What unexpected costs might European buyers face in Costa del Sol?

European buyers in Costa del Sol should be aware of several less obvious costs beyond the advertised sale price. Firstly, Spanish property purchase taxes, such as the ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) for resale properties or VAT (IVA) for new builds, can range from 8-10% depending on the property value and region, alongside stamp duty. Secondly, legal fees for a solicitor are crucial to navigate Spanish property law, typically 1% plus VAT of the purchase price, ensuring due diligence and protecting the buyer's interests. Thirdly, notary fees and land registry fees, though regulated, are mandatory for officially registering ownership and can collectively add another 0.5% to 1.5%. Buyers must also factor in connection fees for utilities (water, electricity, internet) if the property is new or has been vacant for an extended period, which are not always negligible. Finally, ongoing community fees for shared amenities in apartment complexes or urbanizations are standard, often ranging from tens to several hundred Euros per month, covering maintenance, security, and communal services, and should be thoroughly investigated before purchase to avoid surprises.