What is ITP?
ITP (property transfer tax) is paid by the buyer when purchasing a resale property. Like stamp duty in the UK, it is a one-off tax on the purchase. The general framework is set by Spanish national law, but each region sets its own rates. In Catalonia, they are laid down in the Catalan Tax Code.
The rates in force since 27 June 2025
They were introduced by Catalan Decree-Law 5/2025 of 25 March. As with UK stamp duty bands, each slice of the price is taxed at its own rate:
| Value band |
Rate |
| Up to €600,000 |
10% |
| €600,000 to €900,000 |
11% |
| €900,000 to €1,500,000 |
12% |
| Over €1,500,000 |
13% |
Examples:
- Apartment at €250,000: €25,000
- House at €450,000: €45,000
- Villa at €750,000: €60,000 + €16,500 = €76,500 (10.2% on average)
- Estate at €1,800,000: €60,000 + €33,000 + €72,000 + €39,000 = €204,000 (11.3% on average)
Between €100,000 and €600,000, where most purchases in Roses, Llançà and Empuriabrava fall, the rate is still 10%. Above that, the higher rates only apply to the part of the price above each threshold.
The 20% rate: who pays it?
Decree-Law 5/2025 applies a 20% rate in two cases.
1. The buyer is a “large holder” (gran tenedor). For tax purposes, this is a person or company that:
- owns more than 10 homes in Catalonia;
- or owns more than 1,500 m² of residential floor space in Catalonia;
- or owns 5 or more homes in a designated high-pressure housing area.
Garages and storage rooms do not count.
2. The purchase is an entire residential building. There are exceptions. For example, a private buyer who purchases a building to live in with their family is not affected, subject to conditions.
These rules were adjusted by Catalan Law 11/2026 of 9 July. If you already own several properties in Spain, or are looking at a whole building, have your situation checked before signing.
If you are buying an apartment, a house or a villa for yourself, this rate does not apply to you.
Reduced rates
The Catalan Tax Code provides reduced rates, subject to conditions, including:
- 5% for buyers aged 35 or under purchasing their main home, if their taxable income in their last Spanish income tax return (IRPF) did not exceed €36,000;
- 7% for officially protected housing.
These rates are for people who live in Catalonia and file their tax return in Spain. A non-resident buying a holiday home pays the standard rates.
What amount is ITP based on?
According to the Spanish Land Registry (Catastro), the tax base is the property’s official reference value (valor de referencia). If the declared price is higher, the price is used instead. It is worth knowing this value before making an offer.
New build or resale?
When you buy a new home directly from the developer, there is no ITP. You pay 10% VAT instead (Spanish Tax Agency, 2026 VAT rates), plus stamp duty (AJD) on the deed.
When and how is it paid?
ITP is declared on form 600 with the Catalan Tax Agency, within one month of signing at the notary. It must be paid before the purchase can be registered at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).