Information reviewed in August 2026 · Reading time: 10 minutes

Selling a property on the Costa Tropical involves seven essential stages: preparing the documents, setting a realistic asking price, presenting the home properly, reaching Spanish and international buyers, managing viewings and offers, signing the deposit contract, and completing before a notary. Taxes and any mortgage cancellation must also be planned in advance.

This guide explains the complete process for owners in Almuñécar, La Herradura, Salobreña, Motril and the surrounding area. Bonillo Real Estate has sold property on the Costa Tropical since 1975, and our advice reflects more than 50 years of local transactions.

The seven steps to selling property on the Costa Tropical

1. Gather the documents for the property and every owner.
2. Set the right asking price from the beginning.
3. Prepare the home and arrange professional photography.
4. Market it to the buyers most likely to purchase it, including international buyers.
5. Qualify enquiries, manage viewings and negotiate offers.
6. Sign an appropriate private deposit contract.
7. Complete before a notary and settle the remaining taxes and costs.

Step 1. Prepare the documents

Having the paperwork ready before the property is marketed prevents avoidable delays and reassures serious buyers. The documents normally include:

• Passport, DNI or NIE for every registered owner.
• The title deed (escritura), or the inheritance deed if the property was inherited.
• A recent Land Registry extract (nota simple) showing ownership and registered charges.
• The energy performance certificate, which is generally required when a property is advertised for sale.
• The latest IBI council-tax receipt.
• A certificate confirming that community fees are up to date.
• A bank certificate showing the outstanding balance if there is a mortgage.
• Where applicable, first-occupation documentation, plans or installation certificates.

For a practical checklist explaining where to obtain each document, typical costs and timing, see the documents needed to sell a property in Andalusia.

Inherited property may need to be formally accepted and registered in the heirs' names before the sale can complete. The exact requirements depend on the property and the owner's circumstances, so the file should be checked individually. Our complete guide explains how to sell an inherited property in Granada and the Costa Tropical, including documents, taxes and remote completion.

Step 2. Set the right asking price from the start

The most common pricing mistake is adding a large margin “to leave room for negotiation”. An overpriced home can lose its initial launch momentum, remain online for months and eventually attract lower offers because buyers assume there is a problem.

A professional valuation should compare the property with genuinely relevant evidence and then adjust for the factors that matter locally: sea views, distance from the beach, floor, lift, orientation, terrace, parking, condition and the building itself. Asking-price averages help describe the market but cannot replace an individual visit.

In July 2026, idealista reported average asking prices of approximately €3,188/m² in Almuñécar, €3,315/m² in La Herradura, €2,299/m² in Salobreña and €1,927/m² in Motril. These figures are advertised prices, not necessarily completed-sale prices, and idealista changed its methodology in July 2026.

For a detailed explanation, see what determines the value of a property in Almuñécar.

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Step 3. Prepare and present the property

You do not necessarily need a major renovation. Start with the changes that improve buyers' first impression: declutter, remove excessive personal items, repair visible defects, clean thoroughly and make the most of natural light. If the home has a terrace or sea view, that space must look usable and inviting.

Professional photography and video are particularly important on the Costa Tropical. Many international buyers shortlist properties from another country, so weak images can remove a home from consideration before anyone requests a viewing.

Step 4. Reach local and international buyers

The Costa Tropical attracts buyers from Spain and abroad. Marketing only in one language or on local portals can miss a significant part of the available demand.

A complete campaign should combine professional presentation, national and international property portals, multilingual descriptions, direct contact with qualified buyers and consistent pricing across every channel. The objective is not simply more clicks; it is to reach buyers whose requirements and finances match the property.

Step 5. Manage viewings and negotiate offers

Qualifying buyers before a viewing saves time and protects the seller's privacy. Where relevant, the agent should understand whether the buyer has funds available or finance agreed in principle, their timetable and any conditions attached to the purchase.

When an offer arrives, compare more than the headline price. Consider the proposed deposit, financing condition, completion date, included furniture and any work or documentation the buyer requests. A well-supported counter-offer is normally more effective than an emotional response.

