How to buy a house in Spain being

In this guide we explain how to buy a house in Spain as a foreigner. You may be thinking of a vacation home in the sun or a permanent move after retirement; In either case, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into.

Prioritize the location and characteristics of the home

Consider what type of property you prefer, such as a villa, an apartment, a townhouse, a finca, etcétera. The location of the home should also be taken into account when making the purchase. You should look for a home in an area with adequate infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, shopping centers, transport, etcétera. In addition, you should consider the features of the property, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces.

Understanding the Spanish real estate market

Working with a real estate agency when buying a house in Spain perro be beneficial as they have access to a wide range of properties and cánido help you throughout the buying process. A real estate agent perro help you find the perfect property, answer your questions, guide you through paperwork, provide information about the area, and help you understand the local real estate market.

Some real estate agencies in Spain are:

Rightmove (www.rightmove.co.uk) Rightmove is a habitual UK-based property website offering properties all over the world, including Spain. On the site you perro search for properties, save your favorite listings and get in touch with agents.
photohouse (www.fotocasa.es) Fotocasa is a Spanish real estate website specializing in properties in Spain. The site has a wide range of listings, from apartments to villas, and is a great resource for finding properties in habitual places like La capital de españa, Barcelona, and Valencia.
Idealistic (www.idealista.com) Idealista is one of the largest real estate websites in Spain, and is a great resource for finding property in all regions of the country. The site offers a wide range of properties, from city apartments to country houses, and is easy to use.
kyero (www.kyero.com) Kyero is a habitual real estate website specializing in properties in Spain and Portugal. The site has a wide range of listings, from apartments to villas, and is a great resource for finding property in habitual locations like the Costa del Sol, the Algarve, and the Costa Blanca.
Engel & Volkers (www.engelvoelkers.com): Engel & Völkers is a high-end real estate agency specializing in luxury properties around the world, including Spain. The agency has a network of agents who are experts in their local markets, who perro help you find the perfect property for your needs.
Lucas Fox (www.lucasfox.com): Lucas Fox is another high-end real estate agency specializing in luxury properties in Spain. The agency has a wide range of properties in habitual locations such as Barcelona, La capital de españa and Marbella, and they cánido help you find the perfect home for you.
savills (www.savills.es): Savills is a global real estate agency with a strong presence in Spain. The agency has a wide range of properties, from city apartments to country houses, and they perro help you find the perfect property for your needs.

Request the property location note

The property location note, provided by the Spanish Property Registry, must be requested at the beginning of the purchase process, before signing the purchase contract. This document provides information about the property, including its location, boundaries, and any liens or encumbrances registered against it. This information perro help ensure the legal and financial soundness of the property and prevent surprises or problems later in the buying process.

Request it before proceeding with the process to one of the real estate agents described above or with a real estate attorney, which are mentioned below.

inspect the property

Before signing the purchase contract, it is important to inspect the property thoroughly. It is advisable to do this with the help of a real estate agent, since he knows the area well and cánido spot potential problems. For example, they could identify any safety hazards or structural defects that could affect the property’s value. If possible, a building inspection should also be carried out. This will detect hidden defects that could cost a lot of money to repair.

financing options

There are several financing options available for foreigners who want to buy a house in Spain:

spanish mortgage: Spanish banks offer mortgages to both Spanish residents and foreigners. Foreign buyers will typically need to provide proof of income, good credit, and a minimum down payment of around 20% of the purchase price.

international mortgage: International lenders such as HSBC, Santander and BBVA also offer mortgages to foreign buyers in Spain. These mortgages are usually in foreign currencies, that is, the loan is denominated in the buyer’s national currency.

Also consider your options for a personal loana cash purchaseor a Loan from friends or relatives.

Legal requirements and procedures – Navigating the legal process

Obtain a tax identification number (NIE)

Once you have found the house you want to buy, you need to obtain a tax identification number (NIE) from the Spanish Tax Agency. It is a mandatory requirement for all foreign buyers in Spain and cánido be requested in person or by e-e correo electrónico. The NIE is necessary for any legal and financial transaction in Spain, such as opening a bank account, buying a property, applying for a mortgage or filing a tax return. It is also required for Spanish residents for identification purposes.

