If you're considering buying property in the Region of Murcia, there’s some fantastic news: from 25 July 2025, important tax reductions take effect that make acquiring real estate a bit more affordable. These changes are part of Murcia’s 2025 Budget Law and reflect a push to stimulate the housing market and reduce costs for buyers.
Below is everything you need to know about what’s changing, who benefits, and how much you might save.
What Exactly Has Changed?
1. ITP (Property Transfer Tax) — resale / second-hand homes
The general ITP rate in Murcia has been reduced from 8.00% down to 7.75% for resale (second-hand) property purchases.
This reduction applies to transactions formalised from 25 July 2025 onward.
Example of savings:
If you buy a resale home for €200,000, under the old 8% rate your ITP would have been €16,000. Under the new 7.75% rate, it’s €15,500 — a saving of €500.
2. AJD (Stamp Duty / Impuesto de Actos Jurídicos Documentados) — for new builds & certain deeds
For purchases of new-build homes (those subject to VAT, IVA), the rate on the first copy of public deeds (i.e., the AJD tax) is reduced from 2% to 1.5%.
This means that when you sign the deed for a new-build property, your AJD cost will be lower.
3. “Young Buyer / Entrepreneur” reduced rate eligibility extended
Murcia has a special reduced ITP rate of 5% (under certain conditions) for young buyers or entrepreneurs.
Previously, this reduced rate applied to those under 40 years old. After the change, the eligibility expands to those age 40 or under, giving a slightly larger window.
Why These Changes Matter
Immediate savings on purchase costs — For many people, even a few tenths of a percent translate into hundreds (or in bigger purchases, thousands) of euros saved.
More competitive market — Murcia becomes relatively more attractive compared to neighboring regions that may have higher ITP/AJD rates.
Support for younger buyers / entrepreneurs — The extended eligibility for the 5% rate makes home purchase or setting up a workplace more affordable for younger people.
Stimulating transactions — Lower barriers may encourage more property transactions, boosting the real estate sector locally.
What You Still Need to Pay & Consider
These tax cuts don’t eliminate all costs in a property purchase. Here are the other usual expenses and legal points to keep in mind:
| Item | Typical in Murcia / Notes |
|---|---|
| VAT (IVA) | For new builds, VAT remains 10% of the purchase price. |
| AJD on new builds | The reduced 1.5% applies (instead of 2%) for eligible deeds. |
| Notary & Registry Fees | Usually charged on deeds and registration. The amounts depend on purchase size and complexity. |
| Legal / Due Diligence Costs | Lawyers typically check titles, debts, permits, etc. Their fees vary (often ~1-2% or fixed rates) depending on the case. |
| Valor de Referencia | In Murcia (as in many regions), the ITP may be calculated on the higher of the declared purchase price or the “valor de referencia” (official reference value). |
| Ongoing Taxes | Once you own property: IBI (municipal property tax), non-resident taxes (if applicable), plus potential income tax if rented, etc. |
Tips & Pitfalls: How to Maximize Benefits and Avoid Surprises
Time your purchase: Make sure your purchase is formalised (deed signed) after 25 July 2025 to benefit from the new rates.
Confirm eligibility: If you aspire to the reduced 5% ITP rate, check you meet all conditions (age, use, type of buyer, etc.).
Check the valor de referencia: Your legal adviser should verify whether the official reference value will push your taxable base higher than the purchase price.
Use a qualified lawyer: Regional rules, deadlines, declarations, and exemptions can be tricky. A local real estate lawyer ensures the correct payments and avoids penalties.
Don’t forget the extra costs: Even with lower tax rates, notary, registry, lawyers, and administrative fees still apply. Always budget for them.
Beware of deadlines: ITP is usually due within a certain period (for example, within 30 working days after the signing of the deed). Missing deadlines may incur fines or interest.
Who Benefits Most?
Anyone planning to purchase a resale property in Murcia: they get the lowered ITP rate.
Buyers of new builds: they benefit from reduced AJD.
Younger buyers / entrepreneurs (≤ 40) who satisfy the conditions may secure the 5% reduced ITP.
Property investors comparing Murcia with nearby regions—Murcia now has a stronger tax advantage.
