Do you dream of your own apartment by the sea? Or perhaps you imagine mornings on the terrace of a villa with a view of palm trees and a blue sky?
Buying property in Spain may seem complicated, but with proper preparation, it becomes a simple and safe process. Below we present 6 key steps that will help you go from initial inspiration to the moment you receive your own Spanish keys to happiness.
Step 1: Define your needs and budget. Before you start browsing listings, take a moment and ask yourself a few important questions:
- Do you want to live in Spain permanently, spend winters there, or perhaps you plan for holiday rentals?
- Do you prefer a beachfront apartment, a house with a garden, or something more intimate?
- Is proximity to the airport, schools, shops, restaurants, or the beach important?
- Pay attention to property maintenance costs (rent, local IBI tax, utilities),
- Are you prepared for differences in area standards (e.g., areas stated in listings may include common parts like corridors or terraces)?
Contact us – and we will help you narrow down the choice of location to your expectations (e.g., Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol), and then present tailored property proposals.
Step 2: Define your budget and financing method.
If you plan to pay in cash – great, but if you are interested in a mortgage, it is worth checking your creditworthiness with a Spanish bank in advance. For foreign buyers, banks usually offer financing up to 70% of the property value. Remember that in addition to the purchase price, you need to account for:
- taxes and notary fees (approx. 10–14% of the price),
- costs of a sworn translator and lawyer,
- potential bank commissions and property valuation costs.
Step 3: Property selection and reservation. Do you already have a defined budget and chosen location? It’s time to browse listings and visit selected properties. Once you find the one, the next step is to sign a reservation agreement (Contrato de Arras) and pay a deposit (usually approx. 10% of the property value or 5,000–10,000 EUR for the secondary market). From this moment, the property is “reserved” for you, and you have time to conduct a formal verification.
Step 4: Verification of the property’s legal status.
This ensures you are buying a property without “surprises”. Note that buying a property on the secondary market is not done the same way as in Poland, and comparing offers by so-called m 2 is not applicable. Apartment sizes can often differ in reality from those stated in listings due to the inclusion of common areas such as corridors and balconies in the total area. This is one of the most important stages — there is no room for error here. Our collaborating Spanish lawyer will thoroughly check:
- whether the property has a clear mortgage (no debts),
- whether it is legally built and compliant with the development plan,
- whether the owner has the right to sell it,
- whether all bills and taxes are paid.
Step 5: NIE Number and Bank Account. The NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a mandatory document when purchasing property in Spain. It can be obtained locally, through a proxy, or via the consulate. Concurrently, a bank account is opened with a Spanish bank – this will be useful for paying utilities, taxes, and for rentals.
Step 6: Transaction finalization and signing of the public deed. The last step is a visit to the notary (Notario), who prepares the deed of ownership (Escritura Pública). After signing the agreement:
- you receive the keys,
- you are officially entered into the register as the new owner,
- you can register with the local authorities and transfer utilities to your name.
And it’s done! Now all that’s left is to open a bottle of Spanish wine and celebrate a new chapter in life.
What to keep in mind?
- Ensure that the chosen property has no mortgage encumbrances.
- Check that the seller has settled all fees and taxes.
- Utilize the services of an experienced law firm — this is key to transaction security.
- If you plan to rent it out, familiarize yourself with local regulations (they may vary depending on the region).
- Do not compare prices “per square meter” as in Poland — in Spain, the stated area often includes common parts.
Buying property in Spain is not just an investment, but the beginning of a new adventure.
With the right support, it is a simple and completely safe process. Our agency provides full transaction support: from property selection, through formalities, to key collection.
Do not wait for a “better moment”. If you dream of your own place under the Spanish sky — contact us today. We will help you find a home where the sun shines not only outside the window, but also in your heart.