Step 6. Sign the private deposit contract

Once the main terms are agreed, the parties normally sign a private contract and the buyer pays a deposit. A figure around 10% is common, but it is not a universal legal requirement.

Spanish contracts can use different types of deposit clauses. Where the contract expressly uses penitential deposits under article 1454 of the Spanish Civil Code, the buyer may withdraw and lose the deposit, while a seller who withdraws must return double. The wording matters, so the contract should be drafted or reviewed by a lawyer rather than treated as a standard form.

The contract should clearly state the price, deposit, completion deadline, registered charges and their cancellation, allocation of costs, any financing or document conditions, and the furniture or contents included.

Step 7. Complete before the notary

At completion, the notary checks the identities and powers of the parties and the deed records the agreed sale. If there is an outstanding mortgage, the debt can normally be repaid from the sale proceeds, followed by the formal Land Registry cancellation. Keys are usually delivered when the deed is signed and the agreed funds are paid.

An owner living abroad can often complete through a representative using a valid power of attorney, subject to the individual documentation requirements.

What taxes and costs should a seller plan for?

The result depends on whether the seller is tax resident in Spain, the purchase and sale figures, allowable costs, the cadastral land value, ownership period and any available relief. Typical items include:

• Tax on the capital gain, where applicable.
• Municipal plusvalía (IIVTNU), calculated under the applicable town-hall rules.
• Mortgage cancellation, energy certificate, legal or tax advice and estate-agency fees.

For a non-resident seller, the buyer must generally withhold 3% of the agreed price and pay it to the Spanish tax authority using Modelo 211. The seller then calculates the actual non-resident tax position through Modelo 210 and may have more to pay or a refund to claim. Our detailed article explains the taxes, 3% retention and remote-sale process for non-resident owners.

For worked examples showing the seller’s net proceeds, capital-gains tax, municipal plusvalía, mortgage cancellation and other expenses, see our complete 2026 guide to the costs and taxes when selling property in Spain.

Tax and legal treatment depends on each case. Obtain advice based on your residence, ownership and documentation before signing.

How long does it take to sell on the Costa Tropical?

There is no honest universal timescale. The asking price, exact location, property type, condition, presentation and buyer demand all affect the result. A correctly positioned property is more likely to generate qualified enquiries and offers; an inflated asking price can significantly extend the process.

Although international demand is often visible during spring and summer, property sells throughout the year on the Costa Tropical. Winter climate is itself one of the reasons buyers choose this area.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an energy certificate before advertising?

In most property sales, a valid energy performance certificate is required and the energy rating must be included in advertising. Any applicable exemption should be checked for the individual property.

Can I sell with an outstanding mortgage?

Yes. This is common. The outstanding debt can normally be settled from the sale proceeds at completion, followed by cancellation of the mortgage entry at the Land Registry.

Can I sell while living outside Spain?

Yes. Many owners use a power of attorney so a trusted representative can sign in Spain. The power must be valid for the required acts and, if executed abroad, may need an apostille and sworn translation.

Who pays the notary costs?

The legal default and the parties' negotiated agreement should both be considered. The chosen allocation must be written clearly in the private contract, together with registry, mortgage-cancellation and other costs.

Should I use one estate agency or several?

Either model can work. A well-managed sole-agency instruction can concentrate presentation, marketing investment and price control. Multiple instructions may increase exposure but can damage confidence if the property appears with inconsistent information or prices. Compare the actual marketing commitment, reporting and cooperation offered.

How much does an estate agency charge?

Fees and the included service should be agreed in writing before marketing begins. Ask for a clear proposal covering valuation, photography, portals, international marketing, viewings, negotiation and support through completion.

Sell with local experience since 1975

Bonillo Real Estate is a family estate agency in Almuñécar. We value, present and market property across Almuñécar, La Herradura, Salobreña and the Costa Tropical to Spanish and international buyers.

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📍 Paseo del Altillo 6, Almuñécar · 📞 +34 679 75 19 50

About the author: Jorge Bonillo, General Manager of Bonillo Real Estate, a family estate agency specialising in the Costa Tropical since 1975.