Buying a home in Spain is simple when you take it one step at a time. Follow the seven steps below, from your first search to the day you get the keys.
See the whole journey in one view, then jump to any stage for the detail.
The first stage is about getting clear on what you want before you travel or view homes. You decide your budget, the areas that suit your life, and the type of home you need, such as an apartment, townhouse or villa. You also choose between a new build, which you often buy before it is finished, and a resale home you can see today. A good advisor helps you turn a long wishlist into a short, realistic list. The people involved are usually you, your partner and an advisor who knows the local market. The main thing to watch for is searching too broadly. Buyers who look everywhere often stall, while buyers with a clear brief move quickly and with confidence when the right home appears.
Before you commit, you need the full picture of what buying really costs. The price on the listing is only the start. On top of it you pay taxes, legal fees, notary and registry charges, and any mortgage costs. New builds and resale homes are taxed in different ways, so the totals differ. You should also plan for the yearly running costs of owning a home, such as local taxes, community fees, utilities and insurance. The people involved are your lawyer and, if you borrow, your bank or broker, who confirm the exact figures for your case. The main thing to watch for is planning around the price alone. Buyers who budget for the whole cost, both up front and each year, avoid stress and keep a healthy safety margin after they complete.
Once you know the numbers, you get your money ready. Many international buyers borrow part of the price with a Spanish mortgage, which has its own rules for non-residents, so it helps to know how much you can borrow and what a bank will ask for. Even if you pay in cash, you usually move funds from another currency into euros, and the exchange rate can change the final amount by a lot. The people involved are your bank or a mortgage broker and, often, a currency specialist who can fix a rate in advance. The main thing to watch for is leaving money to the last minute. Buyers who arrange finance and plan their transfers early know their true budget, protect themselves from rate swings, and can complete on time without a rush.
This stage keeps your purchase safe. An independent lawyer, working only for you, checks that the home is legal, that the seller truly owns it, and that there are no debts or planning problems attached to it. You also apply for an NIE, the tax number every foreign buyer needs to buy a home in Spain. Your lawyer runs due diligence and reviews the property records before any money is at risk. The people involved are your own lawyer, who should be independent of the seller and agent, and the local authorities who issue your NIE. The main thing to watch for is skipping proper checks to save time. Buyers who use an independent lawyer and complete every check avoid nasty surprises and buy with full peace of mind.
When you find the right home, you secure it and sign the first contract. You usually pay a reservation fee to take the property off the market, then sign a private purchase contract that sets the price, the terms and the completion date. On resale homes this deposit contract commits both sides, while off-plan buyers sign a contract tied to building stages. For new builds, your payments should be protected by a bank guarantee, so your money is safe if the home is not finished. The people involved are your lawyer, who checks every clause before you sign, along with the seller or developer and the agent. The main thing to watch for is signing anything you do not fully understand. Buyers who let their lawyer review each contract first sign with clear, protected terms.
Completion is the day the home becomes yours. You sign the title deed, known as the escritura, in front of a notary, pay the balance, and receive the keys. The notary confirms the sale is legal and records it, and your lawyer then registers the deed in your name and settles the taxes due. If you bought a new build, you should carry out a snagging inspection first, listing any faults so the developer fixes them before you complete. The people involved are the notary, your lawyer, the seller or developer, and your bank if you have a mortgage. The main thing to watch for is completing before defects are recorded. Buyers who check the home carefully and let their lawyer handle the paperwork walk away with the keys and clean, registered ownership.
With the keys in hand, the last stage is settling into life in Spain. Depending on where you are from and how long you plan to stay, you may need to arrange residency, which sets out your right to live in the country. You will also want health cover, whether through the public system or private insurance, and, if you have children, a school place, with many families choosing international schools along the coast. It helps to understand the everyday cost of living and to plan the practical side of your move. The people involved can include immigration advisers, insurers, schools and moving firms. The main thing to watch for is treating the purchase as the finish line. Buyers who plan residency, healthcare and daily life in good time settle in smoothly and enjoy their new home from day one.
Short, plain answers to the questions buyers ask us most. Follow the linked guides for the full detail.
It depends on the home and your finance, but many purchases complete within two to three months of an accepted offer. New builds can take longer, as you pay in stages while the home is built. Getting your NIE, lawyer and funds ready early is the best way to avoid delays.
Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers owning property in Spain. You do need an NIE, a tax number for foreigners, and a Spanish bank account is useful for paying bills. Many of our buyers live outside Spain and complete the whole process with an advisor and lawyer to guide them.
A lawyer is not required by law, but we strongly recommend an independent one who works only for you. Your lawyer checks the home is legal and debt free, reviews every contract, and registers the deed in your name. It is the single best way to protect your money.
The NIE is a tax identification number for foreigners in Spain. You need it to buy a home, pay taxes, open a bank account and set up utilities. You can apply in Spain or through a Spanish consulate in your own country, and your lawyer can arrange it for you.
Beyond the purchase price you should budget extra for taxes, legal fees, notary and registry charges, and any mortgage costs. The exact amount depends on the property and whether it is a new build or a resale. Your lawyer will confirm the figures for your case before you commit.
A new build is bought from a developer, often before it is finished, and paid in stages with your deposit protected by a bank guarantee. A resale home is already built, so you can view it and usually move in sooner. Each is taxed differently, and the right choice depends on your plans and timing.
Our blog has detailed guides on every part of buying and living in Spain.
Pastāstiet mums savu budžetu un svarīgāko, un jūsu konsultants nosūtīs piemērotās jaunbūves. Bez spiediena un jums bez maksas.
Alexandra Marcinkowska
Parasti atbild stundas laikā
Mēs esam palīdzējuši pircējiem no visas pasaules iegādāties pareizo īpašumu Kostas del Solas piekrastē.
