Buyer's guide
Buying property in Spain – a guide for Norwegian buyers on the Costa del Sol
Norwegians are among the most active buyers on the Costa del Sol, and Nueva Andalucía is sometimes even nicknamed the "Norwegian valley". The Spanish buying process is the same wherever you live, but tax and financing differ from the Swedish picture. Here is what matters most as a Norwegian buyer.
The same buying process in Spain
You need a NIE number, a Spanish bank account and an independent lawyer. You first sign a reservation agreement, then a binding private contract and finally the deed at the notary. Allow around 10–13 per cent in buying costs on top of the price.
Tax in Norway — wealth tax
As a Norwegian tax resident you declare the Spanish home in your Norwegian tax return, and it can affect your wealth tax. How the property is valued and how the tax treaty between Norway and Spain applies should be reviewed with a Norwegian tax adviser before you buy.
Tax in Spain as a non-resident
In Spain you pay annual property tax (IBI) to the town hall and non-resident income tax on a notional value of the home, even if you do not rent it out. If you do rent it out, the rental income is taxed in Spain.
Financing for Norwegian buyers
Many Norwegians finance the purchase by borrowing against their home in Norway. The alternative is a Spanish mortgage, where banks often lend around 60–70 per cent to non-residents. Also weigh the currency risk between Norwegian kroner and euro.
Areas Norwegians choose
Nueva Andalucía and Marbella attract with golf, villas and year-round services. Estepona gives more home for the money, while Fuengirola and Benalmádena have a strong Scandinavian presence and a train to the airport.
Areas to read next
Prices, pace and services differ between towns. These are the four we work with — each guide has price levels, neighbourhoods and practical facts.
Nueva Andalucía
The "Norwegian valley" — golf, views and villas five minutes from Puerto Banús.
Read the area guide
Marbella
The best known address on the coast, alive all year.
Read the area guide
Estepona
Plenty of new build and lower price per square metre.
Read the area guide
Fuengirola
Scandinavian services and a train to the airport.
Read the area guideFrequently asked questions
- Can I buy property in Spain as a Norwegian?
- Yes. There are no restrictions on Norwegian citizens buying property in Spain. You need a NIE number and should use an independent lawyer.
- Does the home affect my Norwegian wealth tax?
- It must be declared in Norway and can affect wealth tax. Have a Norwegian tax adviser work through your situation.
- Can I get help in a Scandinavian language?
- Yes. Solria matches you free of charge with a local, Scandinavian-speaking agent partner.
Other guides
- Golf & homes
- Marinas & boating
- Buying a house in Spain
- What does buying in Spain cost?
- NIE, bank account and mortgage
- Estate agency in Spain
- Compare the areas
This is general guidance, not legal or tax advice. Always confirm current rules and amounts with your lawyer.
Read on
Take the next step — compare towns, read through the buying process or tell us what you are looking for.
- Buying an apartment in Marbella – area guide
Golden Mile, Puerto Banús and the old town, with prices and an English-speaking partner agent.
- Buying a house in Estepona – area guide
A real Spanish town centre, new builds and more space per euro than Marbella.
- A villa in Nueva Andalucía – golf valley area guide
Golf-side villas and townhouses with La Concha views, five minutes from Puerto Banús.
- An apartment in Fuengirola – area guide
Nordic community, train to the airport and the best value central locations on the coast.
- A home in Benalmádena – area guide
The village, Arroyo de la Miel and the marina, about 20 minutes by train to the airport.
- Buying a house in Mijas – area guide
White-village life in Mijas Pueblo, golf and good-value villas in Mijas Costa.
- A villa in Sotogrande – area guide
Valderrama, polo, a marina and plenty of space and privacy.
- Buyer's guide: how to buy a house in Spain
Step by step from budget and NIE number to notary and keys.
- Estate agents in Marbella – how to compare
Five criteria for choosing the right agent, plus free matching with a partner agent.
- Estate agencies in Spain – how to choose
Swedish chains, international networks or local offices – questions to ask and pitfalls to avoid.
- All guides to buying property on the Costa del Sol
Costs, taxes, NIE, bank account and mortgages in one place.
- Get free area suggestions
Tell us your budget, timing and preferred area — we connect you with a local partner agent.
Free of charge
We suggest areas for you
Marie Segerholm
Founder, Solria · Personal contact
- ✓ Free for you as a buyer – no fees, no obligations
- ✓ Personal contact within hours, every weekday
- ✓ Swedish- or English-speaking partner agent
- ✓ No sales calls – we contact you only the way you choose