Investing legally on the Costa Brava: comprehensive guide for 2025 with IMMO 365

The Costa Brava continues to attract French investors looking for attractive property opportunities. With its privileged Mediterranean climate, proximity to France and promising returns, this Catalan region is establishing itself as a prime destination for diversifying your property portfolio. IMMO 365 Costa Brava supports you in this secure and profitable investment process.

Why invest on the Costa Brava in 2025?

A dynamic and accessible property market

Property on the Costa Brava offers considerable advantages for British investors. Although prices per square metre are rising steadily, they remain competitive compared to equivalent coastal areas in France. This attractive pricing, combined with a thriving tourist market, creates an environment conducive to profitable rental investments.

The region enjoys sustained rental demand throughout the year, driven by a diverse international tourism industry. Seasonal rentals generate particularly attractive returns, especially in the sought-after areas of Roses, Empuriabrava, Platja d'Aro and Cadaqués, which are IMMO 365 Costa Brava's areas of expertise.

A strategic geographical location

The Costa Brava enjoys exceptional accessibility from France. Girona-Costa Brava and Barcelona-El Prat airports offer regular connections to major French cities. This ease of transport enhances the appeal for investors wishing to supervise their property or use it as a second home.

The proximity to the French border also facilitates administrative procedures and commercial exchanges, creating a reassuring environment for first-time foreign investors.

Where to invest on the Costa Brava: analysis of promising areas

Roses: the jewel of the bay

Roses stands out for its privileged location in the bay of the same name, offering exceptional views of the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. This seaside resort harmoniously combines Catalan tradition and modern tourism.

The Roses property market offers a wide variety of properties, from beachfront apartments to villas with swimming pools in Roses in the hinterland. Prices range from £2,800 to £4,200 per square metre depending on location and amenities. Rental yields regularly reach 6-8% thanks to sustained tourist traffic from April to October.

Empuriabrava: the Venice of Catalonia

Nicknamed the ‘Spanish Venice’, Empuriabrava fascinates with its network of navigable canals, unique in Europe. This architectural feature attracts a high-end clientele of water sports enthusiasts and lovers of exceptional residences.

Real estate investment in Empuriabrava is characterised by atypical properties: houses with private moorings, contemporary villas with direct access to the canals, and apartments with panoramic views of the marina. This uniqueness justifies slightly higher prices, between £3,200 and £5,000 per square metre, but also guarantees significant potential capital gains.

Platja d'Aro: seaside elegance

Platja d'Aro embodies the high-end Mediterranean lifestyle. This popular destination for the international jet set offers fine sandy beaches, a lively nightlife and high-quality tourist facilities.

The local property market favours luxury properties: luxury beachfront apartments, villas with high-end amenities, penthouses with panoramic terraces. Prices, ranging from €3,500 to €6,000 per square metre, reflect this premium positioning, but come with attractive rental yields.

Cadaqués: preserved authenticity

Cadaqués charms visitors with its preserved Mediterranean authenticity and exceptional artistic heritage, the legacy of Salvador Dalí. This fishing village, transformed into a leading cultural destination, attracts a discerning international clientele.

Real estate in Cadaqués is characterised by properties with character: renovated traditional houses, converted artists' studios, and properties with views of Portlligat Bay. This unique heritage justifies high prices, often exceeding €4,500 per square metre, but ensures long-term value appreciation.

How to invest legally on the Costa Brava

Essential administrative procedures

Investing legally on the Costa Brava requires compliance with a specific regulatory framework. The first step is to obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), a mandatory identification number for any foreigner carrying out financial transactions in Spain.

Opening a Spanish bank account greatly simplifies transactions and demonstrates your commitment to the investment project. This also facilitates the payment of local charges and taxes.

The tax framework for investment

Spanish taxation applicable to non-residents has some important specific features. Property Transfer Tax (ITP) is 10% in Catalonia for older properties, while new builds are subject to VAT (21%) plus AJD (1.5%).

Rental income is taxed at a rate of 24% for non-European non-residents. This tax applies to net income, after deduction of deductible expenses: management fees, maintenance work, insurance, local taxes and loan interest.

The importance of professional support

International property investment requires in-depth local expertise. IMMO 365 Costa Brava offers you access to its network of qualified partners: solicitors specialising in property law, tax advisors, architects and renovation companies.

This collaborative approach guarantees the legal security of your investment and optimises its operational profitability. Our knowledge of the local market enables us to identify the most promising opportunities and avoid the classic pitfalls of cross-border investment.

Investment strategies tailored to your objectives

Seasonal rental investment

Seasonal rentals are one of the most profitable strategies on the Costa Brava. Strong tourist demand, concentrated between May and September, generates high rental income that compensates for the lower occupancy rates in winter.

This approach requires active management: marketing the properties, welcoming tenants, regular maintenance. IMMO 365 Costa Brava offers comprehensive concierge services to optimise your rental income while preserving your peace of mind.

