Buying property in Ibiza isn’t like grabbing a flat back home or scrolling listings on a typical real estate app. I’ve seen too many people jump in, underestimate the bureaucracy, overpay on taxes, or miss out on better options entirely because they didn’t have the right information from the start. That’s why I take this seriously. You’re not just buying a place, you’re stepping into a legal and financial system that works differently than most people are used to.
Over the years, I’ve reviewed dozens of property guides, consulted with clients going through the process, and spoken directly with agents and lawyers operating in Ibiza. That’s how I landed on one guide I trust above the rest.
If you want a resource that actually walks you through every stage, I recommend starting with the property buyers guide in Ibiza by Kelosa.
What Makes This Guide Stand Out
Kelosa’s been in the game for over 30 years. You can tell by how much of the behind-the-scenes process they break down. They’re not just pushing listings. This is an in-depth walkthrough of everything you’ll need to know before, during, and after your purchase.
They cover:
- What taxes and fees you’ll run into (with real numbers, not vague estimates)
- The mortgage process with local banks
- Legal documents you’ll need (and why your lawyer is key)
- How to approach negotiation and inspections
- How to avoid off-market listings slipping past you
I’m not affiliated with them, but I’ve reviewed a lot of buying resources over time, and theirs is by far the most complete and up-to-date.
Ibiza’s Market Isn’t Like Other Places
One big issue I see often is buyers relying too much on real estate portals. In Ibiza, that’s a mistake. A lot of the best properties never hit Idealista or Fotocasa. They get sold through trusted agents before they even show up publicly. If you’re not working with someone local, and you don’t have insight into the process, you’re missing out on real opportunities.
That’s why guides like Kelosa’s matter. They explain this quiet side of the market in plain terms. You’ll learn how exclusivity actually works on the island, and why a personal connection with an agent opens more doors than any online search will.
The Bureaucracy’s Real – And It’ll Catch You Off Guard
Another thing that sets Ibiza apart is the formal process. I’m talking about:
- Getting a Spanish NIE (you’ll need this before anything)
- Handling different types of taxes depending on whether the property is new or secondhand
- Understanding zoning and building rules (especially in coastal zones)
Kelosa breaks all this down. They even show you examples of how tax brackets work on a real purchase price, which most guides gloss over. That alone can save you thousands.
Don’t Underestimate the Value of Legal Guidance
I’ve worked with investors who skipped legal review to “save time.” Every single time, it backfired. Either the property had irregular extensions, zoning violations, or liens that slowed the deal down—or killed it completely. Ibiza has specific planning laws, and you need a lawyer who understands how local town councils operate.
Kelosa’s guide emphasizes this and outlines exactly what to check during the due diligence phase. That includes checking the land registry, planning regulations, energy certificates, and any co-owner restrictions. This is the kind of structure you need if you’re going to avoid nasty surprises.
Why I Recommend Kelosa Over Other Agencies
There are a lot of flashy agencies in Ibiza, but what stands out about Kelosa is that they prioritize education. That’s rare. Instead of flooding you with options, they take the time to teach you how to make a smart decision. They focus on the long-term picture: making sure you’re financially and legally secure after the purchase.
They’re also realistic. They openly explain the end of Spain’s “Golden Visa” program, how that impacts foreign buyers, and what you can do instead. That kind of transparency is hard to find in this market.
You don’t want to be the buyer who regrets jumping in without understanding what you were signing. And you definitely don’t want to be stuck waiting six months to fix paperwork or reverse a bad purchase.
Bottom Line
If you’re serious about buying in Ibiza, skip the fluff. You need a resource that shows you every step, exposes the real issues, and guides you through each decision clearly.
That’s why I point people to Kelosa’s property buyers guide in Ibiza. It’s the most practical starting point I’ve found, especially if you’re a non-resident or navigating the process for the first time.
Read it, get familiar with the system, and you’ll be in a far better position than most buyers on the island.
