Buying property in Spain is a dream for many—but navigating the legal, financial, and bureaucratic steps can be confusing, especially for foreign buyers. Whether you're looking to buy real estate Costa del Sol for a holiday apartment, a long-term investment, or a retirement villa, understanding the Spanish property buying process step-by-step is key to making a confident and informed decision.
In this guide, we’ll break down the entire process—from initial research to final registration—so you know exactly what to expect and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Why Buy Property in Spain?
Spain offers a unique mix of warm weather, rich culture, and affordable real estate, making it one of the most attractive destinations for foreign buyers in Europe. Popular regions like the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Catalonia continue to see strong demand from investors, retirees, and second-home buyers alike.
Whether you're planning a lifestyle move or seeking property investment in Costa del Sol, understanding the buying journey is crucial.
Step 1: Research and Define Your Goals
Start by identifying your property goals:
Popular areas like Málaga, Marbella, Alicante, and Valencia all offer different benefits, price ranges, and legal nuances.
Step 2: Secure Your NIE Number
Before making any official property transactions in Spain, foreigners must obtain an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). This number is used to track all tax and legal activity in Spain, including property purchases.
You can apply for an NIE:
Step 3: Open a Spanish Bank Account
You’ll need a local account to:
The process is relatively easy with your passport, NIE, and proof of income or employment.
Step 4: Work with a Licensed Real Estate Agent
Having a knowledgeable local agent is essential, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the Spanish market. A good agent helps you:
Make sure to work with an agent experienced in assisting international clients.
Step 5: Hire an Independent Property Lawyer
Your real estate agent is not a substitute for a lawyer. A Spanish property lawyer will:
Hiring an English-speaking lawyer with local experience is strongly recommended.
Step 6: Make an Offer and Sign a Reservation Contract
Once you find the right property, you can make a formal offer. If accepted, the seller may request a reservation contract and a deposit of around €3,000–€6,000. This removes the property from the market while legal checks are conducted.
Your lawyer will then begin the due diligence process to confirm that everything is in order.
Step 7: Sign the Private Purchase Contract
After due diligence is complete, both parties sign a Contrato de Arras (Private Purchase Contract). This contract includes:
Step 8: Secure Financing (if needed)
At this stage, you typically pay 10% of the purchase price as a deposit. If you back out, you may forfeit your deposit unless the seller breaches the contract.
If you’re applying for a Spanish mortgage, this is the time to finalize the agreement. Non-residents can usually borrow up to 60–70% of the property’s value. The bank will also conduct a property appraisal before approving the loan.
Step 9: Complete the Sale at the Notary
The final step is signing the Escritura de Compraventa (Title Deed) in front of a public notary. Once both parties sign and payment is completed, ownership is officially transferred.
You’ll also need to:
Step 10: Post-Sale Responsibilities
After you’ve successfully purchased your Spanish property, there are a few ongoing responsibilities to keep in mind:
It’s wise to set up direct debits and hire a fiscal representative to handle ongoing taxes and declarations, especially if you’re not living in Spain full-time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
How Vivi Real Estate Can Help You Buy in Spain with Confidence
Navigating Spain’s real estate market doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially with the right team behind you. At Vivi Real Estate, we specialize in helping international buyers safely and successfully purchase property on the Costa del Sol and beyond.
Whether you're buying a second home, relocating, or seeking property investment in Costa del Sol, Vivi Real Estate will be with you at every step.
Contact Vivi Real Estate today and let us help turn your Spanish property dream into reality.