Buying process
How to buy a property in Spain — step by step
Buying abroad only seems complicated until someone breaks it into concrete stages and takes them off your shoulders. Below is the whole journey — from the first conversation to the handover of keys. In your language, with a lawyer and with us beside you at every step.
- 01
Conversation and choosing the property
We define your budget, location and plans — and show you real listings.
We start with a conversation in your language: what the property is for, your total budget (including purchase costs), whether you're interested in resale or new developments. We shortlist properties, arrange viewings — in person or remotely by video — and tell you plainly what's worth attention and what only looks good in photos.
No obligation · in your language - 02
NIE — your Spanish identification number
Without an NIE number you can't buy a property or open an account.
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the foreigner's identification number. It is required for every transaction: a purchase, a bank account, utilities. We obtain it for you under a power of attorney, or arrange and accompany you at the office — we don't leave you alone with Spanish forms.
We handle the paperwork - 03
Reservation and the arras contract
You take the property off the market and set the terms in writing.
Once you choose a property, we sign a reservation agreement (typically €3,000–6,000) that takes it off the market. Then the preliminary "contrato de arras": you usually pay 10% of the price. This is the key moment — we check the legal status, registry, debts and permits, and translate every clause into your language before you sign anything.
Usually 10% of the price · full legal check - 04
Financing (if with a mortgage)
A Spanish bank, funds from abroad, or a combination of both — we arrange it with you.
A foreigner can take out a mortgage with a Spanish bank — usually up to 60–70% of the property value. We help gather the documents, compare bank offers and go through the valuation (tasación). If you buy in cash, we skip this step. Either way we make sure the payment schedule fits the notary date.
Optional · up to ~70% LTV for non-residents - 05
Notary and the escritura
Signing the title deed — with translation into your language.
The finale takes place before a notary (notario), who draws up the "escritura pública de compraventa" — the notarial deed transferring ownership. You pay the remaining balance, collect the keys and sign the deed. We are beside you, translating in real time. Then comes registration (Registro de la Propiedad) and the settlement of taxes.
Title deed · live translation - 06
Handover and after the purchase
Utilities, taxes, management — we stay in touch.
After signing we transfer the utilities (electricity, water, internet), set up community payments and the property tax (IBI), and if needed help with furnishing or rental. The purchase ends, but the contact does not. Have a question six months later? You write to the same person who guided you.
After-sale care
What to expect
Costs and formalities, no surprises
We are upfront about the full cost of the transaction before you sign anything. Below are rough ranges — we calculate the exact figures for a specific property.
estimated purchase costs on top of the price (taxes, notary, registry, lawyer) — resale market
purchase tax: ITP on the resale market or 10% IVA on new-build
required for every transaction — we obtain it for you
The above is for information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Tax rates vary between Spanish regions — for a specific property we provide a precise calculation.
Let's go through it together
Tell us what you're planning. We'll map the process to your case and show you real listings.