I’ve spent years analyzing real estate markets across Europe, especially in areas like Ibiza that attract high-demand buyers and foreign investors. I’ve seen buyers make costly mistakes, but I’ve also seen how the right preparation and guidance can turn a confusing market into a solid, long-term investment.
I don’t promote anyone unless there’s real value behind it. Every recommendation I make is based on experience, market research, and actual offerings, not hype. If you want to feel confident navigating the Ibiza real estate scene, this guide is for you.
Let’s get into the steps I would personally take, what I’d watch out for, and why I suggest you check out this ibiza property guide from Kelosa to start on solid footing.
Getting Clarity on the Buying Process
Before you even start viewing properties, your first step should be getting a clear picture of what the buying process looks like in Ibiza. The taxes, legal structure, and documentation are not the same as in other countries, and that alone can throw off a lot of foreign buyers.
For example, if you’re buying a second-hand property, expect to pay a sliding scale of Property Transfer Tax (ITP), starting at 8% and climbing up to 13% depending on the price bracket. If it’s new construction, you’re looking at VAT plus stamp duty. And yes, you’ll need a NIE number, proof of legal funds, and a Spanish bank account to get started.
What I appreciate about the Kelosa guide is how it lays all of this out, including tax brackets, legal documents, mortgage tips, and real-world fee breakdowns. It doesn’t just tell you what to do; it shows you exactly how to prepare and what to expect.
Why I Recommend Kelosa’s Guide
I’ve looked through a lot of guides claiming to simplify the buying process in Ibiza. Most of them just skim the surface. What Kelosa has done with their buyer’s guide is different.
They’ve got over 30 years of experience in the Ibiza property market, and it shows. Their step-by-step breakdown of the full process, from viewing to closing, is the most complete I’ve seen. They also explain how off-market listings work, and why so many of the best deals in Ibiza never hit online portals.
That’s a major insight. If you’re searching Idealista every night thinking you’ve seen all the options, you’re missing the point. The best homes—especially the high-value ones—are being shown quietly through agents with strong local connections. Kelosa highlights this and helps you position yourself properly in that side of the market.
What You Need to Watch For
The regulations in Ibiza are tight, especially around new builds and vacation rental licenses. That’s a good thing because it keeps the market from being oversaturated, but it also means you need to be sharp about documentation and permits.
One misstep—like assuming a villa has rental rights when it doesn’t—can cost you serious money and create legal headaches. The Kelosa guide walks you through the differences between ET and ETV licenses, what’s required to qualify, and the latest regulatory updates that could affect short-term rental profitability.
They also talk about mortgage terms in Spain, what kind of banks work best for international buyers, and how to structure your financing for speed and security. This level of clarity can save you months of back and forth.
Why Having a Local Ally Matters
If I had to buy in Ibiza tomorrow, I wouldn’t even think about doing it without a professional local agent—someone who’s not just familiar with the process but has direct access to the properties you won’t see advertised.
Kelosa makes a strong case for why using a seasoned agent is essential in Ibiza. And I agree. With the way deals happen off-market and how quickly properties move, it’s not about browsing listings anymore. It’s about being in the right circle.
Their guide explains this better than anyone else I’ve seen. It also helps you filter the kind of properties that suit your goals—whether that’s a rental asset, a quiet family escape, or a long-term investment with strong appreciation potential.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about buying property in Ibiza, don’t start with guesswork. Get familiar with the process, understand the hidden steps, and prepare your documents and funding early. The more you front-load your preparation, the fewer problems you’ll deal with later.
My honest recommendation is to start with Kelosa’s ibiza property guide. It’s one of the few resources that actually respects your time and gives you real value without fluff. Use it as your foundation, and you’ll be several steps ahead of most buyers trying to figure things out on the fly.
You don’t need to be a local to buy smart in Ibiza, but you do need the right knowledge and the right people on your side. This guide gives you both.
