Buying Property in Spain for the First Time

Buying Property in Spain for the First Time

The Spanish buying process has quirks that catch foreign buyers off guard. Here is what to expect, in plain language.

1 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I buy property in Spain as a foreigner?

The process: get a NIE number, open a Spanish bank account, find a property, hire an independent lawyer for due diligence, sign a reservation contract with deposit, sign the private purchase contract (contrato de arras) with 10% deposit, complete at the notary with full payment. Total process typically takes 1–3 months.

How much deposit do I need to buy property in Spain?

Typically 10% of the purchase price at the private contract stage (contrato de arras), plus a smaller initial reservation deposit of €3,000–€10,000. If you're getting a Spanish mortgage, banks typically lend 60–70% to non-residents, meaning you'll need 30–40% of the price plus roughly 10–13% for taxes and fees.

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