Are you considering making the beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture of Spain the backdrop for your new property? Buying real estate in Spain is a thrilling venture, yet navigating the process can be intricate, especially for non-Spanish citizens. This comprehensive guide will accompany you through each essential step of buying property in this enchanting country, ensuring a seamless and successful transaction. From securing your NIE number to finalizing the purchase contract, we've got you covered. And for personalized assistance and expert guidance, our team is here to provide support. Delve into the article to embark on your journey to property ownership in Spain.


1.    Obtain your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros), a unique tax identification number required in Spain for non-Spanish citizens. You will need your own NIE number to purchase property and pay the necessary taxes. It is advisable to apply for this as soon as you start looking for properties. You can obtain it either in person or via a third party, either in Spain or at a Spanish Consulate in your home country. If you are buying with a spouse, you will need to obtain an NIE number for them as well.

2.    Find a reliable independent lawyer who specializes in Spanish land and property law, and who speaks your language as well as Spanish. This is especially important if you don't speak fluent Spanish.

3.    Open a bank account in Spain with your NIE and all necessary documents. Pay attention to currency conversion costs if you are buying from outside the Eurozone. Your local bank may charge high costs to convert your local currency into Euros or wire funds to Spain.

4.    If you need a mortgage, start working on it now. You can obtain a mortgage  from your home country using our partners at Bankata.ro

5.    Sign the "Contrato de Reserva", or reservation contract, to express your intent to purchase and remove the property from the market. You will typically need to pay a holding fee of €6000 to €15000.  

6.    Conduct important property checks with experts to ensure that the property is as described. These include: checking the Land Registry ("Registro de la Propriedad"), ensuring the appropriate planning permission has been obtained, checking for any outstanding debts attached to the property, reviewing the Community of owners documents, and/or conducting a structural survey.

7.    Confirm your mortgage.

8.    Sign the "Contrato de Arras", or private purchase contract, also known as the "Contrato Privado de Compraventa". You will need to pay a deposit of 20%-30% of the property within 5 days. Once all necessary legal checks have been completed, you will be required to sign the private purchase contract, which will state the full price of the property.

9.    Go to the Notary to sign the contract for the purchase of the property. At this stage, all parties involved in the sale and purchase of the property must be present to sign at the offices of Notaria Publica. This includes your lawyer, mortgage provider (if applicable), and the seller or their legal representative. Before signing, ensure that you have a thorough understanding of all the costs involved and have sufficient funds to cover payments, fees, and taxes.

Congratulations! You now possess a comprehensive understanding of the step-by-step process involved in acquiring property in Spain. However, we recognize that dealing with legal complexities and paperwork might still appear daunting. That's precisely where our expertise shines. Our dedicated team stands ready to lead you through every phase of this endeavor. Specializing in assisting non-Spanish citizens, we facilitate property purchases, manage NIE acquisition, handle documentation through our proficient legal team, and aid in selecting the perfect property to match your needs and desires. Don't let uncertainty deter you. Take the next step toward your Spanish property dream by reaching out to us today. Let's work together to transform your vision of property ownership in Spain into a remarkable reality.