open houses and virtual tours

For exclusive listings, we may also provide drone footage, influencer marketing, and priority placement in our luxury development showcases.

Viewings:

Creating the Right

Atmosphere:

Make sure your home is always viewing-ready:

Keep it clean, tidy, and well-lit

Let your agent host viewings alone to give buyers space

Share what you love about your home with your agent so they can pass it on

Be flexible with timing, serious buyers often act on short notice

Virtual tours are also becoming more popular, especially with international buyers—so make your home camera-ready.

Negotiating

with Buyers:

When offers arrive, your agent will walk you through each one, highlighting serious buyers, ideal terms, and areas for negotiation. A good agent won’t pressure you but will provide all the insights you need to decide confidently.

Before accepting:

Confirm inventory and any repairs or inclusions

Be clear about timelines and expectations

If work is unfinished (like a renovation), agree on budgets or completion responsibility

Signing THE

Contracts:

Once a buyer is secured, the process moves quickly:

1. Reservation Contract:

1 reservation contract:

Holds the property off-market for 7–14 days

Fee: Typically €5,000–€20,000

Usually non-refundable unless the contract includes a get-out clause

2. Private Purchase Contract:

2 private purchase contract:

Buyer pays 10% of the agreed price (including the reservation fee)

Legally binds both parties to the sale

Sets out the final completion date

Always have a solicitor review contracts before signing.

Final Completion

& Notary Appointment:

Completion takes place at the notary’s office. All parties meet to:

Sign the official title deed

Receive final payment (usually via Spanish bank cheque)

Transfer ownership to the buyer

Your solicitor will then register the change with the property registry and ensure all documents are in order.

Final Costs

& Tax Obligations:

When selling in Spain, expect the following:

1. Capital Gains Tax:

1 capital gains tax:

EU/EEA Residents: 19% on profit

Non-EU Residents: 24%

Deductible expenses: agent fees, legal costs, notary, registry, renovations

2. Plusvalía Tax:

2 plusvalia tax:

A municipal tax based on land value increase, your solicitor will calculate this.

3. 3% Retention for Non-Residents:

3 3% retention for non-residents:

The buyer must pay 3% of the sale price directly to the tax office.

You can claim this back within six months if no taxes are owed.

4. Agent Fees:

4 agent fees:

Paid by the seller (typically 3–5% + VAT)

Worth the cost for exposure, negotiation, and peace of mind

Why Sell with

Greystone

International Group?

At Greystone, we combine international reach with local insight. Our goal isn’t just to sell your home, it’s to help you get the best result with minimal stress.

You’ll benefit from:

Expert valuation and tailored strategy
Access to serious, qualified buyers
Trusted solicitors, surveyors, and financial advisors
Transparent advice and hands-on support throughout

From pricing to promotion, contracts to completion, we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Thinking of selling your property in the Costa del Sol?

Let Greystone International Group help you unlock the full value of your home, with expertise, care, and confidence.