Spain: buying property
The full process in 6 steps: the taxes you pay, what each stage costs and how long it takes (~90 days on average). Free guide, no account needed.
Process steps
1
Obtain NIE number
⏱ 2-4 weeks · 💰 ~€20
2
Open Spanish bank account
⏱ 1 week · 💰 free
3
Sign Contrato de Arras
⏱ 1 day · 💰 10% deposit
4
Due diligence — title search
⏱ 1-2 weeks · 💰 €300-600
5
Sign before Notary (Escritura)
⏱ 1 day · 💰 notary fees
6
Register in Land Registry
⏱ 2-4 weeks · 💰 €400-800
Taxes & fees
transfer tax
6%
vat new build
10%
stamp duty
1.5%
notary fees
0.1-0.5%
agency fees
3-5%
⚠️ What costs you money if you miss it
Off-plan: every instalment you pay must have its own bank guarantee in your name (Ley 20/2015). Since 2016 the bank is liable too. No guarantee, no payment.
Community debts follow the property. The current year plus the three before it become yours (LPH art. 9). Ask for the administrator's certificate of no debt.
Unpaid IBI follows it too — the year of sale and the one before. Ask to see the last receipt.
Seller non-resident? The buyer must withhold 3% of the price and pay it to Hacienda (Modelo 211) within 30 days. Skip it and the buyer answers for it.
⚠️ Informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed local lawyer.
Check what a property here is actually worthOpen the free valuation