Frequently asked questions about buying in Spain

Yes. You do not need to be a resident or a Spanish citizen: foreign buyers purchase on the same terms as Spaniards. What you do need is an NIE (foreigner tax ID number) and, in practice, a Spanish bank account for payments and bills.

1. Define your budget, area and type of property.
2. Choose the property and make a reservation: it is taken off the market for a few days.
3. Legal check: nota simple, charges, licences and planning status.
4. Arras contract: part of the price is paid, usually around 10%.
5. Signing the deed before a notary and paying the balance.
6. Registration at the Land Registry and setting up utilities.

The NIE is the tax identification number every foreigner needs to buy property, open a bank account or pay taxes in Spain. It is requested at a Spanish consulate, at an immigration office or police station in Spain, or through a representative with a power of attorney. It takes from a few days to several weeks depending on the office. We can guide you through the procedure.

Yes. You can grant a notarial power of attorney to someone you trust (for example, a lawyer), at a notary or a Spanish consulate in your country, so that they sign the deed and handle the paperwork on your behalf. We recommend independent legal advice and reviewing the documents in your own language before signing.

A reservation is a small payment that takes the property off the market for a few days while the paperwork is checked. Arras are a larger deposit, usually around 10%: if the buyer withdraws they lose it; if the seller withdraws they must return it doubled (penitential arras, unless agreed otherwise). Always read the contract before paying anything.

It is an information extract from the Land Registry showing the current owner, the description of the property and its charges (mortgages, seizures, easements). It lets you check that the seller really is the owner and that there are no hidden debts. It must be recent: request it before the reservation and again shortly before signing.

Usually a reservation at the start, staged payments during construction according to the contract schedule, and the balance on completion before a notary. Money paid during construction must be guaranteed by the developer through a bank guarantee or insurance. The exact schedule depends on each development: ask for it in writing before reserving.

Roughly 11% to 14% of the price in the Valencian Community.

• Resale: transfer tax (ITP), 10% at the general rate.
• New build: VAT of 10% plus stamp duty (AJD) of 1.5%.
• On top come notary, registry and agent fees, usually around 1–2% together.

Rates can change and reduced rates exist in specific cases: confirm them before signing.

Every year: IBI (municipal property tax, based on the cadastral value), waste charge, community fees, home insurance and utilities. Non-residents must also file Form 210 (IRNR) each year for the imputed income of the property, even if it is not rented; if it is rented, tax is paid on the income. Amounts depend on the municipality and the cadastral value.

Mainly tax on the capital gain (IRPF for residents, IRNR for non-residents) and the municipal plusvalía, paid to the town hall. If the seller is a non-resident, the buyer withholds 3% of the price and pays it to the tax office on account. Exemptions and deductions may apply: ask a tax adviser about your case.

Yes, but on different terms from a resident. Banks usually lend around 60–70% of the appraised value to non-residents (more to residents), and purchase taxes and costs are normally not financed. Income, debts and the property valuation are assessed; term and rate depend on the bank and your profile. It is wise to get pre-approval before signing the arras.

No. Spain abolished the residence visa for real-estate investment (the “Golden Visa”): no new applications have been accepted since 3 April 2025. To live in Spain you need another route (for example non-lucrative residence, work, digital nomad, study or family reunification), each with its own requirements. EU/EEA citizens have their own registration regime.

Leave us a request or message us on WhatsApp: we will ask about your budget, area, type of property and timing, and send you a selection of properties that fit. Then we arrange viewings and support you through the process up to signing.