Buying property in Spain can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it's a straightforward process. This guide walks you through the essential steps to purchase your Spanish home, from initial property search to final completion. Whether you're looking for a holiday home on the Costa del Sol or a permanent residence in Barcelona, here's everything you need to know.
Know what you want
It may sound obvious but before you start searching for your dream home in Spain you need to be clear about what you want. What elements are non-negotiable (e.g. a dedicated parking space or being within walking distance to local amenities) and what are ‘nice-to-haves’ (e.g. a private pool or granny annexe). We recommend sitting down with the person who you are buying with and agreeing on a list of wants, needs, nice-to-haves and non-negotiables.
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1. Starting Your Property Search
Mojacar, a pretty white washed village in Almeria, known for its bargain properties
Start your search on Kyero.com to browse thousands of verified Spanish properties
Create a free account to set up property alerts for your preferred regions
Save favourites and track price changes
Contact agents directly through our secure messaging system
💡 Pro Tip: Create multiple alerts with different criteria to ensure you don't miss any opportunities.
Property Viewing Tips
Take photos and videos of each property
Make notes about the surrounding area
Visit at different times of day
Check mobile signal and internet connectivity
Ask about community fees and utility costs
2. Essential Pre-Purchase Steps
Central square in pretty Competa, a pueblo blanco in Andalucia popular with expats.
Legal Requirements
Apply for your NIE number (can take 2-4 weeks)
Open a Spanish bank account
Choose an independent solicitor (Abogado)
⚠️ Important: Never sign any documents or pay any money without your solicitor's approval.
Understanding Costs (2024)
Budget for 10-12% of purchase price for additional costs:
Property Transfer Tax (ITP): 6-10%
Notary fees: 0.5-1%
Land Registry fees: 0.5-1%
Legal fees: 1-2%
[Use our affordability calculator to plan your budget: Kyero.com/budget]
3. The Formalities
Torrevieja, one of the most popular expat destinations in Spain, located on the Costa Blanca, in Alicante province.
Your solicitor will check the legal status of the property, ensuring:
It has correct permissions for sale
There are no charges against it
The seller is the legal owner
Agree final price
Clarify who pays which taxes & fees
4. Sign the Contract & Pay Deposit
The buzzy seaside town of Almuñécar offers each bliss on the Costa Tropical, in Granada province
Your deposit protects both parties
You'll lose it if you don't proceed
You'll receive double back if the seller pulls out
5. Agree Completion Date
Puerto de Santiago city, Tenerife
Work with all parties to set a realistic timeline
Ensure your finances are in place
Prepare necessary documentation
6. Completion Day
The pretty port town of Soller in Majorca
Visit the notary (notario) to:
Sign the title deed
Pay the remaining balance
Complete tax requirements
Don't forget to register the purchase with the land registry
Post-Purchase Steps
The beach at Lloret De Mar on the Costa Brava in Catalonia province
Important tasks after buying:
Apply for citizenship at the local town hall
Sort your tax status
Check tax reporting requirements in your home country
Consider making a Spanish will to protect your assets
Frequently Asked Questions
A pretty square in Marbella, Spain's glitziest resort, located on the world famous Costa Del Sol in Malaga province
Q: Do I need to be a resident to buy property in Spain? A: No, non-residents can freely buy property in Spain. However, you'll need an NIE number regardless of residency status.
Q: Can I get a mortgage in Spain as a foreigner? A: Yes, Spanish banks typically offer mortgages to foreign buyers for up to 70% of the property value.
Q: How long does the buying process take? A: Generally 2-3 months from offer acceptance to completion, though it can vary.
Q: What's the minimum deposit required? A: Typically 10% at the contract stage, though some sellers may negotiate different terms.
Q: Do I need to make a Spanish will? A: While not mandatory, it's highly recommended as Spanish inheritance laws differ from other countries.
Expert Insight
The Spanish steps in Calpe on the Costa Blanca in Alicante province
Alfredo Bloy-Dawson, Kyero's resident Spanish property expert says: "The most common mistake buyers make is rushing the process. Take time to research the area, work with reputable professionals, and always get proper legal advice."
Next Steps
Vejer de la Fontera, a white washed hilltop down in Cadiz, close to some of Spain's best beaches
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