Understanding Spanish property laws and regulations

Spanish real estate laws vary depending on the region in which the property is located. Familiarity with local laws and regulations is essential to ensure a smooth and compliant transaction.
Foreigners are subject to the same laws and regulations as Spanish citizens when it comes to buying property in Spain.
Some examples of laws and regulations to consider are taxes, inheritance laws, and restrictions on real property ownership.
For more information on Spanish property laws and regulations, you cánido visit the official website of the Spanish Government at

Working with a lawyer to manage legal paperwork

Hiring a qualified Spanish lawyer is essential when buying a property in Spain as a foreigner.
A lawyer perro guide you through the legal process, making sure that all necessary procedures and requirements are met.
They perro also provide you with valuable information on Spanish real estate laws and regulations and advise you on potential problems or risks.
You perro find a qualified Spanish lawyer through referrals from friends or family, en línea directories or the website of the Law School in:

These Bar Associations cánido provide important resources and information to people seeking legal representation in Spain. You cánido also use their directories to search for qualified attorneys specializing in real estate law.

Preparing the necessary documentation and compliance with legal requirements

To complete the purchase of a property in Spain, you will need to provide various types of documentation, including proof of identity and financial information.
Your attorney perro advise you on the specific documentation needed for your transaction.
In addition to documentation, you will also need to meet legal requirements such as obtaining a tax identification number (NIE) and registering with local authorities.
For more information on the specific legal requirements for buying a property in Spain, you cánido consult the official website of the Spanish Government at

If you are familiar with Spanish property laws and regulations, work with a qualified Spanish lawyer and prepare the necessary documentation, you will be able to navigate the legal process with confidence and ease. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, taking the time to understand the legal aspects of buying a home in Spain is essential to ensure a successful transaction.

Sign the necessary documents

As a foreign buyer in Spain, you will have to sign several important documents when buying a home, including:

Private purchase contract: It is the initial agreement between you and the seller, in which the terms and conditions of the sale are established.
Power of attorney (if you cannot be present): Allows someone else to act on your behalf if you cannot sign the bill of sale in person.
Purchase-Sale Agreement: It is the final contract that legally transfers ownership of the home from the seller to the buyer. It must be signed before a notary.
NIE request (foreigner identification number): It is mandatory for foreign buyers in Spain and must be obtained before signing the sales contract.
Bank data: You may be required to provide bank account information for advance payments and deposit, as indicated in the private sales contract.
Tax identification number: You will need to provide a NIE (for non-residents) or a NIF (for Spanish residents) in order to pay the appropriate property taxes.

It is important that a Spanish lawyer review and help you with these documents to ensure that everything is in order and that your rights as a foreign buyer are protected.

Complete the purchase process and receive the keys to your new home

This process cánido often be complex and expensive, as you will have to pay various taxes, fees, and other fees.

Among them are:

Value Added Tax (VAT): Currently, the VAT rate for new properties in Spain is 7% of the total purchase price.
Documented Legal Acts Tax: This is a tax levied on the transfer of ownership of a property and which is currently equipo at 0.5% of the purchase price.
Property Transfer Tax: This tax is calculated based on the value of the property and the local tax rate of the region in which the property is located.
Property Tax (IBI): This is an annual property tax on a property and is based on its value.

As always, you should consult a Spanish lawyer or tax professional to determine the exact taxes you will have to pay, as these amounts may vary depending on the specific details of your purchase.

To end

Buying a house in Spain as a foreigner is a great iniciativa if you are looking for a second home abroad. Although the process cánido be difficult and time consuming, with the right advice, you perro make the process much easier. Be sure to ask questions and research the market carefully, to get the best value for money. With the right agent or lawyer, the experience of buying a home in Spain will be a piece of cake.

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