Step-by-Step Buying Process in Spain

1. Set your buying briefStart by defining your budget, preferred locations, property type, must-have features and intended use. A holiday apartment near the beach, a family relocation home, a golf property and a rental-focused investment may all require different search criteria.

2. Understand your buying budgetBefore viewing seriously, allow for purchase costs on top of the property price. In Andalucía, many buyers use around 10% extra for a resale property and around 12–13% for a new-build purchase, subject to legal confirmation.

3. Arrange practical requirementsForeign buyers normally need an NIE number for the purchase, and many buyers also arrange a Spanish bank account, proof of funds, mortgage pre-approval or currency planning before making an offer.

4. View and compare propertiesViewings should help you compare location, orientation, noise, access, parking, community facilities, running costs, condition and realistic resale appeal. The best property is not always the one with the most impressive photos.

5. Make an offerWhen you are ready, the offer should usually include price, proposed deposit structure, completion timescale, furniture or inventory points and any conditions. A clear, realistic offer is easier for a seller to consider seriously.

6. Agree reservation termsIf the offer is accepted, a reservation agreement may be used to take the property off the market. Before signing or paying, ask your lawyer to review the document and confirm whether the reservation sum is refundable or non-refundable.

7. Legal due diligence beginsYour lawyer should check the Land Registry, seller ownership, debts, community payments, IBI, basura, licences, planning position, mortgage charges, occupation licence where relevant and any other risks linked to the property.

8. Private purchase contractOnce legal checks are satisfactory, the buyer and seller may sign a private purchase contract. This usually sets out the price, deposit, completion date, included items and obligations of both parties.

9. Mortgage, funds and completion planningIf you are using finance, the lender will need time to complete valuation and approval steps. Cash buyers still need to plan fund transfers, currency exchange and proof of source of funds where requested.

10. Completion at the notaryCompletion normally takes place at a notary office. The purchase deed is signed, the balance is paid, the seller receives the funds and the keys are handed over. Your lawyer then arranges tax payment and Land Registry registration.

11. Handover and utilitiesAfter completion, utilities, community contact, insurance, keys, alarms, internet and property management arrangements should be transferred or set up. If the home is furnished, check the agreed inventory.

12. Ongoing ownershipOnce you own the property, budget for IBI, basura, community fees, utilities, insurance, maintenance and any rental-management or tax-filing obligations that apply to your situation.

Viewing before defining the briefWithout a clear budget, location and lifestyle brief, it is easy to view too many unsuitable properties and lose confidence in the search.

Forgetting purchase costsThe purchase price is not the final cost. Always budget for tax, legal fees, notary, registry and other buying costs before making an offer.

Signing before legal reviewReservation and purchase documents can create obligations. Ask your lawyer to review them before you sign or transfer funds.

Ignoring running costsCommunity fees, IBI, basura, utilities, insurance, pool or garden maintenance and rental-management costs can change the real affordability of a home.

Choosing only by photographsPhotos matter, but orientation, access, noise, winter sun, community condition and location often matter more once you own the property.