If you own a property in Spain and are living in it on 1 January in any given year, you will be liable to pay a local property tax called Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles (IBI). The amount is the rental value multiplied by a tax rate set by the local authorities. This applies to non-residents and residents. There is also basura, a rubbish collection tax. Non-resident property owners may also need to pay ‘imputed income tax’ at flat rates on potential rental income on Spanish property.
If you sell a property in Spain, you have to pay a property transfer tax, Impuesto Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP). When a property is sold, the local authority charges a tax on the increase in value of the land, the plus valia.