Buying a Property in Spain: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do you buy a property in Spain, and what needs to be arranged?

We guide you through the entire process, from our first conversation and choosing an apartment or house to signing before a notary. We explain each step, coordinate the services you need and take care of many of the related arrangements for you.

Before your trip to Spain

If we have not met in person yet, we will start with a video call. We will discuss the type of property you are looking for, the location and how you plan to use it. We will answer your questions and explain how the property search and purchase will work.

Based on your requirements, we will prepare a selection of properties and a viewing schedule. We recommend allowing 3–4 days for your visit so we can refine the selection based on your impressions of each property. If you wish, we can arrange accommodation in one of our apartments at a reduced rate.

Property viewings during your stay

When you arrive, we will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. You can use the first day to travel and settle in. We usually schedule 4–6 viewings for the second day. We will select further properties based on what you liked and what you are looking for.

You can also view properties through a detailed video tour. We will help you get to know not only the apartment or house itself, but also its surroundings and location.

Once you have chosen a property, we will explain what happens next and organise the necessary steps. If anything needs to be arranged on your behalf after you leave Spain, we will discuss the appropriate representation with you in advance. We can also arrange your return transfer to the airport, and continue supporting you with the purchase remotely.

You do not need to know Spanish contracts or local procedures. We will keep you informed about what is being dealt with and what comes next, so you can follow the purchase. All important decisions remain yours.

The property purchase process in Spain

1. We find out what you are looking for
We discuss the location, purpose of the purchase and your expectations, whether you are looking for a house or apartment for a permanent home, holidays, investment or a combination of these.
2. We select suitable properties
We choose properties based on your requirements. In advance, we check their availability and gather basic information about their legal status and documentation.
3. You view the selected properties
Viewings can take place in person or by video call. If this is your first time in Spain, we will also help you get to know the surrounding area and compare different locations.
4. Reserving the property
Once you have made your choice, a reservation agreement is prepared and the reservation deposit is paid. The property is taken off the market for the agreed period. We explain the reservation terms and what happens next.
5. Legal checks
An independent lawyer checks the owner, any outstanding debts or charges, the legality of the building and the rules of the owners’ community. We coordinate the checks and explain the findings clearly.
6. Private purchase contract – Contrato de Arras
Once the legal checks and document review are complete, the private purchase contract, known as the Contrato de Arras, is prepared. It sets out the terms of the purchase, deadlines and obligations of both parties. We help you understand its contents before you sign.
7. NIE and a Spanish bank account
To buy a property in Spain, you will need an NIE, the foreigner identification number, and usually a Spanish bank account. We will help arrange both. If your NIE needs to be obtained after you leave Spain, we can discuss the option of appointing someone to act on your behalf.
8. Signing the purchase deed before a notary
The buyer and seller sign the purchase deed before a notary. We explain in advance how the appointment works and what you need to prepare. If you cannot attend in person, we can discuss representation for this specific procedure.
9. Registration in the Land Registry
After signing, the purchase deed is submitted for registration in the Spanish Land Registry.
10. Utility transfers and services after the purchase
We arrange the transfer of electricity, water and other services for you. We also take care of the necessary steps with the owners’ community and communication with the building manager. We explain what insurance and other services may be useful and help arrange them.

How long does it take to buy a property in Spain?

The timeframe depends on the property, how quickly the documents are ready and the availability of appointments with public authorities and other institutions. We will keep you updated and let you know what needs to be arranged.

1. Before your trip: video call, discussing your requirements and selecting properties.
2. Viewings: the first 3–5 are usually scheduled for the second day of your stay; further viewings depend on your feedback.
3. Reservation: once you have chosen a property.
4. Legal checks: usually 1–4 weeks.
5. Contrato de Arras: after the legal checks and document preparation.
6. NIE and bank account: obtaining an NIE usually takes around 1–3 days, and opening a bank account usually takes 1–2 days. The actual timing depends on appointment availability at the relevant authorities and bank.
7. Signing before a notary: approximately 4–12 weeks after the reservation.
8. Land Registry registration: usually 4–6 months after signing.

We guide you through buying a property in Spain

Buying a property involves several steps, but you do not have to arrange them alone. We guide you through the whole process, coordinate the necessary services and take care of many of the arrangements after the purchase, from transferring electricity and water to communicating with the owners’ community manager.

The purchase price is not the only cost to consider. Read more about the taxes and other costs involved in buying a property in Spain.