Spain's property market continues to break records for foreign purchases. Everything you need to know about taxes, rentals, and the new 2026 regulations.
Spain remains one of Europe's most attractive destinations for foreign property investment. In 2026, the market shows unprecedented vitality, with rising prices in coastal areas and major cities, and foreign demand accounting for nearly 15% of all real estate transactions.
The Spanish Real Estate Market in 2026
According to the latest data from Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE), the average property price grew by 7.3% in 2025 and the trend continues in 2026, especially in areas of high international demand:
- Costa Blanca (Alicante): +9.2% year-on-year. Still the top destination for British, German and Dutch buyers.
- Balearic Islands: +11.8% year-on-year. Mallorca and Ibiza maintain record prices with very limited supply.
- Costa del Sol (Málaga): +8.5% year-on-year. Marbella and Estepona concentrate the largest volume of foreign investment.
- Canary Islands: +7.1% year-on-year. Tenerife and Gran Canaria report historic highs in purchases by non-residents.
Tighter mortgage conditions in northern European countries have paradoxically boosted cash purchases in Spain, facilitating transactions for foreign buyers with available capital.
Tax Obligations for Non-Residents in Spain
If you own property in Spain and do not reside there, you must file Form 210 (IRNR — Non-Resident Income Tax). This applies whether or not you rent out the property. There are three main scenarios:
1. Imputed Income (Empty or non-rented property)
Even if your Spanish property generates no rental income, you are still required to pay tax on imputed income. The amount is calculated as a percentage of the cadastral value: 1.1% if revised after 2012, or 2% otherwise. The tax rate is 19% for EU/EEA residents and 24% for all others.
Deadline: From 1 January to 31 December of the year following the tax year.
2. Rental Income
Rental income from Spanish property is taxed at 19% (EU/EEA residents) or 24% (non-EU residents). EU residents may deduct expenses such as mortgage interest, community fees, insurance and maintenance costs. Returns are filed quarterly.
3. Capital Gains (Property sales)
When selling a property, the buyer must withhold 3% of the sale price as a fiscal guarantee (Form 211). The non-resident seller pays tax on the gain at 19% (European residents). If the withholding exceeds the tax owed, the non-resident may claim a refund of the difference.
New Rental Regulations in Spain
The Housing Act and its regional regulations continue to shape the rental landscape in 2026. Key points for non-resident property owners:
- Stressed areas: In designated "stressed" markets (Barcelona, Madrid and surroundings), rents cannot exceed the official reference index.
- Tourist rentals: Madrid, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and the Costa del Sol have significantly tightened Airbnb-type licences. New licences are frozen in many areas.
- Non-resident landlord obligations: You must declare rental income quarterly via Form 210 and pay tax on net income.
Property Sales and Capital Gains
2026 is proving to be a very active year for property transactions. According to the General Council of Notaries, foreign buyers represented 14.7% of all notarised purchase deeds in 2025. Top buying nationalities:
- 🇬🇧 British (9.1%)
- 🇩🇪 German (7.6%)
- 🇫🇷 French (6.5%)
- 🇳🇱 Dutch (5.8%)
- 🇸🇪 Swedish (4.2%)
For sales, careful planning is essential. The acquisition date can be decisive for accessing reduction coefficients for properties acquired before 1995, which can significantly reduce the taxable gain.
Tourism and Its Impact on the Market
Spain broke its own record in 2025 with over 94 million international tourists, according to INE data. This tourist pressure has a direct impact on the real estate market:
- Increased demand for short-term rentals in tourist areas
- Upward pressure on sale prices in established destinations
- Growing regulation and control of holiday rental platforms
- New tourist taxes in several autonomous communities
Barcelona already applies a tourist tax of up to €4 per night, and other popular locations are following suit.
What Should You Do as a Non-Resident Owner?
- ✅ File Form 210 within established deadlines
- ✅ Know the updated cadastral value of your property
- ✅ If you rent out, declare income quarterly and keep receipts for deductible expenses
- ✅ If you have sold, correctly calculate the capital gain and manage the 3% withholding
- ✅ Consult a specialist in non-resident taxation
At SpainTaxForm, we specialise in handling Form 210 for non-residents. Our 100% online process lets you meet your tax obligations from anywhere in the world — quickly, securely and at the best price.
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