Despite some common misconceptions, British buyers can still purchase property in Spain just as they always could before Brexit. In fact, UK buyers remain among the most active international groups in the Costa del Sol property market, continuing a long-standing relationship with southern Spain that dates back decades.

What Brexit did change are some of the rules surrounding residency, length of stay and, for those considering a permanent move, the paperwork involved.

The good news is that none of this should put you off. With the right advice and a clear understanding of the process, buying property in Spain as a British citizen remains straightforward.

Here’s what you need to know in 2026.

Can British citizens still buy property in Spain?

Absolutely.

There are no restrictions preventing British citizens from purchasing property in Spain. Whether you are looking for a holiday apartment, an investment property or a permanent home, you have exactly the same ownership rights as buyers from most other non-EU countries.

You can purchase apartments, townhouses, villas, plots of land and commercial property in the same way as before Brexit.

The purchase process itself remains largely unchanged.

Do I need residency to buy property?

No.

This is one of the most common questions we receive and the answer is simple: you do not need Spanish residency to buy a property.

Many British buyers own homes in Spain without being Spanish residents.

You can purchase a property, hold it in your name, visit it and sell it in the future without ever becoming a resident.

Where residency becomes relevant is how long you plan to spend in Spain each year.

How long can British citizens stay in Spain?

As British citizens are now considered non-EU nationals, the standard Schengen rules apply.

In simple terms, most UK passport holders can spend up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen Area without obtaining residency or a long-stay visa.

For many holiday home owners, this is perfectly adequate.

However, if you are planning to spend extended periods in Spain, work remotely from Spain on a regular basis or relocate permanently, you should seek professional immigration advice regarding the visa and residency options available.

What documents will I need?

The first essential requirement is obtaining an NIE number.

An NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax identification number for foreigners and is required for almost every aspect of the property purchase process.

You will also need:

• A valid passport
• A Spanish bank account
• Proof of funds
• Independent legal representation
• Mortgage documentation if financing the purchase

Your lawyer will guide you through the specific requirements based on your circumstances.

Can British buyers get a Spanish mortgage?

Yes.

Many Spanish banks continue to lend to British buyers.

The exact amount available will depend on factors such as income, age, assets and overall financial circumstances, but non-resident buyers can often borrow a significant proportion of the purchase price.

Mortgage products, interest rates and lending criteria vary between lenders, which is why speaking to an experienced mortgage specialist early in the process can be extremely helpful.

At Your Property Concept, we can introduce buyers to trusted mortgage professionals who understand the requirements of international purchasers.

What taxes and costs should I budget for?

A common mistake among overseas buyers is focusing entirely on the purchase price.

As a rule of thumb, buyers should allow approximately 10% to 13% of the purchase price to cover acquisition costs, although the exact figure depends on whether the property is new build or resale.

Typical costs may include:

• Property Transfer Tax (ITP) on resale properties
• VAT (IVA) on new-build purchases
• Stamp Duty (AJD) where applicable
• Legal fees
• Notary fees
• Land Registry fees

A good lawyer will provide a clear breakdown of expected costs before you commit to a purchase.

What about currency exchange?

For many British buyers, currency exchange is one of the most overlooked parts of the transaction.

When transferring hundreds of thousands of pounds, even relatively small exchange rate movements can significantly affect the final cost of the purchase.

Using a specialist currency provider rather than relying solely on a high street bank can often help buyers secure more competitive exchange rates and greater certainty when planning transfers.

This is particularly important if completion is several months away and exchange rates are fluctuating.

New build or resale?

The Costa del Sol offers an enormous range of property options.

Some buyers are attracted to new developments, with their contemporary designs, energy-efficient construction and modern amenities.

Others prefer the character, established locations and larger plots often found in resale properties.

Neither option is inherently better. The right choice depends entirely on your priorities, lifestyle and long-term plans.

This is where local knowledge can make a significant difference. Understanding not just the property itself but also the surrounding area, future development plans and long-term investment potential is often just as important as the number of bedrooms or the size of the terrace.

Why local guidance matters

Buying property in your home country can be complicated enough – buying in another country, often in a second language and under a different legal system, naturally raises additional questions.

Which areas offer the best value?

Which developments have the strongest rental potential?

What taxes will apply?

Which lawyer should you use?

How does the reservation process work?

Having experienced professionals guiding you through those decisions removes much of the uncertainty and allows you to focus on the enjoyable part: finding the right home.

The Costa del Sol remains one of the UK’s favourite overseas destinations

Brexit may have changed some administrative rules, but it has not changed the reasons British buyers continue to choose the Costa del Sol.

The climate, accessibility, lifestyle, golf courses, beaches, restaurants and strong international community remain as attractive as ever.

Whether you are searching for a lock-up-and-leave holiday apartment, an investment property or a home for a new chapter in the sun, the opportunities available to British buyers remain extensive.

At Your Property Concept, we guide British buyers through every stage of the process, from identifying the right property and navigating the legal requirements to mortgages, banking, currency exchange and beyond. If you’re considering buying on the Costa del Sol in 2026, we’d be delighted to help you take the next step with confidence.