How to Buy Property in Spain: 9-Step Process (2026)

✓Quick Answer

The Spanish property buying process takes 6-12 weeks for resales, 12-24 months for new builds. Key steps: reservation deposit (€3-6k), private purchase contract (10% deposit), completion at notary (full payment). Always use an independent lawyer and get NIE number early.

Buying property in Spain follows a structured process that, once understood, is straightforward and secure. This guide walks you through every step, from initial search to receiving your keys, with practical advice based on thousands of successful purchases.

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Before viewing properties, clarify your priorities:

Location questions:

Beach proximity or peaceful inland?

North Costa Blanca (dramatic, upmarket) or South (sunny, social)?

Near airport? Alicante serves both regions

Golf course access important?

Property questions:

Villa, townhouse, or apartment?

New build or resale?

Number of bedrooms/bathrooms?

Pool essential or nice-to-have?

Budget including 13% buying costs?

Practical questions:

Will you rent it out?

How often will you visit?

Need lock-up-and-leave security?

Future resale potential important?

Write these down. They help agents find suitable properties and prevent time-wasting viewings.

Step 2: Get Your Finances Ready

If paying cash:

Ensure funds are accessible

Plan for international transfers (use specialist like CurrencyFair or Wise)

Open Spanish bank account (can do in person or remotely)

If needing mortgage:

Get agreement in principle BEFORE making offers

Spanish banks lend 60-70% to non-residents

Process takes 4-6 weeks for approval

Compare rates through mortgage broker

Currency considerations:

Fix exchange rate to protect budget

Forward contracts lock in rate for future payment

Currency fluctuations can add/cost thousands

Proof of funds:

Sellers may request bank statements

Mortgage agreement in principle

Shows you're a serious buyer

Step 3: Property Viewing Trip

Organize efficiently:

Book 3-4 days minimum

View 8-12 properties maximum per day

Mix of areas to compare

Second viewing of favorites before leaving

What to look for:

Orientation (south-facing best for winter sun)

Storage and parking

Community facilities condition

Noise levels at different times

Mobile phone signal

Walk the neighborhood

Questions to ask:

Community fees amount and what's included

Any special assessments planned?

How old is the roof/AC/pool equipment?

Why is owner selling?

How long on market?

New builds specifically:

Visit completed phases if available

Check developer track record

Understand specification included vs upgrades

Timeline and payment schedule

Step 4: Make an Offer

Offer process:

Submit in writing through agent

Include: price, conditions, timeline

Typically 5-10% below asking is acceptable

New builds usually fixed price

Negotiation points:

Price (primary)

Furniture/contents included

Completion date flexibility

Repairs or improvements

Fixtures and fittings

Once offer accepted:

Verbal agreement only - not binding

Move quickly to reservation

Appoint lawyer immediately if not already done

Step 5: Reservation & Due Diligence

Reservation deposit:

€3,000-10,000 typical

Removes property from market

Usually non-refundable

Applied to purchase price

Your lawyer should check:

Property registered correctly

Seller is legal owner

No debts attached (mortgages, embargos)

No illegal construction

Community fees paid up to date

Urban planning status (no planned roads through garden!)

Energy certificate valid

Get your NIE:

Start process immediately

Required for contracts and completion

Lawyer can handle this

For new builds:

Check building license valid

Developer has bank guarantee

Specifications detailed in contract

Payment schedule and penalties

Step 6: Private Purchase Contract

The key document:

Legally binding on both parties

Typically 10% deposit paid (less reservation)

Sets completion date

Details all terms and conditions

Contract should include:

Full property description

Exact price and payment terms

Completion date

What's included (furniture, etc.)

Penalty clauses for non-completion

Conditions (subject to mortgage, surveys, etc.)

If you withdraw:

Lose your 10% deposit

Seller keeps it as compensation

If seller withdraws:

They pay you double your deposit (20%)

Strong protection for buyers

Step 7: Arrange Completion

Before completion:

Final funds transferred to Spanish account

Lawyer prepares deed (escritura)

Notary appointment booked

Final property inspection

Meter readings taken

At the notary:

Seller, buyer (or representatives) attend

Deed read aloud in Spanish

Translator provided if needed

Sign multiple copies

Pay remaining balance

Receive keys

Immediately after:

Lawyer registers deed at Land Registry

Pays taxes on your behalf

Transfers utilities to your name

You're officially the owner!

New Build Timeline

Off-plan purchase typical timeline:

Month 1:

Reservation deposit (€3-10k)

Private contract (20-30% of price)

Construction period (12-24 months):

Stage payments as building progresses

Typically 3-4 additional payments

Each tied to construction milestones

Pre-completion:

Snagging list inspection

Final customization choices

Arrange mortgage drawdown if applicable

Completion:

Final payment (usually 30-40%)

First Occupation License issued

Sign at notary, receive keys

Bank guarantees:

All deposits held in protected account

If developer fails, money returned

Required by Spanish law for off-plan

The Bottom Line

The Spanish buying process is well-regulated and protects both parties. Success comes from preparation: get finances ready, appoint a good lawyer early, and don't rush major decisions. Most international buyers complete without issues and wonder why they waited so long to buy their Spanish dream home.

Interested in properties in this area? Book a free 30-minute consultation with our team — with over 12 years of experience, we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.

Explore further: Explore Alicante properties · Browse all new build properties

Frequently Asked Questions

1What should I know about buying property in spain?▼

Complete guide to the Spanish property buying process. From initial search to key handover - every step explained for international buyers.

2What types of properties are available in Costa Blanca?▼

Costa Blanca offers a range of new build properties including apartments, townhouses, villas, and penthouses. Prices vary depending on location, size, and proximity to the coast.

3What are the costs of buying property in Spain?▼

Buying costs in Spain typically add 10-13% on top of the purchase price, including transfer tax (ITP) or VAT (IVA) for new builds, notary fees, land registry fees, and legal fees. New build properties are subject to 10% IVA plus 1.5% stamp duty.

4What about step 1: define your requirements?▼

Our comprehensive guide covers what about step 1: define your requirements in detail. Read the full section above for the latest information and expert recommendations.

5What about step 2: get your finances ready?▼

Our comprehensive guide covers what about step 2: get your finances ready in detail. Read the full section above for the latest information and expert recommendations.

6What about step 3: property viewing trip?▼

Our comprehensive guide covers what about step 3: property viewing trip in detail. Read the full section above for the latest information and expert recommendations.

7How can I get help buying property on the Costa Blanca?▼

Contact New Build Homes Costa Blanca for free, no-obligation advice. Our multilingual team specialises in new build properties across the Costa Blanca and can help with property selection, viewing trips, legal guidance, and after-sales support. Call +34 634 044 970 or email oskar@hanssonhertzell.com.

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Buying Property in Spain: Step-by-Step Process 2026

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Step 2: Get Your Finances Ready

Step 3: Property Viewing Trip

Step 4: Make an Offer

Step 5: Reservation & Due Diligence

Step 6: Private Purchase Contract

Step 7: Arrange Completion

New Build Timeline

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

New Development Alerts

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