Deciding to sell a property in Malaga or on the Eastern Costa del Sol is a significant step. Whether you’re looking to move, make an investment, or sell a second home, the current real estate market in Axarquía offers great opportunities but also demands preparation.
To ensure the process is fast, profitable, and, above all, smooth, we have prepared this practical guide with the essential keys you need to know before putting up the “For Sale” sign.
1. Essential Documentation: Have Everything Ready
One of the most common reasons for delays in a sale is not having up-to-date documents when an interested buyer appears. Before going to market, make sure to gather:
Deed of Sale or Updated Property Registry Extract: This proves ownership of the property and any encumbrances.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Required by law to list and sell any property in Spain.
Latest IBI (Property Tax) and Waste Collection Receipts: These must be paid and up-to-date.
Community of Owners Certificate: Signed by the administrator, confirming there are no outstanding debts.
First Occupancy License or Certificate of Occupancy: Essential, especially if the buyer needs mortgage financing.
2. Costs and Taxes When Selling in Malaga
Selling doesn’t just mean receiving money; it also involves a series of tax costs that you must consider in your profit margin:
Municipal Capital Gains Tax (IIVTNU): A local tax managed by the corresponding town hall (Vélez-Málaga, Torrox, Nerja, etc.) on the increase in land value.
Personal Income Tax (Capital Gains): Taxed in your income tax return on the difference between the acquisition value and the sale value. (Exemptions exist, for example, for those over 65 or for reinvestment in a primary residence).
Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR): If you are a non-resident owner in Spain, the buyer will withhold 3% of the sale price stated in the deed to pay to the Tax Agency on your behalf.
3. Pricing Strategy: The Key to Not “Burning” Your Property
The market in Malaga and the Eastern Costa del Sol is dynamic, but setting an overvalued price with the idea of “there will be time to lower it later” is usually a mistake.
Properties that sit stagnant on portals for months end up losing interest and selling below their true market value. A professional valuation based on real comparables of recent sales in your area will ensure you start with the optimal price from day one.
4. Presentation and Marketing: First Impressions Are Crucial
On the Costa del Sol, we receive buyers from all over Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden…) who begin their search online before traveling.
Professional Photography and Video: These are your property’s calling card.
Depersonalization and Order: Showcase spacious, bright, and clean areas so potential buyers can imagine themselves living there.
International Marketing: It is crucial that the property is not only on local portals but also exposed to international buyers in their respective languages.
5. The International Buyer: Language and Procedures
In areas like Torre del Mar, Nerja, or Torrox Costa, a very high percentage of buyers are foreigners. This involves managing viewings in several languages, coordinating the buyer’s NIE acquisition, dealings with their legal advisors, and notary services with translation. Having a team that speaks their language facilitates negotiations and accelerates the closing of the transaction.
