How much does it cost to buy a house in Galicia?

Prices vary by area. On the Costa da Morte, average prices range from €800 to €1,800/m². A renovated house in Corcubión or Cee costs €120,000-250,000, while beachfront apartments can exceed €300,000. Inland villages offer opportunities from €60,000.

Can a foreigner buy property in Spain?

Yes, anyone regardless of nationality can buy property in Spain. You only need to obtain an NIE (Foreigner Identity Number), open a Spanish bank account, and meet tax requirements. There are no restrictions for international buyers.

What taxes do I pay when buying a house in Galicia?

For resale properties, ITP in Galicia is 8% (up to €400,000) and 10% on the excess. For new builds, VAT is 10%. You also pay AJD (1.5%), notary fees (€600-1,200), registry (€400-800), and administration (€300-600).

How long does the buying process take?

The complete process typically takes 6-12 weeks from signing the arras contract to the public deed. Property search can add 1-3 months. If you need a mortgage, allow 4-6 additional weeks for bank approval.

Buying 25 April 2025 2 min 249

Technical Property Inspection in Galicia: Why You Need a Surveyor Before Buying

Why you need a technical inspection before buying

Buying property in Galicia without a prior technical inspection is like buying a car without test-driving it. Houses on the Costa da Morte, especially stone buildings and pre-1980 constructions, can hide defects not visible to the naked eye: structural damp, foundation problems, outdated electrical systems, lack of insulation, leaky roofs, and drainage issues.

A technical inspection can save you thousands in unexpected repairs and provide a powerful negotiation tool. The inspection cost (€300-800) is minimal compared to structural repair costs (€5,000-30,000).

Types of inspections

Building condition report (IEDE)

General evaluation of property condition: structure, roof, facades, installations. Cost: €300-500. Visit duration: 1-2 hours.

Structural inspection

Detailed analysis of foundations, load-bearing walls, floors, and roof. Recommended for old buildings or when cracks are visible. Cost: €800-2,000.

Specific inspection

Focused on a particular problem: damp, electrical, roof, termites. Cost: €200-500 per specialty.

Galicia-specific issues

Rising damp: Very common in stone houses without damp-proofing
Stone wall deterioration: Granite is resistant but mortar joints degrade with humidity
Septic tanks: Many rural properties lack sewer connection
Asbestos: Present in pre-2002 fibro-cement roofs. Removal: €1,000-3,000
Woodworm/termites: Chestnut wood beams are resistant but not immune
No insulation: Most old houses lack thermal insulation
Slate roofs: Galician slate is durable but fixings corrode

Costs

Inspection Type	Cost	Time
Basic IEDE	€300-500	1-2 hours
Full IEDE + report	€500-800	2-3 hours
Structural inspection	€800-2,000	3-4 hours
Specific inspection	€200-500	1 hour

Using the report for negotiation

Discount repairs: If report finds €5,000 in repairs, request equivalent reduction
Condition the purchase: Include satisfactory inspection as condition in arras contract
Request repairs: Ask seller to fix defects before deed signing
Renegotiate price: Use defects as argument for 5-15% price reduction