How to Buy Property in Spain How to Buy Property in Spain

How to Buy Property in Spain

Costa Iberica

What Do I Need to Buy a Property in Spain?

To buy property in in Spain, you need to have an open bank account in Spain and an N.I.E. (Foreigner Identification Number), which we obtain on behalf of the client. This document can be provided within 14 days after the notarial deed.

For a bank visit, you will need documents confirming the source of your income, so prepare:

  1. Passport or ID card
  2. N.I.E. number (can be provided to the bank later)
  3. Employment contract or certificate of conducting business or proof of other income
  4. Tax return for the previous year
How to Buy Property in Spain
Costa Iberica

What Do I Need to Apply for a Mortgage in Spain?

If you are planning to finance the purchase of your property with a mortgage in Spain, the bank will ask you to provide a number of documents to assess your financial profile and borrowing capacity. The most common documents include:

  1. Passport or national ID card
  2. Your tax returns for the last two years
  3. Credit report or credit history from your country of residence
  4. Bank statements for the last 6 months from the account into which your income is paid and from which your regular expenses are made (including both business and personal accounts)
  5. Proof of employment or business activity, such as company registration documents (where applicable) or an employer's certificate stating your employment start date, job position and salary.
  6. Information about your marital status and matrimonial property regime, where applicable
  7. NIE (Foreigner Identification Number). If you do not yet have one, we can arrange a provisional NIE so that your mortgage application can begin as soon as possible.
  8. Completed and signed bank application forms
Costa Iberica

Additional Mortgage Documents and Costs

The bank may also ask you to complete a number of internal documents, such as:

  1. Consent to process personal data
  2. Mortgage application form
  3. Statement of assets and liabilities
  4. Health questionnaire

When buying a property in Spain with a mortgage, you will normally need to provide a minimum deposit of 30% of the purchase price, in addition to the associated purchase costs.

You should also take into account other potential costs, such as the property valuation, the valuation report and any mortgage arrangement or opening fees. These costs may vary depending on the terms and special offers provided by each bank.

Costa Iberica

Power of Attorney for Buying a Property in Spain

A power of attorney allows for a secure and efficient property purchase, even if you remain in your home country throughout the process. It is a particularly practical option for international buyers who are unable to travel to Spain at every stage of the purchase.

With this document, an authorised representative can act on your behalf, review the documentation and sign the title deed before a notary when the time comes. Our team coordinates every step with you remotely, providing all the necessary information and documentation online.

  1. Security and Efficiency: Our experienced team ensures that the entire process is conducted in accordance with the law and with the highest level of professionalism.
  2. Comprehensive Service: By leaving us the power of attorney, you avoid the stress of managing the remote purchase process, focusing on your daily responsibilities.
  3. Remote Convenience: Wherever you are, you can be sure that the office is your trusted partner, acting on your behalf. Leaving power of attorney at the notary will cost about €80. If you do not speak Spanish, a translator is mandatory, and your agent or representative can also serve as a translator.

Primary market

Reservation Agreement

When buying a new-build property in Spain, the reservation agreement usually requires an initial payment of between 25% and 40% of the purchase price. The agreement should clearly state:

  1. Reservation amount
  2. Payment schedule
  3. Estimated dates
  4. Method of payment
  5. Purchase terms and conditions

When purchasing a new-build property, it is essential to have a bank guarantee, which is mandatory in Spain. This guarantee protects the buyer and ensures that all funds paid are refunded if the developer fails to meet their obligations.

The remaining balance is normally paid once the property has been completed and the title deed is signed before a notary.

Secondary market

Reservation Agreement

When buying a resale property in Spain, the reservation deposit is usually between €3,000 and 10% of the purchase price.

This deposit forms part of the final purchase price and secures the transaction.

  1. If the buyer does not proceed with the purchase, they may lose the deposit.
  2. If the seller fails to fulfil the agreement, they must refund the deposit together with an additional amount of the same value.
  3. The contract is prepared in Spanish, although we can translate it into the buyer's and seller's preferred language.
  4. In the event of any dispute, the Spanish version of the contract will always prevail.

The purchase is normally scheduled to be completed within a maximum of 2 months. If a mortgage is involved, this period is usually extended to up to 3 months. In many cases, however, the transaction is completed within 4–6 weeks.

Estimated Costs of Buying a Property on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida

*Legal service cost includes assistance during the notary deed, assistance at the bank, and oral translations. Transfer of utilities such as electricity and water. Change of owner in the Tax Office and in the housing community, calculation, and payment of taxes. In the case of a primary market, expect the first significant invoice from electricity and water suppliers for the first installation of meters; the amounts vary depending on the supplier. For a marital agreement, a translated document with an apostille stamp must be presented before the notary on the day of the notarial deed (additional costs may apply). Before making a reservation payment, we thoroughly verify the property from a legal perspective.

*Costs may vary slightly depending on the number of pages in the notarial deed.
**The marked certificate is usually already paid by the seller.
*** The price may vary slightly, depending on the location of the registry. The price list of services may change. Estimated data for the year 2024.
If you have any further questions about how to buy property in Spain - please contact one of the team.

Location status Costa Blanca
New build
Costa Blanca Resale Costa Cálida
 New build
Costa Cálida Resale
Purchase price 200,000€ 200,000€ 200,000€ 200,000€
Vat (IVA) 10% of the purchase value 20,000€ -------- 20,000€ --------
Tax ITP 8%, 10% of the purchase value -------- 20,000€ -------- 16,000€
Stamp duty AJD 1.5% of the purchase value 3,000€ -------- 3,000€ --------
Notary * 1,800€ 1,300€ 2,300€ 1,400€
Second occupation certificate ** -------- 150€ -------- 120€
Land Register * 950€ 550€ 1050€ 700€
N.I.E Number 175€ 175€ 175€ 175€
Registration with the Spanish tax office 50€ 50€ 50€ 50€
Legal services 1,694€ 1,694€ 1,694€ 1,694€
Total 228,669€ 223,919€ 228,269€ 220,139€
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