Buying property in Torremolinos: 10 facts and figures

Ten facts to check before you buy in Torremolinos

Torremolinos sits on the Costa del Sol just west of Málaga, known for its long beaches, high density of apartment buildings built during the tourism boom, and exceptional transport links. Before making an offer or paying a deposit, verify these ten sourced facts.

1. 1. Purchase tax (ITP) in Andalusia is 7%

   For resale properties in Torremolinos, the regional transfer tax (ITP) is a flat 7% of the purchase price or the reference value, whichever is higher (BOE October 2026).

2. 2. New builds carry 10% IVA plus 1.2% AJD

   If you buy a newly built property directly from a developer, you pay 10% Value Added Tax (IVA) plus 1.2% Stamp Duty (AJD) in Andalusia (BOE October 2026).

3. 3. Distance to Málaga Airport is about 7 kilometres

   Torremolinos is one of the closest coastal towns to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), roughly 7 km away by road or a 10-minute journey on the C-1 commuter train line.

4. 4. Commuter train connection (Cercanías)

   The C-1 Cercanías rail line links Torremolinos directly to Málaga city centre and the airport in one direction, and to Fuengirola in the other, making car-free coastal travel straightforward.

5. 5. Apartment-heavy property market

   The local housing stock consists largely of apartments and penthouses in high-rise and mid-rise residential blocks rather than detached villas, particularly in areas like Montemar, La Carihuela, and El Calvario.

6. 6. Community fees (Comunidad de Propietarios)

   Most Torremolinos apartments belong to a community sharing elevators, gardens, and swimming pools. Monthly fees vary widely depending on amenities; always request the last three community meeting minutes from the seller.

7. 7. Non-resident mortgage limit of 60% to 70%

   Spanish banks generally lend non-residents up to 60% or 70% of the property purchase price or valuation, whichever is lower. You must finance the remaining percentage and all taxes from your own savings.

8. 8. NIE number is mandatory

   You cannot sign a property deed or open a Spanish bank account without a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE). You can apply through a Spanish consulate in your home country or locally via a National Police station.

9. 9. Annual IBI council tax

   Municipal property tax (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) is payable yearly to the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Torremolinos). It is calculated using the cadastral value and typically ranges from 0.4% to 1.1% of that value.

10. 10. Non-resident income tax (IRNR)

    If you do not rent out the property and it is your second home, Spanish tax authorities require a yearly non-resident income tax return based on the cadastral value, taxed at 19% for EU residents or 24% for UK and non-EU residents.