Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. Foreign citizens can buy property in Spain, whether they are residents or non-residents. There are no nationality restrictions, and thousands of international buyers choose the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida every year for holiday homes, investment properties and permanent residences.

Yes. The NIE number in Spain is simply a personal identification number for foreigners, used to identify you and required for tax purposes. You can obtain it in Spain or at a Spanish consulate. We help you obtain it.

Yes. A mortgage in Spain for non-residents usually covers up to 70% of the property value, which means a deposit of at least 30% plus purchase costs. The bank will ask for two years of tax returns and proof of income.

The cost of buying a property in Spain adds around 12–15% on top of the price: tax (10% VAT plus 1.5% stamp duty on new-builds, or 8–10% transfer tax on resales), notary, land registry, NIE and legal fees.

The taxes when buying a property in Spain depend on the market: a new-build is 10% VAT plus stamp duty of 1.4–1.5%, while a resale carries transfer tax of 8–10%. Rates are set regionally and are subject to change.

A new-build in Spain means modern construction, staged payments, a choice of finishes and warranties. A resale means a faster purchase, room to negotiate and often a furnished property.

Buying a property in Spain on the resale market usually takes about 8 weeks from reservation to the notary, or up to aprox. three months with a mortgage. For new-builds it depends on the construction stage — up to 18–24 months.

Yes. Buying property in Spain remotely works through a notarised power of attorney (poder notarial), which lets a nominated person (usually a lawyer) sign the deed on your behalf. We run viewings live online.

The documents needed to buy a property in Spain are a valid passport or ID card, an NIE number and a Spanish bank account. If you are financing the purchase, the bank will also ask for extra documentation such as last year's tax return and proof of income.

An estate agency in Spain accompanies you through every step of the transaction — from choosing the property, through the lawyer and the bank, to the notary. And the price of the property stays the same whether you buy with an agent or without one.

Selling a property in Spain begins with an accurate valuation and the right marketing strategy. A local estate agent can help attract qualified buyers, manage viewings, negotiate offers and guide you through the selling process from start to completion.

The tax on selling property in Spain is income tax on the gain — 19% for non-residents — plus the municipal plusvalía on the increase in land value. The taxable base is the difference between the purchase and sale price, less documented costs.

The buyer is required to withhold 3% of the sale price and pay it to the Spanish tax office as an advance on the non-resident seller's tax. If the tax actually due is lower, the excess is reclaimed through a Modelo 210.

The documents needed to sell property in Spain are the purchase title deed (escritura), your NIE and ID, the latest IBI and residues receipt, a valid energy performance certificate, second occupation certificate and a certificate confirming no outstanding community fees. We help you put the full set together.