Long-term property investment

The acquisition of a property on the Costa Brava can also be part of a long-term property strategy. The region's favourable demographic trends, infrastructure development and growing tourist appeal suggest that property values will continue to rise.

This approach focuses on selecting high-quality properties in prime locations that are likely to appreciate significantly over 10 to 15 years.

The profitable second home

The purchase of a second home on the Costa Brava can be combined with an occasional rental strategy. This formula allows you to enjoy the property yourself while generating additional income during periods when it is unoccupied.

This hybrid approach requires careful planning to optimise the balance between personal use and rental profitability.

Real estate market trends for 2025

Price trends

The Costa Brava property market is experiencing moderate but steady price growth. This trend, ranging from 3% to 5% annually, reflects the balance between sustained demand and controlled supply.

The most sought-after areas, particularly Cadaqués and beachfront properties, are seeing more marked increases, reflecting their status as safe havens in the regional property landscape.

New buyer expectations

New investors favour properties that combine energy efficiency with modern amenities. This shift in selection criteria is influencing the property market, favouring new eco-friendly developments and high-quality renovations.

The digitalisation of real estate services, accelerated by the health crisis, is also changing commercial practices. Virtual viewings, electronic signatures and paperless management are becoming essential standards.

The impact of tourism regulations

Local authorities are gradually adapting their regulations on seasonal rentals. These changes aim to preserve the balance between tourism development and the preservation of the residential environment.

IMMO 365 Costa Brava monitors regulations on an ongoing basis to keep its clients informed of legislative developments and adapt investment strategies accordingly.

Financing your investment

Spanish financing solutions

The Spanish banking system offers financing solutions tailored to foreign investors. Local financial institutions generally finance up to 70% of the value of the property for non-residents, with competitive interest rates.

To apply for financing, you must provide proof of income, a substantial personal contribution and a property valuation that complies with local banking standards.

Tax optimisation of financing

The financing structure directly influences the taxation of the investment. Loan interest is deductible from property income, thus optimising the overall taxation of the transaction.

This approach requires specialised tax advice to maximise tax benefits while complying with reporting obligations in both countries.

IMMO 365 Costa Brava services

Recognised local expertise

IMMO 365 Costa Brava has developed in-depth expertise in the Catalan property market over several years. Our bilingual team is well versed in the regulatory and tax intricacies of cross-border investment.

This local knowledge enables us to select properties with the best potential for profitability and capital gains, in line with each investor's specific objectives.

Personalised support

Each investment project benefits from personalised support, from the analysis of objectives to the handover of keys. Our consultative approach focuses on understanding client expectations in order to offer tailor-made solutions.

This support continues after the acquisition with rental management, maintenance and asset management services, guaranteeing the long-term value of your investment.

A network of qualified partners

IMMO 365 Costa Brava relies on a proven network of local partners: solicitors, solicitors, accountants, property managers and qualified craftsmen. This collaboration guarantees the quality of services and the legal security of your transactions.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about investing on the Costa Brava

What budget should I allow for investing on the Costa Brava?

The investment budget varies considerably depending on the location and type of property. Expect to pay around €150,000 for a studio in the town centre, €300,000 for a 3-room apartment with a sea view and from €500,000 for a villa with a swimming pool. Add 10 to 13% for acquisition costs.

What are the expected rental yields?

Rental yields vary between 4% and 8% depending on the strategy adopted. Seasonal rentals generate higher yields but require active management. Long-term rentals offer more moderate yields (4-5%) but simplified management.

How can I optimise the tax treatment of my investment?

Tax optimisation requires a comprehensive approach that includes choosing the right ownership structure, optimising deductible expenses and planning capital gains. Specialised tax advice is essential to maximise tax benefits.

Can I obtain bank financing as a non-resident?

Yes, Spanish banks offer financing to non-European residents, generally up to 70% of the property value. The conditions for granting financing include the presentation of income guarantees and a substantial personal contribution.

What are my tax obligations as a non-resident owner?

As a non-resident owner, you must declare your Spanish property income before 31 December of the following year. A property tax (impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles) is also payable annually.

How can I manage my property remotely?

IMMO 365 Costa Brava offers a comprehensive concierge service including rental management, maintenance, repairs and administrative follow-up. This service allows you to maximise your return on investment without the hassle of day-to-day management.

When is the best time to buy?

The Spanish property market is less seasonal than the British market. However, the autumn-winter period can offer more opportunities for negotiation, as sellers are sometimes more motivated before the tourist season.

How can I avoid the pitfalls of international property investment?

The best protection is to seek the support of experienced local professionals. Always check the legal status of the property, follow the administrative procedures and do not underestimate the additional costs of the investment.

IMMO 365 Costa Brava can help you with your property investment project on the Costa Brava. Contact our experts for a personalised assessment and discover the opportunities that match your financial goals.